Man in the Shadows--Guest Marc Stevens

A real life fictional character.

Okay, I admit it. I’m not real. My name is Marc Stevens, and I write hot, erotic stories (sometimes with a paranormal twist). Ever since I was thrown out of the house of a real life author in January 2013, I’ve been existing in a fictional world of my own creation.

Oh, you think it’s easy being fictional? Sure, there are no mortgages, family drama, or parent-teacher conferences, but in the short time I’ve been alive I’ve been stabbed, pursued by the CIA, and just recently lost six months of my life to amnesia. A strange group of people with weird mental powers seem to be always popping up, causing all kinds of mischief.

STOP THE PRESSES! That Girl Across the Hall is FREE right now.

On the plus side, I did meet a super sexy girl who lived right across the hall from me:

Got to experiment with food in a way I never expected:

And joined a sex club:

So I guess life’s not too bad for this fictional author.

Stop by and visit, if you have the chance. I hang out at http://marcstevenserotica.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marc-Stevens-Erotica-Author/525412257479317

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcStevens69

That Girl Across the Hall: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B3OSHSY

Whipped Cream and Other Delights: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQPJFJK

Sex and Lasers: http://www.amazon.com/Sex-Lasers-Points-Club-ebook/dp/B00EXV4U58/

Finding the Fun in Being a Little Bit Terrified

This post is going to be about being scared. I am not talking about running for my life from an evil clown with half a face mask. (Thank you American Horror Story for that lovely image)

I am talking about doing something that scares you in the best way possible. The scariest thing I ever did as a writer was letting someone read my story for the first time.

Now...I didn't say I let them read my first story. Nope. Nope. Nope. My first stories were...lets call them interesting.

The scariest thing I did was let someone read a story I actually liked. The only way to get better at this writing gig is to get feedback. When you immerse yourself in a story, it's not easy to see where your imagery isn't working on page. After rocking myself in a corner and remembering this was all going to be okay, I sent it into a publisher.

Then...I got back those first rounds of edits. And let me tell you, there is no amount of stage blood that can capture the image of my utterly destroyed manuscript. It was covered from top to bottom in edits.

Seeing a book dripping in revisions and suggested plot changes is definitely scary. Having to fix it under deadline is cause for a diet of coffee, chocolate, pizza, and alcohol.

But not all things that are scary in this industry are bad. In fact, the things that scare me the most, bring me the most joy when I accomplish them.

Right now I am working on a manuscript outside of the Paranormal Romance genre.  I am going to try and ease you guys away from the mythical sexy for a bit. I'm starting with a quirky robotic romance.

Check out the #robosex hashtag from me on Twitter and Facebook and you can see this strange idea starting from the beginning. Now...if you google "Robosex" I am not responsible for what you find. (trust me...it's scary) But I am hoping to get you to think about people that are different from you, and in a tongue-in-cheek way, I want to look at how we label things we don't understand.

After that...I am working on...*gasp* a contemporary romance.

It's not leaping off the page and rushing to the finish line like I was hoping. The main reason...It's scary. No, I'm not writing a horror, but whenever as an author you are doing something different, it is terrifying.

There's always a chance that it will flop, and fade to obscurity. At the end of the day, that little writer spirit inside (inspiration, muse, multiple personalities, whatever you want to call it) screams at you to put the words down anyway.

So that's what I'm doing now. I am working on something new, and something that scares me. I'm chatting up people and trying to get myself moving forward.


I'm also gearing up for NaNoWriMo next month. NaNo is close to my heart, because it was the kick in the butt I needed to write "The End" for the first time.

If you are playing along feel free to be my accountabilibuddy and watch me procrastinate. I'm Roxy Mews over there.



At the end of the day, I guess I like being a little scared. If what I am working on doesn't scare me...then I'm not doing what I need to. I hope as this writing journey goes on to do something that scares me a little bit every day.

What are you working on that scares you? Can you stay and chat with me about it, or did my clown pic make you go running for the hills? ;p

Here's hoping we all scare ourselves into following our dreams today.

~Roxy

Red Hot Read! Cover Reveal ~ Kissin’ Hell by Jodi Redford

Tomorrow's the day--

A brand spankin' new That Old Black Magic spin-off series is on it's way!

There are two certainties in life soul collector and hellhound Jericho Stryker knows too well—Death never takes a holiday, and women are typically more trouble than they’re worth. That goes double for his personal nemesis and regular pain in his backside, Lola McKenna. Sure, the luscious little hellcat gets his blood boiling in more ways than one, but some scratches are best left un-itched. That determination is strained to the max when a botched soul acquisition job lands him on the same case as Lola.

Fetching a stubborn soul from a haunted bordello should be a piece of cake. Unfortunately for Lola, she has to deal with Jericho horning in on her bounty. Attempting to keep her cool and her wits around her sinfully sexy adversary? Easier said than done. Especially when she finds herself locked overnight with Jericho. Not strangling him before sunrise? A faint possibility. Ignoring the lusty, depraved sexual fantasies he awakens in her? A snowball’s chance in hell of happening. But worst of all is the very real possibility that he could steal the one thing she most fears losing to him—her heart.

Website http://jodiredford.com/

Blog http://jodiredford.blogspot.com

Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/Jodi-Redford/e/B002YUEZ0U

Facebook profile https://www.facebook.com/jodi.redford.3

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodiredford

Ever Feel Left Out? How to be one of the Cool Kids.

photo credit: bunchofpants via photopin cc

So my sense of humor isn't for everyone. I got confirmation of that this week when I was searching for funny pictures for a party "Caption This" game. (By the way, if you're on Facebook, some of these captions are hilarious, and well worth checking out (photos courtesy of Roxy Mews and S.L. Carpenter).)

I went to my usual public-domain pic site and typed "weird" into the search box. Immediately dozens of very funny pictures came up. These are three examples.

Then, thinking I was on a roll, I typed in "funny". And got...bleh. Strange. Seriously O_o sorts of pics.

photo credit: Alex Dram via photopin cc

What is wrong with me?

Well, maybe nothing.

Lots of us feel marginalized, which is many, many syllables to say "left out". As long as it doesn't hurt someone else, being different doesn't have to be a bad thing. Especially now with the Internet. Someone out there gets you. It's a matter of finding them.

Look at this website, Lust With A Laugh. I never in a zillion years would've figured there were other folks who liked to make funny with their lusty romances.

Sometimes being outside the pack is a good thing. It's not an easy place to be, like the nail that won't pound down like all the good little nails. But sometimes that's just what's needed, a strongwilled soul going against the grain. Is Bill Gates a sheeple? Robert Downy Jr.? Malcolm Gladwell? I don't know where we'd be as a world without these folk, but I'd guess many of us would be the poorer.

photo credit: wili_hybrid via photopin cc

It's like ice cream. Some people like vanilla, some chocolate, some strawberry, and some pistachio. But you know what? Doesn't matter. It's all lovely, lovely ice cream, so it's all good! (I'm chocolate, so it this case I'm the sheeple :) ).

Sorry about how these paragraphs line up with the pictures. Ice cream and the pic to the left remind me of a Frasier episode where Lillith hides in the hotel bathroom with the breakfast cart and the running gag is: Food? In the bathroom?

Annnyyway...point being, if it's funny to you and doesn't hurt anyone, laugh. Laughter is good for you. And if it's funny to someone else and doesn't hurt anyone, don't begrudge them a laugh. They'll be easier to get along with, which is a win for everyone. 

photo credit: Pixel Addict via photopin cc

Also be sure to check out S.L.'s post What Is Funny?

Interview With the Vampire Joe--Guest Selena Illyria+Giveaway

Today at Lust With a Laugh we’re graced with the presence of royalty. That’s right, we have the one and only Vampire King, Joe from Bewitching the Vampire. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us today, Joe. As well as temporarily lifting my restraining order. *bats eyelashes* You don’t mind if I conduct this interview while sitting on your lap in this Fredrick’s of Hollywood baby doll nightie, right?

Joe: Jodi, *looks around* what we had in the past is well, in the past I’m very happy with Bridget right now. Um, what are you doing with those handcuffs?

Jodi: Oh stop being so suspicious. They’re bracelets. *kicks the duct tape out of sight* Maybe you could give our readers a little intro? How long have you been a vampire king, and what does your title entail?

Joe: Well, that would be telling but for you and your readers I’ll just say since Prohibition and leave it at that.  The title entails me to power, territory and money and access to cool weapons like the--Um, Jodi do these handcuffs have to be on me for the entire interview? I promise you that I won’t hurt you.

Jodi: Not even if I ask nicely? *bats my eyelashes again and sighs at Joe’s headshake. Fine, Mr. Party Pooper. So what is the best and worst part of being a king?

Joe: Best part meeting Bridget. Worst is part dealing with ingratiating morons who kiss my ass and expect me to make their boo-boos go away. *snorts* Not gonna happen. You got a problem you deal with it unless you really need my help. Sooo about these handcuffs… the metal is starting to burn my wrists. Are these soaked in holy water maybe?

Jodi: Pffttt! Do I look like I’d have access to holy water? Anywho, you keep bringing up this special lady in your life. Who isn’t me. *pouts* How did you two meet?

Joe: Ah, we get to Bridget. I truly am sorry Jodi. I sent you a bouquet to apologize. Did you get them? We met when I tried to introduce myself and well things didn’t’ go well. There were flowers involved in that too but she was allergic and then she started avoiding me…*rubs the back of his neck.* Um, Jodi, these cuffs really are hurting me. What are you doing with that blindfold? Jodi, you promised me that I’d only be here for an hour or soo…

Jodi: That was my evil doppelganger. I don’t advise ever listening to her. You know, there’s nothing sexier than an alpha vampire who knows exactly how to get what he wants. *covertly pinches some vamp butt* Bridget is one lucky witch. Speaking of witches, Halloween is right around the corner. What is your favorite way to spend the holiday?

Joe: Horror. Movies. I love ‘em even when they’re really shit. This year I plan on spending some quality time with Freddie and Jason with snacks and some pop. Uh, Jodi, the hours almost up. Can I get the key to these cuffs? I have to use the bathroom.

Jodi: You can hold it for another minute. Because it’s time for the lightening round of random questions! *snazzy jazz hands*

Handcuffs or ropes?

Joe: Depends on my mood. You’ve been naughty you get the cuffs. If I’m feeling a bit traditional you get the ropes.

Leather or silk?

Joe:  Both. Silk is a good start and then bring on the leather. Sensory play, LOVE. IT.

Rubber flounder paddles or whips?

Joe *shudders*: Jodi, we talked about the flounder paddles and the rubber shoes AND the clown nose. I’ll go with whips or belts or floggers.

Heavy metal or polka?

Joe *taps his chin*: Well, um, if I tell you, you promise not to tell Bridget? *leans forward stares at Jodi* Okay, sometimes when I’m in the mood and I’m cooking I’ll put on some polka to get festive but metal hands down.

*eyes glaze over as I picture Joe in Lederhosen* Yetis or chupacabras?

Joe: Neither! Yeti’s shed too damn much and are a pain in the ass to tame. They also make horrible guardians since they run off so damn much and the chupacabara well, he’s undependable too. Lead him away with a goat and you’re screwed.

Killer clown or Zombie Ferret?

Joe: Killer Clown. Easier to dispatch than a zombie ferret. Jodi, you haven’t been at the spell books again have you? We talked about this. Do I need to send Bridget to do an intervention?

Jodi? JODI! Let me out of these cuffs. Jodi, my skin is burning! I’m feeling woozy. Jodi don’t you dare leave me alone like this. JODI! 

Y’all never mind Joe while I go put the Riunite on ice and iron his Lederhosen. In the meantime, for a shot at winning a digital copy of Halloween Heat and Bewitching the Vampire leave a comment telling us what is your favorite thing about Halloween? Contest is open to all but ends at midnight on Sunday, October 5^th. Good luck!

Flushed and Fevered 1: Bewitching the Vampire

Blurb:

A stubborn witch vs a vampire king…who will win on Halloween?

Bridget is a witch who has been given a sweet deal—nab a rogue vampire and score a big payday, but she must deliver him within twenty-four hours. She’ll need help from Joe, the local vampire liege, to find the rogue vampire fast. Joe agrees to give her the information...if she agrees to play a few hands of poker with him. For each hand, she must reveal a bit about herself. And for each hand she wins, he'll answer any question she asks. But Bridget isn’t sure she can keep things objective—not when Joe gives her that seductive grin.

Joe has always had an interest in the little witch. She defies his expectations and surprises at every turn. But despite his natural inclination to help her, he decides to make her work for the information she needs in the most delicious ways. With a little bit of seduction and a little bit of bondage, he tests her resolve to play the game…and tests his own self-control to contain the blood beast inside him. The stakes are sky-high, for both of them. But on Halloween, the most powerful night of the year, which one will be the winner?

Excerpt:

“Vampires love to mark what’s theirs. Are you mine, Bridget?” He gazed up her body, then lifted one leg over his shoulder and brought his lips within a hair’s breadth of her damp slit. “Well?” he placed a soft kiss on one side of her sex, then the other side. “Are you?” He blew on the ruddy flesh. Her legs shook and she groaned. “Are you?” he demanded.”

Buy Links:

Etopia Press
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
ARe
Kobo

Unmask Your Desires, Satiate Your Hungers.

Multi-Published Author, part vampire, part pixie, Selena Illyria was born with a need to write and enable. Her imagination takes her into the paranormal, sci-fi and fantasy genres and all sorts of mischief. When not writing she enjoys catching up on her TBR pile, watching some of her favorite programs and listening to her favorite music as well as teasing people with posts on decadent food and plot bunnies. To connect with you her can either go to: Her Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Selena-Illyria/100175079107?ref=nf

Her Twitter: www.twitter.com/Selena_Illyria

Her Amazon Central Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0075NG31K

Her Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/selenaillyria/

Selena Illyria