Friday, March 31, 2006

Come Visit with Sasha White


I checked Sasha's website to gather some info on her books and have to say it. Wow! Sasha is multi-published, with Amber Quill Press and Liquid Silver Books being among her publishers. Sasha is a self-described waitress/bartender at night and struggling writer during the day. From the looks of her many titles, her struggles are paying off. Sasha is going to share her experience of receving The Call.

THE CALL stories are some of the most inspirational things a struggling writer can hear. However, mine is a bit different. You see, I've never received a call from an editor I'd submitted to where they say. "Hi, this is___ with ___ and I'd like to buy your book." I have however, received a few letters that were something like that. *ggg*My first one ever was from Virgin Books, the Black Lace Erotica line. That was three years ago. After concentrating on short stories for a while I decided to try something longer. Harlequin Temptation rejected my first novel because of my writing style.However, take heart, even rejected ms's can go on to sell. That novel was GYPSY HEART, which not only later received 4 stars from Romantic Times Book Club, and a pleasing 81 from Mrs. Giggles, but it also taught me to be true to my own voice, and my own style.There were a few more e-book sales, again, all through email. No phone calls for me. My first call came after I'd emailed Roberta Brown with a proposal for a manuscript to be shopped around. Again, after a couple of emails, she agreed to represent me! Then, she called me!!! Even though I knew the call was coming, it was thrill. It made the whole thrilling situation real for me. The call was just a get to know you thing. We talked about my future and what we were going to do with my proposal. She agreed to shop it around immediately.My heart pounded so hard I kept my hand on my chest to hold it in the whole time. I was a bit prepared for it because I knew the call was coming, and I actually took notes. Mind you, I didn't know what the notes meant a day later. LOL After that, the next phone call I received was again, from Roberta. And I got it as a message on my voice mail. I'd just finished working a lunch shift, and was excited to go home and write. Funny how serving tables always makes me eager to work on building my career away from the hospitality industry. Anyway, I stepped out the door of the lounge, and was walking home from work. I pulled out my cell phone. My only phone and checked my messages. I literally stopped in my tracks on the sidewalk when I heard Roberta's voice announcing a sale to Kensington! I hung up to call her back right away, and the phone rang in my hand. Roberta. As I walked home, amidst a huge windstorm, she told me about John Scognamiglio, from Kensington. He loved my partial!! The next day John called me to introduce himself, and we spoke briefly about the novella. Since then, I've received more emails from Roberta. One announcing the sale of a single title to Cindy Hwang at Berkley, and another telling me John wanted another novella for Kensington.Despite the fact that I've been published for a few years, the last month has been absolutely amazing. I'm here to tell you, don't sit by the phone. The Call isn't the only way you can get great news, and dancing around your house like an idiot after receiving an email isn't as embarrassing as screaming into someone's ear on the phone, but it is just as magical.

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After reading about Sasha's experience, I was left chuckling and I'm about to go tackle my agent proposal again. I feel inspired! Thanks Sasha! Continueing with Sasha's visit, she agreed to answer a few unusual question I came up with. Check out her answers:

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If you could, what kind of paranormal creature would you choose to be?

A witch. *grin* I'd like to be able to have all sorts of neat spells and options.

What kind of paranormal creature would you most like to have sex with?One of THE PETSHANI! They're in my new series by that name at AQP. An ancient Gypsy race of pleasure givers. Yummylicious!!

Menages - Given the opportunity, would you?

Who says I haven't already? *smile*

Who would you share your menage with? Anyone in particular?

No one in particular in mind, but they'd have to be special.

Bondage - Yes or no and how far would you go?

Again, who says I haven't? LOL As for how far would I go? It all depends on who I'm with, if I'm the bonder or the bondee. *grin*

Night or Day - Which is your favorite?Night. No doubt about it.

Afternoon delight, or moonlight madness. What's the best time for sex?

Moonlight Madness!!!! WhoooWHooooo!!!

What place in the real world would you most like to visit?

I've gone to pretty much all of the places I'd like to visit. There are always more, I want to go everywhere, but the ones I've had a burning desire to visit, I've done. (I've been to Nepal, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Greece)

What place in any authors imaginary world would you visit?

TRITON, it's one of my own worlds created for my Sci-fi series ABDUCTION... It's a planet where women rule. :)

Military, firefighters, law enforcement or other profession. Who gets your juices flowing?

Military or Private Security. Yummm.

What quality do you find to be most important in a lover?

Attentiveness, but not clingyness.

What quality is most important in yourself?

Independence.

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A heartfelt thank-you to Sasha for visiting today. Please visit and stay up to day with Sasha at www.sashawhite.net

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Please Welcome Jan Springer!


Please join me in welcoming a very talented visitor to my blog, author, Jan Springer! A self proclaimed writing hermit, Jan has made good use of her time. Multi-published, with Ellora's Cave, Jan has nine single author titles, and has participated in two anothologys including one of EC's wildly popular Cavemen Anthologys. She also has two titles available from New Concepts Publishing. Her talent has not gone unnoticed. Her books, "A Hero's Welcome", "A Hero's Escape" and "A Hit Man for Hannah", have been nominated for Sizzler Awards. She herself was nominated for Best Author in 2004 by the very popular review site, Fallen Angel Reviews. Her book "Love Through A Strangers Eyes" saw her nominated as an Eppie Finalist, which is quite an accomplishment! Available May 17 from Ellora's Cave, Jan has kindly consented to share an excerpt from her upcoming release, "Colter's Revenge", third in her Outlaw Lovers series.

Colter’s Revenge – Outlaw Lovers
By Jan Springer
Ellora’s Cave – coming May 2006


Prologue
The Terrorist Wars
Bagdad, Iraq
General Black’s Mansion
Spring, 2016

“How’s it feel to have two cocks buried inside you, Starry Eyes? Does it live up to your ménage à trois fantasies?”
Ashley Blakely shivered at Dr. Colter Outlaw’s soft question. Trembled at the unbelievable fullness of having his massive length impaling her soaked pussy and his friend Blade’s thick, lubed cock nestled deep inside her rear.
She wished she could answer him, but the erotic way Colter’s finger rubbed against her engorged clit made it really hard to concentrate on answering. Not to mention her wrists burned beneath the silky scarves holding her hostage and her shoulders were beginning a seductive ache at being strung up by the arms.
“She’s at a loss for words,” Blade chuckled from behind her.
His hard chest pressed firmly against her back. Steel-like muscular arms encircled her torso as his long, eager fingers busily pulled and squeezed her sensitive nipples until she cried out from the pleasure-burn.
Colter’s gaze met hers. In the depths of his green eyes she recognized the fierce love. The raw hunger for her. The look always made her catch her breath and her heart race.
The last thing she’d ever expected was for the ruggedly handsome soldier Dr. Colter Outlaw to take her seriously when she’d shyly answered his question a couple of days ago regarding what her number one sexual fantasy would be. She’d admitted it was a ménage à trois.
Having only met him several weeks ago when he’d come to live at the mansion and attend to the general after he’d suffered an almost fatal gunshot wound, she’d been shocked at the sizzling attraction that had quickly cumulated between her and the doctor. With the general temporarily out of commission, she’d had a meager strand of freedom available to her, enabling her to talk with the doctor about the advances in the medical profession concerning the X-virus.
He’d been surprised when she’d admitted she’d wanted to train to be a gynecologist back in the States, but had limited telling him the entire truth of how her stepbrother Dr. Blakely, the man who’d actually invented the original X-virus that had killed so many women, had sold her to the Army because she’d rejected his advances. The general had purchased her and she’d become his sex slave in Iraq. The soldier doctor didn’t need to know the horrors of her past. It would only put a damper on things. Especially now that she was enjoying the best sex in her twenty-five years of life.
At first, she’d been stunned when earlier that evening the general had left the compound for the first time in weeks. Colter had also disappeared for a couple of hours only to reappear with the awesomely tall, darkly tanned stranger named Blade. Quite a looker, almost too beautiful for a man to be. He had sensitive eyes the color of chocolate pudding and golden blond hair that flowed to his shoulders like a lion’s mane.
The sexual hunger brewing in Blade’s eyes had just about made her come on the spot. It hadn’t been hard to allow both the stranger and Colter to make her fantasies come true.
When she’d been sold into slavery, she’d learned quickly to live on the edge. To take each day as if it could be her last. And that’s exactly what she’d been doing since the soldier doctor had come into her life.
“I want you to come away with us, Ashley.” Colter whispered in her ear as he began a slow, erotic plunge that made her quivering vagina wrap tighter around him. Her heart picked up a frantic beat at his words. She belonged to one of the most powerful general’s in the United States Army. It would be a death sentence for both Colter and Blade if she went with them.
“She’s so unbelievably tight,” Blade hissed as he started a perfect thrusting rhythm that had her moaning at the powerful way his cock stretched her anal muscles, muscles that had been well maintained by the general’s butt plugs and sadistic toys.
“We can get you out of here, Starry Eyes,” he was whispering so low she could barely hear him.
“I…I…can’t. The general…he’d kill you.”
She winced at the pleasure-burn as Blade’s hard erection slammed deep up inside her ass again.
“He’ll never know.”
“He’ll know. He owns me. I can’t simply go with you.” she cried, desperation mixing with the wonderful fullness of Blade’s hard cock nudging deeper into her anal channel.
As if disappointed with her answer Colter’s thrusts became harder, harsher, more desperate. More arousing. Blade seemed to sense his friend’s change in mood and became gentler with his own seductive plunges.
“I don’t care. I want you with me.”
“He’ll know you took me. He’ll kill you both. God! Don’t talk about this now.”
She could barely stand. Without the silky scarf restraints holding her arms up, she would have melted to the floor by now. She was literally exhausted from the shattering orgasms the two men had blessed her with through the night. Perspiration dripped from her forehead. Tremors laced her aroused body. Erotic shivers made her wonder if she would ever be able to go back to her life of sadistic sex without orgasms with the general.
“We’ll all be safe,” Colter ground out between clenched teeth. She could feel his body tightening, sensed his time was near. Felt the blossom of yet another violent climax taking root deep inside her belly.
She hated the general more than anything and she wanted to be with Colter so badly it hurt. Wanted him to take her from this horrible life of being a sex slave to a sadistic American general.
But the last thing she wanted was for Colter or anyone else, for that matter, to be hunted down for stealing her. Deep inside her heart she knew she would never be able to live the same way after her experience with this ruggedly handsome soldier doctor and his friend.
The orgasm snowballed. Excitement roared through her. Her fingernails dug painfully into her palms.
Oh, my God! This one was going to be the biggest of them all!
“Come with me, Starry Eyes. Please say yes.” The desperation in his voice, the excitement at the proposal of being free roared through her and tangled with the pleasure, snapping her hold on common sense.
“Yes…yes… I’ll come with you,” she hissed against his tasty mouth.
Colter’s nostrils flared wildly at her answer and a most erotic smile tipped his lips.
“Fuck! You are so beautiful, Starry Eyes,” he ground out, and his succulent mouth warmly captured hers, sending her spiraling into the splintering orgasm.
He took her hard. Harder than he’d ever taken her during the times they’d secretly been together. She cried out as he plunged his huge, thick cock so deep inside of her vagina, it unleashed a torrent of erotic sensations that slammed into her like she was on a roller coaster of pleasure-pain.
She found herself stiffening with erotic fervor then convulsing against the two men. Pumping her hips frantically against Colter’s thrusts and bucking backward into Blade’s rock-hard cock.
The scent of their sex spun beneath her nostrils. The sounds of flesh slapping against flesh drifted past her ears and intermingled with the grunts and groans of the two soldiers.
She became lost in her carnal delirium. Barely felt the two thick cocks sliding in and out of her as both men frantically attained their own satisfaction.
Panting for air, she held on for dear life as the sensual euphoria gripped her and dragged her under.

http://www.ellorascave.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=JSp
http://janspringer.com

Whoa! I had to wipe the steam from my glasses before I could continue! Okay, I'll admit it, a menage with two guys like Colter and Blade would be my favorite fantasy come true. I predict I'm going to have a new addition to my Microsoft Reader come May 17th LOL!

Like the good sport she is, Jan also consented to answer a few unusual question I dreamed up just for fun. Check it out:

If you could, what kind of paranormal creature would you choose to be?

A shapeshifter. I’d love to be a fly on the wall *wink* or fly over people’s backyards like a bird – hmm I am sensing my Peeping Tom side showing.

What kind of paranormal creature would you most like to have sex with?

Oh that’s a toughie. I’d say a werewolf. They sound like very good lovers.

Menages - Given the opportunity, would you?

Most definitely. *grin*

Who would you share your menage with? Anyone in particular?

Well since I’m shy I would probably want them to be strangers. Two guys. Of course well hung and they have to know how to pleasure me. I’m not selfish but I’d want it to be a memorable experience. So they definitely have to be good pleasure men. LOL.

Bondage - Yes or no and how far would you go?

Well maybe a little light bondage. I wouldn’t go too far. I have trust issues. But if the right guy or guys came along…who knows how far.

Night or Day - Which is your favorite? I love the day. It allows me to go for long nature walks with the sunshine on my face or if it’s raining I enjoy walking in the rain too.

Afternoon delight, or moonlight madness. What's the best time for sex?

Definitely afternoon delight. Lots of natural light – if you know what I mean? *grin*

What place in the real world would you most like to visit?

Hawaii. Ever since the series Magnum P.I. I’ve wanted to go to Hawaii. The beaches look luscious and I absolutely love the ocean. Not to mention I’d love to try surfing and scuba diving and exploring the islands.

What place in any authors imaginary world would you visit?

Oh yes! This one is easy! LOL. I would so love to be in the Kidnap Fantasies world. My series at Ellora’s Cave. Anything goes in Kidnap Fantasies. I mean anything!!!

Military, firefighters, law enforcement or other profession. Who gets your juices flowing?

Construction workers. Naturally tanned by the sun. Lots of muscles from all that hard work. And they are nice and sweaty. A good excuse for taking lots of showers with him or them.

What quality do you find to be most important in a lover?

Well he has to know how to pleasure a woman. So I’d say he needs to have really good hands. Callused fingers might be a good thing too and of course he has to be well hung.

What quality is most important in yourself?

Being able to please and fulfill someone – sexually, spiritually and emotionally. But I’d want that in return too.

Great questions, Kate!!!
Thanks so much for inviting me over!

Hugs,

Jan

And thank you, Jan, for sharing your time and talent with us! Jan's books are available at www.ellorascave.com , and www.newconceptspublishing.com . Stay up to date with Jan at www.janspringer.com

Jude's Law, a Quote

I just finished Lori Foster's latest book, "Judes Law". In it I found the most wonderful line: "It'd take one hell of a man to be better than no man at all. " Doesn't that say it all? I'm a big Lori Foster fan, my all time favorite being "To Much Temptation" with the very sexy Noah Harper. Oh to find a man like that! LOL!

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Introducing Tawny Taylor!


I'm very pleased to welcome multi-published author, Tawny Taylor to my blog. With Ellora's Cave Publishing, she currently has twelve, single author titles and has participated in one Caveman Anthology. Check out her latest EC release "Spells and Seduction" third in her Imortal Secrets series. She also has two titles with Echelon Press and one with Changeling Press. Recognized for her outstanding work, she was a Capa nominee in 2004 and 2005, an Eppie finalist in 2005 and her book, Ellora's Cave release "Tempting Fate", was a Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine Top Pick in January of 2006! Quite an amazing record and she's still going strong. Tawny has recently sold two books to New York publishing house, Kensington Books. What follows is Tawny's story of how she got the call.

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My big “Call” came on the day I’d least expected it. It was summertime. I’d received a lot of bad news lately, and I was getting frustrated. I was dreaming. Getting a New York deal was not going to happen. It was time to face the truth.

I decided to take the kids somewhere fun to try to drag myself out of the pits. We packed up and went to a local farm. We spent the day feeding goats and running from snapping geese. The hubby called me just as I was loading my exhausted, hungry crew back into the car.

Hubby: “Your agent called. Someone wants to buy your book.”
Me: “Ha-ha! Quit joking. It’s not nice to mess with a writer’s head like that.”
Hubby: “I’m not kidding. Your agent called and left a message. Kensington wants to buy your book. It’s all here. You need to call him back.”

The phone call went something like that. I probably said, “Oh my God” a few dozen times. I just remember it took a while for reality to sink in. And then I quickly forgot the way home.

The twenty minute drive took forever, mostly because I’d lose track of where I was going and take a wrong turn. But the minute I got in the house, I snatched up the yellow piece of paper the message had been scribbled on and ran to call my agent.

It was real! Not some cruel joke. Kensington wanted not just one book but two! I listened, I blabbered. I can’t remember all the details. I did a little dance. Told my hubby. He decided how he’d spend our first million. The kids got into the act. It was difficult to break the news to them all that we weren’t going to be able to move to Disney World or buy a fleet of ‘Vettes. Hubby took the news okay. The kids...well, they’ll get over it. Eventually.

Then, hubby, being the man I love, called everyone he knew that had ever voiced their doubt in my ability to sell and proudly told them they’d been wrong.

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The New York City call is an author's dream come true, one many of us are pursuing. Congratulations Tawny!!! I also want to thank her for answering the following questions. Just a little something I thought might be fun. I definitely got a chuckle out of them.

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If you could, what kind of paranormal creature would you choose to be?

I’m a practical thinker, even when fantasizing. Would either a witch or genie count as a paranormal creature? I’d love to be able to snap my fingers and have all the mess in my house cleaned up, laundry done and folded, dinner cooked, kids fed and tucked into bed, and hot bath filled.

What kind of paranormal creature would you most like to have sex with?
I think vampires are uber-sexy! YUM!

Menages - Given the opportunity, would you?
In real life? No. I was raised Catholic. Too many guilt issues.

Who would you share your menage with? Anyone in particular?
OY! Can’t think of anyone in real life. But if Hugh Jackman wanted to volunteer, I’d be tempted to take him up on the offer.

Bondage - Yes or no and how far would you go?
Gosh, you’re gonna think I’m so boring, LOL. In fantasy, yes. In reality, heck no. My hubby can’t get a knot out of a tennis shoe lace. Could you just see that? Him having to explain to the police why he’s calling them to get me out of my restraints. “Well, officer, it’s like this. I...uh...chew my nails and so I couldn’t get the knot out...” LOLOL

Night or Day - Which is your favorite?
Time of day? For general purposes? Day. I need sunlight.

Afternoon delight, or moonlight madness. What's the best time for sex?
Sex is another story. I like it dark for sex. After birthing five kids, I’m well past the days of letting any man see my body in the glaring light of day.

What place in the real world would you most like to visit?
Any and all parts of Europe, especially Germany.

What place in any authors imaginary world would you visit?
Another tough one. Almost all the books I’ve read are set in contemporary times, in the U.S.. However, I’d love to travel back in time. I’m a huge costuming buff. LOVE sewing costumes. My hubby says I was born in the wrong century. So, I’d love to go back to Victorian England and see what that was really like. I’m sure my romanticized version of the time period is better than the reality was, but it would still be cool to find out.

Military, firefighters, law enforcement or other profession. Who gets your juices flowing?
All of the above. I’m a typical girl--love a man in uniform!

What quality do you find to be most important in a lover?
Patience.

What quality is most important in yourself?
Loyalty.

Thank you so much, Tawny, for sharing with us! Tawny's books are available at www.ellorascave.com , www.echelonpress.com , and www.changelingpress.com . Stay up to date with Tawny at www.tawnytaylor.com

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Another New Cover!


Things are heating up! Another new cover, this one for my upcoming Changeling Press release, Bond of the Maleri' 2, Double or Nothing. This cover was created by the very talented Angela Knight. Don't you think she did a wonderful job? The book will be available from Changeling on April 21st

Kate

Friday, March 24, 2006

A New Cover!!


I got something really great today. The new print cover for To Trust A Wolf! I just had to share. I think it's absolutely gorgeous. What do you think? A big thank you to Syneca and the Ellora's Cave art department. This, my second print book from EC, should be available for purchase by June/July.

Kate

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Pets - Angels or Demons?


I've been sitting here working on the edits for my first Loose Id book called By Blood's Decree. For the third time, one of my two love birds has knocked my new picture off the wall. Fortunately it hangs over my bed, so no damage is done, still I keep wondering if love bird tastes anything like cornish game hen. Anybody got a good recipe? Or maybe I should just let the cat in? Just Kidding! I love my little guys, Holly on the left, Cady(the demon bird) on the right and Louie outside looking for a colorful and tempting snack. LOL. Pets are blessings and pains, but mostly, I think, you gotta love em.