11/11/2011

The Park at Sunrise: Blurb

It's getting close to the release date for the Story Orgy Anthology from Breathless Press!  


My story The Park at Sunrise is featured in this anthology. 

Here's a bit more of what it's about:

Blurb



First they were three, now there are two.  
Can Jason and Morgan make a relationship work without Paul?

For years the three of them had been inseparable, first as friends, then lovers. It's been ten years since they parted for what was supposed to be a year apart to pursue their dreams.   This isn't the reunion they planned then.  It's nine years too late for one thing, and they are one man short for another.
In the years since Paul's death, Morgan hasn't exactly been waiting for Jason to reach out to him.    He's been too busy trying to forget, to move on.  Until Jason sends the right message. Is the painting just an excuse to see his ex again? 

Story Orgy Talks: Part 3


Story Orgy Talks Smack... I mean SMEX



Y'all are not going to believe this, but a year ago I had no idea what smex was.  *nods vigorously* Because I am perennially naïve and apparently oblivious to half the shit that happens in the world around me.  *shrugs* Whatever.  I have David Bowie, Tom Petty and tequila.

Then I found Story Orgy and Em and Havan * waves at Muse and Goddess lounging on the sofa* Who have enlightened me to many things I never knew about before. Some of which will be covered in this interrogation. *strolls over to join my Muse on the sofa*

I baked. (brownies and chocolate chip cookies).  I bought wine.  I even lit candles and a fire in the fireplace.  Okay- I might have done that so no one could see me blushing, but still, it makes for a nice cozy atmosphere, anyway? Right?

So we've got drinks, we've got snacks, we just need Hank and JR to quit wrestling over the remote.  (Never should have told them Glee and Walking Dead are on Netflix)

Ahh... there now, Jade has taken care of the issue for us with some lovely artwork she provided. J   We're ready. 


Keep in mind- these questions are only the third set – we have more for you next week at Hank's place! 



1. How many of you act out your smex scenes (whether with your head or with someone else's) and how does that help you in writing them?  *eyes them all*  and be honest!  Hehe 


Lee: Who wrote these questions? Oh, that's right. We did.  Well, if we're going to talk things that make me blush, then I'm going to need tequila and David Bowie. *sips tequila, cranks up Lady Stardust*  Okay what was that? I don't act out my sex scenes.  I do try to visualize it- you know to see if it works. .


Em: I try to see the scene in my head and let it play out. Half the time I'm typing away with my eyes closed just to keep the details lingering. *eyes my follow orgiasts* But if anyone's volunteering... *wink*


JR: I think about all kinds of things: personal experiences, porno scenes, porno mag articles, conversations. All these things filter through my head like the news ticker for Wall Street. 


Hank: A lot of times my smex scenes might come from a mix of porn scenes (yeah, my partner and I watch it!), or just the feeling I get from the characters, like how I expect them to enjoy it. I have tried a few out with my partner, of course, and that's a lot of the fun!


Havan: Hey! This is my question…do I have to answer this one? *heads desk* Fine…fine I'll answer it…*takes a fortifying breathe*…Well…considering I happen to not have the right bits and pieces to act out the sex scenes I write with my M/M Story Orgy prompts—I would have to answer this by saying no (hey! we aren't talking toys here lol)—but I can run them through my mind with my eyes closed and see if they're plausible. Oh—and I can call a select few male friends who laugh while I blunder through trying to ask them if the sex scene is … well … sexy and/or doable. *face palm* Now if we were talking about my M/F erotica…




 
2. What is the oddest thing you've found while researching for a smex scene?


Lee: Well, I found out  some peopel name their toys.  At first, I didn't believe it.  And yet... I confirmed this with my lovely muse and the Goddess, who is the final authority.  They concurred that my research was correct. Despite that information, I refused to name Arden Gray's vibrator in Giving Up.  Lord, it was bad enough I had to type the word pussy


Em: You know, there just isn't anything that surprises me anymore. But I can remember my naivety fleeing into the night, screaming 'eewww' when I came across water play. I know there are people who dig that...but...well, good for them. LOL.


JR: Oohh my o.O! So many, so much, so...*sigh* - I would have to say that the article I read about deformed sex organs popped up in my research one time. Jeez! Crazy...that's all I'm gonna say about that... C.R.A.Z.Y. *smh* 

Hank: Scat play is just … yeah, that's not right. And sounding makes me cringe.


Havan: Okay – while I was researching for super-de-duper prompts to give to the Goddess I happened to come across a sex toy store (oh yeah, halo cock ring baby—remember that one? hehe)…and well—it turns out that they had certain things in stock with my name on them—except spelled with an 'e' instead of the second 'a'. It's called a 'Haven pocket p----'…um…yeah I'm not saying that word on my muse's blog *heads desk*. But I hope you got the gist—it had some spectacular features: an extra long ribbed love tunnel and a little packet of lube too! Yeah—TMI?

Oh-kay, not sure if that is odd but it did stick in my mind—well halibut if used properly it probably stuck other places too but—ewwww *heads desk again*. And the moral of this segment? Always clean your toys properly…*looks around for that darn bottle of tequila*



3. What's the most difficult aspect of crafting a smexy scene? 


Lee: I find that the most difficult aspect of crafting a sex scene is to incorporate the correct degree of feeling.  I mean emotion.  A sex scene isn't always about emotions – sometimes it's just about lust, and I have to be careful to distinguish between them.


Em: What's the most difficult aspect of crafting a smexy scene?

Variation. Just like a person's sex life can get stale...so can a writer's fictional one. I try to keep it different for each couple. It is easy to fall into a routine of mechanics but an author has to remember to keep their lovelives spicy too!


JR: The most difficult part of writing smex scenes for me is that my brain moves faster than my fingers. I can't get all my moves onto the page fast enough. Then I have to go back and mentally have sex all over again. And it's never the same *heads desk*.


Hank: You have to be in the right mind set to do it. Just like you have to be in the mood to have sex, you have to be in the mood to WRITE ABOUT people have sex. 


Havan: This may come as a shock to some of you but I tend to be a bit gabby … no—not grabby, well yeah that too but right now we're talking about my wordiness not touchiness. So it seems like my characters never really want to get down and dirty right out of the gate … no—they want to wine and dine and usually fight too before they even think about getting down to business. And when they do get down to business—they're normally talking about the business they're getting down to instead of doing it!!!!

Personally, I can't wait until I start writing my Djinn Shan's story—you just know he's gonna be a slut puppy! *face palm while giggling*




4. What expression ("oh yeah" or "oh my God") do you think has been overused in smex scenes and what are you doing about it?



Lee: "Fuck yeah".  I hate reading that, especially if it's used more than once in a scene.  It's like, "Hey, David Bowie is in town and I got tickets, you wanna go?" "Fuck yeah!"  It might be realistic,  but I don't like it.


What am I doing about it? I hope I'm not using it.  That's about all I intend to do about it.


Em: "Oh God" .... and I try like crazy to not use it!!


JR: I don't know about everyone else, but my overused expression is "Unngh!" And you ask what I'm doing about it? Pffft...I make my boys hit that ass even harder...that's what! :P


Hank: "Fuck me" is pretty standard, or "Fuck yeah," or "Oh god." I try to capture the little sounds of two people together. The gasps and moans, the breathing, the expressions and kissing. Short sentences are good: "Okay?" "Yeah." "Good?" "Really good."



Havan: I never liked the "Oh my God" during sex … dudes—your fornicating—unless you don't know what you're doing chances are you don't need him at that moment … learn the name of the guy you're with and start shouting that … let God do his own thing. Geez—I gotta think he's probably the busy type. What am I doing about it? Honestly, I won't say I never use the OMG while my boys are grinding … but I'd like to think it isn't the norm and it will continue to not be—I like my guys calling out their partner's names. Well unless we are talking about Shan *deep breath* again…cause yeah, he would so just cry out bakery goods, "Oh my cupcake! Honey bun hit it harder! Oh streusel I'm com—"

Yeah, about like that. hehe



5. Do you have any particular rituals in preparation for writing a smex scene? If not, what would you consider a good idea? 


Lee: *Sips tequila* *cues Bowie's Ashes to Ashes*  "Rituals"? No, I don't have any rituals I follow for writing anything.  LOL. I get up, make and drink coffee, watch the sunrise and turn on the computer to let the words flow.  If the words don't cooperate, I bake something. If that doesn't help, I read or walk in the woods.


Em: Do you have any particular rituals in preparation for writing a smex scene? If not, what would you consider a good idea? Surprisingly, I don't. But the best advice I could give is to do what works for you. If you need to smooch on your honey or if you need to load smexy music, go for it. I need to just dive on into it. The more I think on it, the more I over think it and ruin it.


JR: I don't have any particular rituals I do prior to writing a smex scene, but I can tell you this - it makes me hungrier than hell. I would consider it a good idea to eat a good meal beforehand. 


Hank: Limber up? LOL! Okay, I kid. Again, you have to be in the right mind set for it. I tend to let the scene build in my head, sort of like anticipation. Like when you talk with your partner about having sex later, maybe when you're both alone, and the anticipation is a big part of it.


Havan: Really? Who's idea was it to have a group of questions on sex—with us??? *heads desk* Honestly, I stay away from any and all types of erotica and porn when I know a sex scene is about to come. In fact—the easiest sex scene I wrote was in the middle of the night with everyone in the house in slumber and I hadn't even looked at a naughty picture for at least two days. I don't know…maybe I get a buildup inside of me…it whips itself into such a frenzy of needs and wants…it rises from within, jetting through me until it explodes in one glorious moment of colors and sounds and dreams…onto the paper? *sips drink and smirks innocently (cause yeah—I'm that good hehe)* What?

*chuckles*  
Hey! Here's an idea- can you guess which Orgiast asked each question? 


Did you miss the previous interviews?  Check them out! 
&




Flash Fiction Friday: The Boss's Bad Mood



The Boss's Bad Mood


"Fight damn you!"

"Because I don't want you to accidentally break my neck, you jack ass nimrod."

"If I do it won't be accidental."

"Think of the paperwork." His smug demeanor tempted me.

"Shutting you up might fucking be worth it."

He bumped against my groin. I stifled a groan. "You talk shit because you want me. Here I am. Take me."

"That's all, huh?  You followed me home as a virgin sacrifice?"

He shrugged apologetically.  "Marge threatened to quit.  She makes the best coffee."

"You're ready to let me fuck you for a cup of coffee?"

Like it? Check out the other Flashers at


11/10/2011

Crawl into Bed with Monika

Crawling Into Bed With Monika KrasnoradaAnd a Good Book


*crawls into bed*  Important things first, are these sheets silk or cotton?

  Flannel, baby.<snuggles in deeper>  The weather has turned and the nights are cool, so it's flannel all the

 way.  It's like being surrounded by your favorite lumberjack. ;)

Mmm.  Nice imagery that is!  What are you wearing? 

 This is where I do splurge...satin pjs from Victoria's Secret.  Nothing feels better than that water-smooth, 

cool fabric, like a whisper against your skin. So nice.

What are we snacking on in bed while we read tonight? 

 My new obsession: Candy Corn M&Ms.  They'll be gone after Halloween, so I am gorging myself on them until then. 



Candy corn m&m's? Let me try one of those! They haven't made it to the boonies where I live yet. If I open this nightstand drawer, what will I find? 

 How brave are you? *winks* No, you are safe if you stay with the top drawer: just my sketchpad, a 

notebook full of odd little snippets of story ideas, a flashlight and some fingernail polish.  Pretty boring, huh?



Do you roll up in the blankets like a burrito, or kick the covers off during the night? 

 I HAVE to have the sheets and blankets all perfectly smooth, pulled up to my neck, but with my feet 

sticking out. Doesn't matter if it's 10 or 100 degrees outside, my feet just canNOT be covered.  I feel like 

I'm smothering if they do.  Do you think I need therapy? LOL



Actually, I'm kind of the same way.  It's freaked out more than one bed partner over the years, I can tell 

you.  So ixnay on the therapy. Can I put my cold feet on your calves to warm them up? 

 Hon, you can put them anywhere. ;)




What are we reading?  

I am FINALLY reading the Dreamspinner Press' Daily Dose anthology.

  There are so many great writers featured in it, it's an amazing 

collection.   My little short, "Fragile", was included, thanks to the sweet 

and gentle prodding of Mr. Brazil. ;)  <kisses> Thanks!! 





EXCERPT

Fragile

“Doc, you look as tired as I feel.” His voice was deep and scratchy, as if he had been talking too much, though it was probably due more to the emotional overload. He nodded his head toward the stack of papers lying on the desk in front of Andy. “You about finished there?”

Andy’s head bobbled like one of those dolls as he continued to stare up at the man standing in front of him. He must have looked like an idiot, but he was too tired to care. These were the last few moments he’d be in the coach’s presence, and he was going make the most of them.

Andy cleared his throat when he noticed the half-smile the coach had on his face, bringing him back to reality.

“I just need you to sign off on them, here.” He began shuffling the papers nervously, searching to put the ones on top that needed the coach’s signature.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when the coach’s big hand clasped his shoulder. “Bring them inside; we’ll take care of them.”

The warmth of the Coach Sheridan’s palm remained even after he turned to head into his office, leaving Andy to snatch up the papers and follow him.

“It’s been a helluva day,” Coach Sheridan offered, closing the office door as Andy followed behind him. The coach hung his suit jacket on the back of his desk chair before collapsing into it with a heavy sigh. He shoved his fist through his salt and pepper locks, pulling on them in complete frustration. “A helluva day.” He laid his head back against the leather of his seat, his eyes closed, every line of his body echoing the tiredness that was etched onto his face. “That was a career-ending injury.” His voice was barely audible, stretched thin with pain. “Just a kid and his dream could be over.”

This was one of the aspects of the coach that made him so attractive to Andy. Beyond the rugged good looks and the swagger of a man who was keenly aware of his appeal to those around him, he had compassion. To the outside, these players were nothing more than athletes chosen to increase the odds of the team making it to a post-season bowl game, but to those who were lucky enough to see inside the locker rooms and to be present at practices, these were the coach’s kids.

In his late forties, and having never been married, he took these players under his wing. He was always there for them to lend an ear, offer support, to give advice. Those kids looked up to him, and the mutual respect they had was the reason the football team played so consistently well.

 Andy didn’t know what to say… what to do. He sat down in the opposite chair, forgetting the papers for now. “Is that what they said?” he asked quietly, wishing now he had gone to the hospital too. A lot of truth was in what the doctors didn’t say.

The coach sat up with a groan, rubbing his hands roughly against his face, as if trying to fight the exhaustion he had to be feeling after such a long day. “You know how doctors are.” His smirk made Andy’s stomach flip. “Cautiously optimistic, they say. But you saw it, hell, we heard it, out there on the field. If the surgery is successful, you know how fragile that knee will be from here on out. This was his last year, this was his last game….” He left the thought hanging as he reached across the desk for the papers awaiting his signature.

“Lot of lasts happening tonight,” he offered quietly as he absently signed off on Andy’s reports without even reading over them. “ Not a great send-off, is it?” He smiled, signing the last one and putting his pen down before deftly pulling his tie from around his neck. “You are now no longer an employee of the university.”

“Well, not the Athletic Department, that’s true.” Andy offered a tired smile. “It’s been great working with… the team. And, you, of course, working with you.” He stumbled over the words, nervously working them in. He mentally shook himself, but it was hitting him—this would be the last time he’d be in the presence of Coach Sheridan.

The last time….

“Yes, great.” The coach gave up a killer smile, slapping his hands on his thighs before he stood up. “And what kind of bon voyage has this been? We need a drink.” The coach


11/08/2011

Crawl in Bed With Michael Mandrake


Crawling Into Bed With Michael Mandrake
____________
And a Good Book - A Second Chance

*crawls across bed*  Important things first, are these sheets silk or cotton? I prefer silk sheets. I like to live like I’m rich. *snicker*


*snicker*  Oh, yeah... What are you wearing? Hmm, well, since I’m the muse, I guess it’s alright to say I’m wearing nothing but my silk boxers to match these silk sheets. Wanna feel? *grins*


*flutters lashes*  oooh... such a flirt... What are we snacking on in bed while we read tonight? Well, I love chocolate covered strawberries but I suppose that would be too messy, unless you’d like to share a shower with me later. I’ll scrub your back first as long as you promise to return the favor. Pardon me, it’s been a while.

*chuckles*  Share a shower, eh?  Why you devil! If I open this nightstand drawer, what will I find? 

Well, I’m not BLMorticia so there are no vibrators in there. I prefer the real thing. You will find some lube though. A gay man has to have that nearby for those nights with or without a partner.


*eye roll* Like men don't play with toys.  Do you roll up in the blankets like a burrito, or kick the covers off during the night? I roll up like a burrito, preferably with someone and you, my good man seem to fit the bill.

LOL.  Can I put my cold feet on your calves to warm them up? Sure can. Can we stay like this all night? Are you taken? Married?

Persistent dickens aren't you? We're gonna have to talk to Sharita about getting you laid. To answer your questions: No, I have to be home by midnight or I turn into a pumpkin. Taken yes, married - as good as. :) What are we reading? 


BLURB:

Hesitant to begin a relationship with someone new, two police officers who have lost their partners in the line of duty try to deal with their obvious attraction to one another. Will one of them accept the other’s proposition to start over or remain alone because of their places on the police force?

PG EXCERPT:


While we continued to chat, I noticed DeClerc in my peripheral. I couldn’t help but stare at him. I moistened my lips, biting the bottom as he came closer.

Damn…

“Um, hello…” I looked past the chief to take a long gander at Daniel. I stood up, extending my hand. “I’m Farris Beason.”

He accepted. “Daniel Declerc. Nice to meet you.” The handshake was firm, his hands soft like a female.

Don chuckled, “See Beason, if you would’ve been in the right frame of mind you could’ve joined Daniel today.”

While we exchanged smiles, I gawked at the pretty face in front of me. Daniel was even more gorgeous up close. The only distraction was the defect on his finger. Who was lucky enough to call him theirs? I had to find out.

“Pity,” Daniel said with a grin. “Maybe when you’ve recovered from your wild night?” He cocked an eyebrow.

I laughed, “Yeah, um…maybe…”

We’d broken our hand gestures but not our gaze. Maybe he did play for my team, but the question remained, who was he married to?

Be Yourself

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. ~e.e. cummings, 1955
The Romance Reviews