Raised on a Feeling Our Lives Will Have Meaning Eventually

 

It's impossible for me to fathom that May is half over. This year is moving along so fast, it's hard to find time to stop and look around at everything that's happened. I'm working on some more in depth posts, but they are on the back burner right now due to some deadlines I'm up against.

But, I did want to drop by and mention that my novella, Go Coastal made the Amber Allure Top 10 Bestseller list for the month of April. And, it was only out for three days of the month. Not to shabby. I posted the whole list below. And, if you haven't checked out the book yet, what are you waiting for? Click right here and get your copy.

 

AMBER ALLURE / April 2013

1. Threadbare Gypsy Souls - T. A. Chase (Gay / Werewolf)
2. Needing Seth - Shawn Lane (Gay / Contemporary)
3. Going Down - Cassandra Gold (Gay / Contemporary)
4. Three Little Words - Allison Cassatta (Gay / Contemporary)
5. Revving It Up - Sean Michael (Gay / Contemporary)
6. Aria Of The Eclipse - Vivien Dean (Gay / Futuristic)
7. The Beat - D. J. Manly (Gay / Contemporary)
8. Go Coastal - Heidi Champa (Gay / Contemporary) **THAT'S ME!!!**
9. Cherish - A. J. Llewellyn (Gay / Contemporary)
10. A Little Bit Of Country - Christiane France (Gay / Contemporary)

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You Went Back to What You Knew

 

It's Man Candy Monday!!!

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Every Little Thing You Said and Did was Right For Me

 

She's the one who taught me how to tie my shoes. She taught me how to drive, constantly pressing down on her invisible break pedal when I went too fast. In fact, she's the first one who let me drive at all, letting me pilot our family truck at my grandfather's house when I was probably 12 or 13. She made me homemade cakes on my birthday and was there when I got off the bus from my first day of school. She was the one who would rock me back to sleep when I had a bad dream and every time I hear the cadence of her walk across a floor, it takes me right back to when I was a kid and she'd trudge down the hall to yell at my sister and me for staying up late talking and giggling.

I love that she's gotten snarkier and funnier as the years have gone by. Every time I hear a piece of withering sarcasm come out of her mouth, it makes me smile. She's the best grandmother on the planet and my nieces and nephews adore her in a way that melts my heart every time I see them together.

I often joke with my friends that my mother is a saint (said the manner Vince Vaughn uses in Anchorman, when he says "Dorothy Mantooth is a saint!!) and it's not far from the truth.

This Mother's Day, I just wanted to take a moment to talk about the woman who's always been there for me and that I love so, so, so much.

Make sure you call/hug/kiss your mom's today.... for every little thing they do.
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I Think You Already Know, How Far I'd Go Not to Say

I am happy to be able to report that I have a story in the upcoming collection edited by the wonderful Alison Tyler called, "Shhh! Don't Tell Anyone... Erotic Fantasies about Sexy Occupations."

I'm incredibly stoked to be a part of such a great line-up and the table of contents is below. Check it out. Not exactly sure when the book will hit the shelves, both virtual and actual, but I'll keep you posted.


Introduction: The “Want” Ads

Construction Worker: Grimy by Sommer Marsden

Cowboy: Bonanzed by Kate Pearce

Professor: O for Effort by Delilah Night

Chauffeur: Driver’s Seat by Sophia Valenti

Meteorologist: Warm Front by Heidi Champa

Physician: Doctors Orders by Sasha White

Delivery Boy: Just A Little Tenderness by A.M. Hartnett

Pool Girl: California Dreamin’ by Andrea Dale

Book Binder: Rule of Thumb by Laila Blake

Baker: Kneading Lessons by Tilly Hunter

Personal Trainer: Work It Out by Elisa Sharone

Stage Manager:  SM Or How I Met My Girlfriend by Giselle Renarde

IT guy: Talk Nerdy to Me by Crystal Jordan

Porn Star: Current Photo, Please by Devin Phillips

Mechanic: Body Work by Cora Zane

Museum Curator: Under Her Auspices by Jeremy Edwards

Treat Vendor: Ice Cream Boy and Sprinkle Girl by Kathryn O'Halloran

Barber: Close Shave by Alison Tyler

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'Cause You Know When It's Good, There's Nothing Else Better

Cool thing of the day: My story, Kiss and Make Up, in the wonderful anthology, Best Erotic Romance 2013, edited by the fabulous Kristina Wright, was the "Sex Scene of the Day" on Bethenny.com, home of Bethenny Frankel. You can check out the post on her blog right here.

Great news in the afternoon...what could be better?
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My Mind Got Mixed With Ramblin’

 

I've been extremely neglectful of my blog. I'm not 100% sure why.... Actually, that's not true. I do know why. The fact that I've only posted 5 times since the new year doesn't surprise me. Maybe it should. Part of me feels disappointed in myself. The other part of me is a bit indifferent.

Part of the reason I don't post that often is that this blog, for the most part, has been about my work life. There have been some personal posts, but mostly, this blog is about my professional life in writing. On that front, it's not that there isn't anything to say. Far from it. I've been very fortunate lately to have a lot of stories/books getting published and I try to mention all that here on the blog. But, I don't do it with a lot of fanfare or entertainment. It's more matter of fact and almost a "hey just wanted to let you know" vibe.

The rest of my life, well, I'm not sure why I don't share more of that here. Maybe I feel like no one really wants to hear it. Or, more likely, I feel like my life is kind of boring. I mean, I work from home, so all of my ridiculous stories of working in offices/stores are gone. Not much happens around here. I mean, sure, I have computer issues from time to time that do drive me crazy, but who wants to hear about that? I mean, really?

Sure, there's stuff happening in my life. Big stuff. Major stuff, at least to me. But, why do I choose not to share it? I don't know. Fear, I guess. I mean, putting your stuff out there in the world and getting no feedback, or worse, negative feedback is a daunting thought. It's not that I don't want to share the good going on in my life. I guess I'm not really sure how to go about it. I'm envious of people who say anything and everything on the blogs/tumblrs/etc. I wish I could. Hell, maybe I should.

Anyway, I've decided to work on posting more, being more open, sharing more of my life. We'll see how it goes. No promises, but as with most things in my life, it's all a work in progress. Besides, I miss posting Man Candy. I have folders and folders on my computer of pictures just waiting to be seen. So, to that end, here is some Candy for y'all. I hope you like it. And, stay tuned. There may just be a reason to come to this blog for a change.
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So Go, Go See What's There For You

 

It's new book day!!

 



If I Help Somebody, Baby There's Mercy For Me

 

 

It's New Book Day!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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No Sweeping Exits, No Hollywood Endings

 

I hope you're all recovering from your Superbowl/avoiding the Superbowl hangover. If not, I thought a little football themed Man Candy would help.

I'm knee deep in two big projects right now, but I just wanted to stop by and say hello. And, how hot are these boys?
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You Can Walk a Million Miles and Get Nowhere

 

I know, I know. It's been a long time since I've posted here on my blog. This is, in fact, my first one of the year. What can I say, it's been a busy time. Not only am I working on a few different projects, work wise, but we are in the process of trying to sell our house. This has involved a lot of cleaning, then, more cleaning. We've had several showings, so fingers crossed we find someone who wants to take this townhouse off our hands. If you know someone who's looking, send them my way!!

So, in order to make up for my absence, I've chose an extra special piece of Man Candy. And, I've resolved (a bit late for the New Year, I know) to do a little better with my blog. I do have some good news to share soon, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, enjoy the view!
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And, That's How It Ends

 

Well, it's almost here. 2013. Am I excited? Of course. Am I ready for a new chapter to begin? You betcha! Regrets? I've had a few....but, all in all, 2012....I can't complain. I accomplished a lot this year. Having my first paperback novel published was a big one. But, there were also a lot of intangible things that have changed this year. And, that's the stuff I want to keep working on for next year. I'm not one to wait until January 1st to start changes. I like to kick things off when the mood strikes. I started dropping weight on June 4th. Still going, but getting closer to the goal every day.

Goals are what it's all about for me. Rules suck. But, goals on the other hand, well that's another ball game all together. Apparently, I'm not alone in that feeling.

As for my goals for 2013...it's all about shedding. Shedding pounds, shedding useless habits and things. Shedding the shackles of owning a home. And, shedding all the bullshit that seems to accumulate everywhere.

I'm gonna learn to swim and if all goes well, to surf. And what better place to learn to surf than in Australia. So, to that end, if all goes to plan, we're heading back to Australia in 2013. I'm planning to cartwheel again in 2013, hopefully without breaking something. And, I will get my hot air balloon ride this year, no matter what! Hear that Universe, it's happening, so get on board. (literally and figuratively)

For work, I want to keep creating stories I love, stretching myself and writing things I can be proud of. Numbers aren't nearly as important to me as they once were. For right now, it's all about being in love with the words on the page and if others love them too, all the better.

So, those are the goals for 2013. It's an evolving list, but that's what I've got so far. One last Man Candy for the year, and also to help kick off the New Year right.

Happy New Year!!!!
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Have a Merry Christmas

For a Little While, You Can Do No Wrong

When Kathryn asked me if I minded being tagged in a meme, I said no way. Bring it on. What came was My Next Big Thing. It's supposed to be all about what I'm working on at the moment. Unfortunately for me, my current WIP is a bit scattered at present. I'm hoping to get it under control soon. Who knows? Maybe this will help. At any rate, here we go.


1. What is the working title of your book?

Right now, as I'm still in the middle of this story, my working title is kind of up in the air, but right now, I'm leaning towards Go Coastal. It's a road trip book, but I wanted to stay away from any cliche puns in the title. That might change, but right now, Go Coastal is the title at the top of my manuscript.

2. Where did the idea for your book come from?

I pieced together the idea for this story from a couple different places. At the beginning of the story, the main character is working at a bank when a hold-up takes place. As a gun is pointed at him, he realizes how little he's lived and all that he'd miss out on if he died at a job he hates. I worked at a bank for several years, and while I never experienced a robbery situation, it's hard not to think about when you do that kind of job.

Then, the second part of the story, the main character is tired of always doing the right thing and being Mr. Dependable. When an opportunity to drive across America with his roommate's brother, he decides on a whim to join him. I've always wanted to drive across the country and decided to write about it until I get the chance.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Erotic romance.

4. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Since I'm still working on the first draft, I'm not quite sure when it will be done. I'd love to say soon, but with the holidays coming up, I might not make it before the new year. Fingers crossed, by the time the 31st arrives, this draft will be ready for some editing.

6. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My desire to travel more was the inspiration for this book. I think a lot of people can relate to wanting to get away, to leave it all behind and go on an adventure. It's a theme I've worked with before, but I wanted to do it in a different way.

7. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

It has sex in it. And, I think it's pretty funny. The book, not the sex. Although.....

8. Which other writers will take over from you next week and tell us about their Next Big Thing? 

Since most people are super busy right now, I'm not going to single anyone out, just invite everyone who is reading this to take part. If you do, let me know by dropping a comment. And, thanks, Kathryn, for including me. Even if I am a Geelong supporter.
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And, To Sew Up the Seams After All This Defeat

 

The day I feared would come has arrived. I've been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs in my Fantasy Football league. To add insult to considerable injury, it was my dear husband who put the nail in my coffin, lowered it into the ground and threw dirt on me.

I'm devastated at this news, although it really comes as no surprise. I'm consoled by the fact that I was beset on all sides by bad luck and managed, in all my losses, to score the third most points in the league. Maybe next year, with my three first round picks......

In related news, I got a wonderful review of my new novella, Number One Pick. You can read the whole thing right here at the wonderful site, Reviews by Jessewave. The story is all about a fantasy football league, so it seems fitting.

And, if you haven't yet procured yourself a copy, run right over here and do so now. It's the perfect holiday gift. I mean, who doesn't want smut for the holidays?

My Man Candy this week is quite fetching. Just the thing I needed to pick up my spirits after my crushing defeat.
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