Reviews, submissions, and realism

I had been holding off sharing book news until I had something more substantive to post, but it’s going to be a while. I’ve drafted something about realism in erotica that will be on hold until I finish a couple of anthology submissions.  One of my stories was rejected not accepted and I’m tweaking it for another anthology.  I’ve also been doing some promotion for Make Mine to Go.  I try not to use this word too much, but “awesome” seems best for a review I just received. Some of the feedback from romance reviewers has been disheartening – a little, at least.  I hadn’t intended to write romance, so failing to do so isn’t a big problem. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, the book is more erotica than romance in my opinion, but it’s being sold as erotic romance and disappointing some romance fans. The most recent review makes up for that. It’s also my first 5-star review, thanks to Amazon rounding up (it’s 4.5.)  As you’ll see, the reviewer addresses the romance versus erotica matter. I originally sent the book in reply to a discussion about that topic and had expected only more private discussion, not a review, so I was especially delighted to see it. Links to my book on two review sites can be found here.

In other news: two excerpts from Make Mine to Go will appear in Alison Tyler’s forthcoming Never Say Never, a book about new ideas for sex. (Sorry, Alison, if that’s a lame description. I’m not sure how to describe it.) I’ll post release information and a proper blurb when I have something.

 

Breathless Press Naughty List Blog Hop

bp-naughtylist-bloghop_m

Thanks for making this one of your stops during the Breathless Press Naughty List Blog Hop. For those of you here for another reason and don’t know what I mean, a blog hop involves visiting a group of blogs, in this case, ones for Breathless Press authors. Visit the blogs listed at the end for a chance to win prizes and learn about great blogs by talented authors.

So who’s on the naughty list? I suspect it’s almost everyone visiting this site, some more than others. In addition, there’s the unidentified person or persons responsible for damaging the local high-speed Internet lines. I’m posting via dial-up and I might be stuck with this for another few days.

Back to the current event – my particular naughtiness for this blog hop is posting an erotic story excerpt. But that’s a good thing, right? How about talking about my new boy toy? He’s currently not allowed to read this blog and I know he’ll obey me. I could tell you about the time he – never mind, not that interesting. I suppose that leaves you with the excerpt. As you’ll see, Toby, my MC, tends to be naughty. This scene takes place before the scene in the excerpt posted on the Breathless Press site and elsewhere on mine.

A randomly chosen commenter will get a copy of my ebook Make Mine to Go.  I consider it erotica rather than romance, but there’s a romance-flavored plot, and a lot of sex, in several flavors. Due to my technological setback, I won’t be checking my blog much and might not be able to send the book until later in the week. Thanks for your patience.

Comments are eligible for the drawing until Monday, December 24th at midnight Eastern US time.

Make Mine to Go -  Blurb:
One key to the success of Justin and Toby’s marriage is plenty of sexual variety, sometimes as a couple with other men they meet at the local BDSM club. While Toby assumes the submissive role in their power exchanges, it’s more often Justin who generously caters to Toby’s erotic appetites. Toby’s interest in flirting with a salesman should be trivial, but it sends both men down uncomfortable paths. When Toby finally figures out he wants something only another man can give him, he knows it won’t be easy to tell Justin. Is realizing a fantasy– even an exceptionally compelling one — worth the risk?

Excerpt

That evening, I asked Justin what he wanted me to wear.
“Whatever you want. The clothes won’t stay on long, and Paul and I aren’t dressing up.”

“Did he say that?”

“No, but he didn’t last time. Are you having a leather deficiency?”

“He looks so hot in a harness. So do you. Leather is always better.”

Justin cocked an eyebrow at me.

“Okay, often better.” He didn’t have to remind me of the time I insisted on wearing my then-new harness to a sex party. Leather can stay clean at bondage events, but that was sex. Messy sex. My beautiful leather smelled like a mixture of strawberry lube and assorted bodily fluids.

“You’re right this time,” Justin said. “Wear your harness under your regular clothes. If we do the vid, we should all wear our gear.”

The notion of Paul and Justin in leather sent a tingle through my body that lodged pleasantly in my cock. Not that Justin needs any clothing to have that effect. Sometimes, he only has to capture my gaze with his gorgeous, honey-brown eyes to set my carnal thoughts in motion. Simply watching his well-toned body crossing a room with a purposeful, confident stride can work equally well. Everything about him is strong and firm, from his size-eleven feet to his stubble-covered jaw.

It turned out Paul agreed to the recording, which was good because I didn’t expect to be in a position to see everything once we started playing. Not knowing exactly what we’d be recording, I aimed the camera mid-bed. The tripod was turning out to be a more useful Christmas present than I had first thought.

Paul arrived twenty minutes late, explaining that he went back for something he thought we’d appreciate. He didn’t tell me what, and I liked knowing there’d be a surprise. As I helped him out of his denim jacket, I lingered to breathe in the erotic mixture of Paul’s cologne and the leather he wore under his clothes. That was enough to make my jeans a little snugger. We didn’t spend long on social niceties and refreshments before heading to the bedroom.

Still dressed except for shoes, we arranged ourselves among the pillows. “Here,” Justin said to me, patting the mattress between him and Paul.

“Undress us,” Justin ordered. “Slowly.”

Going with the “guests first” convention, I slid my hand across Paul’s chest. The soft cotton shirt contrasted sharply with the leather and metal it hid. I nuzzled each patch of skin I exposed. Paul hummed approval but focused on the screen. There was something wrong with the sound, and Justin turned down the volume rather than endure the distortion. Not facing it, I didn’t see what had Paul so interested. I was content with my personal view of Paul’s lovely, coppery coat. I’d have to call him furry rather than hairy, the kind of texture I like to skim with my palms rather than thread my fingers through. He was pleased with the attention I gave him until I playfully licked his chest through the center ring of his harness. He slapped me away, so I turned to Justin.

His leather tank top was new enough to exude a powerful scent, especially when warmed by his body. I pressed my cheek against it, breathing deeply while popping his fly buttons. He raised his hips so I could free his jock-covered crotch and bare ass from the denim.

“Not yet,” Justin said when I slid my fingers under the black elastic.

I expected him to say that, and I wanted to hear him order me away, to keep me anticipating. I sometimes have to provoke him when he’s not strict enough to suit my mood.

Read more on the Make Mine to Go page (see links above).

Here’s the list. Sorry, I can’t take the time needed to post links while using dial-up. A linked list should be available on most of the participating blogs. I know D. F. Krieger has the complete set. http://dfkrieger.blogspot.com/2012/12/naughty-list.html

1. Breathless Press Blog
2. D. F. Krieger
3. Doris O’Connor
4. Gayl Taylor
5. Dilo Keith, M/M BDSM author
6. Megan D. Martin
7. Raven McAllan
8. Dianne Hartsock
9. Arya Grey
10. Leona Bushman
11. Shelli Rosewarne
12. Just Write and SO Gay
13. Carrie Pulkinen
14. Ivy Bateman
15. Love is a Many Flavored Thing

How Not to Write BDSM

With its increasing popularity, BDSM in erotic romance has, in some cases, suffered in quality. Many writers do an excellent job because they live the lifestyle, have done extensive research, or otherwise have an understanding of WIITWD. Others have perpetuated popular misconceptions or simply made up what seemed right for the story. Yes, it’s fiction, but I think references to an existing culture should resemble reality unless the book portrays a completely fabricated world. There’s also the matter of writer responsibility, a somewhat controversial topic  I won’t explore now. My only point for the moment is to tell you I’ve added a page containing links to posts about writing BDSM fiction. I was tempted to include two posts that discussed the subject by way of book reviews, but I’d rather not single out books I’m not recommending.

I’ve also updated and rearranged links to posts about BDSM and abuse.

Cyber Monday Sale – 60% off everything

All titles at Breathless Press, including my new book, Make Mine to Go, are 60% off today. Sorry for the late notice.

Make Mine to Go – Giveaway

I’m delighted to announce that Make Mine to Go was released today!  This page has information and links for buying.

I didn’t want my posts to have only promotional announcements, but it’s been a busy few months and I don’t have anything else for you. So, how about a  give-away? I’ll randomly pick a name from comments I receive between now and Wednesday night (Nov. 8, based on the site time stamp).  If you have trouble posting, use the contact page to send me a message instead.

“Make Mine to Go” comes alive – audio excerpt is up now

The reading is on YouTube now!  As I mentioned in the other posts, it’s part of the BDSM Bedtime Stories project, not an official audio edition.  It’s about 15 minutes long and will start playing automatically, so check your speakers.

Direct YouTube link

Link to the Goodreads BDSM group (you’ll have to join to browse).

“Make Mine to Go” pre-order page is up!

The title says it – you can pre-order “Make Mine to Go” at Breathless Press.  HERE

See the fiction page for information.

“Make Mine to Go” in Audio!

As a way to highlight authors and have some fun, the Goodreads BDSM group created “BDSM Bedtime Stories”. Audio recordings of sample chapters will be posted as YouTube videos – the visuals are cover art and that sort of thing (sorry, they’re not acting out the stories).  To my delight, they asked me to participate, and I selected the opening pages of my forthcoming novelette, “Make Mine to Go.”  In this excerpt, Justin and Toby invite a friend over for a session of “Do Try This at Home,” which involves using kinky porn videos for inspiration. The scene introduces the two main characters and shows how they like to play.

Link to the Bedtime Stories discussions.  You’ll have to join the group to see the threads, but I’ve posted the direct YouTube link on the Make Mine to Go page.  Link to other Bedtime Stories.

Thanks go to BookAddict and Will for putting the project together.

The book release date is Nov. 2.

Beautiful Cover for “Make Mine to Go”

Breathless Press finalized my cover this week and I love it.  They took my idea and turned it into art. My editor, the artist, and the marketing folks at BP are delightful to work with. E-book authors often have little choice in the covers (for understandable reasons), so I’m especially fortunate.

As far as I know, the release date is still November 2.

 

LGBT Pride Month

For my small contribution to Pride Month, I offer you something about the origins. From A Brief Trip Thru Bisexual NYC’s History:

[1969-70]  Bisexual activist and a stalwart at the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) Brenda Howard coordinated the rally to commemorate the 1-month anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and then creates the rally and march that celebrate the 1-year anniversary. This became the annual New York City Pride March which spawned marches around the world.

Brenda also originates the idea for a week-long series of events around Pride Day, called Pride Week.

As I heard it, she also came up with the idea to include a S/M-Leather-Fetish Contingent in the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.  Events surrounding the March spawned the phrase “Safe Sane Consensual”. This page explains more about SSC origins.

Brenda’s physical presence left us in 2005 on June 28, Pride Day, but her influence lives on. Read about the Brenda Howard Memorial Award here, where you’ll find more links.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: . 1 Comment »

About This Blog

The focus of this site is providing resources for readers, writers, and practitioners of BDSM. Promoting my writing is secondary.  Most of my posts are announcements of new BDSM, sex or writing links and my publishing milestones.  I’ll occasionally write a proper blog entry, but I’d rather share links to outstanding posts I find elsewhere.

New links & article on consent & abuse in BDSM

A BDSM blacklist, posted at Salon.com, discusses FetLife’s controversial decision to prevent public identification of alleged abusers (by screen name). In that article is a link to a seven-part series on abuse and consent in BDSM posted at the Yes Means Yes blog.  When I have time, I’ll set up a separate page on this important topic. For now, I’ve added the series to my link collection. I’d appreciate getting recommendations of worthwhile articles about consent and abuse.

Hop Against Homophobia Ebook Winners

I appreciate the comments left on my Hop Against Homophobia post, especially in light of the huge number of participating blogs.

It seems fitting to mention today’s news: Dharun Ravi was sentenced to 30 days in jail for his actions associated with the suicide of his former roommate, Tyler Clementi.  The sentence also includes a $10,000 fine (which goes to organizations fighting hate crimes ), three-years on probation, and 300 hours of community service. I’m not going to post my personal thoughts on this controversial outcome.

As promised, I randomly selected two people to receive a copy of “Ad-Dick-tion, Vol. 2″.  Congratulations to KimberlyFDR and Andrea!