Body distortions and other misfortunes of a writer.

How can you tell just by looking at someone  that they are a writer? Do they appear a bit frenzied and anxious? Well, let me start by saying that I write in excess of 40,000 words a month--every month. If I don't get my word count in I'm like a rabid dog ready to attack, slobber and red eyes and all that you can imagine. I call it my legal addiction. Once I published one book, I had to have my fix by adding more and more. I guess you could say I'm in competition--with myself.

So, what body distortions and misfortunes am I referring to? Here is a list:

1. Fat Fingers. I've been pounding away at the keyboard for many years. That's a lot of work on my digits. Over this amount of time, my fingers have gone from slender to wide, and truth be told, a little crooked. I can only imagine what they're going to look like in another twenty years. Eck !!! I think it may be a good time to look into purchasing Dragon--even with all of its flaws.

2. Cross-eyes. The other day I was busily absorbed in my characters and working the fifth hour at my latest work when my wee one pops into the room to ask a question. I look up and I literally see three of her. "You look funny, mommy," she said with a giggle. Needless to say, this wasn't the first time I've felt like I've been kicked in the head by a horse and my vision was screwed. No worries, it was only temporary. I was back to normal...eventually.

3. Hunchback. There is a mantra in my head: Sit up straight. Sit up straight. Sit up straight. This lasts until steamy sex or a killing scene takes precedence and I pour my body over over my laptop like melted butter on bread. I don't realize it until I stand up and I can't straighten my back. I'm walking cockeyed and bouncing off the walls. I have the bruises to prove it. It's quite hilarious.

4. Numb ass. If you Google this slang term, you will get some savory definitions, like a numb ass from anal sex. Or, cocaine placed inside the rectum. Nope, that's not a writer's numb ass. You know that tingly feeling that warns you that your ass is falling asleep? Yep, I totally ignore that sign. When sensation finally starts to come back, well, that's a true pain in the ass.

5. Sex tongue. Grab your thoughts right out of the naughty bin. This isn't about action, but how easily erotic romance writers discuss sex. I haven't reached vulgar proportions yet, and I certainly mind my manners around my parents, but it is what it is. After all, sex parts were created for what? Exactly, SEX. Lovemaking is a beautiful thing. Trying new things and exploring one another can help keep a relationship healthy. Just because I write it and talk it, doesn't mean I'm a reincarnated Cleopatra. Sex talk does have it's boundaries though. I receive messages daily on FB asking me to "help" them write a sex scene. I get paid to write people. Any word I type is worth at least a dollar. The message for today asked, "I am trying to write a threesome sex scene. Can I ask for your assistance in this matter?" First, I don't write threesome sex scenes. No reason besides I just never wanted to. Second, I helped him right away with the BLOCK  button. FB will eventually have a creepers button.

If you're interested in reading what I write, here's a great story...

Dreaming Ivy

by Rhonda Lee Carver

Spotlight story:

Can a past love become their future?

The Thorntons’ mansion is full of timeless secrets waiting to be unraveled. When small-town journalist Ivy and ghost hunter Max are stuck in the forgotten, dilapidated house, they find more than just a haunting. Ivy finds herself dreaming of the former owners, Marcus Thornton and his lovely wife, Elizabeth. Their profound love was once the talk of the town, and the cause their mysterious, untimely deaths never found. When Ivy’s dreams begin to become reality, the mystery starts to unravel and sheds truth on more than just the past.

WARNING: Graphic language, naughty ghosts, a non-committal male, and a love that endures beyond time and death.

 

Excerpt:

Copyright 2012, Rhonda Lee Carver

All rights reserved, Lyrical Press, Inc.

Ivy stepped into the corridor. She stopped and listened. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a shadow sweep across the wall. She turned as it disappeared. “Hello?” No answer. She stomped down the hall and burst into the room. “Hello–”
The room was empty.Ivy swallowed the taste of fright. A shiver raced across her skin. She had seen someone, or had she? She rubbed her eyes. Maybe the shadows were playing tricks on her.
A loud crack in the floor behind her sent Ivy twisting. The sun from the window blinded her. She acted on impulse. She drew her fist back and punched–landing on something solid. The force behind her connection with skin and bone sent her off balance, flailing backward. A hand on her wrist pulled her hard against a steely frame.
She met a dark stare, just as she felt wobbling. The impact of her body had sent him a step back. He lost his balance. Together they fell. The air whooshed from his chest as Ivy landed on top of the stranger.
She closed her eyes and remained still. She wanted nothing more than for the floor to swallow her. Several long seconds floated by. Neither of them said a word. She finally opened her eyes.
Embarrassed and confused, Ivy laid her palms against his shoulders, pushing herself up. She looked directly into his not-so-pleased expression and gulped. Enchanting green eyes, prominent cheekbones, midnight hair…and a pissed-off set to his jaw. She’d made a mistake–a huge one. “Max Shepard.” It wasn’t a question.
He narrowed his eyes. “Ivy Kennedy, journalist and amateur boxer?”
The deep, rich tone of his voice did funny things to the pit of her stomach. His voice wasn’t the only toned part of him. Pressed together gave her an up close and personal testimonial of his physical assets. Broad chest, tight abs to long legs, she could feel tight muscles and a curious bulge. She scooted her hip around the swelling in his jeans. Heat and realization spread through her body.
One corner of his mouth lifted. “It’s my cell.” Could he see straight through her?
“Cell?”
He reached into his pocket and held up his phone. Ivy was certain her skin changed into the perfect color of mortification. She wondered just how bad this could get. Pasting a smile on her face, she said, “Nice to meet you.” The temperature rose between them into the triple digits. Their bodies seemed to melt together. He didn’t look like the pictures she’d seen on the internet. He looked more distinguished in person. “You’re older than I thought,” she blurted.
“Older?”
“Older, in a good way.” She licked her bottom lip and nervously pushed her hair behind her ear. “My mother said I have a bad habit of saying the most awkward things and rambling–” She swallowed. “–like I am now.” She moved slightly.
His zipper started to swell again. Was that another cell phone in his pocket, or… Before her mind could complete the thought, he wrapped his large hands around her waist and lifted her off him. He set her on her feet as he came to stand in front of her. “That’s better,” he said as he backed up. “Damn.” He kicked rug that must have been the reason behind their fall.
He stood there, silent. This was a complete disaster. She’d managed to give him a black eye to match the dark scowl on his face. She needed to start searching for a new job. Marshall would have her head for this.

WARNING: Light BDSM, kink, explicit sex.
buy link: http://lyricalpress.com/dreaming-ivy#more-284

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dreaming-Ivy-ebook/dp/B0083V4R2U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354115443&sr=1-2&keywords=rhonda+lee+carver

Sex Dreams

Imagine yourself cocooned in layers of blankets, cuddled up with your pillow, encased in a dream with a sexy hunk...and suddenly, that hunk turns into an old boss. You sit bolt upright, sweating, heart fluttering...and a bit aroused and a bit relieved that it was only a dream. After all, your old boss was a creeper. Yep, you were having a sex dream. So does that mean that you want to have sex with your old boss? Probably not.

Don't we all have bizarre dreams? They can range from erotic to racy, from weird to extremely creepy. What I understand about dreams, which can equal out to about zilch, is that it's our mind's way of trying to connect the dots of something that's bothering us. And, I don't think dreams of sex have anything to do with "sex" anyway.

As a writer, I get a lot of my "ideas" from my dreams. Nope, not saying that I'm lucky enough to dream erotica every night. I'm just saying that when I dream, my mind is free and open to ideas and thoughts. It's like my own fantasy playground, no one has to know if someone I'm completely unattracted to pops up in my dreams and turns out to be a porn-star-wannabe. Personally, I'd take a sex dream any night over a nightmare.

Food Below Belts

Y'all know that I not only enjoy eating my food, but I also love to play with my food. Let's keep this naughty, shall we?

There are foods that put a rise in the libido. And if you don't believe me, eat for yourself and watch how things transform in the bedroom.

1. Hot Chilies. Hot and spicy, just what we like in a lover. No wonder chilies are known to rev up the blood flow and put a spark in your nerve endings. You could try eating one raw, but only the toughest shall try that. Try adding a few to your food creations.

2. Asparagus and Avocados. Don't you dare turn your nose up. At least not until I'm done telling you the magic these greens hold for you. Clitoral swelling and vaginal lubrication. Need I say more? I love asparagus, but I'm sure to eat more and I'll be smiling with each bite with the thought of swelling and lubrication on my mind.

3. Bananas. For some us, the first time we learned to use a condom was on a banana. Did you know it's worth more than it's shape? Bananas contain potassium, which builds muscle strength. Want a stronger orgasm? Eat bananas...eat, eat bananas.

4. Salmon. It's packed full of Omega-3's and keeps the sexual hormones at their peak.

So, the moral of the story is...eat healthy, live well, and have lots of sex.

Cowboy Up

I've got a thing for cowboys, and apparently so do most writers. Cowboys are one of the most written about heroes, right up there with Doctors. Have you ever wondered what the fascination is? Once upon a time, Cowboys were thought of as "ruffians." They endured the worst environmental conditons, could rope and ride a bull, and were as tough as rawhide. And if they ride their stallion like they were born in a saddle, well, all I can say to that is, I bet they can ride anything.

With this image, how could we not drool? After all, I'm known for writing bad-ass heroes. Wind-blown hair, five o'clock shadow, tanned skin, rugged jawline, worn hat, tight fitting jeans and their favorite boots. And an attitude that makes an entrance. Yup, are you imagining what I'm seeing? Perfect hero. Why? Because this means I can bring in a sassy, smart heroine that polishes the hard-ass right off that Cowboy until he shines with kindness. Although my Cowboy has a smoothness that can lasso any red-blooded female, before he knows what struck him, my heroine always swoopes in and ropes her a mustang.

I wrote my first Cowboy in, Second Chance Cowboy. Chance wasn't just any Western Boy. He was a genuine hard ass and carried scars. Sexy, masculine, calloused hands...once you've been touched by a man who uses his hands you know you've been touched. I loved this story so much that I didn't stop there. I gave Duke McGraw his spotlight in Second Ride Cowboy (releasing June 2013). Duke, Chance's best friend and ranch hand, is the brawniest bad-ass we can imagine. Stained from a bad childhood, he lived a life in the rodeo. Baggage is his middle name. But it takes one woman to dust off a hero. In this book, Duke has more scars than emotional. I can't give away too much information, but if you like steamy passion, you'll love what I've created for you.

Now is the time for you to pick up Chance's story. Get to know these characters. See how Duke and Lila's story buds, until they have their own "Ride."

A tumble down the stairs lands Carly back in the arms of her ex-husband.

After the loss of a child tears her marriage apart, Carly vows she’ll never speak to her soon-to-be ex-husband Chance again. On the eve of their divorce, however, Carly takes a stroll down memory lane and calls Chance.

A passionate one night stand between the two is shattered by cruel light of morning. With reality having set back in, Carly admits to Chance she made a mistake, forcing him to come to grips that there is no hope left for their marriage.

Fate has other plans for them. Carly’s fall down some stairs leaves her with amnesia…but that’s only the start of it.

Can deception bring a second chance at love or will it forever destroy an already broken marriage?

---

Carly squeezed her hands into fists. “My poor husband. How difficult it is for him to manage his inflated ego and keep his zipper closed.”

“We’re divorced, remember?” His voice reeked of sarcasm.

She groaned in irritation. Her pulse pounded in her ears like the beating of a drum. Her claws were showing.

Chance didn’t blink an eye as he gazed at her across the room. “Honey, I can keep my pants zipped just fine. Problem is, you can’t keep your fingers off my zipper.”

Carly’s palm itched to slap him. “We live in a small town, Chance. How do you think it’s possible we haven’t run into each other more than three times in the last two years?” She cocked her chin. “Let me fill you in. I’ve done everything in my power to keep from bumping into you. Do you realize how difficult it is to plan my schedule weeks in advance so I don’t have to see you? Is that a description of a woman who can’t keep her fingers off your zipper?”

“No, more like a woman who’s afraid she’ll forget what screwed up our marriage in the first place, realize she’s made a huge mistake and get her ass back home.”

“Humph, fat chance that’ll ever happen.” She fumbled with the sheet in irritation and gave her hair a toss over one shoulder.

Damn, he did have a point, although she’d never admit it to him.

“Yeah, right, Carly, because you can’t ever forgive and forget, can you? You think you’re the only one who has lost, don’t you?” His eyes became steely pools of green. His voice turned low and controlled. “I lost Devon, too. He was my son--our son. How long are you going to keep blaming me for his death?”

Carly swallowed the painful lump in her constricted throat. “I don’t blame you.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“We both know why I left.”

“We do?” His bitter laugh split the air with its razor-sharp intensity. “I know you want to hold on to the belief that I am the bad guy who drove you away, but isn’t it time you took half the responsibility for the failure of our marriage?” A trace of compassion softened his expression. He tugged on his shirt and finger-combed his hair.

“It wasn’t my fault you cheated.” Once she said it, she wanted to yank the words back. Too late, just like their relationship.

“You’re a broken record, sweetheart. It’s not worth denying the accusation any longer. Maybe eventually you’ll believe your words and feel justified in leaving. Devon died, Carly. He’s gone and we can’t change the truth. One of us needed to make the decision to let him go and I made it. I held out hope you’d eventually find a sliver of forgiveness in your cold heart. I guess I was wrong.”

The old wound broke open and her lungs emptied of oxygen. She wanted to lash out at him, tell him to go to hell, but the words didn’t come. Instead, she whispered, “I’m going to the bathroom. When I get back I want you gone.”

“Carly, you’ve become an expert at sucking all the joy out of your life and pushing away anyone who reaches out to you. You’re living in a self-made prison, founded on guilt and pain, and there is no key to unlock the cell door.”

 

buy links: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=283

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Cowboy-ebook/dp/B004GHN4CO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353259730&sr=8-1&keywords=rhonda+lee+carver

 

Barnes&Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chance-cowboy-rhonda-lee-carver/1027753211?ean=9781616502058

 

All Romance: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

 

 

Naughty Thanksgiving

Gobble...Gobble. It's Turkey Day. Not only is this a day where we can indulge in Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Rolls and Pumpkin Pie until we bust a zipper, it's also a day for appreciation.

We each have something to be thankful for, but let's keep this naughty. Has anyone ate too much turkey and felt like they could hibernate? Instead of sleeping the day away, toss in a bit of playfulness that'll make fond memories for years to come.

1. Breakfast is a very important meal of the day. Wake your partner up with a fruit cocktail, using your body as a plate and his tongue as the utensil. Fresh fruit is a great contrast against soft skin. Then invite him to wash your back in a steamy shower. Who knows...maybe the fun will continue.

2. Wear no undergarments under your clothes. When you arrive at the family house, stop him at the door and whisper in his ear, "Oh no, I've forgotten something." And then dramatically say, "My bra and panties." It'll be a secret between you two and by the time you get home he will be ready to ignite a fire in bed )if you make it home).

3. Use an extra helping of whipped cream on your pie. Half for the pumpkin and half for the, uhh, other pie :)

4. Show your honey how thankful you are for having him in your life by showing him attention. Massage his back then tell him you think he's still a bit stiff in certain areas of his body. Using your mouth, massage him in those "other" places.

I guarantee you by Thanksgiving 2013 he will be frantically wondering what you have in store.

Flaccid

Flaccid is not a word that holds good meaning. Not for men and women. But it's nothing to be ashamed of. It happens, even to heroes. Ask a few of my bad-ass characters and they'll tell you..."limp happens." You probably wonder what sort of cruel writer am I to do this to my characters, but trust me, there's good cause for lack of firmness. It's like this, have you ever been in front of a crowd, ready to give a speech, and forgotten how to speak? It's similar to a man and woman who are crazy for each other but when it comes to showtime, uhh, his nerves get the best of him. Usually, after he relaxes, things get back to normal and things "look up." Because this issue can have an impact on any relationship, it's not one that should ever be swept under the rug and/or ignored. Believe it or not men, it hurts our pride as much as it hurts yours.

So, as I looked into this further, I found it interesting that all men suffer this problem sometime in their lifetime. Most issues are resolved and forgotten. Some need a little more tweaking. Here are some basic facts...

1. Once upon a time it was thought that it was all in a man's mind. Now docs understand there can be an underlying physical cause.

2. Erection problems doesn't mean a man doesn't have a sex drive.

3. Normally men have around 3-5 erections per night. An erection should last at least about 30 minutes. If you're still having nighttime erections, but not at showtime, it's more than likely that it's not medical.

4. Premature ejaculation isn't the same as erectile dysfunction.


An erection doesn't just involve the nether region. Blood vessels, the brain, nerves and hormones all play a role in the "rising" function. Men who drink heavily can have a problems in the south. If you fear that you'll let your partner down, "down" may happen in other places. Smoking also narrows the blood vessels that play an important role in circulation. Stress, lack of sleep, drugs...can be a problem too.

If you're "issue" happens more than 25% of the time, it's time to speak to a doc.

 

Sex Drive

Sex...it's a word that can make you shift uncomfortably or squirm in delight. Birds and bees do it. Animals and Humans do it. Obviously, certain parts of a man and woman's body were made to fit together. With thousands of nerve endings located in the nether regions, there's good reason to believe we were made for pleasure. With all of this enjoyment to be had, why do some couples still have dry spells?

Libido...what is it? This refers to a person's desire for sex. It varies greatly from one person to another. Some people want hot sex, and want it often. Imagine if the entire world had the same active libido. We'd get nothing else done. Hmm, would that be so terrible? Did you know that women and men peak at different ages? Men reach peak sexual drive in their teens. Women reach it much later, in their thirties. That can explain a lot.

So, what can happen if you are missing or losing your sex drive? In any relationship, intimacy between partners is as important as verbal communication and trust. If the bed is growing cold, it could be time to search out new ways to spice up life. These are some things I've  learned about sex drive.

1. Go to the doctor and make sure all of the pipes are working properly. Sometimes underlying issues can cause a decrease in one's sex drive.

2. Although alcohol can get relieve stress and relax you and one drink can help you get into the mood, it's possible the flame will be lost. Alcohol is a depressant.

3. Try out new foods that can trigger the libido. Oysters, Licorice, Asparagus. And take vitamins to keep up your energy and nutrients.

4. Sorry to tell you smokers, this could be a huge issue when it comes to sex drive. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and can make certain areas of the body flaccid. Flaccid and sex drive don't mix. If winky dink is more on the dinky side, you may want to question if smoking is a culprit.

5. Working out regularly not only improves your ego, but it also increases sex drive. How? Well, exercise increases blood flow, which is a very, very good thing.

6. Who doesn't like a massage? It can do wonders for stress relief, and sexual arousal. Key point, relax and let your partner's fingers work magic.

7. Take time for yourself. Loving yourself is a mood booster, therefore, making it easier to make others happy.

Enjoy each other :)

Sexercise

Are you looking for the perfect work out that'll tone all parts of your body? Do you know that a half an hour of sex can burn 200 calories? So, I guess you decide, what would you rather do?

Sex is a fab work out. It can reduce the risks of a heart attack. It boosts your immune system and is like a huge dose of sunlight to endorphins.  Not sold yet? Well, let me continue...

It feels good and brings you closer to your mate. What's not to like?

Here are some fab positions that'll rock your body and whip it into shape...

1- The High Rise: To work on your back and butt, have your man positioned between your legs and drop your legs over his hips.  Lift your bottom to meet his thrusts. For added benefit, slap his butt with your feet.

Difficulty level: Easy

2-   Squat and Rock: Sit on top of your man with your feet planted next to his hips. With hands on his knees, lift your body. For added benefit, circle your hips.

Difficulty level: Tricky

3- Booty Backward: Have your man lie down. Straddle him with your back facing him. Lift yourself using your hands and feet.

Difficulty level:   Athletic

4- Body to Body: Both of you will stand. He should be leaning against the wall with you standing in front, belly to belly. His legs should be planted between your spread legs. If he is taller than you you'll have to stand on a raised surface.

Difficulty level: Hard, in more ways than one

Sex and the Country

I've never been much into music or any other tools to get my writing juices flowing. In fact, I need silence and alone time. I write much better when I can envelop myself in a scene and imagine that I'm standing in the room, or beside my characters. If I'm completely absorbed, as I like to be, I could miss an earthquake. I can't even begin to describe the feeling of this hypnotized state of simple writing.

I understand writers who say they hide away inside their office and no one is to disturb that silence. We need no intruders while creating another world.

Sometimes I even feel like an eavesdropper spying on my characters as they write their own story. At times I feel in total connection with my characters that the tears they cry, I cry too. The anger they feel, I feel too. As corny as this may sound, it really is normal. After all, these are people of my creation, stories of my mind and heart, gifts of talent. They must be believable for me, or they won't be believable to you as the reader.

For a short period of time I lived in the city. I called it transitional housing as I waited for my other home. I hated it. The sounds outside my window, cars beeping...engines running...mowers mowing...were a distraction. There never seemed a moment of silence. I ended up trolling Facebook more than I wrote. All of those words that could have been written were lost...*sigh*.

The move into the country was a splendid blessing. Awww...peace and quiet. I loved it so much that I wrote 200,000 words in five months. I sold contracts for five books. I edited like a bunny on grass. I felt like a writing machine...a creative machine.

Each writer has a "weapon" of choice. What's yours?

 

Food Below Belts

I love sensual pleasures. There are many splendors of life that uplift our soul and spark the motivational juices. I so enjoy sunlight streaming through a window. The touch from someone special. The excitement of expectation. I also love to eat, and write about heated romance. I believe most people would agree that sex and food are some of the greatest pleasures we can experience. Have you ever been sitting on the couch, snuggling with your partner watching a movie while eating a snack? Have you ever wondered what he'd do if you ate the popcorn off his body? Or, have you been curious if you can lick the ice cream off her body before it melts?Now, now, don't pretend you're not wondering. Satisfaction can come in all different ways...and flavors. If you've ever watched the movie 9 1/2 Weeks, one of the sexiest scenes is the food make out session.

Are you a fan of chocolate? Yeah? Me, too. For those who love to draw, your partner's body is a beautiful canvas and the only tools you'll need is an open mind and a bar of chocolate. Allow the chocolate to warm slightly, not melted. It doesn't take a modern-day Picasso to design a portrait that is finger (tongue) licking good.

Have you ever heard of the Hot Tamales Candy Spray? Very clever. What a handy-dandy idea for lovers. Who doesn't like to spray paint? Spray on some body graffiti then see who'll get arrested for vandalism...cuffs and all.

Wear a candy necklace under a skirt or dress. Slip a note across the table at dinner telling your partner you have a treat hidden somewhere on your body. Imagine how excited he'll be? Wonder how many licks and bites it takes to make the garter disappear? With any luck, you'll find out that answer.

Honey can be an especially sweet treat. Your partner's body warmth makes the honey a perfect consistency for eating. Drizzle it in all of those sensitive places of the body. And darn, you'll have to take a shower together afterward to rinse off the sticky mess.

Hot and cold sensations have a reputation for getting the blood flowing. Here's a trick. You'll need an ice cube, or several depending on how much fun you find this, and a warm cup of tea (your flavor choice).  Use an ice cube to cool parts of the skin, take a drink of tea, then use your mouth to warm the cooled area. Or, switch off from warm to cool, whichever brings the most pleasure to your partner.

Enjoy one another :)









 

Fantasy at the mall

Recently I was reading an article for research and read that still today a quickie in the dressing room remains the most popular fantasy. A quick one in any store isn't what it used to be. Although it may appear that the workers aren't watching, they are. There are surveillance cameras everywhere. If that's the major kick in this fantasy, is being watched, you may think the risks of being caught are worth the pleasure. I'd suggest finding your entertainment at a less "public" place, but who am I to judge?

If you're caught, you'd better run. Or, probation and loads of embarrassment could be in your future.

So, is there a safer way to live wildly while keeping your backside off the store cams? At least try to find one...

I don't care if you're the straightest of narrow or the wildest of wild, you are born with the natural need to fantasize. Sure, some fantasize about whips and chains, while others find kinky being a romp in the middle of the day. We aim to please our partner, which is very healthy. There's cause for concern when we no longer wish to.

Crack the code in your relationship and do the unthinkable, and many cases, the laughable. Admit it, playing can lead to laughter. And, laughter is good for the soul. A friend recently told me that she and her husband wanted to spice up the bedroom (they've been married for twelve years). She brought in a blindfold and chocolate syrup. By the end of the eve, they both were covered in goo and she had a broken pinky...and they are still laughing. Although it hadn't turned out as spicy as she'd hoped, they'd had fun. It brought them closer and they can't wait to try something new.

Ever tried playing doctor? Role playing can add a bit of spice to any bedroom. Let me throw out some ideas and you run with them (and in this case, not from the cops because you've been caught doing the naughty in a public place).

Master/slave
nurse/patient
boss/secretary
cop/thief



Enjoy each other :)

 

Guest Author-- Adriana Kraft

I'd like to welcome the talented Adriana Kraft. Thank you Adriana for guesting here with me.

You won’t want to miss our Birthday Party!

What kinds of milestones do you treasure when you look back on the journey you’ve taken to this moment? As an author, I name several:

The moment nearly twelve years ago when my husband and I (who co-author erotic fiction under our pen name, Adriana Kraft) looked each other in the eye and said yes, we want to try our hand at writing romance together. It was a fork in the road, and it’s been a marvelous journey.

The moment the first publisher offered us a contract, five years later. By then we’d been writing and editing and revising and tossing and subbing and attending workshops and starting over for what seemed like eons, with no success, but always feeling the goal might just be within our reach. We never gave up, and we continually improved our writing – and, the feedback we received.

The day our first erotic romance was released as an e-book, about a year later. Colors of the Night is still one of my favorite books among the now nearly thirty we’ve published. More on that in a minute.

Today, I’m getting ready to celebrate another milestone. Five years ago next week, the second of the two e-publishing houses that had published our work went under. Why would I celebrate a disaster like that? Because of what it led to.

The small group of authors who’d gotten behind the new publishing venture of a fellow author were devastated. All of us had books that were suddenly not available for sale, and we faced an uncertain future.

What did we do? We organized – swiftly and effectively. The e-pub house had booked a loop chat for us at Novelspotters that was less than a week away. We bit the bullet, decided to keep that engagement, and contacted Novelspotters to see if they would allow us the chat time.

Kudos to Novelspotters for saying yes – but, they needed to know who we were: what was the name of our group?

Midnight Seductions was born in that moment, November 17, 2007. Our membership has shifted somewhat over the five years since, but we remain a hard working, exciting group of romance and erotic romance authors who continue to support each other through the major changes sweeping our industry.

Upshot?

We’re having a party next weekend, and you’re invited! Our Birthday Bash will be a three day Blog Hop, November 16-18, with a Kindle Fire as the grand prize plus prizes offered by each of the participating authors. All the details and links will be posted at the Midnight Seductions Blog on Friday, November 16, and the winners will be announced November 20. Hope to see you there!

~

I said I’d say more about our first novel. Colors of the Night was released in 2006 to a five-kisses review from Two Lips Reviews, who had the following to say: I highly recommend this book, although the reader will no doubt want either a partner or a bucket of toys close at hand.

Its original e-publisher had already gone under when Midnight Seductions was formed. I’m thrilled that Extasy Books, where hubs and I now have nearly twenty books published, agreed to re-release it (with this fabulous new cover by Martine Jardin) in July, 2009. It’ll be part of my prize package for the hop, so here’s a blurb and an excerpt for you:

BLURB

The dazzling and timeless love goddess Aria pays a visit to struggling thirty-something Jamie and Ryan Hazleton, who are on the brink of divorce.  When the hot sex that results from her first lesson cools to icy glares, Aria decides to move in with them and provide more experiential learning.  Can Ryan overcome his jealousy of Jamie’s uninhibited response to the delectable goddess? What if he succumbs to his own desires?  Only time will tell whether this love triangle with an immortal will ignite or extinguish the dying embers of Jamie and Ryan’s love.

 

EXCERPT

CHAPTER ONE

 

Jamie Hazelton stifled the sobs welling up from deep within and listened intensely to the man lying next to her in the snug tent. Had she heard something? She’d thought her husband was asleep—in fact, that was why she’d allowed herself to give in to her feelings. She was sure he’d be oblivious. He always was.

Not that Ryan wasn’t trying. He’d suggested this camping trip to their favorite north woods lake. He’d said he wanted to reconnect with her—whatever that meant. She could tell he’d connected with the rippling lake waters, the haunting sounds of the loons and the lazy afternoons drifting in the canoe. Sometimes even she’d felt soothed and hopeful during the daytime.

Nights were another story. Not once had he reached for her and damned if she was going to be the one to take the first step. Too much pain. Maybe they should just pack up and go home and face the facts—there was nothing left.

More tears. Jamie buried her face in the rolled up sweatshirt that doubled for a pillow and froze—that was a sound coming from Ryan’s direction. What was he doing? She squeezed her eyes shut tight and lay stock still. Hell would freeze over before she’d let him know she was awake.

She heard the tent zipper open and felt the rush of cool night air all in the same instant. Where was he going in the middle of the night? Startled, she lifted her head and opened her eyes. A tiny sliver of night sky was visible through the open tent flap—and it was pulsating with light.

“Jamie. Wake up. You've got to see this.” Ryan’s voice was a whisper.

Did he really want her to join him? She hugged herself against the chill, grabbed her sweatshirt and crawled out of the tent.

Ryan’s hands were reaching for her, so she took them and let him pull her to a stand. Tall columns of color—multiple hues of greens, blues, reds, yellows and occasional whites—fell in a shimmering waterfall connecting sky and lake. The colors danced across the entire dome of the sky. She’d never seen anything like it.

They stood hand in hand for a long minute, then wordlessly walked down to the lakeshore and sat side by side on a low rock. Shrouded in rising mist, the lake seemed to hover between earth and sky with no boundary. Jamie lost herself in the throbbing rhythms of the dancing light.

“This is what I’ve been missing,” she heard herself say. “It feels like magic, like time is suspended. I wish we could catch and hold this moment forever.”

“I know,” Ryan replied. “It's been difficult remembering such moments. I sometimes wonder what else we've forgotten.”

“You have each forgotten how to love.”

Jamie gasped and squeezed Ryan's hand. “Who said that?”

Ryan shook his head.

“I, said that.”

Jamie watched in awe as the mist swirled and collected into the shape of a stunning female. The image pirouetted as if to prove she was much more than a vision. Jamie tried not to stare— the woman’s copper skin was barely concealed in a gauzy white gown. Jamie could make out dark nipples on her pendulous breasts as the image floated closer.

“You two need help.” The phantom shook her head, sending her long dark hair flying. “Your marriage is crumbling. You care for each other, but you've forgotten how to love—if you ever truly knew how.”

“Who are you?” Ryan jumped to his feet.

“My name is Aria. I am a goddess of love and I have come to show you how to love.”

ADRIANA ON THE WEB

Website: http://www.adrianakraft.com/

Blog: http://www.adrianakraft.com/blog

FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/people/Adriana-Kraft/100001944980679

FaceBook author page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adriana-Kraft/182846025133440

Twitter http://twitter.com/AdrianaKraft

GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1578571.Adriana_Kraft

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Google+ https://plus.google.com/102791537641895264573/posts

 

NaNoWriOh-My

I wasn't going to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year. I couldn't resist. It's a challenge, and who doesn't love a good one? After writing four books in five months, all with contracts, this could prove to be biting off more than I can chew with all of the edits I'm in for. 11,000 words in, I'm holding steady.

What I'm learning about myself...

1. It's difficult not to stop and "fix" my story. In the challenge of writing 50,000 words in one month, there is no time to stop and fill in the blanks or edit grammar. All of that comes later. I'll admit, I'm seeing a lot of red.

2. If I let go as a writer, the story simply writes itself. Going into the challenge, I had no clue what my storyline was or who my characters are. I literally signed up on the 1st, jumped in and wrote 2,000 words that day...and finally had the beginning of a good idea where my characters were taking me.

3. I can't focus on the deadline or the amount of words I must write to be a "winner." I aim at allowing the words to flow freely.

4. I shouldn't write anything before I had my cup of coffee in the morning...just saying :)


 

Wet Dreams

I am writing my latest erotica, Handcuffs of Passion. My hero, Liam, woke up with a bit of an issue. Ya know, a stiffy. What man doesn't understand, right?  However, from a woman's perspective, I don't understand because...well, I'm not a man. So, I had to research the subject. I found the facts of morning woodies and wet dreams fascinating enough to share what I found.


1. Another name for wet dreams is nocturnal emissions. Morning erections are called nocturnal erections.

2. A wet dream is where a man ejaculates a small amount during sleep. This can happen without any touching. This is called "spontaneous erection."

3. Wet dreams start at the onset of puberty.

4. Having wet dreams doesn't make you a pervert ;)

5. Girls can have wet dreams, too. However, it's called a big O.

6. We relate a morning stiffy with erotic dreams, but it isn't entirely true. It's actually an adrenaline rush, or an increase amount of blood flow to the nether region. During the day men can control this rising issue, but when they're asleep their penis has a mind of its own.

7. If your morning salute hurts or is painful, you should seek a physician's advice immediately. There should never be any pain accompanied with a hard-on.

8. "Morning wood" and "morning tent" are slang terms.

9. The blood flow isn't only for the purpose of sex. It's also healthy for the penis, to keep the pipes functioning.

I hope this clears up a few misunderstandings. It certainly did for me.

Making Scents

Making Scents

We’ve all heard that certain fragrances can kick start a libido. Do you believe it’s true? Well, scientists all over the world test this theory. Perfumes and colognes have been created and designed on this belief. How this actually works is, inhaling certain smells sends a message to brain, therefore triggering memories or thoughts. This reaction causes the flow of blood to increase in the genital area.

Have you ever smelled cotton candy and thought back to the county fair? Or, fresh baked bread reminds me of my grandmother. The scent of pumpkin reminds me of Thanksgiving at home.

Certain shampoos and lotions bring a smile to my face. One specific lotion brings back memories of the short time I spent in India. Many cultures use scents to evoke feelings from sexual to spiritual.

Baking scents, like cinnamon, are popular in increasing the blood flow to the genitals. I’ve been known to put a half teaspoon of cinnamon in a pan with water and simmer it on the stove all day. The strength of cinnamon is amazing. Vanilla is another scent to experiment with. It’s one of my faves.

Ylang-ylang is potent. I’ve heard that not only does it increase one’s libido, but has a relaxing effect.

How can one use these scents with their lover? Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath water. The scent will remain on your body after you dry off. Use scented body washes or lotions. If you like a challenge, create your own scent by adding a drop or two of several essential oils that you like to an unscented lotion. Light smelly candles, or better yet, use wax warmers in the bedrooms. Bake cookies and plan on a romantic evening.

Turn him into a hot and wild lover--he won’t even know what hit him…

A Female Fantasy

I can't speak for every woman, of course. I'd like to think I know women, considering I'm one. We tend to believe that men are all of the time thinking about sex (and you are at least half of the time, I'm guessing). Yet, women are believed to think of it far less. I'm here to tell the truth. We think about sex. A lot. Or, at least much, much, MUCH more than what you think. Just because we don't tell you our sexual thoughts doesn't mean our mind is fantasy-free.

For many women it's not easy to admit what we want in the bedroom, or what excites us. Some of us believe our fantasy lover will come along and he'll know exactly what we want, when we want it and how long to keep it up. *chuckling* For someone to know us so completely and fully they'd have to be a mind-reader. I haven't met a person yet who can, although women seem at times to have the ability to know what you're thinking and what you'll do next. That's honed intuition.

Okay, I'm getting sidetracked--uh-hm...

That leads me to ask, "Are YOU your partner's ideal lover? The WOMAN/MAN of his/her fantasies? And do you want to be?" Each and every one of us have the talent of filling his/her mind with only you.

Okay, so where do you start?

Everyday is a chance to be romantic. Thinking romance starts only in the bedroom is a huge--HUGE--mistake. A glance, a touch, a kiss, a note, a naughty text all contribute to the feeling of being wanted. Something simple done now can spark a fire later on.

Shower before bed. I enjoy the fresh scent of man when he steps out of the shower (wow--you too?). Those droplets of water still clinging to his body isn't so bad either. Man or woman, the scent of a clean body can make your partner want to dry you off with the bed sheets. there are so many titillating scents of body washes. Find one that your lover really enjoys.

Go ahead, talk dirty. Let your partner know what you want. Sure, it may be difficult, but one word, one moan, can send your lover working harder. Isn't that exactly what we want?

Read Romance. For those who are unsure of what to do or how to do it, pick up a book. Romance books are full of, well, romance. The roller coaster of emotion, conflict, sexual tension can be exactly what you need to kick start the missing flame. And...reading helps the mind be creative.

Do the dishes. This is especially for men. I'm not saying that in any household women are the main dishwashers, but in any case, I think most women appreciate a man who isn't afraid to get his hands wet. And women, do something you'd normally not do. I'm not saying go and change the oil in his car (unless you can, if so, you're a bad-ass chick). Offer to shave his face (or his groin if you dare). Or, maybe wash his car. Men also like women wet.

No matter what, enjoy one another.
 

Second Chances

Second Chances come in many different ways. A new love, another chance with an old flame, a new job, or an opportunity to re-do something you've failed at. Whatever path your second chance comes to you, grasp it by the horns and ride it like you were born to.

In honor of second chances, my book Second Chance Cowboy is in the spotlight. A sexy, naughty Cowboy and a saucy heroine have a second chance at love. Will they bite? Read and find out.

Blurb:

A tumble down the stairs lands Carly back in the arms of her ex-husband.

After the loss of a child tears her marriage apart, Carly vows she’ll never speak to her soon-to-be ex-husband Chance again. On the eve of their divorce, however, Carly takes a stroll down memory lane and calls Chance.

A passionate one night stand between the two is shattered by cruel light of morning. With reality having set back in, Carly admits to Chance she made a mistake, forcing him to come to grips that there is no hope left for their marriage.

Fate has other plans for them. Carly’s fall down some stairs leaves her with amnesia…but that’s only the start of it.

Can deception bring a second chance at love or will it forever destroy an already broken marriage?

Excerpt:

Carly squeezed her hands into fists. “My poor husband. How difficult it is for him to manage his inflated ego and keep his zipper closed.”

“We’re divorced, remember?” His voice reeked of sarcasm.

She groaned in irritation. Her pulse pounded in her ears like the beating of a drum. Her claws were showing.

Chance didn’t blink an eye as he gazed at her across the room. “Honey, I can keep my pants zipped just fine. Problem is, you can’t keep your fingers off my zipper.”

Carly’s palm itched to slap him. “We live in a small town, Chance. How do you think it’s possible we haven’t run into each other more than three times in the last two years?” She cocked her chin. “Let me fill you in. I’ve done everything in my power to keep from bumping into you. Do you realize how difficult it is to plan my schedule weeks in advance so I don’t have to see you? Is that a description of a woman who can’t keep her fingers off your zipper?”

“No, more like a woman who’s afraid she’ll forget what screwed up our marriage in the first place, realize she’s made a huge mistake and get her ass back home.”

“Humph, fat chance that’ll ever happen.” She fumbled with the sheet in irritation and gave her hair a toss over one shoulder.

Damn, he did have a point, although she’d never admit it to him.

“Yeah, right, Carly, because you can’t ever forgive and forget, can you? You think you’re the only one who has lost, don’t you?” His eyes became steely pools of green. His voice turned low and controlled. “I lost Devon, too. He was my son--our son. How long are you going to keep blaming me for his death?”

Carly swallowed the painful lump in her constricted throat. “I don’t blame you.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“We both know why I left.”

“We do?” His bitter laugh split the air with its razor-sharp intensity. “I know you want to hold on to the belief that I am the bad guy who drove you away, but isn’t it time you took half the responsibility for the failure of our marriage?” A trace of compassion softened his expression. He tugged on his shirt and finger-combed his hair.

“It wasn’t my fault you cheated.” Once she said it, she wanted to yank the words back. Too late, just like their relationship.

“You’re a broken record, sweetheart. It’s not worth denying the accusation any longer. Maybe eventually you’ll believe your words and feel justified in leaving. Devon died, Carly. He’s gone and we can’t change the truth. One of us needed to make the decision to let him go and I made it. I held out hope you’d eventually find a sliver of forgiveness in your cold heart. I guess I was wrong.”

The old wound broke open and her lungs emptied of oxygen. She wanted to lash out at him, tell him to go to hell, but the words didn’t come. Instead, she whispered, “I’m going to the bathroom. When I get back I want you gone.”

“Carly, you’ve become an expert at sucking all the joy out of your life and pushing away anyone who reaches out to you. You’re living in a self-made prison, founded on guilt and pain, and there is no key to unlock the cell door.”

 

Find Second Chance Cowboy at:

 

Lyrical Press: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=283

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_17?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=rhonda+lee+carver&sprefix=Rhonda+Lee+Carver%2Cstripbooks%2C176

 

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chance-cowboy-rhonda-lee-carver/1027753211?ean=9781616502058