Books, artists, & the Journey Thus Far
Thank you for those who asked...here's the information on my books thus far:
Artist for Mistress Mine = Scott Carpenter. This book can still be purchased at
this link.
Artist for The Big O = Scott Carpenter. This book can still be purchased at this link.
Artist = April Martinez, and Stream of Time is scheduled for an end of May release date.
Artist = April Martinez. Star Struck can be purchased here
Leaving Mama, my first mainstream is scheduled for release May 30th. All the information I have on this particular book can be found here, 2nd from bottom of page. And if all goes as planned, Scott Carpenter will once again be my artist.
Some of you have asked about my artists. Scott Carpenter is doing the "Kinky Kruising" series; April Martinez is doing "The Promise" series - both for Loose Id; plus April did the cover for my one book with LSB called Star Struck. Scott will also be the artist for Leaving Mama and the other books I have contracted with Samhain - La Bella Luna (another mainstream, written as Bobbie Cole) and Red Hot Lover, written as Lyn Cash.
April and Scott are both fabulous artists. Scott is also an author.
I'm not certain who my artist will be for the forthcoming Just Desserts at Ellora's Cave, but I have a bio up on their website now - lol. So I know that I exist somewhere in their mainframe.
Some of you who haven't made it over to my critique group's website, The Belfry Collective, might be interested in knowing that six of us have already contracted with new publisher Samhain Publishing. Dee, Rae, Amy, Alexis, Kate, and moi have signed contracts for everything from sweet contemporary romance to erotic romance to mainstream - as ever, the Collective is diversified. Four of us (Yours Truly, again, Kate/Summer, Ann, and Kris write for Ellora's Cave. Cathy writes for Lion Heart, Gerrie for Echelon, Liz for Medallion, and Kate writes for Kensington. Merry, Donica, and Shara write for By Grace Publishing, and they all have books out with other publishers as well. Some of you have asked when we're having our next Author Day - and the answer is...one isn't scheduled as yet, but we've kicked around the idea over the past few months. So bear with us a while longer.
For you writers, I've heard recently that Berkley, Avon, Harlequin Spice, and Kensington are all seeking erotic romance in novella as well as novel form, and the subgenre doesn't seem to be slowing down at all. The e-pubs are still the largest producer of erotic fiction, but the ranks may be closing if the big 4 out of New York have anything to say about it.
For those who wish to get a deeper (no pun intended - honestly) take on why some writers write erotic fiction, an article by Simon Sheppard might clue you in. And if you like video, Geraldo did a bit on this a few days ago that is worth viewing...click on Archives at top, then Feb 23rd's program on Steamy Novels to your left on the next page that opens.
As for what is next for me, I won't be submitting to LSB any more - long story and I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate my telling you why, so...suffice it to say, Star Struck is the only book they'll be publishing of mine. But I've contracted 8 novels so far plus have verbal agreements on another 5, all but 3 to be written this year and maybe all to be published in 2006 - we shall see. Life does get in the way occasionally, and scheduling prevents many books from coming out when they're 'supposed' to - lol - so...for now, that's all I have to give you on myself.
For those who have asked what publisher likes what, all I can tell you for certain is that I've had marvelous editors with all of the companies who have contracted me - Loose Id seems to prefer 'edgier' stuff, such as BDSM, interracial, interstellar, anything that pushes the envelope. Ellora's Cave loves sexy, sexy, sexy. And Samhain is all over the map as far as acquisitions - I've sold both mainstream and erotic romance to them, and friends of mine have sold sweet romances, so...if you're a writer, chances are they publish your genre or subgenre.
No, I'm not going to discuss finances with you in a public forum, but I will tell you that Ellora's Cave and Samhain are supposedly forces for the others to reckon with. As for editors, I've been extremely fortunate - extremely so, and I wouldn't trade any of 'em if I could.
Color me excited just to be in this crazy business. I'm sure I could make more money doing something else, but writing, alas, is my passion, and I'm not really much good at anything else.
Till next time...I've got a ton of housework to do...I'm so used to being pampered and spoiled lately, and there's no one to wake me up with a latte or Starbucks coffee, alas...
HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE
1. Open a new file in your PC.
2. Name it "Housework."
3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.
4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN.
5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?"
6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly......
7. Feel better? Works for me!
P.S. - Fellow writer buddy Jennifer Archer has a brand new blog and is fairly new to Blog World. If you get the chance, pop over and say hello to her - tell her Lyn Cash sent you if you like. Jennifer writes mainstream women's fiction for Harlequin Next - she was one of their debut authors and is a terrific tale-spinner.
~ Sunny Lyn
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I Am Woman
artist: April Martinez
Cover of the new book coming out with Loose Id in a matter of days/weeks/who knows? They'd sent me the cover in early January, but I didn't get it for whatever cyberspace reasons until now, and I'm really jazzed by this one. What do the rest of you think? ~
Stream of Time is a time travel erotic romance with a chick lit tone.
<~~~ "woman" as explained by engineers ~
Well, maybe. But I learned a lot about being a woman the past week that I've yet to find in a book, and the lessons were learned from a group of gay men who took me under their wings. ~
They pampered and spoiled me, made me lattes, took me out to brunches, lunches, and dinners, made me exercise, took me to a drag show, and told me that they'd love a few more books featuring happy endings for them. ~
We moisturized, sipped Manhattans and martinis, talked for hours, and bandied politics, religion, and all those 'taboo' subjects that often lead to trouble...all without trouble. ~
I walked so much and smoked so less that I came home feeling better than I have in years, even lost weight (had a doctor's appointment today and was shocked when I stepped on the scales). ~
I'd worked on edits for two publishers prior to leaving and had final edits from one of them to do this morning (God bless Nick Conrad's slave-driving lil heart - he's such a good editor with such wonderful ideas), so looks like we've put the Ellora's Cave novel on the desk of the final line editor come today or tomorrow. ~
Had some great inspiration for new books on my travels - I'm writing my first male/male book once I get a few more notes taken and develop a semi-sensible game plan. I was quite pleased on this trip (just got back yesterday) to pick my hosts' minds in order to get a better understanding of what makes a relationship work, no matter what type it is. Sex is almost a given if a man is involved - so what I went after was the romance, the little things that allure then bind one soul to another, and what I discovered was that love and friendship know no boundaries. Love is love is love, and doesn't matter if you wear lace or denim, shave or go au natural - if you have any compassion and empathy and understanding for others, you're a prime candidate to fall in love. ~
Things I did on this vacation, other than seeing the nation's Capitol: I had real East Coast seafood at the Capitol Yacht Club, received a bouquet of tulips from a man dear to my heart and long-stemmed roses from one I'd never met; I had deep conversations with a gay priest; and I met a sweet Korean restauranteur in his mid-80's who didn't look a day over 50. His wife sent me home with a huge beer glass that I intend to fill with M&M's and sit next to my computer.
I learned a bit about antiques, read literature I'd never have thought to pick up on my own, people-watched, and spent one afternoon with men who look better in make up and evening gowns than I do. I listened to "how we met" - and - "why we had to say goodbye" stories that were extraordinary tear-jerkers. And I heard over and over and over "I love you" and "Thank you for being in my life." ~
I picked up a new favorite word, too - Indulge. My favorite words have always been Abundance & Gratitude. Now I have a third, because I know that the meaning behind it means Accept. It means accept what I have to offer...accept that you are special and that's how I see you, how I wish to treat you. Indulge was written on a large plaque placed above the door of one man's entrance to his kitchen...and that kitchen was tricked out with all manner of wonderful things. I had the most amazing lattes and coffees, a homemade apple pie, and a delicious home cooked roast and vegetable dinner made in that kitchen. ~
I learned that being a woman AND a man is all about caring - for each other and for ourselves. It's difficult to give something we don't give ourselves, so I fully intend to pamper myself more now that I've witnessed what marvelous gifts come of the act. ~
After I recuperate from jet lag and catch up on laundry and chores at home, I'll hopefully have a blog post that offers some information for writers or at least a few ideas that may spark something worthy. Right now I'm about two brain farts short of dead and still need more sleep. Just thought I'd share a few of the things I experienced while I was away from blogging. ~
Till next time...here's to the woman & man in all of us...
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Fact Or Fiction?
Cece reminded me of a favorite character on CSI being on tv last night, and I blew it and didn't get to watch, but something in her email triggered a blog post. I started to call this one "Buying Our Own Bullshit" but thought better of it. I've requested permission to use a great cartoon next, but I'm still waiting on a response (just sent it). You can view their selection at
http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/d/dominatrix.asp - it's #1, "The Bitch's Grill".
How do you feel about writers who claim that their writing is autobiographical in many ways? I have no problem with an author having a vast knowledge of any topic. In fact, it lends credibility to much of their writing, say if a medical drama is written by a former (or current) medical professional or if an attorney pens a legal thriller, that sort of thing. So why do I have such difficulty suspending my disbelief when a writer I've met claims she's a Dominatrix and that this is a lifestyle?
I don't always--trust me. But there are times when I look at someone and just wanna call
bullshit. If they live with umpteen kids and grandkids under the same roof, if they never wear anything other than jeans or sweats in family photos, and their boobs or guts hang down to their knees, I just have a really difficult time in believing that they don leather thongs and hip boots, crack whips, and put nipple clamps on one another on a daily basis. Especially if they've had photos of their homes (as in apartments) out for view. I've lived in an apartment--we didn't have room for an extra closet, much less a dungeon.
And the image they're wanting me to buy gets distorted when I imagine one of the kids interupting at the optimum moment, which kids are apt to do. What do the Domme & submissive
do?
"Hold that position, honey, sounds like Susie is throwing up--I'll be right back."
"But I can't breathe--at least take off my mask."
"Here's a straw--stick it in your left nostril while I get her a wash cloth and let the cat outside."
And can you imagine laundry day?
"Mo-o-o-m! Daddy's dog collar wound up in my sock drawer, and the spikes snagged my cashmere leg warmers."
Maybe what really bugs me is that it bugs me at all. I mean it's none of my business if they paint one another blue and one of them is in gravity boots when they do the deed. Many actors have facades while others are comfortable saying "It's a movie, people...get over it...I'm not really like this. It's a character I'm portraying." Maybe that's what I wish writers would do...get honest about themselves and their writing. If they write fiction, who gives a damn? I could care less if a housewife from Jersey pens porn or if someone living in an 8' X 8' RV in Tuscon writes about Hollywood moguls or Washington dignitaries as long as they can pull it off. My concern is with their writing, not their personal lifestyle. If their fiction isn't strong enough to be convincing, I just don't see the point in their professing that they know what they're doing because what they write is what they do. That's no different to me than if they prefaced all their work with a disclaimer in front of every book:
Please, read me, because I really know what I'm talking about. Yeah? If so, why the need to explain?
Or am I being naive here? To me, it's rather
nice to see actress
Melinda Clarke as herself - I can buy it that she's not
Lady Heather of CSI, that her nickname is Mindy, and that she has a life outside her work. Her work is more credible to me because she doesn't pretend she's a dominatrix 24/7 just so I can feel like I'm in a crime scene drama for one hour.
If you'd like to read up on a real dominatrix, take a peek at a website for
Mistress Scarlet. Just don't confuse her with me simply because I've written a BDSM book. I'm sure she has better things to do than grouch about pretenders and debate the politics of honesty. *wink*
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February News
I know...it's not that big of a deal once you've sold, but I'm rather proud of this one. Just sold another manistream to Samhain Publishing - this one is called La Bella Luna (to be published under the name Bobbie Cole) and is about a quartet of rich, middle-aged ladies who attend the same day spa. One is dying, another's husband has just left her for the district attorney's husband, one has committed murder, and the one who thinks life has passed her by is the glue that holds the others together. More details as the book's debut approaches (months from now).
Also sold Red Hot Lover, an erotic fireman romance, also to Samhain, this one under the Lyn Cash moniker. I have a thing for firemen...what can I say?
My young friend Kelly Ethan recently sold her first book to Samhain Publishing. Quite literally...first book, first submission. Check out her awesome website, join her newsletter, and help me welcome another fascinating Aussie to our writers' circle. Her proud mum is one of my dearest friends, Alexis Fleming.
Also, make time if you will to check out another author's blog. Melany Logen is the combined talents of Melissa Lopez & Mechele Armstrong. They have a new book out with Ellora's Cave entitled Torc's Salvation. You can read their bio on the publisher's website. 
I just turned in the edits on Just Desserts for Ellora's Cave--since this is my 1st with them, I'm not sure of the turnaround before it's published but was told 'soon'.
Other projects heating up: edits on Stream of Time, an erotic time travel with Loose Id. I've done my own cartouche, which I hope they'll use on the cover. This one's set in ancient Egypt and is chick-lit in tone. It's the first in a triology of stories involving a shabi, a female king, and a sarcophagus and a curse.
I've been sooo delinquent on my Yahoo group newsletter - apologies to those who've asked about it. Life got in the way between December and February, but I'll try to get back on track.
Have a safe & happy Super Bowl weekend. Till next time...
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Quirky Contemplations
So I've remembered my philosophy on religion - there is a Higher Power, and I'm not it. While I'm not sure if His/Her name is George, Mother Earth, Buddah, God, or Allah, I'm fairly certain that the job has been filled by someone else who wants it, leaving me free to do my own thang, which is what else? Write.
I've been waiting a 'few' weeks on 3 edits that may or may not surface any time soon, or when they do, will hit me all at once (which is what I expect will happen). How about the other children of the mind awaiting birth? The 'bun in the oven' is a 100k word maintream erotic novel. I've tried to curb her growth as such, but she insists that is her destiny. Her siblings, already born and awaiting completion are beginning to make me feel like the old woman in the shoe.
One sister, in infancy, was born to be an erotic vixen who will have many adventures, conquer all her fears, and help save her country. I'm pretty sure she's destined for Smuts R Us as an action figure doll at some point. Her twin sister hasn't matured as quickly, but her life seems destined for a similar path. I've tried grooming them as Bombshell babes for Harlequin's Bombshell line, but I'm losing the battle.
There's a mainstream that calls out for attention, older characters returning to college, having to share quarters. That one is a lot of fun, but I never seem able to devote enough time to it.
Oh, geez, and I have committed to having a completed one done and submitted by end of month that is so far only an outline.
Just completed a novella that is part of an anthology with fellow bat friends who have also sold to this company. We're awaiting a decision as to whether or not it's wanted. If not, we have Plan B and Plan C and Plan D...
The three edits I'm waiting on are on two separate erotic novels (as in different publishers) and a mainstream novel. The submissions that aren't purchased that I'm waiting word on are two erotic novellas, a mainstream novel, and a chick lit mystery.
If you're doing the math, that makes 3 more that sold, of which I'm awaiting edits, 4 that are completed and submitted on which I'm waiting the "yay or nay", 3 current WIPs, and 2 in the planning stages. Not like I need to look far in order to
find something to do.
Anyway, gist of this is that I'm glad someone else is God. I'm having enough difficulty just being me. Here is a link that has kept me entertained during the moments of indecision or times of stress:
This one is easy to do...but I can't figure out how it works. All you do is pick any two digit number (48) add those numbers together (4 + 8 = 12), then subtract from the original number(48 - 12 = 36). Look up the answer (36) stare at the symbol next to the number then click on the glass ball.....really strange how this works!
http://trunks.secondfoundation.org/files/psychic.swf
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7 Comments:
I'm hearing the same thing about erotica. They're all looking for it, but unfortunately I don't write it. I'm always a day late and a dollar short! LOL!
Tanya
Well I write for 3 (used to be 4) of 'em, and I'm STILL late and short - lol. For some reason, my release dates are getting bottlenecked at the end of May, and I've tried so darned hard to keep one per month or every other month, but alas. Editors have lives, too, it seems. *grin*
speaking of making promises: I AM GOING TO READ YOUR STORY I AM NOW TRYING TO FINISH MINE....
ACK.
Kate
Love the covers. Scott and April do fabulous work - (and Scott is such a sweetie!!)
I THINK I read in RT that even NAL is starting an erotica line.
Thanks, Sam!
Cece, just the thought of sweet, soft-spoken Ellen Edwards & NAL having an erotic romance line is enough to make me check for the Second Coming. Quite interesting - thanks for the news.
Of course, Ellen is a fabulous editor and quite the dynamo - lol. She just looks small and helpless, but the woman is a tiger. I just never thought I'd see the day NAL had an erotic anything line.
Okay, Lyn, it's time to post something else, dear. Vacation time is over. :-)
Tanya
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