This Is Our Lives, The Freedom That We Seek

I know I'm a little late to the party, but I had to take a break from my busy day to mention that it is Banned Books Week. It is ridiculous to think that in this country, in this age, the practice of book banning still goes on. But, one look at the American Library Association's Top 10 most banned books of 2008 shows the practice is alive and well.

When I was in high school, my cousin's Advanced English class was set to read Alice Walker's The Color Purple. That was, until someone in the class had an objection. The 15 year old boy in question took umbrage with the book. Was it the violence, the tales of racism, sexism and rape? No, it was the use of the word pussy and the fact that the book depicts two women falling in love.

No, I'm not kidding. The word pussy being in the book is perfectly logical to the plot and character. It being, after all, a book told from a woman's point of view. And the love between Shug and Celie is one of the focal points of the story. But, this student just couldn't, as a Christian, stand the thought of being forced to read such filth. The class never had the chance to read the book as a collective. Those of us who wanted to see what all the fuss was about had to go the bookstore three towns over, as the controversy made the news and caused the local store to sell out in days.

So, take some time this week to peruse and maybe read one of the great banned classics. There are so many fabulous choices. Celebrate one of our greatest freedoms and read something. It is the easiest way to fight the man that I know of.

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Inspiration's Getting Hard To Fake It, Concentration Never Hard To Break It

Great weekend. Abso-fucking-lutely fabulous. While my sleep schedule is in tatters and I'm still in a bit of a daze/stupor, I'm ready for another good week to begin. I've got a ton of things I want to accomplish this week, and I'm hoping to get through it all. My motivation seems to have returned and I'm going to go with it for as long as it sticks around. My Man Candy this week is truly delicious. God, I really do love, love, love Mondays.

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I'm Tired Of Words, And I'm Too Hoarse To Shout

It's really late. Or it's really early. I can't tell anymore. I just got back from eating a delicious diner grilled cheese after nearly having a heart attack. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but it was all part of the plan.

I want to say Congratulations to the Geelong Cats on winning their 2nd Premiership (that's Australian for championship) in three years. I knew you could do it, even though you tried to kill me with that close game. The sight of all those sweaty, dirty men fighting each other nearly did me in. But, in the end, all the heart palpitations were worth it. Now, I'm going to crash. But, I'll be smiling in the morning.

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You Slap Just Like A Wake-Up Call

I'm completely blocked. Usually, I can push through this kind of thing, but this time it's been damn near impossible. I've taken a million baths and showers, listened to countless hours of music and practically stood on my head to make the ideas come to the surface. No dice.

So, as the time ticks away and deadlines approach, I'm at a loss for what to do. I've written, but as I read over it, none of it grabs me. And, if it doesn't grab me, how can I expect it to grab anyone else?

I'm off to take another bath, and perhaps proposition a stranger. Hey, desperate times and all that. Wish me luck!

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Next Year I Could Be Just As Good

It's odd to be thinking about Christmas at this time of year, but a recent call for submissions had me practically wrapping presents and singing carols around the house. It's a good thing too, because it helped me get in the mood, which helped me get my piece, Holiday History, accepted into the Mistletoe Madness Advent Calender from Dreamspinner Press.

Starting December 1st, the entire Calender and the individual stories will go on sale, but the whole shebang can also be pre-ordered soon. My story will be available for $1.49, which is a bargain fit for any one's sexy Christmas stocking.

So, I guess I'm ready for the holidays. Are you?

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Won't Somebody Help Me Chase The Shadows Away

It was a good weekend. Good weekend. But, I'm kinda glad it's over. I'm ready for the week to start, the work to continue and my voice to come back all the way. Maybe another dose of Man Candy will do the trick. Gotta love a classic.

I'm off to find my inspiration. I can't remember where I put it.

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I'd Be Surprised If There's A Pillow

Thank God it's Friday. I'm off to the Mothership, for a belated birthday celebration with my brothers and sister. Apparently, there will be cake. I love cake!! I'm also having an old school style sleepover with my cousin. We used to have sleepovers all the time when we were kids, and I thought it would be fun to relive those moments as adults. Except, now . . there will be alcohol!! Sometimes, it is great to be a grown-up.

By the way, over at Neve's house, she gave me yet another lovely and amazing series of compliments. She thinks I'm innocent. Boy, do I have her fooled. I just had to thank her before I go.

I'll be back Sunday. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. GO THE CATS!!
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To Be Weakened Like Achilles, With You Always At My Heels

This week just keeps getting better and better. While I missed it on The Jay Leno Show last night, God Bless Hulu and YouTube. I've had Hamish and Andy on this blog several times before, but this is their first appearance on an American tv show. They came to LA to bring "Ghosting" to us all. Hilarious!! God, I do love Australia.


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You Look So Tame Boy, Let Me Wild You Up

Well, it turns out that being 33 isn't so bad after all. I had a lovely meal cooked by my favorite man in the world. And, he went through the wonderful trouble of making me the most delicious brownie sundae for dessert, complete with hot fudge and both vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Am I a lucky girl or what?

So, how do you follow up a day like that? How about with the news of my story, Poking Holes, being featured in the Toy Box: Prince Albert collection from Torquere Books. It is available right now, right here, for the low price of $2.49. Pick it up, tell a friend, write a review, let me know what you think. Or, do some or all of the above.

So, while I recover from my chocolate coma, enjoy my new smut. Need more incentive? Check out a snippet right here.
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I Am Softer Than My Face Would Suggest

Today is my 33rd birthday. I thought by this age, I'd have some more answers, more wisdom, more . . . well, just more, really. But, instead, what I have more of is back pain and laryngitis, creaky bones and tinnitus. I don't have the fabulous house, or the fabulous car, or the handsome pool boy I always dreamed of. Hell, I don't even have a pool.

But, I have come to one conclusion. It's all good. If I'm honest, I don't need the house or the car. And, as far as the pool boy, well, maybe I'll hold onto that dream. I may not have more, but for the most part, I have enough. Enough of what I need to make me happy. I have family, friends, something I love to do, some one I love to do. I have the essentials. And, while I would kill for the money to jet off to Australia, or the power to effect real change in the world, I'll take what I have with a smile. Because, it is enough. In this moment, it is exactly what I need.

So, after 33 years, that's what I've got. I'm off to make my wish and blow out my candles. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll look like this kid when I'm done with my cake.

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Me And My Bros, That's How We Roll

I'm not usually a Rugby fan. I'm an AFL girl myself. But, if it were like it is in this picture all the time, I'd be the biggest fan of rugby you've ever seen. Gotta love the French and their ability to get away with stuff like this. Man Candy Monday was an easy decision this week. Click on the photo to see all of the wonderful detail. You will not be sorry.

In other news, the table of contents is out for the Cougar Book. I am proud to be in such great company. The book comes out on February 14th, through Logical Lust.

Check out the Table of Contents

1. Doug Harrison - "Sherry"
2. Tara S. Nichols - "Labeled"
3. Sascha Illyvich - "Whiskey Spread"
4. D. L. King - "A Great Commute"
5. Blue Canyon - "Inter-Office Men-O"
6. Craig J. Sorensen - "Adrian's Lover"
7. Emerald - "To Make It That Way"
8. Dona Lee - "Cruising for C-men"
9. Brenna Lyons - "Mine for the Night"
10. Keeb Knight – "Illicit Intentions"
11. Bill Brent -"Sally Jean, the Dishroom Queen"
12. Julia Barrett - "You Just Might Get It"
13. J. C. Wesner- "Illicit Desires"
14. Trish DeVene - "Her Apolonio Smile"
15. Jolene Hui - "Shelly's Mom"
16. Heidi Champa - "Spring Training"
17. Adriana Kraft - "A Taste of Ginger"
18. Jeremy Edwards - "Boston. Breasts. Bohemian."
19. Madeline Moore - "Get Up, Stand Up"
20. Donna George Storey - "Comfort Food"
21. Randall Lang - "Too Many Buffalo"
22. Rachel Kramer Bussel - "What Pretty Girls Do"
23. Shanna Germain - "Deep Waters"



I mean come on, look at it. Fantastic!!
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Equipped With Little Metal Tools To Get Inside My Head

Thanks to everyone who commented on my post in an attempt to win some free stuff. And, congratulations to Danielle, Neve and Janine who are the proud recipients of the Filament postcards. And, to my anonymous friend who went to the Hill House, you are the winner of the signed copy of Filament 2. The postcards will be in the mail shortly, and as soon as my magazine arrives, your signed copy will be on its way.

Janine has also done a wonderful review of Filament 2 over on her blog which you should check out immediately. She gives my story a lovely mention and I am very grateful to her for that.

Speaking of reviews, I found this nice review of the Like Magnets, We Attract Anthology, at Joyfully Reviewed. The book contains my story, Against the Current.

I know I should do something more monumental with my 200th blogpost, but nothing is coming to mind. Oh well, maybe for 225.

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No More Standin' There Beside The Walls

Gotta love long weekends. And, Labor Day Man Candy. There is still plenty of time to comment on my previous post for your chance to win some Filament Magazine postcards or a signed copy of the second issue, that features my story, One Night Only.

I'm going to let the contest go on a little while longer, just to give everyone a chance to come out of hiding and throw out a comment. Come on, I know you're out there. Just a few words for a chance at some free stuff. It's a easy as that. How could you say no to the Man Candy?

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Someone Once Told Me, You Can't Lose 'Em All

My voice is progressing slowly, but I'm hopeful that by the end of the long weekend, I will be back to normal. Well, as normal as I can be, anyway. As promised, I'm back today with the offer of some free stuff, courtesy of the fine people at Filament Magazine.

Drop a comment on this blog post in the next few days, and you could be one of the lucky winners of a set of 4 steamy, hot postcards featuring some of the fine-ass lads of Filament Magazine (pictured here). The comment can be about anything you want. Pick a topic, any topic. Spout off about anything you like. Tell me all about your week, tell me what you're doing with your long weekend. Tell me a story, a tale, a lie. I don't care. 4 lucky commenters will be the proud recipients of the postcard sets.

And, as an added bonus, one very lucky commenter will get a free copy of Filament Issue 2, signed by me. In addition to the hard-hitting (pun intended) content, it will feature a completely non-valuable autograph. Who could ask for anything more?

I'll keep this running until Tuesday, because of the holiday weekend. But, comment early and often. You never know, you might end up a winner. Enjoy your weekend, all.

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I Try So Hard To Keep It Inside, So No One Can Hear

It's been tough not having my strong voice in working order. As much fun as it is to sound like Angie Harmon from Law and Order, I miss being able to sing along with the iPod and yelling to my husband when he is more than one room away.

Thank goodness for this blog, where I can shout some more good news that has come my way. My story, Spring Training, is going to be included in the upcoming Cougar Book. I am very excited to be a part of the collection, that also features Rachel Kramer Bussel and Shanna Germain. Also, the cover for the Best of Best Women's Erotica 2 has been revealed and I'm so, so, so excited that my story, Amy, is going to be included. The book comes out in February and should be nothing short of amazing.

Filament Magazine's second issue is out now and steaming up newsstands. And, One Night Only, by me, is on page 69. Tune to this blog tomorrow for the chance to win some free stuff courtesy of Filament Magazine and me. Until then, I'm off to drink more hot water with honey and lemon.

All The Little Chicks With The Crimson Lips Go, CLEVELAND ROCKS!

I haven't been to Cleveland in about 13 years. But, I might just have to make a trip to visit the Literary Cafe and see Neve Black do readings called Naughty Nightcaps. This past Saturday, Neve was kind enough to read a few of my stories during her time on stage.

She read my stories, Lights Out, featured in Frenzy, edited by Alison Tyler, and, Limited Engagement, featured in Love Notes, edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel.

Check them out. And, if you're in the area late on a Saturday, check out Neve at the Literary Cafe. I hear it rocks!!
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