Happy Halloween

Can Halloween be put on hold? I guess you can say it has, in a way. Waking up yesterday morning, and seeing three inches of snow covering the ground, it felt more like Christmas than Halloween. The locals soon announced that Trick or Treat was postponed because of the weather.

I was a bit bummed but it didn't stop the girls and I from making Halloween-themed sugar cookies. We spent the afternoon cutting out shapes of ghosts, cats, bats and pumpkins. The house smelled like a bakery. The scent of vanilla and sugar is one of the greatest smells. The girls enjoyed icing them, and I enjoyed eating them :)

It just doesn't feel like Halloween. We woke up this morning, the snow is melting, but it's just, well, different. My wee one was already at school  when I realized I'd forgotten to remind her to wear her Halloween shirt. Oops. I hit a drive thru for lunch and it wasn't until I saw the workers dressed in costume that it hit me again, it's Halloween.

So, if you're like me and feeling cheated from an awesome Halloween, I'm suggesting we make the best of it. Let's go home, start a fire, grab some hot cocoa with lots of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon, and read a book that'll help us forget that we're not out on the town in costume, uhh, I mean, that our kids are not out in costume. Here's a book I think you'll love.

One hundred years ago, a little girl died mysteriously. Twenty years ago, another followed. Today, Fall Winters has to find out why.

The last person Jake Castle expects to see again is Fall Winters. Twenty years ago, they were been best friends, until her father killed his sister. He left her and his sleepy hometown--and all the memories in it. He didn’t want a stroll down memory lane, especially with her.

Fall has never believed her father was guilty. He was responsible for a lot of things, but not kidnapping and killing a teenage girl. Now, Fall’s own sister is missing under similar
circumstances. It looks like she was right. She must find her sister alive and prove the connection between the cases, not to mention her father's innocence. Fall turns to the only person she can trust--Jake.

Jake agrees to help Fall on one condition: They never step foot in the ramshackle haunted house that almost left Fall dead when she was ten. Jake wants to believe the ghost they saw that night was a figment of his imagination. But as they delve further into the mystery surrounding the kidnappings, Jake begins to realize there is a connection to the house, and a stronger one with Fall. He knows it’s time to face his fears--and the feelings inside his heart that lead him straight to Fall.

 

Buy here: http://www.amazon.com/Castles-Fortress-ebook/dp/B005N28SHM/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351702095&sr=1-2&keywords=rhonda+lee+carver

Hats off to Hanky Panky

I love those two words... Hanky Panky. It's corky and brings out many delish ideas and thoughts. It's a bit old fashioned and much safer than other words like, boning, screwing, *ucking, deposit in the box, paddling the pink canoe-- you get what I'm saying, right?

I'm always stunned at the slang terms I've heard used for body parts. I'm not much of a 'penis' or 'vagina' termed person myself, but a few of these are out of the park. Some of the oddest slang words for vagina are: meat curtains, bearded clam, hot box, dick shelter-- Pretty disgusting, eh? And the penis isn't any better: one-eyed snake, lap rocket, turtle teaser, tube steak-- Lovely, huh?

Did you know that there is hanky panky lingerie and tons of recipes by this name? This is one I found on allrecipes.com. It doesn't look appealing to me.

Here is hanky panky translated into different languages:

Swedish--fuffens, mygel
French--entourloupette; supercherie
Irish--panky Hanky     
Romanian--batista panky

Try this on your partner tonight ;)

9 Things You Need To Know About Contraception

Do you ever wonder about things like: Are the condoms in the machine in the bathroom at the gas station safe to use? What's the best method of birth control for certain ages? How do female condoms really work?

Well, after someone told me she'd compared the quality of a variety of condoms on a pop bottle and only a few survived the test, um, I was curious how much thought we give to protecting ourselves. I'd guess that most of us have had accidents using contraceptives. The only thing that is 100% failproof is abstinence.

So, if that isn't an option, raise your hand. Yeah...didn't think so. Put your hand down and read on. Safety is a must. It only takes once for pregnancy and/or an STD. Before the moment leads you down the road of no return, know the facts.

Did you know...

1. Birth control pills are the most common form of birth control.

2. Using contraception to skip a period isn't unhealthy.

3. Hormonal birth control methods for men are coming.

4. Condoms are the only contraceptive that prevents sexually transmitted diseases.

5. Condoms have appeared in cave paintings.

6. There have been clinical trials on clear condoms.

7. A man's wallet isn't the best place to store a condom because of the exposure to heat.

8. If you have a sensitive vajayjay don't use lubricated condoms because they can irritate your nether regions. Instead, use KY.

9. Never fall for the saying, "It feels better without a condom."

 

Time Management in a Writer's World

I woke up this morning and realized, it's Saturday. I had nothing pressing to do. Nothing that needed done immediately (if you don't count the mound of dirty laundry). I drank my coffee and checked my emails...without looking at the ticking clock one time. It was an amazing feeling...and very seldom happens.

The last week was bamboozled with time constraints, as like most weeks. From Halloween parties to making eyeballs (snack for the wee one's party) to prepping my walls for paint, to all of the other one-hundred things that required my attention. *deep breath--exhale*

In the recesses of my mind I have my latest work-in-progress that is spiraling out of control. The power is building. The remedy? Writing. When one has a hero and heroine beating on the wall for release, well, we got to unlock the door and let them free. Now if I could carve more time for the addiction. Yes, I call it an addiction because like a drug, writing feeds the monster within me. The more I write, the more I need. When I skip days, I feel like I'm withdrawing for words.

There are days that I feel like my head is spinning. Along the way I've had to learn what works for me and what doesn't.

One thorn in my caboose is promo. Can't we just be writers? Uhh...nope. I now have three journals/planners. One is specifically for promoting. Without it I'd be lost, seriously. Not only does it hold upcoming dates and places where I'll be, but it's become as right hand to me as my laptop. Both hold dear places in my life. If the house was burning I'm sure the laptop would cross my mind and be thrown out the nearest window.

The memo pad on my phone. It's a handy-dandy app. I use it often and religiously. From grocery lists to sports schedules to important thoughts.

Procrastination kills a good thing. I've learned the hard way to not put off anything until the last minute. After a handful of missed appointments, I understand the value of immediate action. It feels splendid to meet a deadline before it has passed.

I have to remind myself every now and then that overloading my plate is a set up for failure. I am one person. There are only so many hours in a day, and I must dedicate some of those minutes to the things that I love. Over-scheduling myself leads to bad results. It's a slippery slope. When one thing falls, everything else tends to follow. I compare it to a juggling act. Never add more than you can handle.

At the end of the day I always look back on what I've accomplished. I make a mental note of what tomorrow will bring. And I forgive myself for the things that I have no control over.

Shaving may require tough skin and a light hand

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog with the topic of shaving the genital area. The subject sparked a lot of interest among my readers. I received many messages with questions and comments. Earlier today a reader told me she wanted to tell me a story about 'shaving.' She and her husband were celebrating their anniversary with a romantic vacation out of town. Parents of three kids, they were anxious to reconnect as grown ups, especially in the bedroom. When they arrived at their quiet destination with reconnecting on their mind, her husband told her he had done something for her but he wouldn't tell her what it was...not yet, not until after their massage..

Later, she finally demanded that he tell her what surprise he had for her. He opened his robe and she saw that he had shaven his groin area. Flabbergasted, she asked, "Why did you do that?" He said, "I wanted to be romantic. Problem is, you can't touch me." She looked at him and asked, "Why?" She examined him closer and he had cut himself bloody on his testicles and they were too tender to touch. Apparently, it was his first time shaving in that area.

I've heard from a lot of men that when it comes to shaving they're intimidated.

Bringing a sharp instrument anywhere remotely close to the genitals takes a brave hearted person...at least the first few times. Practice makes perfect. Manscaping can become an easy task. I'm not a man, so that eliminates me from understanding what it's like to manscape, but man or woman, the concept and preparation is the same.

 I'd suggest you ask your partner to take the task and help you out, but sometimes that's not an option. So, the first time, you're going to want to do it in the bathroom for easy clean up. I've heard men say it's easier to shave when they're laying on their back. I'm going to throw out some handy dandy tips for those who are afraid to take the first step and take care of the bush.

1. Buy a beard or hair trimmer. For first timers, this is an important step that you won't want to skip.

 Trim with the closest blade you have and cut hair as short as you can.




2. Time to begin. A double-bladed razor works best. I'd suggest using a new one each time. For the first time, you'll need shaving cream. After that, you won't have to use it unless you choose to (but you won't be able to lie down in bed and shave because it'll be too messy). Also, you're going to need privacy for at least a good hour. You don't want to rush the procedure. Just think of the consequences of a slip...eck! You may even want to shave right after a soak in the tub, which makes the process easier.

Lather up with a good quality shaving cream. Try an antibacterial one that will help in the prevention of infected or ingrown hairs. You may want a clear gel so you can see the area that you're shaving.

3. Shave the area first in the same direction of hair growth, in short, taut sections. The skin is loose down there and you will slice yourself into a scary movie if you're not careful. Hold the skin taut so there is no flapping or moving. Then, shave in the opposite direction. Don't over shave, therefore you have less risk of ingrown hairs.

4. Hold the penis downward and shave from base to navel.

5. When you're done, wash with a gentle soap. Gentle pat the area with a towel. Don't rub because you'll cause more irritation.

Warning!! The first few times will cause irritation. It'll itch and people will think you have a case of crabs for a few days. If you like it shaven, it's better to shave every two days, or as needed. It's easier to keep it trimmed too if you want to let the hair grow back some.

Sex Isn't a Race

All couples go through a phase where romance has taken a backseat. There's nothing wrong with good ol' scheduled sex here and there, but when it becomes as expected as the sun rising, this could be the path to a dry spell in the future. People like change...and surprise. Have you ever asked yourself, "How can I inject excitement and passion back into the bedroom?" Here are ideas to get your juices flowing...

Read Romance
Yes, you've heard me right. Pick up a naughty novel and read. men and women alike should try this. Romance novels are jam-packed full of sexiness and inspiration.

Compliment her and often
Women like to be made to feel special, and so do men. We want to know that you think we're hot. We go to a lot of trouble to look our best.

Watch a chick flick
Get in touch with your sentimental side and who knows what may turn up.

Feed into her/his libido
Certain foods are know to jet start the blood flow. Oysters, black licorice and chocolate are a few.

Spend a night away from home
Sometimes all the stressors and pressures at home can diminish intimacy. Spend a night away from the day-to-day experiences and relax.

No TV in the bedroom
The only thing your partner should be viewing is you. If you're bored, you'll find yourself looking for entertainment--with each other.

Kiss...a lot
Kissing is something couples don't spend enough time doing. When was the last time you embraced your partner and swept him/her off their feet with a kiss? If you don't know, then that's a sign that it's time.

Think up new ways to show your partner what they mean to you.

Dirty Words

I'm asked all of the time, "What do you write?" And I always answer, "Romance." Then I see the hesitation, as I'm sure their mind is conjuring up their next question, which I already know what it is, "What kind of romance?'

This is where it gets entertaining. I don't have just one type or "kind" of romance that I write. So, I begin my list: Paranormal, suspense, military, fantasy and erotica. Yes, I leave erotica on the end just for kicks.  And it turns out the same every time. Mouth drops open and I can see their mind spinning again. This time I'm sure with images of sex and smut. And then it comes, "Where do you get your ideas from?"

I don't want to burst any bubbles here or suffocate sexy images of myself, but my life is far from 'erotic,' at least in the sex symbol way. I'm not saying that I live a boring life, but I don't sit around in lingerie all day and write sex scenes. I don't write erotica because I'm thinking about sex all day. I think of it often, but I'm sure no more than any other red-blooded human that is confident in their sex life.

Why do I write? Well... Why do painters paint? Football players play ball? Doctors fix patients? Most would say it's a calling. That's where I stand. Writing romance has it's own shelf inside of my brain. It's a huge shelf that occupies a lot of the space inside my skull. The talent comes naturally and frequently, and is like a drug. The more ideas come to me the more I must write. The more that I write the happier I am. And when I am offered a contract it's like full circle to a dream. I have many more dreams... and they all have heroes and heroines.

Now for the big question: Why do I write erotica? Well... Why do you have sex with your partner? It feels good, right? It's intimate and it's human nature. Sex is not a dirty act. It's a beautiful thing. Readers read for a reason. They choose romance because they want to visit a fantasy world, and some want inspiration.

I strive to please my readers. When they're happy, I'm happy.  

Boob obsession

Are you a man? There's a chance you're obsessed with breasts.

It seems like in our culture men are obsessed with a large cup size. I mean, after all, think of the slang terms men use for this part of a woman's anatomy: tits, hooters, jugs, melons, ta-tas... Not any of them conjure up images of seduction and sexiness. Do they? The absolute worst name for me is, Fun Bags. Need I say more?

How many times has a man spoke to your breasts as if they could speak?

Women are obsessed with breasts, too. Let's admit it, girls. How many of us have debated, or followed through, with breasts implants? New breasts aren't cheap and have the life span of about ten years. I'm not for or against breasts augmentation, but I think it's important to point out that plastic surgeons aren't suffering a shortage of breasts implant patients.

How many millions of dollars do lingerie companies make selling padded bras and cup-fillers?  There are bras made to amplify our breasts by two cup sizes. I have a few. I love them. Not all of them are confortable though. I guess I can compare this to the stilettos I wear.

Breasts equal femininity. These mounds of flesh sustain life. No matter if you're a size A cup or EE cup, breasts have been the center of attention for as long as we can remember. They are like forbidden fruit and women enjoy the tease of a low cut shirt and a view of cleavage.  Or how about a white tee with no bra? If we'd start covering our hair completely, it too would become a taboo. Men would wonder how long it is? What color?

I'm just wondering why we aren't penis obsessed?




 

Erogenous zones

We all know about the those areas of a woman's body that cause her to squirm in delight when they're touched: Lips, breasts, groin area...

Now let's talk about those parts of her body that don't get nearly enough attention.

1. Behind her knees
This is a sensitive area of her body. Kiss, massage, tickle... Try it out here. Be careful though. Some women are on the border between sensitive and tender. If she doesn't like touching at the back of her knees, go to the kneecap.

2. The Scalp
Honestly, I melt at the mere thought of having my head massaged. Our scalp is covered with nerve-endings. A good rubbing of the head gets the blood flowing and relieves stress. Do this as a favor tonight and you never know what you'll get in exchange.

3. The Feet
Ancient reflexology says that rubbing certain parts of the foot causes arousal. Yeah, I know, I hear some of you ecking now. If  you aren't too fond of the foot area, then stop short of the ankle. For those of you who have a sliver or more of foot fetish racing through you, this is your thing, and you've probably already ventured further than the hips. I'm talking to those of you who are unsure of what to do when you get to the tootsies. I suggest buying a book on reflexology and learning how to rub her feet in a way that sparks a craving for more than a massage. Give a little... Receive a lot.

4. The Buttocks
If you're a butt fan, like I know most of you are, here's your secret weapon. A buttastically awesome massage. Some like their backside massaged firmly, lightly or even scratched. The area where the small of the back meets the cheeks is sensitive on most women. I believe women can be a little shy when it comes to this part of their body, so tread carefully and with lots of words of appreciation.

What's most important is that a woman loves her body and is comfortable with having you explore all of her regions. Make her feel special and tell her she's beautiful. Delight in her womanly curves and tell her what you like. Above all, enjoy one another. 

Guest Author--Mary Abshire

Please wlecome the talented Mary Abshire. Thank you Mary for stopping in.

How would you like your urban fantasy, with or without romance? Or how about with just sex?

 

I enjoy reading paranormal romance and urban fantasy books. I like the mystery and action urban fantasy offers with the paranormal elements in modern day city setting. Some urban fantasy books have romance and some do not. Quite honestly, it doesn't matter to me but I wonder what other readers think.

 

When I wrote The Awakening, the first book in the Project Eve series, I knew I wanted to capture the traditional UF elements but I didn't want the focus to be on a relationship between two people. At the same time, I wanted to throw some kink into the book. Well, maybe not kink…spice. Yeah, spice.

 

So how does one create spice when there's no romance? What I did is create conflict between two people and when enough was enough… Well, everyone needs to release steam at some point, right?

 

My protagonist is a woman who wakes up among dead bodies and discovers she has no memories. Boss, an in control type of vampire, and his human friend, Jonas, are investigators for a worldwide organization and they happen to find her. They want to help her and uncover who killed so many people. Not just people, but leaders and representatives of the supernatural kind from various clans. On this journey, Boss and Jonas learn my protagonist is a very unique creature. Unlike any in the world. Which makes her valuable in Jonas's eyes, but lethal in Boss's opinion.

 

You can probably guess where the tension will be and with whom my protagonist will hook up with. Keep in mind it's not romance. I didn't want my book to focus on her relationship with him. I wanted readers to be involved with the mystery. Who is she? Who created her? Who killed the people, and why? Who took her memories? By the end of the book, the reader will have some of the answers, but not all of them.

 

I purposely left questions unanswered because I planned a sequel, The Quest. My protagonist will uncover truths while she seeks retribution. Again, more mystery and she's still without memories. The same cast of characters are involved with additional werewolves, a visit from her father, and that secret lover that had popped into her head one time (in the first book). Like The Awakening, I didn't want romance, but my protagonist has to satisfy her craving in some way. Hey, she may be a unique creature but she still has needs like we all do. So there is a graphic sex scene, much like there was in the first book.

 

If you are interested in urban fantasy without the romance and don't mind a hot sex scene, I invite you to try my Project Eve series.

 

And out of curiosity…Do you have a preference on urban fantasy?

 

BLURBS:

 

The Awakening: She’s the only one of her kind. And she doesn’t even know her name.

 

Two investigators--one human, one vampire--find a young woman among a mass of dead bodies. She has no memories, and nothing but her clothes, two receipts, and a mysterious dagger carved with the initials ‘SB’.

 

As she seeks her identity, SB realizes she is unlike any creature in the world, making her the most valuable person on the planet. And the most wanted.

 

The Quest: Now that she knows her name and what she is, she wants justice for everything she’s lost. Though her memories elude her, she takes a job for a half-demon Senator and, aided by werewolves from a local clan, intends to uncover evidence that will convict the Senator of more than thirty murders.

 

Getting to the Senator and finding the necessary evidence is more difficult than she anticipates, especially when there is a bounty for her death. If that were not enough, the vampire who stole her memories returns and reveals unexpected truths. But she’s not going to let anything stop her. Not a sadistic assassin or a servant or Lucifer. Not even her ex-lover, the vampire God of the Underworld. Nothing will stop her from claiming retribution...even if the price is her life.

 

------

The Project Eve series is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and most other vendors. You can find excerpts on my website, and the first chapter of each book is available on Amazon.

Amazon's buy link for my books: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Mary%20Abshire&search-alias=digital-text

 

Bio:

Outside of my government job, I write Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. Dark and dangerous creatures are my friends. I create worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. I even create new ones. How do I accomplish this? I have a twisted mind and it gets better with wine. Join me in my fantastical worlds, and I will introduce you to my friends. But if they bite or corrupt your mind, it’s not my fault.

 

Besides urban fantasy, I also write paranormal romance. I have a series called The Soul Catcher with four books available on Amazon. I have a new PNR series called Midnight Gardens and the first book comes out in 2013. For more information about my books, I encourage you to visit me at www.maryabshire.com

 

Thank you, Rhonda, for having me as a guest.

 

http://www.maryabshire.com

http://www.facebook.com/mary.abshire

http://www.goodreads.com/maryabshire

http://twitter.com/maryabshire

http://www.linkedin.com/in/maryabshire

http://www.maryabshire.wordpress.com

Secret Pleasures

Secret pleasures... we all have them. It's those naughty little thoughts inside our head that make us giggle. Those momenst of pleasure that we keep to ourselves. I have several of my own that I'll let you in on, that is, if you promise to keep my secrets to yourself ;)

Bridezillas is one of my secret pleasures. I watch it while I'm cleaning. One reason is, the brides are witches. I feel much better about myself after watching. Another reason, and this is sorta mean, I'm waiting for a groom to not show up for the wedding. Everyone deserves to be a little bridezilla while she's planning her wedding, but this is crazy. I also love Sister Wives. I could never be in one of those arrangements, multiple wives, but there is a certain understanding of what these women want. They want partnership, support and a huge family. The whole sharing thing, ya know in bed and all, is where I have no understanding. I mean, come on ladies, he stuck his ya-know-what in you-know-whos thingy last night. For some folks this may be a turn on, but not for me. I'm stingy when it comes to a partner's attention. Another guilty pleasure is watching old scary movies, like Halloween, Friday the 13th, Psycho... When the weather is nippy I enjoy cuddling on the couch with a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa (homemade) and a good scary movie.

Chocolate is a pleasure. I dip into the dark chocolate while I'm writing and I swear it boosts my writing. Pizza is another must-have. Lots of cheese, mild pepper rings and mushrooms. And not just any pizza will do. My fave is Giovannis. A pizza place that is an old favorite here in my town. It's been around longer than I can remember. The pizza is the best.

Shoes. I love shoes. Tall boots, short boots, cowboy boots, tennis shoes, flip flops, brown shoes, black shoes, three-inch heels, two-inch heels... I have almost thirty pairs of shoes and that's not nearly enough. I even have shoes that still have tags left on them. I will eventually wear them. I'd sleep in them if I could.

Sweaters. Doesn't everyone have at least one comfy sweater that they love to snuggle in? I have two that I'll keep until they are in shreds. They're warm, soft and comfortable.

These are just a few of my favorite things. What are some of your guilty pleasures?

Bad-boy fetish

Have you ever wondered how that cocky, egotistical, bordering on rude man always gets the girl? Now, I'm not saying that we don't like good guys, but there is some truth to bad boys getting the girls. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that women like an even balance of good and bad. Are you with me ladies? I like for a man to be a gentleman. I also like to feel protected (although I believe when it comes down to it I can defend myself). Yet, I write bad-ass heroes all of the time for a reason. Kind men, gentle hearts and a tough exierior. A woman wants to know that if the zombie apocalypse ever comes we have a partner who can kick ass.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Bad boys are confident.

Bad boys are confident in everything they do. From bedroom to grocery store to work, they exude confidence. Any where they walk they get noticed.

2. Bad boys are exciting.

Bad boys are always testing the boundaries and walking on the wild side. There is a sliver of mystery that keeps a woman wondering what her rebel will do next. And point is, one can never have a boring day when their adrenaline is always on high. Yet with that adrenaline rush can come vulnerability. There must be a line of no crossing.

3. Bad boys make a woman feel powerful.

The cocky image rubs off.

4. Bad boys aren't afraid to make the first move.

Women like for men to be aggressive...in bed. I'm not talking force. I'm talking about a man who isn't afraid to tell his woman what he wants and how he wants it. A bad boy isn't too shy to be adventurous.

Although these are some of the reasons I believe we like bad boys, one thing men must understand: Women like gentlemen. there's a difference between a jerk and a bad boy. When the bad boy crosses over to asshole, that's where the line is drawn. I'm guessing that men feel similar in what they expect from women. I've heard men say they want an independent woman but they also like for her to be feminine. There must be an even balance. And that's what we like in our man.

So the next time you say, "Nice men always come out on the bottom," remember that's not true. It's just that, confidence in men AND women is important.


 

The Big Bad Scary Movies

I love this time of year. The leaves are changing and the nights are cooler--great for cuddling with a partner. It's relaxing, and romantic, sitting in front of the fireplace. A treat is pulling out a mattress and plopping it down in front of the fire and sleeping--or not sleeping ;)))

There's something else that I enjoy, too. Halloween. Dressing my kids up and taking them trick-or-treating brings back a lot of memories from when I was a kid. October is famous for scary movies. I love horror films. Not one Halloween goes by that I don't watch the movie Halloween. It came out when I was barely old enough to watch a horror flick. One Halloween years ago it came out on a local channel and my family watched it. A lot of the guts and blood were missing, but it still scared the brass right out of me. It is still one of the scariest movies I've ever seen.

What's so great about horror films? This is a great opportunity to have up close and personal time with your partner. I'm a clinger. I'll scootch right up close and bury my head into my man's shoulder. That's where I stay from beginning to end.

There is a movie that creeps me out, beyond anything I've ever seen. It's called The Strangers. If you've seen it, I bet you agree that it's freaking nail-biting. If you haven't watched it, you should, that is if you like scary films.

Paranormal Activity is another creep flick on my scarier than hell list. It's weird how a movie that had so little money spent in its production can cause a severe case of the willies. 

If you're like my family, we have family movie nights. That's when we have to go for the mild creep shows. One of my kids' favorites is Hocus Pocus. It's not-so-scary enough that my wee one can watch it and entertaining enough for my eleven year old. Another hit is anything Casper. I watched these movies as a kid and I loved the friendly ghost.

So whatever your gory picks of the season are, may you have a ghoulish holiday.



 

Revealing Rhonda

I love writing erotica. I love steamy sessions of lovemaking between hot characters. Sensual moments between two people who love one another. However, what I write isn't porn. There's a huge difference.

I've never been into porn. I'm sure that'll surprise some of you. And, I hope it doesn't destroy the image you have of me salivating over porn then sitting down and belting out pages of erotica *giggles*.

What gets my motivational juices flowing (and those steamy sex scenes) is the way my characters build up to that stage of their romance. It's a natural process. That's what I enjoy when I watch movies. I want a movie to flirt with my senses and tease my imagination. Don't give me too much visual information or, well, it's sorta destroyed for me.

When it comes to reading erotica, the juicier the better. I always love the way writers build the scene then bam... they set the scene on fire. After all, the use of words in a spectacular method is how we manage to pull readers in. We are moving away from the functional words, penis and vagina. Pleassse don't expect to ever hear, "He undressed completely and saluted her with his penis..." Penis is too, uh, medical.

Here's food for thought... I need a list of names for appendages and southern parts. I've been stuck many times trying to be creative on what to call those 'parts.' Feel free to tell me what you use.

Should Men Shave, uh, Down There...??

This is a delicious question, isn't it?

Some men will openly say, "Hell yeah," while some will sneak away into the corner of their bathroom and chop, chop, snip, snip in private (hair that is fellas).  I bet some of you cringed. Sorry...

I've heard tale that once you shave bare you never go back. So men, what is the rave about going bald in the southern regions? I've done my research (by reading, not hands on). Here's what I've learned:

1. It makes a man's appendage appear larger. That's always a plus, right? I'm not sure how much larger, but every little inch (or less) helps.

2. Sex feels better. Without the bush you can have skin-on-skin contact. Sounds like a winner to me. I'd compare it to clothes during sex. No clothes, or with clothes? No hair, or with hair? Get my meaning? Which feels better?

3. It's a cleaner feeling. Clean is definitely expected and appreciated by women. Just like hair on our head, uh, no pun intended. It gets dirty and needs washed. I bet bald men would say a hairless head is much easier to keep clean than a head full of locks.

From one woman's perspective, do we like when men are shaven? My answer is yes.

And if you're not quite prepared to take the plunge and completely go bald, try trimming. It's easy and doesn't itch when it grows back.

If anything, let this be food for thought.

 

50% Writer, 50% Promoter

I'm a writer. I love to create stories. I love to hear readers compliment my work. On top of this, I'm a published writer. Therefore, I gained another duty that I'm not so hot at. A promoter. I watch other writers and I drool over their capability to catch all of the promotional opportunities. I'm lacking in this area. I need a degree in business.

If writing was just that, writing, I'd be pretty good at this career. But as all writers realize the second they sign their first contract, we can't just be writers. We must wear many hats, and writing is only a small portion of our daily activities.

Here's another issue. I don't have the greatest organizational skills. My savior is a pretty little purple and white journal that I keep by my side. I write everything down from grocery lists to school activities to doctor appointments to writing duties. If I lost it, I'd be heading down that dirty creek without a paddle. It's as sacred as my laptop.

Unfortunately, before I had my book, I'd forgotten a few of those blogging opportunities. There's nothing like pleading your case of simple forgetfullness through email. The only tidbit of information I can offer to newcomers to writing is to have your own pretty little sacred book. Then, make yourself available to the world.

Second Chance expands.

A few years ago I was on a flight leaving Texas. I loved it there. And I was overwhelmed with a story, which later became Second Chance Cowboy. I'm the author so I guess you can call me biased. But I've gotta prop this book. It's amazing. I wrote it hoping readers would go from tears to laughter to tears of happiness. The death of a child and the demise of a marriage brings this story on a roller coaster of emotion. As I wrote this story I had recently suffered from a miscarriage. So, you could say I was a bit emotionally strained myself. This book became therapy as I oozed sadness into words and recovered through characters. By the way, this was a miscarriage of many that I had experienced.

Readers have asked for Duke and Lila's story, secondary characters in Second Chance Cowboy. I knew they were right. Duke and Lila deserved to play roles as stars. Their personlities shone throughout Second Chance. Late last year I tossed around a storyline for Duke and Lila, and got as far as a chapter. It was a great chapter, and then it sizzled. I just wasn't feeling it, which saddend me. I loved Duke and Lila. I knew Second Chance deserved a sequel. It just wasn't coming to me. I'd promised readers that it would come, eventually.

I put Duke and Lila's story on hold. I then went on to write six more stories, while one chapter of Duke waited patiently. This summer I would think about Duke, but then push him aside. I'd pull up the start of his story and read the chapter over and over. I just couldn't seem to find the motivation to bring his story to life. I was almost to the point of giving up until I had a jolt from the past fire up my motivation. I decided to give writing Duke another shot. If it happened, great. If it didn't, well, at least I gave it my best effort.

Something wonderful happened. With each day passing I couldn't put Duke away. My creativity was on a role. Words flowed like water as I wrote 33,000 words in three weeks. In fact, the ending made me cry.

This is the "behind-the-scenes" story of Second Ride Cowboy, Second Chance Cowboy's brother. At this moment, we are back to waiting while Duke is being reviewed by my editor. Wish me luck, folks. This has been a long time coming.

Second Chance Cowboy can be purchased in eBook form at http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=120&zenid=n0ecescbbeneq6poluoivhlbu2

or at Barnes & Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/rhonda-lee-carver?keyword=rhonda+lee+carver&store=allproducts 

or at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rhonda+lee+carver&sprefix=rhonda+lee%2Caps%2C158

Lia Davis

I'd like to welcome Lia Davis. Thank you Lia for stopping in. I was lucky enough to grab Lia for an interview. Read on to get to know Lia better...

Tell us a little about yourself?

 

I’m a newly published author who had the writing bug bite a little more than three years ago after discovering paranormal romance. I live in northeast Florida with my soul mate, two young adult children, and two kitties. I love family time, nature, reading, writing, coffee and chocolate.

 

When did you start writing?

 

I started writing about three years ago. I’ve always had an interest in writing and creating, but never had the drive to write a novel until I discovered paranormal romance and plunging into the different worlds one right after another.

 

Do you write full-time or do you work a dirty day job?

 

Dirty day job. L I work full time in the finance/accounting department for a vendor management software company. I write a couple of hours at night and on the weekends.

 

Do you believe in love at first sight, or love must blossom?

 

I do believe in love at first sight. I also believe in soul mates. I’m married to mine.

 

What is your most uncomfortable moment?

 

Speaking in front of people. It scares the crap out of me. LOL

 

Name Your Ten Temptations...

 

Pet: Cat or dog?

 

I love all animals, but I’m a cat person.

 

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?

 

Cotton and denim.

 

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?

 

I love long hair because I can’t seem to grow mine past a few inches below my shoulders. LOL

 

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?

 

Blue. It’s the color of my husband’s.

 

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?

 

Broadway.

 

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?

 

Diamonds.

 

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?

 

Roses, all colors.

 

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whisky or beer?

 

Wine.

 

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?

 

Coffee.

 

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?

 

Anything chocolate. LOL

 

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?

 

Depends on my mood. Mostly sunny, though.

 

 FORGOTTEN VISIONS

 

By

 

Lia Davis

 

 

 

Book Blurb:

 

Kalissa Bradenton isn’t your average coffee shop owner. Born to an elite witch bloodline with a rare genetic mutation, she’s a Divinity on a mission. The death of her parents sends her away from her Maxville, Florida, home and into an ancient war between witches and demons. When childhood friend Ayden Daniels comes to her aid after an almost fatal accident, visions of a past she doesn’t remember sparks an old flame and new desires. With the past slowly becoming clearer, she eagerly sets her sights on mending Ayden’s heart and gaining his trust–until a ghost from her past returns to claim her as his demonic mate.

 

Ayden, the new Sheriff of Maxville and grandson of the oldest living Divinity, is investigating a series of Divinity killings. When he comes face-to-face with the one woman he hopes to have little to no contact with, old pain rises, quickly followed by anger and resentment. Through his rare power of adaptability, he learns actions from the past may not be what they seem. Hope fills his broken heart and determination pushes him to do whatever it takes to win Kalissa’s heart once more before he loses her forever.

Together they must find the strength to mend their tormented souls, while fighting an evil out to destroy the world.

 

Now Available at Soul Mate Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt:

 

Ayden Daniel had only been in Charlotte an hour before his cousin, Zach, called with a favor. No. Not quite a favor. A request that sounded more like a plea.

 

“You’re shittin’ me?”

 

“I’m afraid not. Charlotte PD said it was a hit and run.”

 

Right. “Please tell me she’s ...”

 

“She’s alive. A bump on the head, but she’ll be okay.” Zach hesitated before continuing. “I know how you feel about her, but you’ll have to go get her.”

 

A muttered curse slipped from his lips at the same time his heart lodged in his throat. “Fine.” The word came out in an irritated huff. Ayden hung up and wished he had never answered the damn phone. No, that wasn’t completely true. He would never forgive himself if something happened to Kalissa that he could have prevented.

 

She was the one person he’d hoped to avoid as much as possible when he’d taken his place as Sheriff of Maxville. It wasn’t that he disliked her, that was the problem. Despite his better judgment and a glutton for punishment, he still cared too damn much for the woman.

The mere mention of her name made his pulse race with excitement. His body hardened at the thought of seeing her again after fifteen years. But his mind screamed to walk away. To let her be. Kalissa was trouble, and a hazard to his heart. She’d broken it once—torn it right out of his chest—at the age of seventeen.

 

A human friend had laughed at the mention of their young age and Ayden’s claim that she was the only one for him. A mistake on his part to confide in a human and expect him to understand magickin way of life. Magickin children developed at a faster rate. At the age of seventeen, he was as mature as most twenty-five-year-old humans and fully aware that he had met his eternal companion.

They were life partners—magical mates—destined to spend their extended lives together. To find one at such a young age was a gift.

 

A gift she stole from him.

 

 

Author Bio:

 

Lia Davis is a mother to two young adults and two very special, equally different kitty cats. She’s a wife to her soul mate, who drives her crazy during editing/revisions. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it’s her home and she loves it!

 

An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very activity imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She only recently got serious about publishing her work and loves it more than she imagined. Writing a stress reliever that allows her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving the day job where it belongs.

 

Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.

 

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