As the author of three romantic comedies, I was comfortable in my genre. I knew how to make my readers laugh with my characters and sigh at the most romantic moments. My romantic comedies are like a good Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan film. So what would possess me to leave my comfort zone for something different? The answer is…Some Like It Hotter.
At a writer’s conference, I was sitting at a table surrounded by erotica writers. We had an eye-opening conversation about the number of books they’d written, their loyal following and their sales numbers, which blew mine out of the water.
When I got home, I went online and purchased one of their books. I was pleasantly surprised to find their story wasn’t that much different from mine, just with more and hotter sex scenes. The writing was superior, the plot was captivating, the characters were believable and engaging. That’s when it occurred to me; maybe I could write erotica.
The thought was sticky and clung to my waking moments like a piece of tape I couldn’t get off my finger. Next thing I knew, my overactive imagination had come up with not one book, but a four book series: Hot PurSuits. Each book would have one of the playing card suits in the title.
My first attempt would be, Stealing Hearts, to be followed by Queen of the Clubs, Pay Back in Spades, and Not for Diamonds. Then, with the help of my brothers, of all people, we created a pen name to keep the genres separate. I decided to write under a pen name so that fans of Christie Walker Bos couldn’t accidentally read one of my erotica books. But I decided to link the two names for cross promotion purposes. I don’t care if people know that Susan Ashworthy is really Christie Walker Bos. I just wanted to make sure that readers knew there was a difference between the two lines. With titles ready, a pen name in hand, all that was left to do was write the first book. Easy, right?
Not as easy as I thought. Needless to say, the edits were extreme. I had a lot to learn about erotica. Which words you can and can’t use to describe certain body parts, what to leave in, what to leave out, (what to put in, when to put out?) I had this great idea to incorporate dripping hot wax on my hero in one of the sex scenes. My editor asked, “Have you ever tried that?” Well, no, actually I hadn’t. So I tried it and guess what…it really hurts…I mean hurts A LOT. So I changed it to painting him with warm liquid chocolate. The things you do for your craft.
One thing I did notice was my voice was the same. There is still a touch of humor in my erotica, and my characters are still “real” living people who just happen to have more frequent and hotter sex. Lucky them!
So Stealing Hearts finally was published and I held my breath until the first review came out. Holding breath, holding breath, holding breath…and, YES, my first review was a good one. Yeah. Now the real test…reader feedback. I sent copies to some of my Christie Walker Bos fans to see if they would like this new subgenre. Holding breath, holding breath, holding breath…and, YES, two thumbs up. But what I really wanted to see, the point of my whole experiment into the “dark side” was if royalties would be different. And guess what, they were. That first royalty check for Stealing Hearts was about 6 times larger than first royalty checks for my romantic comedies. So it’s true, more people really do like it hotter!
If you were to write erotica, would you use a pen name? Would you link your erotic line with your current genre?
Writers who pen articles for magazines understand this concept very well. They research a topic, write an article targeting a particular publisher, submit it, then turn around and repurpose that same article, just retargeting/repurposing that piece for a new audience and another publication.
Fiction writers don’t get that opportunity as often because, if we have an audience, how irritated would they be to read the same piece over and over, just repurposed for another release? Here are two examples of works I’ve recently “repurposed.”
Two Hot was previously “Hot Out Here” in The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance, however, I revised it, and added a better ending. Something I couldn’t do the first time around because of word count restraints.
All the short stories in Strokes, except for “Lily’s Last Stand” and “All About Me,” were previously published in Cleis Press collections.
Why would I want to republish them?
1) I like to make my work accessible to my fans and not everyone is willing to buy every anthology I appear in.
2) I like making a little money for my labor. The stories I sold to Cleis, for example, only earned me $50 apiece.
In this day and age when a writer can publish her own work, she has greater control over her own destiny. In the scary old days, there was only one way for a writer to go—straight to New York and a handful of big publishers. If you didn’t manage to catch the eye of an editor, then if your story wasn’t something the marketing department knew how to sell, you were toast. With more epublishers and self-publishing opportunities, writers can cut out the middle men entirely if they wish.
I wouldn’t ever want to cut out all of my publishers. You never know what the future holds, and it’s best not keep all your eggs in one basket, but there’s so much freedom now. I’m enjoying it. I hope you readers enjoy the result too—more books, more quickly, for a great price from writers you love.
Oh, and sometime late today or tonight, Two Hot will be offered for free on Amazon.com. Just my way of saying thanks for being along for the ride. I’ll tweet, FB and message you all when that offer goes live! *blows kisses* ~DD
Thanks so much for letting me guest blog, Delilah! I really appreciate the opportunity. Hey, out there! Let me to introduce myself. My name is Melanie Atkins, and I’m obsessed with hot cops. I write romantic suspense with intense storylines, and I’ve tried writing erotic stories, but they’re just not for me. So I stick with the cops. Flawed, dark, sexy heroes who carry big guns.
Most of my favorite shows are crime dramas: Castle, In Plain Sight, Southland, Law & Order SVU, Unforgettable, The Killing, Blue Bloods, Memphis Beat, and the Glades, to name a few. All of them have strong heroes. Castle’s not a cop, but he is hot, he writes crime stories, and he helps the police. So that counts. I blog about that show after every new episode, too, by the way, on Lee Lofland’s The Graveyard Shift blog. Lee is an ex-cop who critiques the police procedure, while I give my take on the romance. We often give off a good cop-bad cop vibe, and that’s a lot of fun… but I digress.
Back to my flawed heroes. I like ’em troubled, with a plight only the heroine can solve. She, of course, is a strong, determined, independent woman who doesn’t need a man to lookout for her, but she just can’t walk away from the hero’s blatant masculinity. You get my drift. My stories might not be erotic, but they contain plenty of sexual tension, angst, and eventual satisfaction.
My latest release, BLOOD RITE, a single title romantic thriller from Whiskey Creek Press, gets this point across in spades. The hero in that one is Nick Marconi, a man in desperate need of the heroine’s help, but he doesn’t want it… because Gracie Simpson is a psychiatrist.
Here’s the blurb from the back of the book:
Women in New Orleans are dying. Women New Orleans Police Detective Nick Marconi has dated. To make matters worse, they have all been found with vials of his murdered sister’s blood in their throats. Nick is walking a tightrope between depression and rage. His superiors are worried about his mental health, so they send him to see psychiatrist Gracie Simmons.
Gracie is walking a tightrope of her own. She became a psychiatrist because she wants to help people, and in addition to private practice, she also treats police and parolees. The extra work gives her flashbacks about her father, however, a bad cop arrested when she was just fifteen. Then a former flame harasses her, and her best friend turns up dead. Desperate for a distraction, she makes Nick her special project. Only… he doesn’t want to be saved.
Somehow, I channeled that story and wrote it in six weeks — all 95,000 words. Nick talked to me, Gracie got angry with me, and I just kept writing. It’s my favorite of all the books I’ve written.
In addition to this book, I have another one up at Whiskey Creek: FLASH BANG is an Epic Award finalist. And I have two series out at Desert Breeze Publishing. Check out my New Orleans Detectives and Keller County Cops, plus a stand-alone novella. All have strong, damaged heroes in need of some sweet, hot lovin’. And boy, do they get it. In spades.
Quick brag! In addition to being the Long and Short Reviews Book of the Month, Lone Heart is also a TOP PICK at Night Owl Reviews! I’m completely thrilled! Yesterday was a very, very good day!
Okay, on to today’s topic. I told you it would be quick. 🙂 ~DD
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I live in the boonies. The nearest town is small and has NO movie theater! I have to drive at least an hour to get to one. So it takes a special movie to motivate me to see it on the big screen. Here’s one I cannot wait to see.
First, my idol, JOSS WHEDON, is directing the movie. Remember Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, and Dollhouse? Second, I need another dose of Chris Hemsworth wearing armor or nothing at all…
I already know I’ll be buying every action figure to plop into my story toy box! Watch the trailer, then vote for your favorite Avenger!
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P.S. Thanks to everyone who voted for me this weekend over at Long and Short Reviews. My dd is sorry she ever suggested the mailings, but I’m enjoying watching her hand cramp into a withered ball! 🙂
With the fun of the new Snow White movie coming out, I can barely stand the wait. In the meantime I’m stuck…er…happily penning wildly erotic stories for the enjoyment of those waiting for the next great movie to come out. Oh, hell, you know you love the wildly erotic stories, f*** the movies. Our imaginations can be oh, so much more entertaining. With a storyline to follow, interesting characters come alive on the page to our wonder, delight and desire.
In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m in a crazily happy mood. Why, you might ask? Who knows? Perhaps it’s the fact that I recently contracted for 6 works under my other pen name (Elle James) for Harlequin. Or maybe it’s the unprecedented success (for me) of my latest Samhain cowboy book, BOOTS AND CHAPS or perhaps it’s the first draft of the incredibly hot cover for my next Samhain release BOOTS AND LEATHER coming out in August.
Truthfully, I think it’s an hysterical reaction to over commitment, with a vacation (to St. Thomas!!) coming up and too much to do in too short a time. *she laughs maniacally—bwahahaha*
Whatever the reason, I’ll ride this happy rollercoaster until it spins out of control and plummets to the earth for the few split-seconds this crazy writer slumps into the pits of hell—that dreaded place called self-doubt—only to rise again on the wave of a glorifying review from a loving fan.
Ah, the life of a writer…Who needs drugs?
Prize. Did someone say prize? I’m sure I heard someone say prize, therefore for anyone equally crazy enough to leave a comment in the spirit of insanity, I offer a chance to win a download of one of my fabulously erotic works. So please leave a comment of a purely ridiculous nature and maybe you too will catch the next round of lunacy. Come! Come! Comment!
BOOTS AND CHAPS
Welcome to the Ugly Stick Saloon
She gave up stripping to go legit…until three Kiowa cowboys bring on the down-and-dirty.
Jackson Gray Wolf is turning thirty, and what does he have to show for it? A ranch. No wife, no kids, no dates. He’s had his eye on the pretty owner of the Ugly Stick Saloon, but their one accidental encounter was interrupted before he could get her out of her take-me-now red cowboy boots.
Audrey Anderson isn’t in the market for a man. Been there, done that, has the scars to prove it. She retired her pole-dancing boots after purchasing the Ugly Stick Saloon, and now manages a stable of strippers. When she winds up one stripper short for a private party, she’s forced to slip on a mask and into the role of the mysterious Kiki.
Jackson didn’t want the birthday bash his twin brothers are throwing him, but his vow to ignore the rented stripper goes awry when she shows him exactly how far she’s willing to go—for all three of them.
Audrey can’t forget the sizzling heat between her and one sexy Kiowa in particular. Jackson. Trouble is, she’s not sure if he wants the bold, brassy Kiki, or if he’s ready for the wounded woman underneath.
Lone Heart is nominated for Book of the Month for February at Long and Short Reviews. Go vote! Here’s the link: Vote at LASR
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Check out my new release!
This one’s short and cheap (just $.99)—but oh so hot! And if you wouldn’t mind… Please click on the cover and head over to Amazon to “tag” and “like” the book! Every click helps! Thanks!
Afraid to spoil their friendship, Emily had been reluctant to act on her attraction to the two sexy men next door. However, when she’s caught spying on them, the men decide a little punishment is in order…
From National Bestselling Author, Delilah Devlin, comes a sexy little story sure to become one of your favorite one-handed reads!
Warning: This 6800-word short story contains elements of voyeurism, m/f/m ménage sex, oral sex, and light BDSM.
The 4x2x4 contest and Promo Ho contests continue! Check out my contest page for details!
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Sunday Report Card
Last week was crazy. So much happening between rennovations of the new house and trying to get my office organized, plus a photography class yesterday!
I did manage to do the following:
1) I added another chapter to Charmed in the Big Easy
2) I edited and uploaded Two Hot
3) I submitted two entries for a new Cleis Press call for submissions
4) I completed Soldier Girls and submitted for another Cleis Press call
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This Week’s Guests
This week, I’ll have the following ladies blogging here:
Mar 5 — Myla Jackson
Mar 7 — Melanie Atkins
Mar 9 — Christie Walker
Be sure to drop by to say hello to them. You might just find another author you have to read!
Remember! The 4x2x4 Contest continues!
Post a comment today for another chance to win!
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We all want to feel to feel that spark of attraction from the very first time a man and woman meet. Sometimes, we have just the right hero and heroine, just the right entrance to frame a memorable first meeting…
“…In Delilah Devlin’s WARLORD’S DESTINY, a strong man is brought to his knees by an equally strong woman. Interesting, attractive personalities make this read especially powerful.”
Nominee for Best Paranormal Erotic Novel of 2005 by Romantic Times BookClub Magazine! TOP PICK! 4 1/2 Stars, RT BOOKreviews
“Watching these two grow is both amusing and touching… I found Warlord’s Destiny to be a very well-written novel, and ultimately a very entertaining story to read.”
Book Review Network
Promised in marriage for a decade, Mora has no illusions she is anything other than the sacrificial lamb to ensure peace between her peace-loving planet and the warlike world that demands her union with one of their own. No great beauty, she resigns herself to a loveless marriage with a man who will only do his duty by her. However, when she meets the rugged warlord who will be her husband, Mora feels an immediate stirring of lust. She decides in that moment to win his heart—she’ll settle for nothing less!
Lord Tetrik finds his bride more than the scrawny handful he had expected. She has hips to breed him strong, sturdy sons, and intelligence that is a gift worth more than a pretty face. When he suspects his wife harbors tender feelings for him, he wonders if he can be the husband she desires. After all, love for a woman is a frivolous thing—and not a Warlord’s Destiny.
So, that’s what Kronaki warriors look like!
Every story ever whispered about the fearsome warriors came rushing back to set Mora’s body trembling. How they fought like ravaging beasts, cutting bloody swaths through Graktilian mercenaries during the war. How they lived in rough stone fortresses made of blocks carved from their frozen mountains. How they fostered their children to rival clans so they would be raised without gentleness.
How they fucked with such fury their women’s screams echoed throughout their valleys.
Mora felt a tremor rumble beneath the polished, marble floor of the great hall, so explosive was the swell of conversation that arose at the warriors’ arrival. Read the rest of this entry »
In addition to this book, I have another one up at Whiskey Creek: FLASH BANG is an Epic Award finalist. And I have two series out at Desert Breeze Publishing. Check out my New Orleans Detectives and Keller County Cops, plus a stand-alone novella. All have strong, damaged heroes in need of some sweet, hot lovin’. And boy, do they get it. In spades.
Quick brag! In addition to being the Long and Short Reviews Book of the Month, 
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With the fun of the new Snow White movie coming out, I can barely stand the wait. In the meantime I’m stuck…er…happily penning wildly erotic stories for the enjoyment of those waiting for the next great movie to come out. Oh, hell, you know you love the wildly erotic stories, f*** the movies. Our imaginations can be oh, so much more entertaining. With a storyline to follow, interesting characters come alive on the page to our wonder, delight and desire.
