Writing a Little Bit of Everything

Thanks so much, Delilah, for having me today. I was tickled you had space for me. As usual when thinking about what my topic for today would be I became distracted by Facebook and Twitter. Pictures of cute little baby animals (baby giraffes get me every single time), hot smexxy men (David Gandy wants ME, people, his eyes don’t lie), and of course, snarky e-cards and gratuitous wine shots are a serious distraction. Then I remembered I had a blog post to do and I was all discombobulated.

Finally, I hit on my topic. That a reader hit me up to ask me the question first was a godsend. The question was: “I see you write a little bit of everything. Why?” Now at first I wondered, is this reader pissed I write a little of everything? Or, are they happy about the fact that I’ve written romance across a wide spectrum of sub-genres to include contemporary, science fiction, paranormal, suspense and erotic? Maybe the question isn’t WHY, maybe it’s just why. Maybe there’s nothing hidden in the question—maybe they like that I do this. Then I shut my writer mind off and tackled the problem with my reader mind.

I write but I read, too. A LOT. My interests vary from outer space to shape-shifters to billionaires to military heroes to assassins. I like whips and chains, but I like the sweetness as well. And if I read all that doesn’t it just make sense that I would enjoy writing all of it? Of course it makes sense. My reading interests are a direct reflection of my personality—I love it all. No limits and no restraints. The written word makes me happy. What makes me even happier is to find an author I love to read and then I’ll devour everything they’ve written no matter the sub-genre.

So back to my reader’s question: Why? Why do I write a little bit of everything? Moving back into my writer brain the answer is simple: Because I can. Because I love it. Because I have stories that must get out of my brain or it will explode. That’s how I answered their question. I write scifi, paranormal, contemporary, erotic, and suspense because that’s where my characters live and breathe and fight and love. I might do one better than the other but you can bet your sweet butt I’m going to give everyone of them the best story possible.

My reader responded with this: “ 😀 I’m going to read them all I just wanted to know.” And in that statement is the very best unsaid/unwritten compliment I’ve ever received. That reader likes my writing. She likes the words I string together to form sentences then paragraphs then chapters and you get the idea. Because she likes my style, my voice, my words, she’ll read just about anything I write. And that is the best damn feeling in the world.

To any writer who wonders whether they should write that scifi romance they’ve been contemplating—to any writer who thinks maybe they should hold off of that M/M/f they’ve been wanting to pen—here’s my suggestion: WRITE IT. Don’t question your muse. Go with what you feel, do whatever research you need to do on galaxies and light-years and what goes where/when/how in a M/M/f, but DON’T NOT WRITE IT! Read the rest of this entry »

Tie me to the Bedpost and More!

Thanks Delilah for having me as your guest. I love a good naughty cocktail as much as the next girl so I thought I’d stop by and share a few drinks that go with some of my latest releases:

Tie Me To The Bedpost Baby

This is the perfect drink for Cassianna when she walks smack into the arms of her long lost love in Academy of Love.

Mix with ice in a hurricane glass and enjoy with a hunk like Lawrence when things heat up back at the Academy.

Or how about a little
Southern Bondage…

In Mixing Glass With Ice Add:
1/4 oz Amaretto
1/4 oz Peach Schnapps
1/4 oz Southern Comfort
1/4 oz Triple Sec
Splash Sweet/Sour Mix
Splash Cranberry Juice
Shake and Strain

Pour into a shot glass and enjoy!

Do you feel like escaping winter’s chill and heading for warmer temperatures? How hot do you like it? Check out these drink recipes inspired by Sail Away With Me.

Jody and Taggart’s sexy romp at sea and those hot Caribbean nights call for a drink like this:

Come To Me

Pour all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Stir well, and serve.

Those two are insatiable. And still thirsty. How about a little Bend Me Over to refresh…

Bend Me Over

1 oz. Amaretto
2 oz. Sweet and Sour mix
Shake and strain, pour over a glass filled with ice and top with a splash of pineapple juice. Read the rest of this entry »

After writing over 5000 words yesterday, I’m nearing the end of my latest SEAL story, Mutiny’s Bounty. I need to work like an automaton to get through my huge list of January projects. I think I worked well yesterday because the sun was out and the sky was a perfectly clear and bright blue. I felt happy and the writing showed it. Today, it’s raining and cold—as dreary a forecast as you can imagine. And I’m tired. Does weather affect you? I used to like rainy days. I loved any excuse to snuggle in a blanket and put my feet up to read a book or watch a movie. I’m ready for pool weather now!

Maybe I’m tired as well because I have so much more on plate than just books. I have a house to sell that has to be repaired and refurbished, and yes, I’m not doing any of the physical work, but I do have to run around to meet realtors, get utilities turned back on, etc. I really hate going out and about. Does that make me a shut-in? Have I become that weird writer-hermit person? I don’t like dressing up or putting on makeup or shoes. And I’m perfectly happy letting my hair frizz because blow-drying and straightening is too much work. Whoa. I am that person!

Maybe it’s just the weather. I used to think winter was my favorite season, but no more. What about you? If you didn’t have to go outside to work or carry the kids to their destinations, would you be that weird shut-in person?

Oh, and a quick note about newsletters. Mine’s been boring as hell. I’m hoping to change that in the near future. While I work on that, make sure you’re signed up to receive it. There will be contests and offers you can only get through this subscription…

Newsletter

If you are interested in receiving news about book releases, appearances, or other fun news, sign up for my newsletter. You won’t be inundated with emails (I’m just too busy) and I will never give or sell your information to anyone.

UPDATE: Rachelle Lerner is the winner!

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Hi All! Cynthia D’Alba here. Whenever gal pal, Delilah, offers up her blog for guest, I usually slug all the other authors to get in line first! I’m pretty sure that’s how I got this cherry spot on the day before my book release.

Tomorrow (Feb. 4, 2014) book 3 (a novella) in the Texas Montgomery Mavericks series hits the online bookshelves. TEXAS FANDANGO is the story of KC Montgomery, a strong-willed, independent Texas cowgirl-attorney and Drake Gentry, drop-dead sexy professor from Texas Southern Methodist University.

The couple flies from Texas for a vacation full of sun, sand, surf and sex at The Sand Castle Resort on private SugarIsland in the Caribbean. It’s a two-week fling that will be over when the vacation is over. Sometimes, however, two weeks on a beach can deepen more than just tans.

Here’s a quick excerpt:

Drake leaned back on the sofa and crossed an ankle over a knee. “Okay, as I was saying, do you want to go with me on vacation? You sort of caught me off-guard this afternoon, and I’m sorry for being so slow on the uptake. I’d love for you to come with me.” He drained the remaining water and set the empty bottle on the side table. “But you need to know that I reserved a one-bedroom suite. I’ll sleep on the couch, you don’t have to worry. You can have the bed.”

KC set the puppy down and leaned forward. “You’re asking me to go with you on vacation?”

“Yep. My treat.”

“And you’re not going to make me sleep with you?”

He shrugged and made himself maintain eye contact when what he wanted to do was look anywhere but at her. Damn. Her voice was a little tight and high with that last question. Now what had he done wrong? He didn’t think he’d ever understand women.

“Right.” He dragged the word out. “No obligation.”

She drained her beer. The empty bottle dangled from the tips of her fingers. The side of her cheek sucked as she rolled it between her teeth.

“So no sex. That’s what you’re saying? I just want to make sure there are no misunderstandings this time.”

He nodded. “Sure.”

She echoed his nod and then set her bottle on the floor. “Well then, in that case, no.”

His head popped back. “What?”

Leaning toward him, she said, “No sex, no trip.”

This time, he swallowed hard. Crossed and uncrossed his legs. Adjusted his position on the sofa. “Explain exactly what you’re saying. Use small words and short sentences. I don’t think my mind is hearing correctly this afternoon.”

“Here’s the deal, Doc. I want a vacation with the five S’s. Sand. Surf. Sun. Spa. And sex.” She leaned back in her chair. “And not necessarily in that order.”

“So you want to sleep with me?”

“I want a two-week torrid, scorching-hot affair. No holds barred. Then, we walk away. No harm. No foul. Those are my terms.” She stared into his eyes. “Take it or leave it.”  Read the rest of this entry »

UPDATE: Phoebe didn’t realize the book went back up to $3.99. So she’s offering to send
free copies to anyone who leaves their email addresses in a comment!

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FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS  

People frequently tell me they have an idea for a book that’s a sure bestseller, but then complain they lack the discipline to sit down and write. I love to write, so discipline isn’t required in my case, but passion is vital. No matter how amazing the initial idea might be, if the author tires of the story or loses affection for the characters, it will take forever to write or languish unfinished. That’s why an author needs to care passionately about her story from the first glimmer of an idea.

Several of my friends have a passion for gardening and have such beautiful yards to prove it. My sons are passionate about their music, and are wonderful musicians as a result. I know people who love dogs so dearly they participate in rescues and foster dogs waiting for a permanent home. Multiple passions make life even more exciting and some people have so many interests they have difficulty focusing on just one at a time.

A man recently asked me for advice. He had a sensational idea for a subject he cares about passionately and thought writing a book would be a fast way to make money to fund his research. I laughed, and suggested if Santa Anita were open, he’d have a better chance of turning a profit if he bet on the horses. He swore he wasn’t a gambler, but writers have to be. He truly thought he could write the book quickly, although he’d never written fiction, sell it and promptly pocket the money. Many people suffer under the same delusion and believe a book would be easy to write, if they only had the discipline to stay seated at their computers.

We may spend a year or more writing a book we love from the first sentence to the last and find no publisher shows even a particle of interest. That’s a real blow to our egos and bank accounts. In the past, authors could tuck an unsold story under the bed and begin another with the hope the rejected book would find an editor in a year or two.

Sometimes that strategy works. What one editor discounts as uninteresting, another will adore. With a finished manuscript, there’s always hope it will someday see the light of day and receive the acclaim we’re sure it deserves.

Now authors have a chance to Indie publish not only the backlist their publishers have allowed to go out of print, but new books as well. We can now write the book we truly want to write, hire an editor, pay for a professional cover and find success on our own. This is so exciting not only for writers, but readers as well.

In the 1990s, I wrote a four book historical series featuring a Virginia family. Fans begged for more, but the original publisher wasn’t interested. The beauty of writing a historical romance is that they never seem dated as a contemporary book might. The Hearts of Liberty series is now available as ebooks with a new fifth book to take the story into the next generation. The first book, SAVAGE DESTINY, a Native American romance, has received so many interesting reviews. Some people understand the Indian’s pride, love his story and are eager to continue reading the series. Others find my hero unsympathetic, and stop there. Thank goodness they’re in the minority!

I thank everyone who posts a review, and I’m delighted most are highly complimentary. Now the question is whether or not to write book 6 and 7. I love these characters, and could follow their adventures forever. So I have what it takes: Passion. SAVAGE DESTINY is available now as a free download. This is a great way to sample a writer you haven’t read, and explore your passion for books.

No guest, just me. Today, I’m going to spend a little time updating my monthly goals and schedule, and then it’s right back into the two projects I’m trying my best to finish up. So without further ado, here’s your question…

Say you won a national contest and the prize was a personal, twenty-minute
concert from the artist of your choice, who would you choose? 

Psst! Remember, Sasha’s contest from yesterday, is still open! Three books to three separate winners!

The Lush series releases in Digital and print on Feb 11, 2014. If you’re interested in an Advance download be sure to comment here. There will be three chances to win, and Delilah will announce the winners on Monday!

One of the most common questions for a writer is “Where do you get your ideas?” or “What inspires you?” I find this question both the easiest thing to answer – and the hardest – because my true answers are not that romantic or inspirational.

Mostly, my ideas come from real life people – the ones I see on the streets, talk to in the mall, or read about in the news. Occasionally music or a picture will stir the muse, but basically, life inspires me.

However, being able to pay my bills at the end of each month also inspires … it inspires me to plant my butt in the chair and get my fingers dancing across the keyboard, even when it’s the last thing in the world I really want to do.

Unromantic, but it’s true.

It’s not often I can pinpoint exactly what inspired a story idea for me, but with the LUSH stories I can. The opportunity to write a single author anthology for Kensington came at the same time I wanted to shift gears a bit with my storytelling. Most of my stories tend to be on the edgy/raw side of things, but I wanted to try something …. LUSH. And yes, the title did come first.

But what is LUSH? Think erotic, romantic, decadent… that’s what I decided LUSH was. I’m a big believer that things don’t have to be explicit to be erotic. A kiss can be erotic. The brush of skin against skin, or the scent of the pillow after your lover leaves the bed, and you’re still curled up warm in bed. Those things are erotic. Those things are Lush.

With the idea of a decadent series in mind, I thought about setting. Often my stories are set in bars or cafes or retail stores…like I said, every day life. But for this, I thought an art gallery would be perfect. And not just any art gallery, but one that specialized in erotic art, and the woman who makes it happen.

I’d love to show you some of the things I found during my planning that inspired the characters and stories, but they are not for everyone’s taste, therefore, I’d like to encourage you all to surf over to my website, and visit the LUSH GALLERY built there. You can view some truly erotic photography, a sculpture that I placed in the gallery, and then follow the link to the Bookpages for some excerpts. 

So, for the first time in my life, I planned a series. Yes, they are only novellas, but for a panster like me who doesn’t ever plot, this was a big deal. Okay, I admit it…I planned it pretty loosely. I just planned the character connections, and then let them run free during their stories, and I have to say, I fell in love with them all. Each story has a different feel, but they all retain the erotic decadence that defines LUSH.

Eight years ago when it released, it got fabulous reviews, but not a ton of readers because erotic romance wasn’t as prevalent as it is today, so now that I’m re-releasing them all again, I’m really hoping more readers will discover the Lush Gallery and fall in love with it, and the people who are connected to it.

Want to win an advance Download of One of these novellas? Answer this question in the comments.

If you could be an artist, what form would you work in?
Photography? Sculpting? Glass? Jewelry? Wood?

Excerpt from PASSION PLAY

I decided to give you the first meeting between the hero and heroine instead of the first chapter. I have to admit, I found this story very fun to write because both characters were very strong and came through loud and clear to me. Which is why both Dominick and Mia are in first person. Read the rest of this entry »