Well now, it looks like I've hit a first - my mind went blank while working on an erotic scene! lol I just stuttered and came to a stop.
I took a break, then got back into the story, only to find that I couldn't continue.
Has this happened to you? As erotic romance writers, the *erotic* scene is one of your most important parts of the story.
Man, it's one thing to have writer's block, but erotica block??
After giving it some thought, I realized that there is a limit to the different ways the hero and heroine could intimately engage themselves in. I admit that I"m a straight-up one man, one woman author, but as I see the increase in menage, kink, tasteful taboo, BDSM, unusual toys, etc., I wonder if I'm missing something.
Do I branch out in order to snare more readers? Or do I stick with what I know?
I admit that the thought of putting together a menage or understanding the needs of a submissive are a bit daunting, but I'm an adventurous gal, so I may give these other erotic situations a look-see. In the meantime, I now have an almost complete WIP crying out to me to finish the 3 hetero-sexual erotica scenes that somehow dried up. LOL
Once I get this WIP done, I'm gonna do some exploring - does anyone have any favourite books that encompass the more curious aspects of erotic romance that they can recommend? ;)
On a personal note, this will be my last blog post for the next little while. I have medical issues to get through, so decided ot take a break until I can get these resolved. It's not serious, thank God, but still annoying. Maybe I'll get my WIP done! :)
Char
Showing posts with label Under Cover of Night. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Under Cover of Night. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Magical Powers...
On Friday at the office, I was bored. There was work to be done, but it was the kind that didn't engage all of the senses, if you get my drift.
And because of the boredom, my mind started to drift to other things; writing, what I wanted to do for myself, and why I hadn't won last week's lotto prize. I know what I need to do, but the planets are either out of alignment or my karma's all shot to hell.
Wouldn't it be cool to live in a world where people could use magic? I love magic and what it encompasses.
If I could have 3 magic powers, what would they be?
1. The ability to transport myself anywhere - if I wanted to get away for the weekend, or do some background studying for a book, I could just zap myself there; no passport, airplanes or customs!
2. Invisibility - to go anywhere and not be seen; this could be seen as a dangerous trait though; spying, or stealing, but I wouldn't use the power for that. So the question is; what would I use it for???
3. Being friends with animals - I LOVE animals; they are the beauty that makes our world so fascinating. I would love to know what they were thinking (although I can pretty much guess), and what we, as humans, could do to make life less difficult for them.
Magical powers isn't quite the same as wishing for something; a wish can be made and after it's been fulfilled, that's the end of it. Unless of course, you owned a magic wand.
I found that I had to think on this a little more than I realized; magic comes with its pros and cons.
So, what 3 magic powers would YOU want?
And because of the boredom, my mind started to drift to other things; writing, what I wanted to do for myself, and why I hadn't won last week's lotto prize. I know what I need to do, but the planets are either out of alignment or my karma's all shot to hell.
Wouldn't it be cool to live in a world where people could use magic? I love magic and what it encompasses.
If I could have 3 magic powers, what would they be?
1. The ability to transport myself anywhere - if I wanted to get away for the weekend, or do some background studying for a book, I could just zap myself there; no passport, airplanes or customs!
2. Invisibility - to go anywhere and not be seen; this could be seen as a dangerous trait though; spying, or stealing, but I wouldn't use the power for that. So the question is; what would I use it for???
3. Being friends with animals - I LOVE animals; they are the beauty that makes our world so fascinating. I would love to know what they were thinking (although I can pretty much guess), and what we, as humans, could do to make life less difficult for them.
Magical powers isn't quite the same as wishing for something; a wish can be made and after it's been fulfilled, that's the end of it. Unless of course, you owned a magic wand.
I found that I had to think on this a little more than I realized; magic comes with its pros and cons.
So, what 3 magic powers would YOU want?
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Earth Day Re-Discovery
A few days before Earth Day, I had thought about what I would celebrate. I've tried to do the usual; take transit, walk where I can, using less water - that kind of thing.
This time, I made the effort of using as little electricity as possible. And that meant....no computer for the day.
I thought this would be a no brainer. I use the computer at work everyday so hey, for one day, I'll take a break. ACK!!
I had to keep myself busy, or my fingers would be typing www.facebook.com real quick. So I did a lot of reading (which was great; I'm almost caught up on my TBR pile!), cleaned my apartment (and threw out/recycled a lot of stuff), and took a nap (which was heavenly!)
But I had also wanted to get some writing done. So out came the pen and lined paper - and you know what? I miss writing long-hand. I used to do this a long time ago, and I still have some old stories kicking about, with scratch marks and little notes in the margins.
I'm going to continue doing this; once a week for a start. Just sit down with pen and paper and slowly build a story in one of my school notebooks. Maybe I need a break from the computer; this should help.
Char
This time, I made the effort of using as little electricity as possible. And that meant....no computer for the day.
I thought this would be a no brainer. I use the computer at work everyday so hey, for one day, I'll take a break. ACK!!
I had to keep myself busy, or my fingers would be typing www.facebook.com real quick. So I did a lot of reading (which was great; I'm almost caught up on my TBR pile!), cleaned my apartment (and threw out/recycled a lot of stuff), and took a nap (which was heavenly!)
But I had also wanted to get some writing done. So out came the pen and lined paper - and you know what? I miss writing long-hand. I used to do this a long time ago, and I still have some old stories kicking about, with scratch marks and little notes in the margins.
I'm going to continue doing this; once a week for a start. Just sit down with pen and paper and slowly build a story in one of my school notebooks. Maybe I need a break from the computer; this should help.
Char
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Motivation (or lack thereof, in my case)
This is the definition I found in my Webster dictionary – “that which incites to action, or moves the will; to impel; to induce.”
If I’m not mistaken, I’m sure there has been at least one blog on how to motivate an author to write. And the answers would vary; take a break, read another genre, write short stories.
But what if the lack of motivation is a physiological problem? That would be me.
I hope I’m not grossing out anyone, but I’m in the initial stages of menopause. And while this is another transitional phase in a woman’s life, I’m finding it to be a pain in the ass.
Why? Well, let’s see. One of the physical aspects such as no more menstrual cycles (yay!) is helpful – my cycles were fairly regular, so I knew when to expect them. But other aspects such as the weight gain, forgetfulness, body changes, insomnia and hot flashes / night sweats? I can do without those.
The one trait that hit me very hard this past winter was depression. Everyone has their ups and downs, including yours truly – but when you feel as if you’re at the bottom of a well and can’t get out, that is NOT good. And I felt like that for three months. It was scary and it was aggravating.
And the mood swings? Oh ho, let’s not go there! I made my younger female colleague at work very nervous. She knew what was going on, but didn’t know how to handle it. Poor thing; she got many profuse apologies.
But what I’m getting at is, as an author, my writing hit rock bottom. Yup, you couldn’t get me to look at the computer unless I had to (and I had to at work). When I got home, all I wanted to do was sleep and eat and be left alone.
A dear friend had very gently suggested medication (and she wouldn't suggest it unless she felt that she had to). At one time, it was enough to raise my ire. But now I’m starting to seriously consider it. You see, my friend has told me that I’ve changed, and not for the better. The revelation hurt, but I had to really analyze myself to finally understand that yeah, I’m different. I’m not the outgoing, talkative, energetic, motivated gal I used to be – I’m the absolute opposite. I sure hope that changes when my hormones settle down.
But in the meantime it means – ta da! – zero writing. Thank heavens I’m not on deadline, or I’d really piss off my editor. And oh yeah, the best part? This could go on for another TWO years!!
Thankfully, the weather here in Toronto, Canada has improved immensely; more sun and warmer temperatures, which has improved my mood. But seriously, other than taking pills, how the hell can I ‘motivate’ myself to continue writing during this so-called ‘transition’? I’m exercising a bit more; I haven’t seen any results yet, but I’m going to keep at it. Another friend suggested concentrating on short stories – I’ll give that some consideration, too.
Anyone “been there, done that, got the t-shirt?” Any other suggestions would be gratefully received.
P.S. My posting is on a Wednesday, and I’ll be at my EDJ, so please don’t think I’m ignoring you; it just means I haven’t had a chance to look at the blog!
If I’m not mistaken, I’m sure there has been at least one blog on how to motivate an author to write. And the answers would vary; take a break, read another genre, write short stories.
But what if the lack of motivation is a physiological problem? That would be me.
I hope I’m not grossing out anyone, but I’m in the initial stages of menopause. And while this is another transitional phase in a woman’s life, I’m finding it to be a pain in the ass.
Why? Well, let’s see. One of the physical aspects such as no more menstrual cycles (yay!) is helpful – my cycles were fairly regular, so I knew when to expect them. But other aspects such as the weight gain, forgetfulness, body changes, insomnia and hot flashes / night sweats? I can do without those.
The one trait that hit me very hard this past winter was depression. Everyone has their ups and downs, including yours truly – but when you feel as if you’re at the bottom of a well and can’t get out, that is NOT good. And I felt like that for three months. It was scary and it was aggravating.
And the mood swings? Oh ho, let’s not go there! I made my younger female colleague at work very nervous. She knew what was going on, but didn’t know how to handle it. Poor thing; she got many profuse apologies.
But what I’m getting at is, as an author, my writing hit rock bottom. Yup, you couldn’t get me to look at the computer unless I had to (and I had to at work). When I got home, all I wanted to do was sleep and eat and be left alone.
A dear friend had very gently suggested medication (and she wouldn't suggest it unless she felt that she had to). At one time, it was enough to raise my ire. But now I’m starting to seriously consider it. You see, my friend has told me that I’ve changed, and not for the better. The revelation hurt, but I had to really analyze myself to finally understand that yeah, I’m different. I’m not the outgoing, talkative, energetic, motivated gal I used to be – I’m the absolute opposite. I sure hope that changes when my hormones settle down.
But in the meantime it means – ta da! – zero writing. Thank heavens I’m not on deadline, or I’d really piss off my editor. And oh yeah, the best part? This could go on for another TWO years!!
Thankfully, the weather here in Toronto, Canada has improved immensely; more sun and warmer temperatures, which has improved my mood. But seriously, other than taking pills, how the hell can I ‘motivate’ myself to continue writing during this so-called ‘transition’? I’m exercising a bit more; I haven’t seen any results yet, but I’m going to keep at it. Another friend suggested concentrating on short stories – I’ll give that some consideration, too.
Anyone “been there, done that, got the t-shirt?” Any other suggestions would be gratefully received.
P.S. My posting is on a Wednesday, and I’ll be at my EDJ, so please don’t think I’m ignoring you; it just means I haven’t had a chance to look at the blog!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Why do we Read?
Hey everyone! I'm Charlene Lokey w/a Charlene Roberts and I'm a new member author here at SSND.
A little bit about myself - I live in Toronto, Canada. My mom's retired and lives with me, I'm currently single (and enjoying it!) And trying my best to find another job in my current admin field, or just tossing it all in and doing something completely different. Freelance writing and editing is looking better and better.
Tell me, what compels us to read?
I know that I like a fantastic story. But why read it, when I could probably find its equivalent in a movie, documentary or TV series? It's hard to explain, but I love the feel of a book in my hands. I like knowing that I can open it at any time. And there's something more complex, more layered in a book. Granted, there are shows out there that do have elements and layers of sophistication, but a book is different.
Why? I don't know.
Not the answer I even suspected! Maybe it's knowing how much work the author put into their story. Or how a story can drag me in and not let go until I read that last word. Or how the story's description is so vivid I want to live there.
I also read because I like to spend a few hours away from the the real world--curled up on the couch, a cup of tea or hot chocolate at hand, my cat at my feet and all electronics turned off. Reading allows us the opportunity to "get away from it all"--a chance to recharge and renew ourselves in comfortable silence.
What do I read, you ask? Besides romance, I love fantasy and sci-fi myself--alternate worlds, different civilizations, the perfection of elves! I'm currently reading Cast in Silence by Michelle Sagara from her Chronicles in Elantra series. The description of her alternate world is so detailed, I'm surprised we don't have anything like that now! I'm on book 4 and I think there are 8 books so far in the series which I will get to at some point.
Horror stories are good too, but I tend to frighten myself to the point where I can't get to sleep! :( If a horror book can do that, then it was a darn good read!
As romance authors, what other genres do you enjoy reading? Also, has it broadened your view with regards to your writing?
I look forward to talking to all of you about writing and reading!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Guest blog with Charlene Roberts
Today, we're welcoming Charlene to Sweet 'n Sexy Divas. She's talking about research and her awesome new book Under Cover of Night. It's currently available for $1.19 at Amazon. Hey, you cannot beat that!!!
Now, let's welcome Charlene.
____________
RESEARCH
Ah research, a very important topic. Sometimes I love it; other times, I scream with frustration.
What exactly, is the definition or "research"? Webster’s Dictionary describes research as “Diligent inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles”.
Research is one of the most vital aspects to any manuscript. It could make or break your plot, your characters, the very essence of your story.
Depending on the genre of your story, research can be very detailed and time consuming. Sometimes I find the amount of time I spend on research alone takes the fun out of writing, but it's a necessary evil, and the results are a manuscript with a richer and deeper level of description.
However, research can also have its drawbacks. For example, since the Internet's introduction, the amount of information available online has exploded. However, you have to be careful--is the information reliable? Just because it's on the 'Net doesn't mean that it's true. A writer must always double-check their resources.
And although it sounds almost primitive, especially to the younger generation, libraries still remain an invaluable source for information. It may not be instantaneous, but you can find a hell of a lot more stuff in there!
Research isn't limited to actual historical or present day facts, either. If a writer is working on a futuristic fantasy novel for example, then the research involved in making that futuristic world believable to the reader has got to be spot on. There's nothing worse than having your readers discover flaws in your hard earned research!
Now after doing all of this wonderful research, you have to ask yourself: "Do I use everything that I've discovered?" I should hope not! While research helps a writer nail down those pesky little details, it does not mean you get to use all of them. Why not, you ask? Because you don't want your story to end up sounding like a lecture. In Regency, it's one thing to tell me that a lady of the ton wore "a silk hat with ostrich feathers". But if a writer starts telling me how the feathers are stitched (or pinned, I don't know--RESEARCH!!) onto their hats, or how the hats are made (this is called Telling vs. Showing), then I'll start yawning, you've pulled me out of the story, and I don't want to read it anymore, no matter how much time and considerable effort you've put into it. There has to be a balance between "just enough" and "too much".
So remember, you can’t get away from research. You can’t ignore it; don’t use too much of it in your story, and get the right information. Because without it, we wouldn’t have stories!
![]()
Under Cover of Night
RCMP Lieutenant Emma Parris, a former jewel thief, loves nothing more than the thrill of the chase. And the international jewel smuggler known as “The Broker” proves to be fascinating prey. But she isn’t prepared for Gerard McIver, The Broker’s devilishly handsome right-hand man, whose boyish smile and hot, muscular body may prove too much for Emma’s sense of justice.
Gerard knows that Emma Parris is more than just an innocent, naïve tourist. But he’s torn between uncovering the truth, and uncovering Emma’s delectable body…
Excerpt:
As Emma started to dance, Gerard felt heat prickle his skin. She’s going to do a striptease, he thought in wonder. His cock swelled swiftly at the image, and he reached down to adjust himself.
“No touching.”
“But darling, I can’t—“
“I can stop if you can’t handle one simple rule.”
Gerard jerked his hands away. “I’m all yours.”
“Good.” She continued her dance, her hips swaying in time to the slow beat, her arms gently rising and falling. Now and again, she’d suggestively touch her body—rubbing her hands across her breasts, spanking her ass or using her finger to trace an outline around her pussy.
He sat transfixed as Emma sashayed across the floor, tempting him with peeks of smooth flesh as she flashed a shoulder here, her waist there. She would gaze at him coyly over her shoulder as she turned, or move so seductively close that he would unconsciously reach for her, only to grab air as she danced away, her laugh low and sexy.
Her shirt inched up, her stomach taut and the color of café au lait, and Gerard suddenly realized that he had never seen Emma completely naked.
With one smooth pull, she had the shirt off and tossed it to him. He caught it. He raised the material to his nose, inhaling her fresh scent, while he kept his gaze glued on the full breasts barely contained in the lacy coral bra, the nipples just peeking over the edge.
Emma moved towards him, her hands massaging over her globes, her fingers dipping into the generous cleavage. “Like what you see so far?” she asked.
Gerard tossed her shirt aside and lunged for her, but she jumped back, laughing. “Don’t be impatient,” she scolded, wagging her finger at him. “The best part is yet to come.”
“Fine,” he growled, sitting back. “Get on with it.”
“Hmm, someone’s grumpy.”
He deliberately let his eyes travel over her until she started to fidget under his intent stare. “I want my dessert.”
The sneakers came off next. By this time, the storm was in force, and Gerard rose to shut the windows against its onslaught. He tried to pass Emma, but she figured out his plan, keeping her distance until he returned to the sofa.
The sound of the rain pattering against the windows was a romantic counterpart to the music flowing from the radio and although his lust felt as sharp as a knife, Gerard managed to relax further into the sofa, watching as Emma hooked her thumbs into the waistband of her fitted pants. With slow, deliberate movements, she eased one side down, then the other, until the material pooled at her feet. She gracefully stepped out of them, kicking them aside, and allowing Gerard to fully appreciate the lush body that stood before him.
Her lingerie was a matched set, the color glowing against the candlelight. As she turned, he drew in a sharp breath, his hands clenching into tight sweaty fists. The panties were high-cut, only covering half of her tight ass as she wriggled.
“What do you think of my underwear?” she asked matter-of-factly. She actually twirled in front of him. “Do you like the color?”
“I—“ Gerard couldn’t speak. All he could think of was getting his hands on her, but it wasn’t going to be easy, if she had her way. “It’s very pretty,” he managed to say, sounding like an idiot.
But Emma seemed pleased. “I never get the chance to show off my girly things,” she said.
Gerard wanted to see all of her girly things.
Now, let's welcome Charlene.
____________
RESEARCH
Ah research, a very important topic. Sometimes I love it; other times, I scream with frustration.
What exactly, is the definition or "research"? Webster’s Dictionary describes research as “Diligent inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles”.
Research is one of the most vital aspects to any manuscript. It could make or break your plot, your characters, the very essence of your story.
Depending on the genre of your story, research can be very detailed and time consuming. Sometimes I find the amount of time I spend on research alone takes the fun out of writing, but it's a necessary evil, and the results are a manuscript with a richer and deeper level of description.
However, research can also have its drawbacks. For example, since the Internet's introduction, the amount of information available online has exploded. However, you have to be careful--is the information reliable? Just because it's on the 'Net doesn't mean that it's true. A writer must always double-check their resources.
And although it sounds almost primitive, especially to the younger generation, libraries still remain an invaluable source for information. It may not be instantaneous, but you can find a hell of a lot more stuff in there!
Research isn't limited to actual historical or present day facts, either. If a writer is working on a futuristic fantasy novel for example, then the research involved in making that futuristic world believable to the reader has got to be spot on. There's nothing worse than having your readers discover flaws in your hard earned research!
Now after doing all of this wonderful research, you have to ask yourself: "Do I use everything that I've discovered?" I should hope not! While research helps a writer nail down those pesky little details, it does not mean you get to use all of them. Why not, you ask? Because you don't want your story to end up sounding like a lecture. In Regency, it's one thing to tell me that a lady of the ton wore "a silk hat with ostrich feathers". But if a writer starts telling me how the feathers are stitched (or pinned, I don't know--RESEARCH!!) onto their hats, or how the hats are made (this is called Telling vs. Showing), then I'll start yawning, you've pulled me out of the story, and I don't want to read it anymore, no matter how much time and considerable effort you've put into it. There has to be a balance between "just enough" and "too much".
So remember, you can’t get away from research. You can’t ignore it; don’t use too much of it in your story, and get the right information. Because without it, we wouldn’t have stories!
Under Cover of Night
RCMP Lieutenant Emma Parris, a former jewel thief, loves nothing more than the thrill of the chase. And the international jewel smuggler known as “The Broker” proves to be fascinating prey. But she isn’t prepared for Gerard McIver, The Broker’s devilishly handsome right-hand man, whose boyish smile and hot, muscular body may prove too much for Emma’s sense of justice.
Gerard knows that Emma Parris is more than just an innocent, naïve tourist. But he’s torn between uncovering the truth, and uncovering Emma’s delectable body…
Excerpt:
As Emma started to dance, Gerard felt heat prickle his skin. She’s going to do a striptease, he thought in wonder. His cock swelled swiftly at the image, and he reached down to adjust himself.
“No touching.”
“But darling, I can’t—“
“I can stop if you can’t handle one simple rule.”
Gerard jerked his hands away. “I’m all yours.”
“Good.” She continued her dance, her hips swaying in time to the slow beat, her arms gently rising and falling. Now and again, she’d suggestively touch her body—rubbing her hands across her breasts, spanking her ass or using her finger to trace an outline around her pussy.
He sat transfixed as Emma sashayed across the floor, tempting him with peeks of smooth flesh as she flashed a shoulder here, her waist there. She would gaze at him coyly over her shoulder as she turned, or move so seductively close that he would unconsciously reach for her, only to grab air as she danced away, her laugh low and sexy.
Her shirt inched up, her stomach taut and the color of café au lait, and Gerard suddenly realized that he had never seen Emma completely naked.
With one smooth pull, she had the shirt off and tossed it to him. He caught it. He raised the material to his nose, inhaling her fresh scent, while he kept his gaze glued on the full breasts barely contained in the lacy coral bra, the nipples just peeking over the edge.
Emma moved towards him, her hands massaging over her globes, her fingers dipping into the generous cleavage. “Like what you see so far?” she asked.
Gerard tossed her shirt aside and lunged for her, but she jumped back, laughing. “Don’t be impatient,” she scolded, wagging her finger at him. “The best part is yet to come.”
“Fine,” he growled, sitting back. “Get on with it.”
“Hmm, someone’s grumpy.”
He deliberately let his eyes travel over her until she started to fidget under his intent stare. “I want my dessert.”
The sneakers came off next. By this time, the storm was in force, and Gerard rose to shut the windows against its onslaught. He tried to pass Emma, but she figured out his plan, keeping her distance until he returned to the sofa.
The sound of the rain pattering against the windows was a romantic counterpart to the music flowing from the radio and although his lust felt as sharp as a knife, Gerard managed to relax further into the sofa, watching as Emma hooked her thumbs into the waistband of her fitted pants. With slow, deliberate movements, she eased one side down, then the other, until the material pooled at her feet. She gracefully stepped out of them, kicking them aside, and allowing Gerard to fully appreciate the lush body that stood before him.
Her lingerie was a matched set, the color glowing against the candlelight. As she turned, he drew in a sharp breath, his hands clenching into tight sweaty fists. The panties were high-cut, only covering half of her tight ass as she wriggled.
“What do you think of my underwear?” she asked matter-of-factly. She actually twirled in front of him. “Do you like the color?”
“I—“ Gerard couldn’t speak. All he could think of was getting his hands on her, but it wasn’t going to be easy, if she had her way. “It’s very pretty,” he managed to say, sounding like an idiot.
But Emma seemed pleased. “I never get the chance to show off my girly things,” she said.
Gerard wanted to see all of her girly things.
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