I went to my folks on Christmas Eve. Spent the night there and went to my sister's with my parents on Christmas Day. All my siblings plus their kids showed up. Dinner was good and I spent the day eating, drinking, talking and trying to avoid tripping over semi-domesticated house apes. Boxing Day we all went to breakfast at a local hotel's restaurant and then I came home.
It was fun plus not too exciting which is always a plus in my opinion.
The gifts I got were few but good.
From my folks I got the book What Is America?: A Short History of the New World Order. I finished it in a day. It's an excursion into the history of the U.S.A. and how its past has made it the confusing country it seems to the rest of the world. The most fascinating, and sickening, part is how the European portion of the US performed ethnic cleansing on the people already here. I use that word in exactly the meaning you think. I also got a little money from them.
My oldest brother and his SO gave me a copy of The Hebredene Journals, a book his SO wrote.
My other brother and his family gave me a $50 gift card for one of the local grocery chains. That should keep me in food for at least a week.
Yesterday I went and bought some new equipment for one of my favorite activities. I got some containers to keep loose accouterments in, some latex gloves and a couple of D-rings for my cuffs. I also got a couple of new floggers and a paratrooper's bag to carry all my stuff around.
It was a good Christmas.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Despite…
My grumpy mood I'll take this moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Monday, December 22, 2008
I'm not quite…
At the point of saying, "Bah! Humbug!" But I'm close.
For some reason I am just not in the Christmas spirit this year.
For some reason I am just not in the Christmas spirit this year.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Time to do an update
Well, Breaking The Covenants went out to several beta readers and the feedback was positive. I'd say we have a winner.
I did have to rewrite my opening scene. Well, I didn't have to but Celina thought it would be a good idea. She was right. I was winging it the first time and didn't have a clear idea of Gunther's character. This time turned out much better.
We've submitted a partial to the publisher that suggested the project, Aspen Mountain Press. I'm pretty sure we'll get a contract out of it.
That's it for now. I'll try to post on a more regular basis.
I did have to rewrite my opening scene. Well, I didn't have to but Celina thought it would be a good idea. She was right. I was winging it the first time and didn't have a clear idea of Gunther's character. This time turned out much better.
We've submitted a partial to the publisher that suggested the project, Aspen Mountain Press. I'm pretty sure we'll get a contract out of it.
That's it for now. I'll try to post on a more regular basis.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Edits are started
For Breaking The Covenants.
We've got a request for a partial and I'm pretty sure we'll get a contract from it.
Going to be a busy weekend though.
We've got a request for a partial and I'm pretty sure we'll get a contract from it.
Going to be a busy weekend though.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Finished!
The first draft for Breaking The Covenants is finished. 115K words.
Now come the polishing.
I really like how Celina set up for the next one.
Now come the polishing.
I really like how Celina set up for the next one.
Friday, November 28, 2008
For a friend
My co-author for Breaking The Covenants, Celina Summers has a new release today.
The title is The Temptation of Asphodel and it's the third in a series of four books she's turning out.
Get a copy. It's good.
The title is The Temptation of Asphodel and it's the third in a series of four books she's turning out.
Get a copy. It's good.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Update
Somehow I managed to pound out 2,300 words on Breaking The Covenants yesterday. I'm pretty pleased with that.
I'm figuring that including what my co-author wrote the book is 110,000 words now. Yay! The end (of the first draft) is in sight.
I don't have anything planned for that today so I think I'll work on my menage erotic romance I'm calling Among The Stacks as one of the characters is a rather repressed librarian. Not to worry. She's anything but repressed by the end of it.
I'm figuring that including what my co-author wrote the book is 110,000 words now. Yay! The end (of the first draft) is in sight.
I don't have anything planned for that today so I think I'll work on my menage erotic romance I'm calling Among The Stacks as one of the characters is a rather repressed librarian. Not to worry. She's anything but repressed by the end of it.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
5:30 in the morning
And I've got nothing better to do but post on my blog.
Well, okay, I do have better things to do but I'm procrastinating about those things.
Not a good weekend. My sleep's been awful. As you can probably guess from the time I'm posting. Part of it was dealing with a personal emotional crisis. That's done now, for the most part
The other is that I'm really intimidated by the scene I have to write for Breaking The Covenants. It's big! Not in word count, though I'm betting this scene will be between four and five thousand words in length. It's the number of characters in it. I'm used to more intimate scenes. I've never had more than four or five characters in a single scene before. This time there will be four or five times that many. So I have to do a lot to make sure each is individual and each is unique.
That's a big order.
Still, I'll get it done. I'm good at that.
Word count on Breaking The Covenants currently stands at a little under 103,000 words. *grin*
Well, okay, I do have better things to do but I'm procrastinating about those things.
Not a good weekend. My sleep's been awful. As you can probably guess from the time I'm posting. Part of it was dealing with a personal emotional crisis. That's done now, for the most part
The other is that I'm really intimidated by the scene I have to write for Breaking The Covenants. It's big! Not in word count, though I'm betting this scene will be between four and five thousand words in length. It's the number of characters in it. I'm used to more intimate scenes. I've never had more than four or five characters in a single scene before. This time there will be four or five times that many. So I have to do a lot to make sure each is individual and each is unique.
That's a big order.
Still, I'll get it done. I'm good at that.
Word count on Breaking The Covenants currently stands at a little under 103,000 words. *grin*
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A quick report
My latest writing project, Breaking The Covenants continues apace.
As of this morning it stands at about 96,000 words.
Yay me.
As of this morning it stands at about 96,000 words.
Yay me.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Tsk
Been way too long since I posted something here.
Not a lot to report though.
My latest writing project continues apace.
And Saturday I get to go out drinking with some of my favorite people in the world. One in particular. Although I'm way too much of a coward to put the moves on her.
That's all. Carry on.
Not a lot to report though.
My latest writing project continues apace.
And Saturday I get to go out drinking with some of my favorite people in the world. One in particular. Although I'm way too much of a coward to put the moves on her.
That's all. Carry on.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
On Proposition 8
I know it shouldn't concern me since I live thousands of miles away from California, but it does.
But Proposition 8, the amendment to the California State Constitution that now claims that marriage can only be between a man and a woman is just wrong. A friend of mine had a horrible time trying to explain to her children why they can't be considered a family anymore.
As some one I know said a few months ago, "It's love. And it's a gift. Why quibble about the wrapping?"
But Proposition 8, the amendment to the California State Constitution that now claims that marriage can only be between a man and a woman is just wrong. A friend of mine had a horrible time trying to explain to her children why they can't be considered a family anymore.
As some one I know said a few months ago, "It's love. And it's a gift. Why quibble about the wrapping?"
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Worried
Being rather a bit of a political junky I've been following the U.S. Election very closely. And I'll confess to being very worried about it.
There has been such extreme anger on the part of the people who label themselves 'conservatives'. Although I regard them as revolutionaries. They may talk a lot about freedom and the rule of law but their intention, in my opinion, is to toss those things out the window and replace it with a strict authoritarian system where no one takes a shit without the say so of those in charge.
This, of course, won't apply to themselves. It never does to such people.
So this election has me worried. If Obama wins, as looks most probable, these revolutionaries will probably decide that the system has failed them. That makes it likely that they will decide that violence is the only route remaining to them, that what they believe must be imposed on America as it is now obvious to them that Americans aren't smart enough to make the correct choice.
As bad, maybe worse, is if McCain wins. This will radicalize many of the people in the centre, or the left as it's known in America. McCain winning will sharpen the divisions that plague the States. These divisions may become too sharp and too wide for America to remain a valid political entity.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand," as Abraham Lincoln put it.
We're living in interesting times. Unfortunately.
There has been such extreme anger on the part of the people who label themselves 'conservatives'. Although I regard them as revolutionaries. They may talk a lot about freedom and the rule of law but their intention, in my opinion, is to toss those things out the window and replace it with a strict authoritarian system where no one takes a shit without the say so of those in charge.
This, of course, won't apply to themselves. It never does to such people.
So this election has me worried. If Obama wins, as looks most probable, these revolutionaries will probably decide that the system has failed them. That makes it likely that they will decide that violence is the only route remaining to them, that what they believe must be imposed on America as it is now obvious to them that Americans aren't smart enough to make the correct choice.
As bad, maybe worse, is if McCain wins. This will radicalize many of the people in the centre, or the left as it's known in America. McCain winning will sharpen the divisions that plague the States. These divisions may become too sharp and too wide for America to remain a valid political entity.
"A house divided against itself cannot stand," as Abraham Lincoln put it.
We're living in interesting times. Unfortunately.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Things are good
I seem to have, for the moment, rediscovered useful sleeping habits. It's so nice not wandering around in a haze of fatigue.
The project I'm working on with Celina Summers is proceeding apace. The story has gone places I've never expected, probably because we're both pansters. But we have the plot firmed up. And we've decided that it is the first book of a trilogy.
The title of the first book is going to be Breaking The Covenants. This is because the background of the story centers around the covenants that vampires live by, and the consequences of breaking them.
It's a great story and I'm very flattered that Celina agreed to work with me.
The project I'm working on with Celina Summers is proceeding apace. The story has gone places I've never expected, probably because we're both pansters. But we have the plot firmed up. And we've decided that it is the first book of a trilogy.
The title of the first book is going to be Breaking The Covenants. This is because the background of the story centers around the covenants that vampires live by, and the consequences of breaking them.
It's a great story and I'm very flattered that Celina agreed to work with me.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Well, that was interesting
I realized this morning that I no longer have any interest in being in a relationship.
Or rather, I've put such an event in the same category as winning the lottery. It's not going to happen and I'm not going to waste time, money or emotional energy on it.
Interesting.
Or rather, I've put such an event in the same category as winning the lottery. It's not going to happen and I'm not going to waste time, money or emotional energy on it.
Interesting.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
I love it
When people say nice things about my work. Especially when they are people I like or admire.
Last night I was doing an author's chat with my co-author, Celina Summers.
She had just read my latest e-book, Gillian's Place. She said it was one of the five best books she read this year.
That made me feel good.
Last night I was doing an author's chat with my co-author, Celina Summers.
She had just read my latest e-book, Gillian's Place. She said it was one of the five best books she read this year.
That made me feel good.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Another update
I'm really digging my new project. My fellow author at Aspen Mountain Press, Celina Summers and I are working on a historical vampire novel. I'm writing the hero's parts and Celina is doing the heroine's.
It's a real challenge. Partly because it's hard to keep up with Celina, she's a writing machine.
It's also a challenge because I'm pushing my boundaries. The hero is type I've avoided, a real alpha male. And the work will be a novel in length, another thing I've never done before.
I'm very much enjoying being excited about what I'm working on. It's been a while.
It's a real challenge. Partly because it's hard to keep up with Celina, she's a writing machine.
It's also a challenge because I'm pushing my boundaries. The hero is type I've avoided, a real alpha male. And the work will be a novel in length, another thing I've never done before.
I'm very much enjoying being excited about what I'm working on. It's been a while.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Update
Things seem to be turning around.
I've gotten back into the habit of sleeping all night. Damn, that's nice.
And my new writing project is coming along nicely. It's hard keeping up with my co-author though. She's a bleeding writing machine. *wink*
Life's good.
I've gotten back into the habit of sleeping all night. Damn, that's nice.
And my new writing project is coming along nicely. It's hard keeping up with my co-author though. She's a bleeding writing machine. *wink*
Life's good.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Update
Monday was Turkey Day here in Canada. Had a great time at my sister's. Ate, drank and talked. Some of my favorite things.
We had an election yesterday. The outcome wasn't a surprise. Thanks to gerrymandering, attack ads and a rather unethical use of taxpayer's money the neo-Marxists, sorry, Conservatives, improved their position. At least they've still got a minority.
The pliable party, I mean the Liberals, kinda took it in the balls. Not surprising. The guy leading them is a nice guy and very smart but a piss poor leader.
The silver spoon socialists, I mean the NDP, improved their standing. Unfortunately they don't represent the blue collar workers and farmers that they used to. In some ways it's not surprising as there's a lot less of those people in Canada than there used to be. But somebody has to be concerned about the lives of those folk that are involved with physical labor. Everybody else depends on them.
Ah well. C'est la vie.
On the positive side I've started a new writing project. I'm working with another author at one of my e-publishers on a historical vampire novel (we hope) set in 1788 London. I'm writing the hero's part and she's doing the heroine's. I was very flattered when she insisted that I be her co-author. She's a very good and prolific writer. I hope I'll be able to hold up my end of the bargain.
That's it. Have a good one.
We had an election yesterday. The outcome wasn't a surprise. Thanks to gerrymandering, attack ads and a rather unethical use of taxpayer's money the neo-Marxists, sorry, Conservatives, improved their position. At least they've still got a minority.
The pliable party, I mean the Liberals, kinda took it in the balls. Not surprising. The guy leading them is a nice guy and very smart but a piss poor leader.
The silver spoon socialists, I mean the NDP, improved their standing. Unfortunately they don't represent the blue collar workers and farmers that they used to. In some ways it's not surprising as there's a lot less of those people in Canada than there used to be. But somebody has to be concerned about the lives of those folk that are involved with physical labor. Everybody else depends on them.
Ah well. C'est la vie.
On the positive side I've started a new writing project. I'm working with another author at one of my e-publishers on a historical vampire novel (we hope) set in 1788 London. I'm writing the hero's part and she's doing the heroine's. I was very flattered when she insisted that I be her co-author. She's a very good and prolific writer. I hope I'll be able to hold up my end of the bargain.
That's it. Have a good one.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sigh
I do believe it's time to go back to the doctor.
I cannot seem to get my sleeping habits under control and neither can I seem to chase away the dark funk I'm in these days.
Crap.
I cannot seem to get my sleeping habits under control and neither can I seem to chase away the dark funk I'm in these days.
Crap.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Yay me!
My latest e-book, Gillian's Place, has been nominated for Best Contemporary / Suspense Erotic Romance - Fall 2008 at Night Owl Romance.
If you're so inclined you can vote for it here.
If you're so inclined you can vote for it here.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Sigh
Insomnia strikes again.
Today's going to be a long day of peering through a mask of fatigue and trying to nap.
Sigh.
Today's going to be a long day of peering through a mask of fatigue and trying to nap.
Sigh.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Please help
I visit a site every day. It's to help fight breast cancer. If you click on a certain link the site counts that click. After a certain number are reached one of the site's sponsors pays for a mammogram for someone who needs one.
They're doing a drive this month. If they collect 10 million clicks an extra 100 mammograms will be provided.
The click count is falling short. So I thought I'd provide the link here so all the people at JAPM can help out.
Here's the link.
Thanks everyone.
They're doing a drive this month. If they collect 10 million clicks an extra 100 mammograms will be provided.
The click count is falling short. So I thought I'd provide the link here so all the people at JAPM can help out.
Here's the link.
Thanks everyone.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Been too long
Sorry, been caught up in the drama of my life.
Not much to report. I'll be going to another play party next week. Should be fun.
Especially if that tasty Dungeon Monitor is there again.
Have a great day, every one.
Not much to report. I'll be going to another play party next week. Should be fun.
Especially if that tasty Dungeon Monitor is there again.
Have a great day, every one.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sigh
I'm feeling awfully alone these days.
I don't know why but all my friends seem to be drifting away. Or maybe I'm drifting away from them.
Life's such a bitch sometimes.
I don't know why but all my friends seem to be drifting away. Or maybe I'm drifting away from them.
Life's such a bitch sometimes.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
This was cool
An interview with my vampires, George Belleveau and Diane Patterson.
Also I found a photo recently that is pretty much exactly how I imagine Diane to look.
A few years older and not quite as Goth, but her hair color, face and body are spot on.
Also I found a photo recently that is pretty much exactly how I imagine Diane to look.
A few years older and not quite as Goth, but her hair color, face and body are spot on.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
This is disheartening
It turns out the truth may not set you free.
Sad, but I've known this for years.
There's a book I read many years ago, Snapping: America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change. In it the authors posited a very interesting hypothesis, information disease.
I wrote an an essay on it a couple of years ago.
It could be said everyone suffers from information disease in some form. There's simply too much information in existence and we haven't the time to go through it all. And information disease is hard to treat.
Still, as the Washington Post article pointed out, the truth isn't completely without effect.
We should be aware that it isn't the cure all we believe it to be.
Sad, but I've known this for years.
There's a book I read many years ago, Snapping: America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change. In it the authors posited a very interesting hypothesis, information disease.
I wrote an an essay on it a couple of years ago.
It could be said everyone suffers from information disease in some form. There's simply too much information in existence and we haven't the time to go through it all. And information disease is hard to treat.
Still, as the Washington Post article pointed out, the truth isn't completely without effect.
We should be aware that it isn't the cure all we believe it to be.
Sigh
Anyone want a badly abused soul, cheap?
I'm willing to sell mine for a few nights of decent sleep.
I'm willing to sell mine for a few nights of decent sleep.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Glarg!
That about sums it up.
I can't remember the last time I got a decent night's sleep.
Last night I went to bed early. Two minutes after that one of my roommates comes home. I suspect the man is deaf as moving from point A to point B causes him to make noise only slightly less than that of a brass band.
Then the tail end of Hurricane Ike hit Toronto. High winds and heavy rain for a couple of hours. About half way through there was a horrendous 'crash!' nearby. That gave me such an adrenaline rush that I was wide awake until about three this morning.
My body refused to sleep past 7:30. When I went to the kitchen I found out what made the crash. My neighbor's tree had come down, taking out a fence in my back yard and nearly hitting our house.
I'd love to take a nap but there's a work crew using power saws to remove said tree.
Oi vay iz mir. I'm beat.
I can't remember the last time I got a decent night's sleep.
Last night I went to bed early. Two minutes after that one of my roommates comes home. I suspect the man is deaf as moving from point A to point B causes him to make noise only slightly less than that of a brass band.
Then the tail end of Hurricane Ike hit Toronto. High winds and heavy rain for a couple of hours. About half way through there was a horrendous 'crash!' nearby. That gave me such an adrenaline rush that I was wide awake until about three this morning.
My body refused to sleep past 7:30. When I went to the kitchen I found out what made the crash. My neighbor's tree had come down, taking out a fence in my back yard and nearly hitting our house.
I'd love to take a nap but there's a work crew using power saws to remove said tree.
Oi vay iz mir. I'm beat.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
One of my favorite stories
And a little insight into how I think.
__________
Many years ago there was an old samurai who had decided to retire to become a priest.
But before he could do so he had to determine which of his three sons received the family sword.
So, after thinking a bit, he decided to test them. He went to a room in their home and placed a small wooden block on top of the shoji, the sliding door to the room. When the door was opened the block would fall and hit the person in it.
Then he called his youngest son to him.
The youngest son was a swordsman. He spent every available minute practicing with it. He was sharp, fast and deadly.
He came to the door and opened it. The block fell and struck him. He had his sword out and sliced the block in two before it hit the ground.
The old man stood up in a rage. "Get out of this house!" he shouted. "You are disowned! You do not understand what it means to be samurai and you never will."
Replacing the block the old man called his middle son to him.
This son spent a great deal of time studying the way of the sword. But there were other things he studied as well. They weren't his main point of interest though.
This son came to the door and opened it. The block fell and struck him. He caught it before it hit the ground.
Bowing to his son the old man said, "I am sorry, but you cannot receive the family sword. You do not yet understand what it means to be samurai. But I can see that one day you will."
Resetting his trap the old man had his oldest son come to meet him.
This son studied the sword, but it was just one of many things he studied. He wasn't a poor swordsman. It was just one of his many interests.
He came to the door, started to slide it open. He stopped then to reach up and pull down the wooden block. Entering the room he closed the door and replaced the block. Bowing to his father he asked, "Father? You wished to speak to me?"
"Yes," replied his father. "I have made my decision. You are the one who will receive the family sword as you are the one who most understands what it means to be samurai."
__________
Here's my interpretation of this story.
The sword represents power and the old man had to determine which of his sons received that power, and the responsibility that goes along with it.
The youngest son failed because he didn't have the awareness or the restraint required to use the power responsibly. He did not see the trap. And he reacted without restraint. There was no need to use his sword but he did.
For this lack of awareness and restraint his father cut him off from all power.
The middle son failed because he didn't have the awareness to receive the power. He did react with restraint though.
So his father didn't give him power, but also didn't cut off his access to it. There was a strong possibility the middle son would learn enough awareness to be worthy of power in the future.
The oldest son succeeded because he was the only one aware enough to avoid the trap. By being aware he removed the need to use his power at all. He acted rather than reacted.
This is why the old man gave him the family sword, the power. He was the one least likely to use that power. The eldest son was wise enough, aware enough, that he didn't need power.
There you go. One of my favorite stories, and how I think about it. It forms a major part of my beliefs and actions.
Have a great day, every one.
__________
Many years ago there was an old samurai who had decided to retire to become a priest.
But before he could do so he had to determine which of his three sons received the family sword.
So, after thinking a bit, he decided to test them. He went to a room in their home and placed a small wooden block on top of the shoji, the sliding door to the room. When the door was opened the block would fall and hit the person in it.
Then he called his youngest son to him.
The youngest son was a swordsman. He spent every available minute practicing with it. He was sharp, fast and deadly.
He came to the door and opened it. The block fell and struck him. He had his sword out and sliced the block in two before it hit the ground.
The old man stood up in a rage. "Get out of this house!" he shouted. "You are disowned! You do not understand what it means to be samurai and you never will."
Replacing the block the old man called his middle son to him.
This son spent a great deal of time studying the way of the sword. But there were other things he studied as well. They weren't his main point of interest though.
This son came to the door and opened it. The block fell and struck him. He caught it before it hit the ground.
Bowing to his son the old man said, "I am sorry, but you cannot receive the family sword. You do not yet understand what it means to be samurai. But I can see that one day you will."
Resetting his trap the old man had his oldest son come to meet him.
This son studied the sword, but it was just one of many things he studied. He wasn't a poor swordsman. It was just one of his many interests.
He came to the door, started to slide it open. He stopped then to reach up and pull down the wooden block. Entering the room he closed the door and replaced the block. Bowing to his father he asked, "Father? You wished to speak to me?"
"Yes," replied his father. "I have made my decision. You are the one who will receive the family sword as you are the one who most understands what it means to be samurai."
__________
Here's my interpretation of this story.
The sword represents power and the old man had to determine which of his sons received that power, and the responsibility that goes along with it.
The youngest son failed because he didn't have the awareness or the restraint required to use the power responsibly. He did not see the trap. And he reacted without restraint. There was no need to use his sword but he did.
For this lack of awareness and restraint his father cut him off from all power.
The middle son failed because he didn't have the awareness to receive the power. He did react with restraint though.
So his father didn't give him power, but also didn't cut off his access to it. There was a strong possibility the middle son would learn enough awareness to be worthy of power in the future.
The oldest son succeeded because he was the only one aware enough to avoid the trap. By being aware he removed the need to use his power at all. He acted rather than reacted.
This is why the old man gave him the family sword, the power. He was the one least likely to use that power. The eldest son was wise enough, aware enough, that he didn't need power.
There you go. One of my favorite stories, and how I think about it. It forms a major part of my beliefs and actions.
Have a great day, every one.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
That was interesting
Well, my little expedition to my first play party was a success.
Finding the place was a bit tricky. Firstly because I mis-remembered the directions they provided and went about a kilometer in the wrong direction before I had enough sense to pull out the map I bought with me. Once I found the right street, I headed down it to discover that I was still kind of lost. Arriving at the right spot there wasn't anything but a drive way.
At that point I spotted some people getting out of a car who were obviously in the life so I followed them. It turned out the venue was tucked away in the back of a commercial complex. I'm not sure if I would have found it if it weren't for the people I followed.
There was a reception area where I gave my invitation number and had to sign a waiver. Left my equipment bag there as well.
The venue itself is a photography studio. A large one but still smaller that I expected. The main floor was primarily taken up with the shooting space which comprised about two thirds of the area and the rest was taken up by the kitchen, bathroom and change room with seats along one wall.
There was an upper level, a balcony above the kitchen. I spent a lot of time here as it had a good view of the main floor and I love watching.
There were seven stations set up; a couple of what I call 'A-frames', a St. Andrews Cross and the rest were spanking benches of one type or another.
My first sight on entering was a lovely set of tits that one very obvious sub had on display. I thought that a good omen.
When I arrived there were about twenty people there, some dressed pretty vanilla, some, like the aforementioned sub already for play. I got a cola then wandered around, checking the place out. I finished my recon upstairs.
It turns out there were two more stations upstairs. I found out why later.
More people arrived and then the first scene started at one of the 'A-frames'. This was an obvious couple; her dressed in a very sexy lingerie ensemble, him in simple black. He chained her wrists to the frame and started to smack her with various floggers. His skill was good, he varied his work in strength, rhythm and area, interspersed with caresses of her intimate areas. She was flying by the time he was done about forty minutes later. They shared a very sweet rapport.
That got the ball rolling and the other stations began to fill up. Among the more memorable scenes was a couple of dommes playing with a zaftig young woman in a school girl's uniform. There was another couple who I could tell were close. He led her around on a leash all night. She wore an outfit that was could be ripped and it was very nicely ripped by the time they were done.
One of the doms was in demand for his skill with whips and floggers. I saw him play with several subs of both sexes. I watched his scenes for pointers. Another had a huge selection of rattan canes that he used very well. The young lady he used them on was grinning in a drunken manner when he finally let her down.
It turned out that the upstairs stations were for more extreme scenes. I didn't pay close attention, not my cup of tea. Of the scenes I caught glimpses of there was one dom performing cock torture on his sub and a woman doing something with needles to a femme.
I circulated a fair bit, talked to a few people. One of the Dungeon Monitors really caught my eye. Rather tall with raven hair, she had on a rather dishabille school girls outfit that didn't quite cross the line to outright slutty. Delicious.
I didn't do any playing. I didn't get any offers and didn't know anyone well enough to offer myself.
I left a little before one. I wanted to stay but I'd had a very long day so had to leave.
Still it was a most interesting evening. I'll be going again next month.
Finding the place was a bit tricky. Firstly because I mis-remembered the directions they provided and went about a kilometer in the wrong direction before I had enough sense to pull out the map I bought with me. Once I found the right street, I headed down it to discover that I was still kind of lost. Arriving at the right spot there wasn't anything but a drive way.
At that point I spotted some people getting out of a car who were obviously in the life so I followed them. It turned out the venue was tucked away in the back of a commercial complex. I'm not sure if I would have found it if it weren't for the people I followed.
There was a reception area where I gave my invitation number and had to sign a waiver. Left my equipment bag there as well.
The venue itself is a photography studio. A large one but still smaller that I expected. The main floor was primarily taken up with the shooting space which comprised about two thirds of the area and the rest was taken up by the kitchen, bathroom and change room with seats along one wall.
There was an upper level, a balcony above the kitchen. I spent a lot of time here as it had a good view of the main floor and I love watching.
There were seven stations set up; a couple of what I call 'A-frames', a St. Andrews Cross and the rest were spanking benches of one type or another.
My first sight on entering was a lovely set of tits that one very obvious sub had on display. I thought that a good omen.
When I arrived there were about twenty people there, some dressed pretty vanilla, some, like the aforementioned sub already for play. I got a cola then wandered around, checking the place out. I finished my recon upstairs.
It turns out there were two more stations upstairs. I found out why later.
More people arrived and then the first scene started at one of the 'A-frames'. This was an obvious couple; her dressed in a very sexy lingerie ensemble, him in simple black. He chained her wrists to the frame and started to smack her with various floggers. His skill was good, he varied his work in strength, rhythm and area, interspersed with caresses of her intimate areas. She was flying by the time he was done about forty minutes later. They shared a very sweet rapport.
That got the ball rolling and the other stations began to fill up. Among the more memorable scenes was a couple of dommes playing with a zaftig young woman in a school girl's uniform. There was another couple who I could tell were close. He led her around on a leash all night. She wore an outfit that was could be ripped and it was very nicely ripped by the time they were done.
One of the doms was in demand for his skill with whips and floggers. I saw him play with several subs of both sexes. I watched his scenes for pointers. Another had a huge selection of rattan canes that he used very well. The young lady he used them on was grinning in a drunken manner when he finally let her down.
It turned out that the upstairs stations were for more extreme scenes. I didn't pay close attention, not my cup of tea. Of the scenes I caught glimpses of there was one dom performing cock torture on his sub and a woman doing something with needles to a femme.
I circulated a fair bit, talked to a few people. One of the Dungeon Monitors really caught my eye. Rather tall with raven hair, she had on a rather dishabille school girls outfit that didn't quite cross the line to outright slutty. Delicious.
I didn't do any playing. I didn't get any offers and didn't know anyone well enough to offer myself.
I left a little before one. I wanted to stay but I'd had a very long day so had to leave.
Still it was a most interesting evening. I'll be going again next month.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Oops.
It's been a week since I last posted anything. Sorry.
Actually things have been good. I've actually typed Fin on a first draft. That's the first time since early May. That feels good. My critique partners like it too.
I'll finish polishing and submitting it to Literotica today.
Tomorrow night is a play party, the first time I've ever been to one.
I'm ready. I did some shopping for equipment last Friday and today.
Last Friday I got a good pair of leather cuffs and a very nice wire crop.
Today was peripheral stuff, black t-shirts (I do want the right ambiance), some salve for sore spots, tissues for wiping tears and wet towelettes for cleaning welts and that. Also clothespins. You can guess what those are for.
While I was at the hardware store getting the clothespins I discovered they were right next to the chain dispensers. Needless to say that gave me ideas. I'm not sure if I'm going to go with the gold covered or the thin with somewhat sharp edges.
Oh well. Plenty of time to decide.
Life's good.
Actually things have been good. I've actually typed Fin on a first draft. That's the first time since early May. That feels good. My critique partners like it too.
I'll finish polishing and submitting it to Literotica today.
Tomorrow night is a play party, the first time I've ever been to one.
I'm ready. I did some shopping for equipment last Friday and today.
Last Friday I got a good pair of leather cuffs and a very nice wire crop.
Today was peripheral stuff, black t-shirts (I do want the right ambiance), some salve for sore spots, tissues for wiping tears and wet towelettes for cleaning welts and that. Also clothespins. You can guess what those are for.
While I was at the hardware store getting the clothespins I discovered they were right next to the chain dispensers. Needless to say that gave me ideas. I'm not sure if I'm going to go with the gold covered or the thin with somewhat sharp edges.
Oh well. Plenty of time to decide.
Life's good.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Argh!
Awake at four in the morning Sunday.
Awake at four in the morning Monday.
Awake at three in the morning last night.
I think fucking exhausted is the correct way to describe how I feel at the moment.
Awake at four in the morning Monday.
Awake at three in the morning last night.
I think fucking exhausted is the correct way to describe how I feel at the moment.
Monday, August 25, 2008
A little political philosophy today
All the forums I hang out at seem to have at least one thread on the nature of good and evil. So I'll post a bunch of aphorisms I keep close to my heart on this subject.
__________
What you resist, you become. - Old Taoist saying.
__________
Beware when you battle monsters,
lest you become a monster.
And as you gaze into the abyss,
the abyss gazes also,
into you.
Friedrich Nietzsche.
__________
To be angered by evil is to partake of it, stupid. - Matthewson's 23rd Edict, from The Book of Universal Truths and Other Humorous Anecdotes.
That is all. Carry on.
__________
What you resist, you become. - Old Taoist saying.
__________
Beware when you battle monsters,
lest you become a monster.
And as you gaze into the abyss,
the abyss gazes also,
into you.
Friedrich Nietzsche.
__________
To be angered by evil is to partake of it, stupid. - Matthewson's 23rd Edict, from The Book of Universal Truths and Other Humorous Anecdotes.
That is all. Carry on.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sigh
Decided to start raining and hard. There goes this afternoon's yard work. It's hard to get caught up.
So I'll write.
I've got three works I'm wandering between. A BDSM story entitled Bound In Roses, a romance I'm calling Sheena From Tallahassee and a menage romance with the tentative title of Among The Stacks.
That should keep me busy.
So I'll write.
I've got three works I'm wandering between. A BDSM story entitled Bound In Roses, a romance I'm calling Sheena From Tallahassee and a menage romance with the tentative title of Among The Stacks.
That should keep me busy.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A new review
For my latest e-book, Gillian's Place
WitchGiggles at An Alternative Read just loved it. She had wonderful things to say about my work.
That really made my day. *grin*
WitchGiggles at An Alternative Read just loved it. She had wonderful things to say about my work.
That really made my day. *grin*
Thursday, August 21, 2008
When forums go bad
I spend a lot of time on the internet. And I've a few places I like to hang. Forums of one type or another.
One, that I've been at for years, seems to be rotting from the inside. The atmosphere is rapidly becoming venomous.
I'm not sure why. A lot of it, I think, is because is because of the U.S. election. We like to discuss politics there and, well, some people are really not nice about it. A semantic analysis of some of the posters comments would be, "McCain rules! Obama drools! Liberals must die! Die! DIE! DIE!"
There are a few people on the left side of the spectrum who are almost as bad. Their contempt for differences of opinion is high.
That contempt seems to be permeating every other thread as well. Because of it we've had two major blowups in the last month which has strained things horribly. Today one of the long time members, a person I really liked, has left forever. Deleted their account and they're gone. Sigh.
I hate when people let themselves fall prey to emotions like anger and hatred. It accomplishes so little and does so much damage.
Myself, I think every forum should have moderators. Like bouncers in a bar they can keep things from getting out of hand and ban those people who aren't willing to play nice. Some might argue that this is an interference of freedom of speech, but I don't see where this freedom allows a person to be a nasty asshole.
My $0.02.
One, that I've been at for years, seems to be rotting from the inside. The atmosphere is rapidly becoming venomous.
I'm not sure why. A lot of it, I think, is because is because of the U.S. election. We like to discuss politics there and, well, some people are really not nice about it. A semantic analysis of some of the posters comments would be, "McCain rules! Obama drools! Liberals must die! Die! DIE! DIE!"
There are a few people on the left side of the spectrum who are almost as bad. Their contempt for differences of opinion is high.
That contempt seems to be permeating every other thread as well. Because of it we've had two major blowups in the last month which has strained things horribly. Today one of the long time members, a person I really liked, has left forever. Deleted their account and they're gone. Sigh.
I hate when people let themselves fall prey to emotions like anger and hatred. It accomplishes so little and does so much damage.
Myself, I think every forum should have moderators. Like bouncers in a bar they can keep things from getting out of hand and ban those people who aren't willing to play nice. Some might argue that this is an interference of freedom of speech, but I don't see where this freedom allows a person to be a nasty asshole.
My $0.02.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hooray for me!
I really do seem to have shaken off the blues.
I got nearly 1,300 words of writing done today. Yay!
I'm quite pleased with myself.
I got nearly 1,300 words of writing done today. Yay!
I'm quite pleased with myself.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Much better
I'm doing a lot better since my last post.
It was my dad's birthday yesterday. So I ended up at my sister's place for the party.
I had a great time. Got to meet a couple of members of my family who I hadn't seen for several years. Did the things all the members of my family love to do; talk, eat and drink.
It was fun watching the antics of my niece and nephews as well.
So I did good despite the fact that I got no sleep at all Friday night.
It turned out my brother and his family were staying overnight so at the point where I had been up for forty hours I said 'Good night' to every one and crashed. Slept for nine hours and woke feeling well rested.
I got a quiet hour to myself before others started to rise. Then coffee, talking, a big brunch and then finally home.
I'm feeling much better than I did at 2 AM on Friday night. :)
It was my dad's birthday yesterday. So I ended up at my sister's place for the party.
I had a great time. Got to meet a couple of members of my family who I hadn't seen for several years. Did the things all the members of my family love to do; talk, eat and drink.
It was fun watching the antics of my niece and nephews as well.
So I did good despite the fact that I got no sleep at all Friday night.
It turned out my brother and his family were staying overnight so at the point where I had been up for forty hours I said 'Good night' to every one and crashed. Slept for nine hours and woke feeling well rested.
I got a quiet hour to myself before others started to rise. Then coffee, talking, a big brunch and then finally home.
I'm feeling much better than I did at 2 AM on Friday night. :)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
So…
Two in the morning and I'm wide awake. I wish I could sleep but I can't.
The main reason I'm up is grief. I've lost a number of things this year.
I've lost a close friendship. I'm not sure why, but we've drifted apart. It hurts. I want to accept it and move on, but I can't.
I've lost a lot of confidence in myself. The main reason is because of a trip I took earlier this year. I took a similar trip in 2007. And I had a wonderful time. I went back this year hoping it would happen again.
Nope. It was high school all over again. I got to spend most of the time watching everyone else have a good time. There were a couple of incidents that ripped great bleeding holes in my self esteem. One involving the friend I mentioned. I thought it was a good thing. They thought otherwise and I didn't realize it until later.
That did wonders for my self worth.
And my latest e-book was the coup de grace. It was a year overdue. I got edits in only bits and pieces. The whole thing reminded me of the last time I worked, when the work I did had nothing whatsoever to do with the success of the project. I hate being used and that's how I felt, used.
So one of the things I feel best about, my ability to write, has been damaged. I now no longer belief whether I'm good at something matters.
Crap. I hate how this world works.
The main reason I'm up is grief. I've lost a number of things this year.
I've lost a close friendship. I'm not sure why, but we've drifted apart. It hurts. I want to accept it and move on, but I can't.
I've lost a lot of confidence in myself. The main reason is because of a trip I took earlier this year. I took a similar trip in 2007. And I had a wonderful time. I went back this year hoping it would happen again.
Nope. It was high school all over again. I got to spend most of the time watching everyone else have a good time. There were a couple of incidents that ripped great bleeding holes in my self esteem. One involving the friend I mentioned. I thought it was a good thing. They thought otherwise and I didn't realize it until later.
That did wonders for my self worth.
And my latest e-book was the coup de grace. It was a year overdue. I got edits in only bits and pieces. The whole thing reminded me of the last time I worked, when the work I did had nothing whatsoever to do with the success of the project. I hate being used and that's how I felt, used.
So one of the things I feel best about, my ability to write, has been damaged. I now no longer belief whether I'm good at something matters.
Crap. I hate how this world works.
Friday, August 15, 2008
A sign…
Of how small and quiet my life is.
Our landlord delivered a new lawnmower today, a working lawnmower. And I'm ecstatic.
It's my job to look after the outside and the piece of crap I had to use made it near impossible. It took forever too.
Now the lawns done, nicely, and I still had enough energy left over to do the trimming as well.
I like how uncomplicated my life is. And how little it takes to make me happy.
Our landlord delivered a new lawnmower today, a working lawnmower. And I'm ecstatic.
It's my job to look after the outside and the piece of crap I had to use made it near impossible. It took forever too.
Now the lawns done, nicely, and I still had enough energy left over to do the trimming as well.
I like how uncomplicated my life is. And how little it takes to make me happy.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Just to make sure…
I post today here's an update on my life.
I finished the second chapter of my first novel last night. Tentatively titled Among The Stacks it's a menage romance featuring a librarian, a writer and a professor of English Literature. Just to show that being intellectual doesn't mean you can't have fun.
I'll try to get some more yard work done. With only a set of clippers and the fact that nothing's been done for months means the best I can do is make a large dent in it. If it doesn't rain, again.
I'll be doing promo over at Brenda Williamson's Romance Party group on Yahoo today. It's the third anniversary of her loop and is throwing a big to-do to celebrate.
One of my publishers, Aspen Mountain Press, is having a publisher's day at the Literary Nymphs Yahoo group so I'll be posting there as well.
Now if the guy using the floor sander on the first floor would just finish up so I could have some quiet.
I finished the second chapter of my first novel last night. Tentatively titled Among The Stacks it's a menage romance featuring a librarian, a writer and a professor of English Literature. Just to show that being intellectual doesn't mean you can't have fun.
I'll try to get some more yard work done. With only a set of clippers and the fact that nothing's been done for months means the best I can do is make a large dent in it. If it doesn't rain, again.
I'll be doing promo over at Brenda Williamson's Romance Party group on Yahoo today. It's the third anniversary of her loop and is throwing a big to-do to celebrate.
One of my publishers, Aspen Mountain Press, is having a publisher's day at the Literary Nymphs Yahoo group so I'll be posting there as well.
Now if the guy using the floor sander on the first floor would just finish up so I could have some quiet.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A thought…
Generated by that horrible kerfuffle now taking place in Georgia.
My opinion is that the West, especially the U.S., have been caught by just the circumstances Sun Tzu spoke of here. By wasting time and energy is a place unrelated to their true strategic interests, i.e. Iraq, they have exhausted themselves and made it very difficult to act in crises. Even one's as minor as this.
So sad. A general 2,400 years ago laid out all the basic principals of warfare. And we still do not use them.
My $0.02. Carry on.
When you do battle, even if you are winning, if you continue a long time it will dull your forces and blunt your edge; if you besiege a citadel, your strength will be exhausted. If you keep your armies out in the field a long time, your supplies will be insufficient.
When your forces are dulled, your edge is blunted, your strength is exhausted, and your supplies are gone, then others will take advantage of your debility and rise up. Then even if you have wise advisors you cannot make things turn out well in the end.
Therefore I have heard of military operations that were clumsy and swift, but I have never seen one that lasted a long time. It is never beneficial to a nation to have a military operation continue for a long time.
Therefore, those who are not thoroughly aware of the disadvantages of the use of arms cannot be thoroughly aware of the advantages of the use of arms.
Sun Tzu - The Art Of War, Chapter 2: Doing Battle
My opinion is that the West, especially the U.S., have been caught by just the circumstances Sun Tzu spoke of here. By wasting time and energy is a place unrelated to their true strategic interests, i.e. Iraq, they have exhausted themselves and made it very difficult to act in crises. Even one's as minor as this.
So sad. A general 2,400 years ago laid out all the basic principals of warfare. And we still do not use them.
My $0.02. Carry on.
Monday, August 11, 2008
A little political philosophy today
And I'm going to talk about what I regard as one of the most successful rebrandings in modern history. That of libertarianism.
Now, from what I've seen, libertarians mostly seem to be against any form of social power. They especially hate governments, which they frequently conflate as 'socialism'. They're not fond of corporations or any other sort of group dynamic. "I do what I want, when I want and no one can say otherwise" seems to be the thrust of libertarians.
So, to me, they sound a lot like anarchists.
But, let's face it, anarchism has a bad rep. An anarchist isn't thought well of by most people. Organizations really don't like anarchists as anarchy is a danger to their power.
So, libertarianism was born.
By separating themselves from anarchy, the libertarians lost that negative cachet attached to anarchy.
Most importantly by using the word liberty in their label the libertarians automatically place any dissent from their views firmly on the side of evil. To oppose them is to oppose the very concept of liberty, freedom.
I don't care much for their philosophy whether it's called anarchy or libertarianism. Either promises a vicious world where only the nastiest sort of people can thrive, or even survive.
But the rebranding was a brilliant move.
My $0.02. Carry on.
Now, from what I've seen, libertarians mostly seem to be against any form of social power. They especially hate governments, which they frequently conflate as 'socialism'. They're not fond of corporations or any other sort of group dynamic. "I do what I want, when I want and no one can say otherwise" seems to be the thrust of libertarians.
So, to me, they sound a lot like anarchists.
But, let's face it, anarchism has a bad rep. An anarchist isn't thought well of by most people. Organizations really don't like anarchists as anarchy is a danger to their power.
So, libertarianism was born.
By separating themselves from anarchy, the libertarians lost that negative cachet attached to anarchy.
Most importantly by using the word liberty in their label the libertarians automatically place any dissent from their views firmly on the side of evil. To oppose them is to oppose the very concept of liberty, freedom.
I don't care much for their philosophy whether it's called anarchy or libertarianism. Either promises a vicious world where only the nastiest sort of people can thrive, or even survive.
But the rebranding was a brilliant move.
My $0.02. Carry on.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
I'm hoping…
To have the energy to make today a busy day.
Want to make a big dent in the yard work.
Must go to hardware store. I've found that CFLs and dimmer switches don't like one another so rather than saving money I'm spending more when the CFLs burn out even faster than incandescents.
While I'm there I think I'll pick up the paint stick I was talking about. And some rope and safety shears. ;)
Wish me luck.
Want to make a big dent in the yard work.
Must go to hardware store. I've found that CFLs and dimmer switches don't like one another so rather than saving money I'm spending more when the CFLs burn out even faster than incandescents.
While I'm there I think I'll pick up the paint stick I was talking about. And some rope and safety shears. ;)
Wish me luck.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Insomnia sucks
Sigh. I've been up since 3:30. And got to bed late.
A low pressure front moved in and those make me jumpy.
Plus I was at a BDSM workshop last night. The host taught those who attended rope work. Plus he showed off his equipment. I got a lot of interesting for things that are available at your local hardware store. For example a plastic paint stick (about a buck) makes a very nice slapper. *evil grin*
He also had an electric fly swatter that gave a nice, stinging jolt. Five bucks, tops.
I think I'll be making a trip to a hardware store today.
A low pressure front moved in and those make me jumpy.
Plus I was at a BDSM workshop last night. The host taught those who attended rope work. Plus he showed off his equipment. I got a lot of interesting for things that are available at your local hardware store. For example a plastic paint stick (about a buck) makes a very nice slapper. *evil grin*
He also had an electric fly swatter that gave a nice, stinging jolt. Five bucks, tops.
I think I'll be making a trip to a hardware store today.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Hmmm.
I wonder why it is that every day around four o'clock my internet connection slows down, sometimes a lot.
I've got DSL, which means my data from a phone line. But my ISP in not the phone company.
Are these two facts related or is my incipient paranoia acting up again? ;)
I've got DSL, which means my data from a phone line. But my ISP in not the phone company.
Are these two facts related or is my incipient paranoia acting up again? ;)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Once again…
I have to clean up after a roommate.
One of my roommates was evicted last week. I heard him grumbling about it. He had no idea why.
Perhaps the endless stream of crack heads, petty thugs and street people coming in had something to do with it?
Anyway, he loved to cook. But hated cleaning up after himself.
So I'm off to clean the kitchen.
Damn it!
One of my roommates was evicted last week. I heard him grumbling about it. He had no idea why.
Perhaps the endless stream of crack heads, petty thugs and street people coming in had something to do with it?
Anyway, he loved to cook. But hated cleaning up after himself.
So I'm off to clean the kitchen.
Damn it!
Monday, August 4, 2008
I'm going to take a big step
I've been writing and researching BDSM for a couple of years now. Thanks to all this I've discovered I'm very dominant.
I wasn't always happy with that. Like the narrator in my story Discovery I was afraid that allowing that facet of me to the surface would make me like the people I grew up hating; bullies, irresponsible authority figures and that sort of person. And there's still a bit of that 'BDSM is sick' idea still inside me.
But I'm even less happy at hiding the person I really am. And when I'm writing BDSM I really enjoy it.
So, next month I'm going to a play party. I'm hoping to let out my dominant side with people who can support me as I start down this new path.
I bought some equipment a few months ago; a blindfold, a flogger and some really serious nipple clamps. Before I go to the party I'm getting a proper crop and some good cuffs. I need a back T-shirt as well.
This should be interesting.
I wasn't always happy with that. Like the narrator in my story Discovery I was afraid that allowing that facet of me to the surface would make me like the people I grew up hating; bullies, irresponsible authority figures and that sort of person. And there's still a bit of that 'BDSM is sick' idea still inside me.
But I'm even less happy at hiding the person I really am. And when I'm writing BDSM I really enjoy it.
So, next month I'm going to a play party. I'm hoping to let out my dominant side with people who can support me as I start down this new path.
I bought some equipment a few months ago; a blindfold, a flogger and some really serious nipple clamps. Before I go to the party I'm getting a proper crop and some good cuffs. I need a back T-shirt as well.
This should be interesting.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
First review
For my latest e-book, Gillian's Place.
And Diana at Night Owl Romance says it's a keeper!
That should keep my heart light for a while.
And Diana at Night Owl Romance says it's a keeper!
That should keep my heart light for a while.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
So…
I now have two OK votes for Gillian's Place over at Fictionwise.
Got to admit to being a little disappointed at that.
However I know why.
It's listed as Erotic/Romance. Although the stories in it are erotic at spots they're not meant to be stroke pieces. And they're not typical romances. There's no alpha male CEOs with hot bodies or buxom, feisty female executives in it, to use one trope. It's every day people facing problems everyday people face. So I can understand why some people might not find it to their taste.
Still, they're damned good stories and you should buy a copy. ;)
Got to admit to being a little disappointed at that.
However I know why.
It's listed as Erotic/Romance. Although the stories in it are erotic at spots they're not meant to be stroke pieces. And they're not typical romances. There's no alpha male CEOs with hot bodies or buxom, feisty female executives in it, to use one trope. It's every day people facing problems everyday people face. So I can understand why some people might not find it to their taste.
Still, they're damned good stories and you should buy a copy. ;)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
In a somewhat cynical mood
So I'm going to rant a little.
Most people don't want freedom. They don't want justice. They don't want peace or happiness or wealth or love.
They want their own way.
That isn't the same thing.
I'm done. Carry on.
Most people don't want freedom. They don't want justice. They don't want peace or happiness or wealth or love.
They want their own way.
That isn't the same thing.
I'm done. Carry on.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
For no other reason
Than I want to keep this blog active I'll let everyone know that Gillian's Place is available for your reading pleasure.
I got a vote on it at Fictionwise yesterday. An 'OK' vote. Don't people recognize good literature when they read it? ;)
And as long as I'm here, I'll post an excerpt for it. Enjoy.
__________
Marian was standing in the entrance to the hall. She was dressed only in the orange slip from that day over two years before. Her hands were holding the hem as if to lift it and reveal herself to him. A small, wicked smile played on her lips.
“Good God,” Frank managed to choke out.
“I see you remember that day,” Marian noted, her smile growing a little.
“It’s never far from my mind.”
“I’ve remembered that time every day since. I saw you looking at me with that lust burning in your eyes. Ralph had never done it. It felt so good to be wanted so badly. If I wasn’t such an honest woman I would have had you take me right then.”
“For a second, I wanted to take you right there. But I couldn’t. You were my friend, and married. Troubled or not, I couldn’t let you risk that.”
Marian nodded. “That was my thought too. But it was so hard. That’s why I didn’t visit for a while. I didn’t think I would be strong enough to say no. If I hadn’t missed your friendship so much, I would never have come over again.
“But I did miss you. When I finally went back to your house for coffee, it was because I wanted my friend back. And I was prepared at that point to be your lover as well if that’s what it took. I was so relieved when you didn’t, and a little disappointed too. I saw you wanted me. I liked being wanted again.”
Frank felt himself relax, and his manhood harden. Marian’s honesty was allowing him to slip the tight bonds he had put on his feelings for so long.
“Marian, I did want you. But if I had followed my wants, we both would have regretted it. Neither of us thought adultery was a good thing. Sooner or later, our guilt over doing it would have destroyed our friendship. I would rather have had a friend forever than a lover for a year.”
Marian moved on bare feet towards him. “We don’t need to worry about that anymore.”
“But it will still change things.”
“I don’t care!” she replied with vehemence. “I want you, Frank. I want you now! We’ll survive this night. Changed or not, we’ll have each other, as we have all these years. As we always will.”
She sat on his lap, straddling his hips. For a second he could see the dark triangle between her legs. Reaching for his fly, she unzipped it, then pulled his stiff manhood from his briefs into the open. “I want a man who wants me,” Marian panted. “I want the man who wants me. It’s been too long and I won’t wait anymore.”
And at that, she placed him at her entrance and pushed herself down his full length.
I got a vote on it at Fictionwise yesterday. An 'OK' vote. Don't people recognize good literature when they read it? ;)
And as long as I'm here, I'll post an excerpt for it. Enjoy.
__________
Marian was standing in the entrance to the hall. She was dressed only in the orange slip from that day over two years before. Her hands were holding the hem as if to lift it and reveal herself to him. A small, wicked smile played on her lips.
“Good God,” Frank managed to choke out.
“I see you remember that day,” Marian noted, her smile growing a little.
“It’s never far from my mind.”
“I’ve remembered that time every day since. I saw you looking at me with that lust burning in your eyes. Ralph had never done it. It felt so good to be wanted so badly. If I wasn’t such an honest woman I would have had you take me right then.”
“For a second, I wanted to take you right there. But I couldn’t. You were my friend, and married. Troubled or not, I couldn’t let you risk that.”
Marian nodded. “That was my thought too. But it was so hard. That’s why I didn’t visit for a while. I didn’t think I would be strong enough to say no. If I hadn’t missed your friendship so much, I would never have come over again.
“But I did miss you. When I finally went back to your house for coffee, it was because I wanted my friend back. And I was prepared at that point to be your lover as well if that’s what it took. I was so relieved when you didn’t, and a little disappointed too. I saw you wanted me. I liked being wanted again.”
Frank felt himself relax, and his manhood harden. Marian’s honesty was allowing him to slip the tight bonds he had put on his feelings for so long.
“Marian, I did want you. But if I had followed my wants, we both would have regretted it. Neither of us thought adultery was a good thing. Sooner or later, our guilt over doing it would have destroyed our friendship. I would rather have had a friend forever than a lover for a year.”
Marian moved on bare feet towards him. “We don’t need to worry about that anymore.”
“But it will still change things.”
“I don’t care!” she replied with vehemence. “I want you, Frank. I want you now! We’ll survive this night. Changed or not, we’ll have each other, as we have all these years. As we always will.”
She sat on his lap, straddling his hips. For a second he could see the dark triangle between her legs. Reaching for his fly, she unzipped it, then pulled his stiff manhood from his briefs into the open. “I want a man who wants me,” Marian panted. “I want the man who wants me. It’s been too long and I won’t wait anymore.”
And at that, she placed him at her entrance and pushed herself down his full length.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Stranger in a strange land
I spent a long weekend at a friend's place in Ohio. I had a lot of fun and saw some people I rarely get to see in person.
But I wandered into a place where no single man should venture; a single woman's bathroom.
What is all the stuff piled on multiple shelves there? I know most of them say 'conditioner' but is it skin or hair? Is there no shampoo? No simple soaps that won't alert a dog from a kilometer away if I use it?
Confusing and most intimidating.
Luckily, she was prepared for a simple guy like me and had simple bath products available. All of which are only used when I am there.
Thanks Jammies for a wonderful time. :)
But I wandered into a place where no single man should venture; a single woman's bathroom.
What is all the stuff piled on multiple shelves there? I know most of them say 'conditioner' but is it skin or hair? Is there no shampoo? No simple soaps that won't alert a dog from a kilometer away if I use it?
Confusing and most intimidating.
Luckily, she was prepared for a simple guy like me and had simple bath products available. All of which are only used when I am there.
Thanks Jammies for a wonderful time. :)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Is it something in the air?
Or maybe the water?
There seems to be a lot of angst and anger floating around. People seem to be on edge, getting nasty at one another for the silliest of reasons.
Or maybe it's just me?
What ever. It's driving me batty.
There seems to be a lot of angst and anger floating around. People seem to be on edge, getting nasty at one another for the silliest of reasons.
Or maybe it's just me?
What ever. It's driving me batty.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
That's it.
No more political blogs for a while.
It's sooo depressing to be reminded there are so many foaming loonies in the world.
It's sooo depressing to be reminded there are so many foaming loonies in the world.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Much better
Spent the afternoon with my mom.
We walked down to the beach. Spent the afternoon talking.
Then she treated me to dinner. A nice feed of wings with Tankhouse Ale.
When I got back a person that had won a copy of Gillian's Place had written to say how much they loved reading it.
I feel a lot better.
We walked down to the beach. Spent the afternoon talking.
Then she treated me to dinner. A nice feed of wings with Tankhouse Ale.
When I got back a person that had won a copy of Gillian's Place had written to say how much they loved reading it.
I feel a lot better.
Monday, June 23, 2008
That's it for a while
I'm not going to be looking to publish my work for a while. This whole getting published thing has not been fun.
It's a lot of work for damn little reward either monetary or emotional. Worse, it's taken all the fun out of writing.
So no more looking to get published until I find writing fun again.
It's a lot of work for damn little reward either monetary or emotional. Worse, it's taken all the fun out of writing.
So no more looking to get published until I find writing fun again.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Always a let down
The few days after a new book is released is always a let down. The excitement and anxiety build as the release date comes closer. The anxiety tends to stay once that date has passed.
Maybe I'll get used to it one of these days.
Maybe I'll get used to it one of these days.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sigh
Weird day in cyberspace.
My favorite place to hang in cyberspace has crashed. It's been down for almost a day now.
Photobucket has been hacked and unavailable.
Getting into other websites is sometimes a little tricky.
I'm hoping that doesn't happen tomorrow. I've got tons of promoting to do for Gillian's Place.
My favorite place to hang in cyberspace has crashed. It's been down for almost a day now.
Photobucket has been hacked and unavailable.
Getting into other websites is sometimes a little tricky.
I'm hoping that doesn't happen tomorrow. I've got tons of promoting to do for Gillian's Place.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
For those of you who came here from my web page, yes, I've discontinued the blog there.
I couldn't get it to work properly, meaning I couldn't get comments to work. And updating the blog was a pain. I had to upload the entire blog every time. So I'm blogging here. Much easier.
Not a lot to report otherwise. I'm waiting on tenterhooks for Gillian's Place to release. I've got a ton of promo chats etc. to do.
I'll be chatting all day Friday june 20th at Brenda Williamson's Romance Party.
There will be a live chat at Coffee Time Romance on Saturday June 21st from 8PM to 10PM EST.
There will be a chat at Love Romances Cafe from 7PM to 9PM EST on Monday, June 23rd.
From 9PM to 10PM Monday June 23 there will be a live chat at Realms of Love .
And on June 25th there will be a chat all day at Coffee Time Exotic.
I'll be giving away a few copies of Gillian's Place as well.
Hope to see you there.
I couldn't get it to work properly, meaning I couldn't get comments to work. And updating the blog was a pain. I had to upload the entire blog every time. So I'm blogging here. Much easier.
Not a lot to report otherwise. I'm waiting on tenterhooks for Gillian's Place to release. I've got a ton of promo chats etc. to do.
I'll be chatting all day Friday june 20th at Brenda Williamson's Romance Party.
There will be a live chat at Coffee Time Romance on Saturday June 21st from 8PM to 10PM EST.
There will be a chat at Love Romances Cafe from 7PM to 9PM EST on Monday, June 23rd.
From 9PM to 10PM Monday June 23 there will be a live chat at Realms of Love .
And on June 25th there will be a chat all day at Coffee Time Exotic.
I'll be giving away a few copies of Gillian's Place as well.
Hope to see you there.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Starting this up again
I've found that doing a blog on my website is a big time suck. The tools to manage it aren't very good, uploading it to my website takes too long and I can't get the comments to work. So I'm going to start blogging here.
I guess the first order of business is to pimp my next e-book.
Gillian's Place will be released by Aspen Mountain Press on June 20th. This is an anthology of romances that I've penned over the years. These aren't standard romances though. The characters are just everyday people leading everyday lives. They also deal with things not often dealt with in romances; psychological trauma, adultery and divorce, severe physical illness. I'm very proud of these stories.
That's it for today. Enjoy your weekend.
I guess the first order of business is to pimp my next e-book.
Gillian's Place will be released by Aspen Mountain Press on June 20th. This is an anthology of romances that I've penned over the years. These aren't standard romances though. The characters are just everyday people leading everyday lives. They also deal with things not often dealt with in romances; psychological trauma, adultery and divorce, severe physical illness. I'm very proud of these stories.
That's it for today. Enjoy your weekend.
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