Jourdan Lane

Update: Clarity and Mark of the Beast

2011-06-03T20:00:00.001-05:00

Clarity and Mark of the Beast have been re-released. If you’ve purchased & read these stories in the past, don’t worry, nothing new has been added. They’ve just had a bit of cleaning up and acquired some pretty new covers. Currently, both titles are available at Amazon and at Smashwords (in a variety of formats).

Clarity:
Amazon
Smashwords

Mark of the Beast:
Amazon
Smashwords

I am working on additional formats and as soon as I get things just right, they’ll go up at ARe and a few other distributor sites. I’ll let y’all know when I manage get that done. In the meantime, check out the pretty covers!

(click covers to enlarge)

*Clarity, was part of Toy Box: Biting and published by Torquere Press in 2009.

*Mark of the Beast was a “Sip” published by Torquere Press in 2009.

New Interview at Queentutt's World of Escapism!

2011-05-17T19:24:00.001-05:00

Ronda, of Queentutt’s World of Escapism, was kind enough to interview me on her blog. There’s also a giveaway of the entire Soul Mates series. All of the novels as well as the short stories (9 in total) are included!

Click HERE to check it out!

Surrender Available as Single Shot Classic

2011-04-11T18:33:00.003-05:00

Surrender

Dale’s been in love with Brandt – his best friend and sometime boss – from the moment they met on the ranch. For nine years, they’ve lived and worked side by side. It hasn’t always been easy and they’ve had plenty of words and fights, but one thing Dale is sure of is that the stubborn man he admires is someone he doesn’t ever want to be without.

But Brandt is straight. Or so he wants Dale to believe. He can’t seem to see his way through years of fear and hiding to tell Dale the truth. Better to let him think all they’ll ever be is friends. One night, however, Brandt crosses a line and everything between them changes – and not for the better.

Fighting’s easy. Making up is the hard part. Can they see eye to eye before it costs them everything?

Originally published in Cowboy Up!

Get your copy today.

waves

2011-03-22T17:04:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time since I posted any sort of update. And I still don't have much in the way of news. All I can tell you is what I have been working on, how it's going, and what's next. But hey, I guess that IS news to everyone outside my head, right? ;-)

Soul Mates.

I've been working on the 5th book for a while. It's going as well as expected I guess, but it's a more difficult book than I thought it would be. There are things from earlier books that need to be wrapped up, current plot bits that need resolution, and then there are new bits that need to be set up for another book (same world, different POV).

The book and I kind of have a love/hate relationship. There are times when I think all is going well and I love it. Other times, I look at it and growl, wanting to do nothing but hit the delete button and start all over. Right now, I'm hovering somewhere in the middle, carefully working my way forward. I'm about 2 weeks behind where I needed to be on the book at this point, but I guess that's not as bad as 2 months -- or years!

And this next bit of news is something a few of my longtime readers might appreciate...

The DEA book (Target) is next.

It seems like every time I set a deadline in the Soul Mates world, my DEA guys just yell even louder. Richard is growly and demanding and even gun porn isn't keeping him occupied. Hell, I half-expect him to pop up in SM5 at any time and start "helping"...and that'd be a very bad thing. Ryan is currently being secretive, but it's more in a "pssst, come see what I found" sort of way. And I'm "Not looking yet, dude, so cut it out."

So, yeah....As soon as SM5 is wrapped up, Richard and Ryan will get my full attention.

Promise.

Um, what else?

LiveJournal hasn't been sending me notifications for a while now, apparently. I logged in to find that I've missed quite a bit in the way of comments, messages, and friend-adds. Is it just me or has LJ been wonky with anyone else?

Somewhat behind on Facebook, other than friend-req's that I can confirm on my phone. Feel like I've been away from there for so long that I don't know what to post.

Email? Those of you who've known me for a while are probably laughing because I'm always notoriously behind. Yep, still behind. Will probably always be behind.

Twitter. Probably the best (and fastest) way to get my attention. It runs in the background on my phone and doesn't shut up unless I look at it.

And that's...all I've got for now, I think. ;-)

(X-posted)

Torquere Press Celebrates 7th Anniversary!

2010-09-02T14:28:00.004-05:00

Torquere Press Celebrates 7th Anniversary!

Seven years?! No, we can hardly believe it either. Seven years of bringing readers the best, the sexiest, the most romantic GLBT fiction. And to celebrate, we're giving away prizes -- great themed gift baskets, gift certificates for free books every day, and a scavenger hunt that will give readers a chance to collect a deck of cards that will win big -- a Nook from Barnes & Noble!

Readers will get the chance to "collect cards" by visiting each participating author's website, blog, or Facebook page. By collecting all the cards and filling in the form, players have the chance to win free books daily, a gift basket once each week, (including BDSM, werewolf and ménage themed baskets), and be entered in the grand prize drawing for the Nook.

We'll also be having random sales via our blog, GLBT Romance, Facebook, and Twitter:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1182167880&ref=ts

http://twitter.com/Torquere

http://glbtromance.blogspot.com/

With bestselling GLBT romance authors like Chris Owen, Tory Temple, Kiernan Kelly, P.D.Singer, Sean Michael, and B.A. Tortuga, you'll have a blast playing along. Just log onto Torquere Press website http://www.torquerepress.com/contest/index.html
Check out the contest page, and start hunting!

So, ya feel lucky, dude? Let's play!

A Few Things...

2010-03-16T13:27:00.003-05:00

(X-posted from LiveJournal | Website)

1) The issue with the Kindle edition of Soul Mates: Bound by Blood is fixed. It's been fixed for several days now, but it's been so crazy around here that I didn't have a chance to post to let everyone know. So, if you were waiting on this to get fixed in the Kindle store itself... it's there with buy links and everything. ;-)

2) I was going through email on my server last night to try to clear out some space (all emails are kept there for backup) and found quite a few hung up in the spam folder. I've adjusted the settings on this folder dozens of times, but it still catches legit emails and sends me junk. I'll get to them as soon as possible, I promise. Either way, I'll be sure to post when I'm caught up with them all.

3) My girls started spring break last Friday and I'm spending time with them -- and J, who has his 7 days off right now, too. While I might be online here and there, I'm not working much at all until after 03/23/10.

4) Okay, so 4 things make more than a few. But I just remembered that I wanted to ask for some thoughts on my website. While I LOVE the theme, I'm wondering if it's too image heavy for some that access it. Or too dark in regards to coloring. If you have a chance to click over and look, tell me what you think? www.jourdanlane.com

Also, if there's something NOT on my website that you would like to see there, let me know about that, too!

ETA: My FAQ page was updated in January, but if there's something you'd like to have added, please let me know.

Thanks!

FYI: Soul Mates: Bound By Blood (Kindle Edition) and Amazon

2010-03-09T15:32:00.002-06:00

(X-posted)

A few days ago, someone emailed to let me know of an issue with the Kindle edition of Soul Mates: Bound by Blood. The book is listed in search, but there's no way to actually buy it. I emailed my publisher to see if they could tell me what was up. They checked on it and did what they needed to, but this appears to be an Amazon bug.

Since we first discovered this problem, I've received 9 additional emails asking how to buy the book for Kindle. I figured it was best to let everyone know that we (my publisher and I) were aware of this and that it IS being handled as quickly as possible.

So don't freak out.

-- The book is NOT out of print, nor is it close to being so.

-- This does NOT affect the print version of the book, ONLY the Kindle edition.

-- If you don't want to wait until this is resolved at Amazon, I believe you can buy the book in either non-secure Adobe, Mobipocket, or HTML at All Romance Ebooks or OmniLit and then transfer the file to your Kindle for a small fee. However, I don't know how to do it, so don't ask ME for help/advice on that. There might be other distributors who offer this service, but I'm not readily aware of them. :-)

Again, this only affects the Kindle edition of Soul Mates: Bound by Blood at Amazon.

Thanks for your patience!

2009-10-01T00:19:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy day, so I'm a little late w/this one. And since I'm late, you get another snippet. SM5, this time:

Caleb met my gaze and smiled. "Mind if I come up?"

I shook my head quickly and tried to push Xander away, but he refused to budge. "Please, come on up here, Caleb."

He did and moved to sit beside me, resting back on his elbows. "I wasn't going to come tonight."

"So I heard." I leaned to the right and kissed his temple. "I'm glad you changed your mind."

Caleb leaned into me. "Is my wolf bothering you?"

"Just being his usual, pushy self," I said with a smile. Xander pinched me on the inside of my thigh and I thumped him on the forehead. "And if he doesn't behave, I'm going to push him down the stairs."

Do you Twitter? Facebook?

2009-09-29T11:44:00.001-05:00

(x-Posted)

If so, I’ve decided to start posting random lines from current works in progress. The two in progress right now are Soul Mates 5 and Target. It might happen once a day, a couple of times a day, once a week, or even once a month. It'll vary, no doubt, because I get busy and distracted. Or, if I'm working with spoilery scenes, I won't be posting at all. Sometimes the same lines will be posted on both networks. Other times, I might find a line/set of lines that need a little more room. Those will go to Facebook.

Either way, just thought I’d pass the word along.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jourdanlane

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JourdanLane

Sorry I haven’t been around for a while. Life got hectic then summer time hit… Now that kids are in school, I’m hoping to get back on track. And y’all… I’m so much better at replying to things on Twitter and FB! You know how long I can take to respond to emails

*waves*

Jourdan

2009-08-14T13:26:00.007-05:00

*waves*

I've been out of touch for a while, dealing with life and other "fun" things. Okay, so not having internet isn't fun at all. It's freakin' torture. But now, I'm the frustrated owner of satellite internet. So yeah, I'm back online... as long as it isn't cloudy!

It's a busy time of year right now -- what with kids getting ready to go back to school -- so I'm not counting on getting caught up (okay, so as caught up as I ever get) until after I get my days back to myself.

One thing to note: I had a massive HD failure, resulting in loss of works in progress, pictures, misc files, and downloaded emails. Important stuff, of course. If you emailed me before May 10th or so (and didn't receive a reply), I no longer have access to those emails... so please re-send.

Also, while I was away I had two stories release. It may be old news to some folks, but it's still news ;-)

* * *

Never Let Go: The Ace of Cups

Grant and Devon have been best friends — with benefits, of course – since college. Grant is a best-selling author of a well-known action/adventure series, but it still doesn’t pay well enough for him to live on. Devon is a photographer that works in the porn business and he’s gotten pretty close with many of his subjects. Grant and Devon roomed together in harmony, each putting up with the other’s quirks, until Grant developed stronger feelings for Devon.

After a night of passion-fueled love-making, Grant finally tells Devon of his feelings and Devon reciprocates. However, only hours later, Grant walks in on some unknown model showing Devon just how good he is at his craft. Six months later, Grant’s trying to find a job and Devon’s still trying to win him back. But Grant is hurt and still sees Devon as the player that he’s always been. The two of them will have to get past what happened between them in order to find out what’s in store for the future.

Get your copy here!

* * *

Toy Box: Biting

edited by M. Rode, with stories by Misa Izanaki, Jourdan Lane, and Mike Shade

In Curiosity by Misa Izanaki, bartender Dante wants his half-vampire lover Kale to bite him. Kale is hesitant, afraid he’ll go too far and hurt his sweet lover. But will refusing his lover this request do as much damage as granting it could? Jourdan Lane’s offering, Clarity, brings us back to the world of Soul Mates. In this story Caleb’s punishment is coming to an end and he is finally allowed to feed again. While he’d love to begin with master vampire Lucien, it is his lover Xander he turns to.

And finally, in Keifer and Me, Mike Shade brings us the reunion of Davey with his lover Kiefer after a year’s separation. Keifer’s promised him a homecoming Davey won’t forget, but when Keifer starts talking about being a werewolf, Davey has to wonder if he’s going to have to have Keifer committed. Who doesn’t love it when the boys get a little toothy?

Get your copy here!

*NOTE: Clarity is set in the Soul Mates world and should be read after Soul Mates: Secrets for greater understanding/enjoyment.

2009-04-12T15:04:00.002-05:00

Amazon Rank

New Release: Mark of the Beast

2009-03-28T13:15:00.002-05:00

Sabaan has no idea what to do to make things better between his lover, Nikolas, and his master vampire, Lucien. Heck, Sabaan doesn’t know how to help Lucien reconnect with his lover Peter, either. All he knows that the four of them have a connection like no other, and that he has to try to help make it work. When Nikolas gets a little jealous, Sabaan also knows that he has to do something to keep his relationship going strong. Can he make everyone happy, or is it a lost cause? Lovers of the Soul Mates series won’t want to miss this one!

Find it here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1871

*Note: This short story takes place at the same time as Soul Mates: Secrets, but from Sabaan’s POV.

Soul Mates 5 - Questions?

2009-01-13T19:23:00.002-06:00

X-Posted from http://jourdanlane.livejournal.com

For those of you who have read the Soul Mates series....

I've just finished up work for the day... which included making outline notes on Soul Mates 5. It's not my main focus at the moment, but I will work on it occasionally when my contemporary gives me fits. Right now, I'm staring at the SM5 outline (mostly things-that-need-to happen notes and not a true outline, lol) and thinking that something is missing.

That I've forgotten something important that's *supposed* to be there in this next book. Which leads me to questions, of course!

* What do YOU want to see happen in the next book?

* Is there something that you want to see wrapped up?

* Something that MUST be wrapped up because not knowing is driving you crazy?

* Characters that have fallen off the map, but still have story you expected to see

* Anything else?

Now remember, I'm NOT taking a poll for what to include in the next book. I'm just kind of hoping that something in the comments will help jog my memory for that "missing thing" I can't seem to pinpoint.

Want to humor me??

**Warning: If you haven't read the series, then you probably don't want to hang out and read the comments!**

:)

Update -- January 4th, 2009

2009-01-04T19:22:00.003-06:00

X-Posted from my Yahoo Group.

* * *

*gets out the cleaning supplies*

I have been remiss in keeping up with my own group. For that, I do apologize. Last year was a rough one and I spent much time just feeling like hammered shit. Anyway...

New Year, new outlook... And hopefully, more time to both write and chat. I promise, I'll do my very best to keep up.

Word of warning, though? I'm STILL behind on email from September/October, so sending things through the group is probably the best -- and quickest -- way to get a response from me from now on :)

Unless you catch me on LiveJournal. Most of my entries are friends-locked to keep the trolls away, but anyone is more than welcome to set up a free account and friend me to see those entries.

http://jourdanlane.livejournal.com

* * *

I'd really love to get some conversation going in the group (hell, anywhere!) again. Read any great books lately? Found an author that you've made an auto-buy?

Tell us about it!

My to-be-read pile (both ebook and print) is just falling all over the place, but I'm still buying books and looking for new authors. For me, it really is an obsession :)

And remember, it doesn't just have to be m/m books, either!

* * *

I know many of you will be just ecstatic over this -- and some of you might still be pissed off at me that it isn't finished yet -- but I'm currently working on Target.

The progress is going well and I am LOVING the way Richard and Ryan are meeting and coming together in the rewrite. I had once thought that taking it and rewriting it so much would be a mistake, but honestly, y'all? I love it.

And I usually hate everything I write when I go back to read over it, lol.

Richard's a blast to write and I can't wait until the kids get back in school this week to get back to work on the book. I'm not going to give a time-frame for finishing OR publishing because when I do, things just seem to go wrong to spite me.

I will say, however, that I'll do my best to have it done in the next couple of months.

* * *

Places to find me around the web:

Website: http://www.jourdanlane.com

Journal: http://jourdanlane.livejournal.com -- If LJ goes away, I'll still be here on blogger!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jourdanlane

Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/profile/JourdanLane

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/486777.Jourdan_Lane

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jourdanlane -- Someday I'll actually figure out what to do with it :)

* * *

That's all I can think of at this point.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and welcome to 2009!

~Jourdan

New Release - Soul Mates: Secrets

2008-10-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

Peter's life gets more complicated with every passing day. His relationship with his vampire lover Lucien is on the rocks, he can't seem to get enough of his friend and confidant, Nikolas, and events going on inside the coven are making him wonder when everything is going to blow up in his face. Through murder investigations and negotiations with angels, Peter doesn't know who to trust, as old friendships and loyalties begin to shift and change.

Jealousy, intrigue and deception abound, and all Peter wants is for his life to get back to normal, if his life can ever be normal again. His love life is incredibly complicated, the Council wants him to get to work for them, and there's someone out there committing crimes who looks an awful lot like him. Can Peter find a way to mend his broken friendships, fix what's wrong between him and Lucien, and keep the coven together when everything seems to be against them?

Soul Mates: Secrets continues Jourdan Lane's popular Soul Mates series, which features the novels Bound by Blood, Deceptions, and Sacrifice. The print version of Secrets also contains A Coven Christmas, a Soul Mates holiday story never before published in paperback!

Read the Excerpts!

Buy the Book Here!

Updates as of 08-16-08

2008-08-16T15:23:00.000-05:00

X-posted from my main blog at http://jourdanlane.livejournal.com

So.

I figured that I should give a few updates, since I haven't done in a long, long time and people are still emailing and wondering about this or that. Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind the emails AT ALL, but since most of them are pretty much the same questions? Well, I figured I'd just put it all out there :)

Personal Stuff:

-- My health stuff is ongoing, but it's manageable. I'm fine...really. I don't believe I'm going to keel over anytime soon from it. I have two wonderful specialists and my regular doctors, so I'm in good hands. However, I am not able to spend as much time at the computer as I used to, so I do tend to get behind faster with emails and such. Like I've said before, it's nothing personal, but it might take me a couple of days (or longer, depending on deadlines) to reply.

-- The kids go back to school NINE days. I cannot wait. I have had enough of this "summer fun" crap. If they're not fighting and arguing, they're running through the house screaming about something. Last night it was the oldest having a complete breakdown (with screaming, hyperventilating, and crying) because she found out that the Twilight movie is coming out a month early. This morning, it was the youngest screaming like a banshee and running through the house yelling at the top of her lungs that there was a new episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Yesterday it was Hannah Montana, iCarly, Jonas Brothers... and Wizards of Waverly Place. I guess that's what you get with all girls.... DRAMA.

-- Indi (my Quaker) is doing well. She's learned my laugh, which irritates the hell out of me. She's bonded with the middle childs lovebird and when you put them together, Indi laughs like crazy and the both of them proceed to act like total fools. It's hilarious to watch. Indi will call to her from my office and they talk across the house, which tends to get pretty loud. Most of the time you have to lock yourself in the bathroom just to talk on the phone and not hear the screeching :D Indi also *LOVES* to go outside in the backyard in the evenings. The heat and the wide open space to play makes her squawk and screech and climb up on my shoulder and bob up and down. I assume it's a thank you, but who really knows for sure, LOL! She gives kisses and -- this might gross someone out -- but she loves to see what's in my mouth. It's hella fun to feed her a few things that way. My kids think it's gross, but I reminded them how clean a bird is. Unlike the dog that would love to lick in the face, at least the bird isn't licking her ass and then trying to do it....

-- Cisco (the dog) would REALLY like to get another (yes, he's already had one) taste of the lovebirds. The little creatures are masters at getting out of their cages and he found one at just the right time. Indi, however, likes to dive-bomb him and has bit him on the nose, so he's still not too sure about whether he'd like to try and eat her or not.

-- I have been 11 days without a half-caf no whip soy mocha from Starbucks and I think I'm in withdrawal...

Reading Stuff:

-- I just finished reading Lover Enshrined. The book was hard to get into for the first hundred or so pages, but I kept trudging on and it got better. It wasn't what I expected, but I'm looking forward to the next book anyway. Phury has never been one of my favorite Brothers, so that might have had something to do with my overall enjoyment.

-- Right now, I'm reading:

-- Shooter - The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper. It's pretty awesome and I recommend it to those who (like me) like military stuff.

-- Chosen Soldier - The Making of A Special Forces Warrior

-- Hotter Than Hell - by the awesome Jackie Kessler. I loved Daun in the earlier books, but he's even better (in my opinion) in this book... especially since we get to have it in his POV. I haven't finished this one yet, but I HIGHLY recommend it and the other two books in the series Hell's Belles and The Road to Hell.

-- I'm waiting on a ton of books from Amazon, but just yesterday I just received a package containing 48 Harlequin novels. All different imprints/lines, including Blaze, Nocturne, Intrigue, Romantic Suspense, etc. Lots of reading material there :D

-- Yes, I do read more than m/m fiction. Several people have been shocked in our emails back and forth, but I love many authors and genres. The only thing I don't care for is inspirational/religious fiction and historical... though I will read a historical if the back of the book sounds good and I like the author's voice.

TV / Movies I've watched lately:

-- Stop-Loss. Totally fucking awesome movie, but have some tissues handy.

-- Vantage Point. Pretty good. Didn't think I was going to like it at first, but I got used to all the back and forth.

-- Untraceable. I LOVE Diane Lane, so yeah... highly recommend.

As for TV, there's not been too much on that I've kept track of lately...

-- The Olympics... I'm in front of the TV every single night, watching some of my favorite people from 2004 compete again. Gymnastics, Beach Volleyball (womens), Diving, and last but not least... Swimming (men and women). Dear God... I feel like such a cradle robber drooling over Michael Phelps. The man is awesome and I can't get enough of him.

-- Flashpoint. I had waited for this series to start for months and months, hoping that it would be as good as the previews made it look. It's even better. Very highly researched and the technical details just ROCK. Hugh Dillon... GUH.

-- The Cleaner. I had reservations about this one because I've never been a big Benjamin Bratt fan, but it's turned out to be one hell of a good series.

I'm anxiously waiting for the Fall season. We've got Life, Eleventh Hour, The Mentalist, all of the CSI's (though I'm getting burned on the Vegas one), NCIS, The Unit, Criminal Minds, the last season of ER, Pushing Daisies, House, and a few more that I can't think of right now. I'm going to need a 2nd DVR just to get everything I want to watch recorded!!

Writing / Publishing Stuff:

-- Soul Mates: Secrets (4th book) comes out on October 22nd, 2008. I'm slowly working on Soul Mates: Ascension (5th book).

-- The main thing I'm working on right now is a contemporary novel, but to save my sanity, that's all I'll say.

-- I have a three deadlines next month, so I'm sure I'll be a little quiet again until they're turned in.

-- I mentioned how people were shocked that I read more than m/m fiction above... but I also write more than m/m fiction. I do write some m/f stuff, but I've not been concentrating on it as much in recent years. That's about to change, as I have several novels plotted out to get started on.

-- I'll be turning in the first vampire novels (m/f/m and m/f) I wrote years and years ago (rewritten/revised, of course) to Torquere's BBA imprint early in 2009. They're related to the Soul Mates world, so hopefully everyone will enjoy them as much as they do the Soul Mates books.

Hmm.... I think that's about it for now. We've got some beautiful thunderstorms rolling in, so I'm going to shut the computer down for a while, grab a book and my writing notebook and go hide and maybe, possibly, turn on a movie.

Spiked is out!!

2008-01-09T07:51:00.001-06:00

Tattoos. Piercings. Implants. If body modification is your thing, then Spiked is right up your alley. From the everyday guy to the cyberworld of a huge futuristic corporation, Spiked explores all the ways men change their bodies, and love each other's bodies, too.

In Tattoo You by Willa Okati Jacob Lee goes to get a tattoo to please his lover Donathan. Will it mean a new beginning for both of them? Possession, by Jourdan Lane features Lucian and Sabaan, from the Soul Mates series. What they do might just surprise the whole coven.

Laney Cairo's Marginalia pits cutter Bailey and his new love Quint against the government and the big corporations. Will they be able to save Quint? Finally, in Beneath the Mask, by Mychael Black, Lance thinks he's interviewing powerful vampire Triarius, but Triarius has other plans. Will Lance survive the night?

Explore a world of skin and ink, of metal and mayhem, where art is not hidden away in museums, but displayed in the gritty underworld of Spiked!

Get your copy in Ebook and/or Print today!

Holiday Sip out at Torquere Press!

2007-12-23T23:30:00.001-06:00

A Coven Christmas

by

Jourdan Lane

Peter can hardly believe his eyes when he wakes up and finds the house he and Lucien share with the coven decorated for Christmas. Their friend Simon has decided he wants some joy back in the house after the horrible time the coven has had, and it breathes a little happiness back into Peter and Lucien, as well. Spend the holiday with the Soul Mates boys!

Get Your Copy HERE!

Update -- 11/26/07

2007-11-26T10:48:00.000-06:00

First of all, a belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates it! Ours was nice and quiet for a change.

I know it's been a long, long while since I've been around. I'm not going to apologize for going away, because I'm entitled to a vacation and apologizing for taking personal time away just seems…wrong. But I'm back online and back at work.

Well, at least until Christmas where I'll take another two week break to spend time off with my kids :-)

I want to say thank you to everyone who responded with support to my post back in August (in the Yahoo group). Really, it means a lot to know that I've still got folks who support me and are patient with me. While I can't respond to each and every post/email, I do appreciate the sentiments.

*hugs you all*

So…updates.

Let's see. I told y'all about Soul Mates: Sacrifice coming out, didn't I? I think I did. Anyway, it's been listed as #1 highest rated in books for Torquere at Fictionwise since the book came out. In fact, all three books in the series are in the top 10 highest rated for Torquere. Soul Mates: Sacrifice has also been in the top 5 highest rated for all of erotica since August.

http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/TorquerePresseBooks.htm

And the erotica category: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/EroticaEbooks.htm

Personally, I think it's pretty cool and I'm proud that the books are doing so well.

What else…*ponders*

Oh! I had a short story come out on Halloween as part of Torquere's Halloween Sip Blitz. It's called "Marked" and is about Matt and Zack, who run their own paranormal investigation business. This story is a precursor to a series I'm planning out.

A short blurb:

Matt doesn't like to work Halloween cases because of something terrible that's happened on a past case. But, when a client calls and requests them to investigate a property that's at the middle of a will dispute, Zack takes the case anyway because the money is just too good to pass up. Not wanting to let fear rule his decisions, Matt goes along, but what he finds there just might be too much for him to handle and soon getting proof on film isn't as important as getting out alive.

If you're interested, you can get the story on Torquere's website for only $1.29.

http://www.torquerebooks.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=43&products_id=673

I've got a novella coming out in an anthology in January '08. It's set in the Soul Mates world and is Sabaan's story. I had a lot of fun with it and it actually sets up a lot for the 4th book in the Soul Mates series…which I'm currently working on. I'll let everyone know when it comes out :-)

Speaking of the 4th book, I don't currently have a release date on it yet since I'm still writing it. Hopefully I'll get it finished in time for it to come out in mid – late 2008, but I'll let you all know on that, too.

And one last thing…

Remember that FAQ page that I've been trying to get in order since…uh, last year? Well, I finally, finally got it set up and put on my website. There are a few questions I've not gotten to yet, but I'll get to them asap. If you have any additional questions you think should be added to the page, just email me at faq AT jourdanlane.com.

Here's the link directly to the page: http://www.jourdanlane.com/faq.htm

Also, if you want to follow more of my day to day activity and get more frequent updates, you can find me over at Live Journal. http://jourdanlane.livejournal.com

~Jourdan

Soul Mates: Sacrifice - Out Now at Torquere Press!

2007-08-08T19:55:00.000-05:00

Soul Mates: Sacrifice

by Jourdan Lane
200 pages
ISBN: 978-1-60370-102-0, 1-60370-102-8
Available file types - html, lit, pdf, prc, paperback

From the Torquere Press website:

Peter and Lucien are back in this third book in the Soul Mates series! Following Soul Mates: Bound by Blood, and Soul Mates: Deceptions, Soul Mates: Sacrifice, picks up after a vicious attack on Peter's new paranormal family.

Peter may have rescued Lucien but his problems are far from over. Caleb, a vampire who was once a friend, is chained in the dungeon and waiting judgment. Peter's body is dying. He needs Lucien to make him a vampire, but no one knows what he might become if Lucien goes ahead with the change.

With his control slipping, even as a human, Peter knows he has to cross over. But he needs Lucien to help him control his instincts, to keep him from hurting the people he loves the most.

As enemies gather and allies appear in the strangest of forms, Peter has to make choices that may affect not just his life with Lucien, but also the lives of the vampires and Lycans who look to them both for leadership. Their coven. Unrest among the werewolves, friends' betrayals, and broken emotional connections conspire to keep Peter off balance, looking to Lucien, and deep inside himself, for the answers.

Answers that could cost him everything, including his life. Good thing Peter thinks some things are worth making sacrifices for.

Read the Excerpts Here.

Or for purchase info, click below:
http://www.torquerepress.com/fiction/soulmatesIII.html

The Call - edited by Rob Knight - Out Now at Torquere Press!

2007-07-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

The Call
Edited by Rob Knight

From the Torquere Press website:

Werewolves under the moon. City boys forced to accept their wilder side. Primal danger. The Call anthology has all this and more. Three stories give us an inside view of the life of the wolf.

Jourdan Lane, author of the popular Soul Mates series, gives us Instinct. Construction worker Ethan hates being a werewolf. He hates the man who made him what he is. When he meets Noah, he finds a fellow wolf who wants his help, and his body. Can he open up to Noah enough to put aside his fear? And what happens when the man who turned him wants him back?

Emily Veinglory pairs the small town werewolf Nate with the city boy Steven. When Steven's car breaks down at Nate's gas station, Nate figures he's found something worth keeping. He has secrets, though, and he might be too wild for the sophisticated Steven. Can he juggle his past and make a new life?

From BA Tortuga comes Home Fires, the story of Houston, who escapes torturous captivity to return to his mate, Jackson. Jackson welcomes Houston back to their remote New Mexico home, and sets about healing Houston, body and soul. Can they remove the scars that Houston can't hide? And can the two wolves escape the ghosts of the past when they come looking.

Run with this anthology today!

Review and Sample

Purchase Link

Sword and Sorcery: The Lost Son - Out Today!

2007-07-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

One warrior, one sorcerer, and a legacy that will change their lives forever...

In the world of Socendor, humans are forbidden from using magic and elves keep their distance.

Kalen Ysindroc, King Andrion's general, knows nothing about his birth parents. Having risen from nothing more than the adopted son of a blacksmith, he now serves his king loyally. Aided by his best friend and long-time elven lover, Micheil Theirauf, he investigates sightings of lithings--magic-wielding descendants of humans and elves, ostracized from their parent races.

However, things are not as cut and dried as Kalen would hope. Dreams plague him, dreams that no human should ever have. Dreams of dragons.

Is Kalen's past nothing more than Micheil's imagination? Or does Socendor's infamous general have more than the blood of a warrior in his veins?

Get your copy today!

New Release - Soul Mates: Deceptions

2007-03-28T15:15:00.000-05:00

For those of you who aren't watching my Live Journal...

In ebook AND print!

Soul Mates: Deceptions by Jourdan Lane
206 pages
ISBN: 978-1-934166-80-2, 1-934166-80-4
Available file types - html, lit, pdf, prc, paperback

From the Torquere Press website:

Angels and demons, vampires and werewolves... And Peter, bound to Lucien the master vampire, walks amongst them, no longer all human but without a place of his own. Desperate to be turned and baffled by Lucien's continuing refusal, Peter is starting to feel that he's losing his vampire lover.

Their relationship has become purely physical, with Lucien pushing Peter away at every turn. And after a night watching werewolf Xander hunt, a night that sees Peter attacked, that might not be all he's losing.

Fearing for his very life, and working hard to keep Lucien's increasingly uncertain temper from hurting his friends, Peter's doing all he can to prove that he belongs at Lucien's side, not just as a master, but as an equal.

Then Lucien disappears, and Peter knows he has to call on every ally, every power he has, to get Lucien back before he’s gone forever. Can Peter find a way to beat the forces working against them, or will he lose all that he holds dear?

The sequel to Jourdan Lane’s popular novel Soul Mates: Bound by Blood, Deceptions is bound to keep you turning the pages!

Read the Excerpts HERE

Or for purchase info, click below:
http://www.torquerepress.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_list&c=1387

(Note: Prior reading of Soul Mates: Bound by Blood is highly suggested.)

2006-10-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

A note about Jourdan Lane and Erotic Dreams...

As many of you know, I was co-owner of the zine as well as an editor. For reasons both personal and professional, I'm officially stepping down as both.

I will be concentrating on my own writing and the little bit of work I do for another press.

2006-10-15T13:33:00.000-05:00

Twice the Cowboy is on Sale Now!
Publisher: Phaze Books
Price: $5.00

Manuel Santos Fuentes was not the type of cowboy Jess Graff was used to. From the moment they met during the El Paso International Rodeo, Jess wanted the Charro. When Manuel is injured during El Paso de la Muerte, Jess seizes the opportunity to get his vaquero into bed. But cross-cultural misunderstandings and family feuds threaten to destroy their relationship before it really starts. Can two men from wildly different backgrounds overcome hatred and jealousy and learn to trust in each other?

Buy it here!

Contest!!!

2006-09-17T08:55:00.000-05:00

Kay Derwydd and I are holding a contest! It's a scavenger hunt between our websites. There are 10 questions. All entries must be received by midnight (Eastern time) September 30th.

Send entries (one per person) to: kayderwydd AT gmail.com with the subject line: Legacy/SM Contest.

Two winners will be drawn from the correct entries, and each one will receive TWO free ebooks: The Legacy (by Kay Derwydd) and Soul Mates: Bound By Blood (by Jourdan Lane). All answers can be found throughout our websites, so check EVERY page!

The Questions:

From Kay's site - http://www.geocities.com/kay_derwydd

1) Where does Kay live?

2) What is the name of Kay's serial story in Forbidden Fruit ezine?

3) What is Morgan Adamson's best friend's name?

4) Which one of Kay's free stories offered on her site includes twin vampire brothers?

5) How many reviews are there for "Binding the Wolf"?

From Jourdan's site - http://www.jourdanlane.com

6) What is the name of Jourdan's story in the Cowboy Up! Anthology, published by Torquere Press?

7) When was Soul Mates: Bound By Blood released?

8) How many excerpts are on Jourdan's site for Soul Mates: Bound by Blood?

9) What is the name of Lucien's club?

10) Where is Fireworks set?

Review - Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

2006-08-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

5 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews!!!

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/August/Teresa-SoulMates_BoundByBlood.htm

Review - Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

2006-07-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

~Review at Coffee Time Romance~

***

SOUL MATES: BOUND BY BLOOD
JOURDAN LANE
ISBN # 1-933389-76-1
June 2006
Torquere Press
www.torquerepress.com
E-book
$5.95
240 Pages
Supernatural
Rating: 4 Cups

A bartender at the popular bar called the Rave, Peter is used to the
unusual side of the nightlife. Because of this type of work style,
he has a strict rule about one-night stands, especially with patrons
he does not care for being with. Until one evening, Peter catches
the eye of a man named Lucien. Lucien is unlike any man he has ever
met and intrigues him on a sexual and personal level. Even though
the initial attraction is there, what Peter finds out about Lucien
is the beginning of emotional hardship.

....There's more! Read the full review here:

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/soulmatesboundbyblood.html

Repost - Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

2006-07-28T12:06:00.000-05:00

Some of the links in this original post were screwed up, so I'm reposting with the correct info.

***

Soul Mates: Bound by Blood by Jourdan Lane

From the Torquere Press Website:

Houston nightclub Rave is famous for nearly-naked male dancers and beautiful bartenders, like Peter, a young man with a strict rule about one-night stands. He breaks that rule for Lucien, the owner of The Den, a rival gay nightclub where there are no boundaries, no taboos. Anything goes at The Den, including vampires.

When Peter finds out about Lucien's vampire nature, he figures he should have stuck to his rule, because Lucien pulls him into a dark world of vampires, werewolves and feuding in-laws. No one approves of the human vampire match, and Peter and Lucien have to struggle to stay together. Can they beat the forces that will try to tear them apart forever?

Find out today!

2006-07-07T14:55:00.000-05:00

I'm the host author for the day (today, like.. right now) over on the Torquere Press Happy Hour journal. I'll be talking about Soul Mates: Bound by Blood, sharing snippets, answering questions, and mainly, just hanging out. Here's the address if you want to pop in and say hello:

http://community.livejournal.com/torquere_social/

And while you're there, skim though the previous posts for other authors. There's some great stuff from the authors of Torquere Press.

***

Also, I'll be hosting a chat over at the Torquere Press website this evening. The theme continues with Vampires!

Again, tonight (July 7, 2006) from 9-10 pm EST (that's eastern time, guys)

Chat schedule: http://www.torquerepress.com/chatschedule.html

Chat Room: http://www.torquerepress.com/chat.html

Don't know anything about Soul Mates: Bound by Blood? Find out more info here: http://www.torquerepress.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_list&c=643

Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

2006-06-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

Soul Mates: Bound by Blood by Jourdan Lane

From the Torquere Press Website:

Houston nightclub Rave is famous for nearly-naked male dancers and beautiful bartenders, like Peter, a young man with a strict rule about one-night stands. He breaks that rule for Lucien, the owner of The Den, a rival gay nightclub where there are no boundaries, no taboos. Anything goes at The Den, including vampires.

When Peter finds out about Lucien's vampire nature, he figures he should have stuck to his rule, because Lucien pulls him into a dark world of vampires, werewolves and feuding in-laws. No one approves of the human vampire match, and Peter and Lucien have to struggle to stay together. Can they beat the forces that will try to tear them apart forever?

Find out today!

Cock Appreciation Months

2006-04-22T17:50:00.000-05:00

Erotic Dreams Zine is declaring July and August 2006 as Cock Appreciation Months -- in celebration of the men and women who adore cock.

For those two months, we will be giving away a slew of prizes from candy penis necklaces, cock suckers,and even cock cookies from The Pink Banana. At the end of August, we will have a special drawing for the Grand Prizes. If you're already a member of EroticDreams, you don't have to do anything.

Every Sunday through Thursday, beginning July 1st and ending August 31st, a name will be drawn for a candy cock prize. Every Friday, we will draw a name to win two Pink Banana cock cookies. And on Aug 31st, the names for the Grand Prizes will be drawn.

On August 1st, five special Cock Appreciation stories will be posted for our readers' pleasure.

So, Erotic Dreams is looking for submissions of stories between 1000 and 2000 words filled with steamy, hot man on man action. Forget the plot, we want all the glorious details of an erotic romp that shows a great appreciation for the male cock.

Submissions deadline is July 15th.

Stories will be posted on Erotic Dreams August 1st. Chosen submissions will receive $25.00 for their story, plus (for this special time only) two Pink Banana Cock Cookies of your very own.

You can submit your story at: http://www.eroticdreamspublishing.com/EroticDreams/edsubmissions.html

For details of the contest and to see the luscious Grand Prizes, First Prizes, and daily prizes, go to: http://www.eroticdreamspublishing.com/EroticDreams/cockappreciationmonths.html

Call for Submissions

2006-04-20T16:13:00.000-05:00

Call For Submissions: Erotic Dreams zine - July 2006 Issue - Theme: Gods and Goddesses

Deadline: April 30th, 2006

Submission Form/Guidelines: www.eroticdreamspublishing.com/EroticDreams/edsubmissions.html

Several times during the year, we have special themes for our issues. While we still choose regular erotic romance pieces, we also accept stories relevant to the theme.

For the Erotic Dreams July issue, the theme is Gods and Goddesses -- the lofty heights of immortality, the arrogance of godhood and goddesshood, and the seductive power of an immortal.

We accept romance and erotic romance stories containing m/m, f/f stories, m/f with bi, threesomes, trangender, transexual, D/s, BDSM, and m/f traditional.

Example: Yes, we would accept a D/s romance as well as a more graphically written D/s piece. If you have any questions about whether your story fits our category, email: sablestgermain (a)eroticdreamspublishing.com

Fiction: 1000 to 2000 words. Accepted stories -- $25.
Articles: Up to 1000 words. Accepted articles -- $15.
Poems: No particular word count. Accepted poems -- $10.
Artwork: Accepted artwork -- $20.
Fiction Series: We occasionally accept stories of 5000 - 7000 (or so) words as a series. Accepted series -- $50.

*Note: While we do accept poetry, we do not have any open slots for the July issue. If you do submit a poem, it will be held in consideration for the next issue of the zine.

For more information on Erotic Dreams, go to: www.eroticdreamspublishing.com/EroticDreams

Thanks!

Jourdan Lane, Editor

Erotic Dreams Publishing

2006-02-21T13:11:00.000-06:00

The vampire novel I was working on was accepted for publication with Torquere Press.

Soul Mates: Bound By Blood

Projected Publication Date: June 15th, 2006

Woo! Go me :)

In the next month or so, work will be continued with these vampires into a number of sequels. Coming up next?

Soul Mates: Surrender

2006-02-21T13:05:00.000-06:00

I've got my desktop up and running again. It spent considerable time in the shop, but all seems to be well now.

*knock on wood*

If only I could get used to where all of my files are and get my favorite links back in my favorites folder...

Offline for a while...

2005-11-27T11:23:00.000-06:00

Due to computer issues, I'm not sending or checking email. Actually, I haven't been checking my email for a little while now. So, if you've emailed and I haven't responded....this is why.

Something is majorly screwed up with my Norton and it tells me that the Auto-Protect drivers could not be loaded. Obviously, I'm not protected from viruses at this point, so I'm trying to really not do anything that could snag me one of those nasty little monsters.

Unless I already have one. Which I doubt (since I am very committed to updates), but anything is possible. I have uninstalled/reinstalled Norton so many times it's not even funny.

At this point, I'm working on getting at least one of my 3 systems in working order, but since *I* can't do it, it has to be sent off. I'll try to be back online as soon as I can. Emails can still be sent, as I can check them on the server when I manage to get away from the house. Just don't be disappointed when I can't get you a reply very quickly.

2005-11-27T10:59:00.000-06:00

Press Release from ERWF Member Kay Derwydd

"Novel Visions" by Kay Derwydd
Available at Chippewa Publishing
http://www.chippewapublishing.com
$2.00

Jonathon Cayle is a horror novelist visiting New Orleans for a two-week long book signing stint. Unhappy with his life back in Atlanta with his girlfriend, he is grateful to be able to explore his preference for men while he’s out of town. What he finds in New Orleans, however, is the last thing he ever expected.

**Excerpt**

He sat down on the bed, kicked his boots off, and draped his coat over the end of the bed to let it dry out. The stability of a regular mattress was a welcome relief. He was sick to death of Nadeen's obsession with waterbeds. He switched on the television to the news then began to undress. He only watched the news half-heartedly, feeling a bit out of the loop with the local bits, but he left it on as he went into the bathroom to fill the tub. He had an hour before Jess would be back and a nice soak in hot water would do him some good.

As he sank down into the steaming water, he felt calmness sweep over him. Now this was heaven. No Nadeen, no ringing phones, no socialite visitors; just himself, a hot tub, and the decadence of New Orleans right outside his window. With the soothing effects of the water, he was finally able to think about his next book.

He was in town to do the signings for The Hart Files, but he knew the plotline demanded another book. Rather, the main character demanded another book. Kain Hart: now there was a man to be reckoned with, and what better place to do a book signing for a vampire novel than New Orleans? Jonathon smiled and closed his eyes; if only Kain Hart were real. He chuckled quietly. If Nadeen knew he lusted after men, she would have a fucking heart attack. Jess knew, however, and she was constantly trying to set him up with some cute guy she knew.

Jonathon groaned at the thought of finally touching a man again. The last time he had was nearly a year ago, long before he started dating Nadeen. Within two weeks of the beginning of their relationship, she had made it clear she was not fond of gays and lesbians. Jonathon's heart collapsed in on itself that day, but he stayed with her; only the gods knew why.

As the steam wafted up around him and the tub, Jonathon felt himself drift off to sleep several times. If he had more time, he would give in. Every time he did, he was treated to a delicious dream of Kain Hart, his darkly sensual vampire from his latest novel. Oh, if only he were real. With a Kain Hart to keep him company, Jonathon would never return to Atlanta or Nadeen. He could not help but grin at the thought of the socialite bitch's reaction should that happen. So lost he was in his daydream of Kain, he did not hear the knock on his suite door until the person was nearly banging on it.

****

http://chippewapublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=65&osCsid=39c41bcf9792a7e07f1c663e8c0f0712

2005-11-07T14:37:00.000-06:00

'Elfmeet' by Fiona Glass
Chippewa Publishing LLC
http://www.chippewapublishing.com
$2.00

New and just released by Chippewa, this is a short fantasy tale about an elf who has grown up believing he is human. His life changes for good the day he runs away from home and meets a real elf in a village inn.

Extract:

As they reached the door, the landlord glanced up, and called out in alarm. "Hey, young 'un, don't you be going off with the likes of him. One of the fairies, he is, or as near as dammit, and you know what they say about folks what goes with the fairies."

"They say they never come back unchanged," Jon replied. "But that's all right, I'm not sure I want to stay the way I am." With that, he grasped Kes' hand more tightly and followed him out of the door.

The night was cool and clear. A new moon was rising over the village roofs and tiny snowflake stars dusted the sky. As they left the houses behind, the stars grew ever brighter until they filled Jon's sight, sparkling like jewels against the black cloth of the sky. He breathed deep. "They're beautiful," he said. "I never really stopped and looked at them before."

Kes smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Yes, they are beautiful. There are lots of beautiful things in this world that men never take the time to see."

Just past the last straggling buildings, he led Jon along a narrow path and into the woods. It was quiet in here with the deep silence of air that was rarely disturbed, and Jon felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. There was magic in the air, and a faint, silvery music that tinkled in the breeze, and if he wasn't much mistaken, there were eyes amongst the leaves.

"Who are they?" he whispered, holding as close to Kes as he could.

"Just the rest of my tribe; don't worry, they will watch over us and bless our mating," Kes whispered back.

Jon found himself in a clearing full of white flowers and the longest, softest grass he had ever seen. The trees formed a circle; their branches raised high to give a clear view of the sky. The moon had vanished behind some wispy cloud but the stars were still there, larger and more brilliant than ever, forming a vast and glittering necklace around the world. He stood and stared in awe until Kes tugged and he tumbled down amongst the grass stems in a tangled heap of leggings and limbs and hair.

2005-10-19T12:47:00.000-05:00

A little less promo, but a lot more bitchy.

Posted a new chapter of Target a few days ago. While I don't know how many people have read the chapter, I do know how many have accessed it on my website. Out of over 1200 readers (that I know of) and 200+ hits.......how many comments? 4.

Yep. That's me. Tracking whore.

Quite a few have stopped reading the story. I do understand that. It's not for everyone ... and honestly, that doesn't bother me.

What does bother me, is the total lack of comment. Everyone always wants to know: "where are the guys?", "when are you posting the next chapter", "it's been so loooong, I'm anxious for the....".

You get the point.

Here lately though, chapter posted= silence.

Comments could be as simple as: "Thanks for the chapter", "Gee, that chapter sucked and I'm not reading anymore (see, that's still a fucking comment)", "damn, you did this because?", "I don't like it", "I love it....".

Again, you get the point. Right?

I've toyed with the idea of pulling my chapter postings all together. Not just of Target, but of all of my vampire stuff and short stories. Hell, I've even thought of doing away with my entire Yahoo group.

I mean, really, if no one can manage to take the time to post, then why should I take the time to keep it maintained when I could be writing?

*wanders off to contemplate...*

(FYI: There are a few of you who breeze by this journal who are personal friends....know that I'm *not* talking about you guys!)

2005-09-25T15:53:00.000-05:00

Home. Safe. Tired. Sick.

I think that covers it.

2005-09-21T16:24:00.000-05:00

X-posted from my Yahoo group. I know some of you have NO clue as to what I'm talking about regarding messages and such, but I'm too lazy/hurried/tired to make out something else. Catch you all when I get back....I hope :-)

****

As some of you may know, I live in South Texas. Right on the Gulf Coast to be exact. The storm track, as it stands now, is heading right toward us. Direct hit, if it maintains that track. Never know with these damned hurricanes, though. It could wobble in any number of directions before it decides which way it wants to go.

Right now, we're under a mandatory evacuation order, so I'm going to be signing off for a few days (hopefully that'll be all). I may or may not have limited internet access where we're headed. Feel free to email (as I have an unlimited capacity server for my email), but please don't expect a response before Monday 09/26/05 at the earliest.

As most of you know, all new member posts are moderated -- which is to decrease spammer activity. I will not be able to ok them until I get back online. So don't be discouraged or think that your post might have been deleted. I will get to those as soon as I can. There are some of you that I *know* aren't spammers, but I just haven't had the time to go in and reset your accounts. I'll get to these ASAP as well.

Also, as I think I have mentioned before, there is a forum on my website now. http://www.jourdanlane.com/discuss . Feel absolutely free to go over there, read the threads or even start new ones. Just be civil until I get back :-)

The group has had a restricted membership for a while now. I am opening that up until I return.

Um....I think that's it for now. Everyone else in Texas......and in the southwestern parts of Louisiana (as I think they have watches all the way to Cameron)............please be safe!

HUGS!!

Tracy

Cowboy Up!

2005-09-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

In May, I had a short story titled, "Surrender" accepted to be in Cowboy Up, an anthology edited by Rob Knight over at TorquerePress.com. The anthology came out today and is now available for purchase. I just LOVED the cover!!

Also, I had the opportunity to be one of the featured authors over at Torquere press this month. Very, very cool!!

This month also marks the second anniversary of Torquere Press. These guys have done nothing but get better in the past two years and, if I do say so myself, they've got some of the best authors in e-publishing!

But wait, they're not just e-publishing anymore. Three of their best-selling titles are now available in print!

Bareback by Chris Owen
Three Day Passes by Sean Michael
Jumping into Things by Julia Talbot

I can honestly say that while I love all 3? Bareback is my all-time favorite. Oh, and while you're browsing around over at Torquere Press...take a look at these:

The Long Road Home by BA Tortuga
Gemini by Chris Owen

Both truly wonderful stories!! So...hop on over to Torquere Press: http://www.torquerepress.com/ and have a look around. I promise you will NOT be disappointed!!

A Rumor Of Angels...

2005-09-15T12:53:00.000-05:00

Ok, new story that I'm working on and researching for. Yes, another one :-)

Demons are finding their way out of Hell, wreaking havoc on earth and trying to find their way into Heaven. Zephyr and his team of Warrior Angels has been sent to find the portal and send the demons straight back to Hell.

There's only one problem. One of the demons that escaped the fiery depths of Hell -- was never supposed to be there. In fact, Eluriel isn't a demon at all.

When Zephyr and Eluriel meet, sparks fly -- and it isn't just in battle.

Ok, so I suck at blurby things...but that's the very, very small gist of the story. This will be my first "fantasy" type story, so we'll see if I can actually pull it off. I'm already looking forward to it and have a few character images that fit perfectly with Zephyr. Find them HERE and HERE.

Isn't he gorgeous?!

2005-09-15T12:13:00.000-05:00

OMG! *is shameful at lack of updating*

Even though I keep saying I'll get better and post more often, I just seem to get busier. Heh, maybe I should say I'm not going to post at all...then maybe I won't be as busy.

Damned Karma. Never know how to fool her.

Anyway, as I said, things have been incredibly busy here.

Family stuff.
Writing.
More family stuff.
More writing....hey, more on the writing in a bit :-)

2005-07-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

I'm putting the call out here for a little bit of help. If you're interested...great. If you're not...that's fine too.

This is for a vampire novel that I'm going to be submitting to a publisher in the very near future. It's still not complete, but it's getting there rather quickly. Better to be ahead of the game and get this part out of the way. When will all of this start? Not for another 2 or 3 weeks.

Beta Readers...

Now, before everyone emails me and says, "I want to beta read/edit...", I do have some requirements. One, is that you agree not to discuss any part of the story with anyone other than me. No posting of excerpts or little details on any sites -- yours or anyone else's. Two, is that you can't bug me and ask me when new chapters will be sent out. :-)

1) You absolutely must comment with something other than, "this was good" or "I liked it". What I want is your honest opinion and if something doesn't make sense or is contradicted from one chapter to another, I need to know. Plot holes? You bet I need to know about that one...although this one should be simple and pretty straight forward. You cannot be afraid to speak up and tell me what you think. If you don't like something...please let me know why.

2) This book does have sex, so if that bothers you in any way....maybe reading isn't for you.

3) If you can't handle blood...then again, reading is probably not for you.

4) I'm only taking a limited number of readers, so when I say that I'm full up on readers, that's it. If you sign on to read and real life and other commitments get in the way, preventing you from doing so -- Please, just let me know.

As for Editors...

I'm looking for one, maybe two Editors. Two, because sometimes one will catch what another might miss. It's essential that you have a strong background in English and that you have a very firm knowledge in sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, etc. I'll send anyone who is interested the first chapter of the story for edits. The changes made will depend on who gets to stick around.

I use the WORD commenting/track changes system for editing. It would prefer that you are familiar with the system and that you aren't afraid to use it :-)

The things that need the most attention:

1) Grammar

2) Punctuation

3) Word Usage

4) Active vs. Passive voice

5) Continuity

Damn, reading that makes me sound like a harsh, demanding bitch. I'm not. I'm just trying to be picky enough NOW, so there are no surprises later if/when I need to ask questions or for advice.

If you've gotten this far and are still interested and/or have questions, just email me directly at vampire@jourdanlane.com.

Thanks in advance!

New Release from Ally Blue

2005-07-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

Title: Forgotten Song
Genre: Contemporary, Non-traditional sexualities
Author: Ally Blue
Author URL: http://www.allyblue.com/
Release date: "soon"
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: http://www.loose-id.com/

**Excerpt**

The sun was in my eyes when I woke the next morning. I pulled the pillow over my head and tried to remember why the hell I was on the floor. Then I heard the toilet flush, and everything came back. I sat up just as the bathroom door opened.

"Hi," I said as Eric shuffled back to the bed and plopped down. "How are you feeling?"

He shrugged. "Okay, I guess. Little bit of a headache, but it’s not too bad. I look like I got hit by a train though."

I grinned. He did look banged up. A big, ugly black and purple bruise spread from under the bandage on the left side of his forehead to cover part of his cheek, and his eye was swollen. The blood on the bandage had dried to a deep reddish brown.

"That is a nasty bruise, isn’t it? But at least the cut’s stopped bleeding."

He nodded. "Yeah. Hey, Ben, would it be okay if I use your shower?"

"Oh, sure, there’s clean towels in there on the shelf."

"Thanks." He stood and stretched and my brain promptly stopped working. Jesus, his body was perfect.

Okay, nearly perfect.

I got a better look at the scars this time, and my mouth went dry. A long, thin pink line, obviously from some kind of surgery, started just under his ribs and ran down the middle of his abdomen until it disappeared under the edge of his underwear. Several small round scars dotted his belly, and one larger than the rest puckered the skin on one side of his ribcage. But the one that caught the eye cut a long, wide, jagged path halfway across his stomach. I couldn’t even imagine what could’ve made a scar like that, or the amount of pain that must’ve gone with it.

"Did you get a good enough look?"

Eric’s voice dripped with anger, and I realized I was staring. "Shit, I’m sorry."

"Yeah, well. Not too pretty, are they?"

I looked up at his face and caught a glimpse of a hurt so deep that it made me ache to see it. Then the tough-guy mask was back in place and the pain was gone like it had never been there. I knew what I’d seen, though, and I swore to myself right then to help him heal whatever wounds he still had.

"What happened?" I didn’t really expect an answer, but I had to ask. He sat staring at the floor for a while, twisting his fingers together.

"Got jumped by five guys," he said finally. "The big scar there is where one of them cut me open with a butcher knife. Most of the rest are from surgeries and stuff. I was in the hospital for six weeks. That was nine months ago."

He broke off and rubbed both hands over his face, as if he was trying to scrub away the memory. He sat back down on the bed, leaned his elbows on his knees and rested his head in his palms. He looked so lost right then, all I wanted to do was comfort him. I stood up and went over to sit down beside him. He didn’t move. I touched his shoulder and he jumped, but stayed put.

"That explains a lot. I’m sorry. It must’ve been awful."

He turned his head and stared at me with hope and suspicion fighting for territory on his face. "Yeah, it was. But I don’t want to talk about it."

I nodded. "Sure."

My hand still rested on his shoulder. I wanted to run my palm down his bare back and trace my fingers up his spine. Nothing good could come of that, though, so I restrained myself. Instead, I moved to touch a starburst of white scar tissue on his collarbone. It looked older than the other scars.

"What’s this one from?"

He looked startled, then his face went perfectly blank. "Accident. When I was a kid. I’m gonna shower now, if that’s okay?"

"Sure, go ahead." He got up without a word, strode into the bathroom and slammed the door behind him. I heard the click of the lock being turned.

"Fuck, was it something I said?" I muttered to myself.

I sat down in my only chair and thought while the shower ran. Eric had told me a little about himself, sure, but I still didn’t know much. Hell, I didn’t even know his last name. All I knew for sure was that he was from Alabama, and that something horrible had happened to him. The attack he’d survived couldn’t be the whole story. There had to be something else, something that terrified him to the point that he ran away with nothing but the clothes on his back.

He was a man with secrets, and I wanted to know what they were.

Research help needed...

2005-06-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

What for?

A book, of course.

Subject of research?

Glass-blowing.

Glass-blowing is something I've always wanted to learn, but have never found any classes in/near my area. So, what do I do? I decide to write a book where it's the main character's specialty.

The only problem with this is that I don't have a clue as to what sort of equipment is needed to set up a small studio or even what the basic process of creating an item is. Everytime I go online to do research about it, I get led in 100 different directions...from blown glass for sale to blown glass dildos. I have yet to find anything useful at this point.

Although...a deco dildo would be a nice paperweight.

*crickets*

Anyway, it's not something I need right away. Within the next couple of months, maybe.

So if you have any knowledge of glass-blowing at all...including pics...I'd LOVE the help. I can't pay with anything other than my love and adoration and a thank you in the foreward and a copy of the book (if you want it) when/if published.

But that's something...right?

If interested, email me at: glass@jourdanlane.com

2005-06-11T10:04:00.000-05:00

ERWF Press Release from Member Fiona Glass

Want the chance to win a $20 cash prize, *and* read a good book? Then why not pop along to Fiona's website ( http://www.tavaran.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/fionaglass/news.htm ) for details of the free treasure-hunt competition she's running to coincide with the launch of her e-book from Torquere Press? 'One Degree of Separation' is a collection of eight poignant gay love stories featuring men from all walks of life - journalists and gypsies, humans, vampires and aliens, even a prisoner or two - all of whom have fallen in love.

All you need to do is answer the five simple questions on the site, email your answers to Fiona by 15 June 2005 and all correct entries received by that date will be entered into a prize draw, the winner to receive a $20 cash prize!

Of course there's always a catch and in this case you need to have read the book before you can answer the questions. But as it's available from Torquere Press ( http://www.torquerepress.com ) for only $4.95, and as it's a really great read, that doesn't seem like too much of a hardship!

Good luck, have fun, and no cheating!

2005-06-09T11:49:00.000-05:00

ERWF Press Release from Member Julia Talbot

Author Julia Talbot's greatest passions run to food, hats, history and cowboys. Two of the four are represented in her new releases for June 2005. From Torquere Press comes a Screwdriver imprint novel titled Post Obsessions, a Georgian era tale of lust and need that begins with a series of steamy letters and ends with an abiding love. Something about powdered wigs and tight pants makes that era one to really sink your erotic sweet tooth into. Maybe it's the intrigue. Or maybe it just feeds the men who aren't afraid to wear make-up fetish.

The cowboy obsession comes out in short story featured in Rode Hard and Put Away Wet, an anthology of lesbian cowboy tales from Suspect Thoughts Press. Edited by Rakelle Valencia and Sacchi Green, the anthology is sure to please anyone who likes their women rough and tough and unafraid of hard work. Julia's story, titled Sweethearts of the Rodeo, is all about vicious competition in the world of a rodeo princess.

Both books have scheduled release dates of June 15, 2005. Post Obsessions will be available in ebook format for $2.99. Rode Hard will come out in trade paperback for $16.95. Help Julia feed the food and hat collections and check them out!

2005-06-07T17:50:00.000-05:00

ERWF PRESS RELEASE

‘Dark Erotica’ is not a phrase that immediately makes a lot of sense. After all erotica is ‘come hither’ and dark implies ‘run, run for your lives!’ However on some strange and visceral level there is a peculiar similarity between lust and fear, And there is no doubt that a blending of the two is easily found from the ‘holy dread’ described in the classic poem ‘Kubla Khan’ to Anita Blake’s love triangle with a werewolf and a vampire lord.

Logical Lust, an e-publisher of diverse erotica, is the last to mine this rich seam. ‘Eternally Noir’ is a dark erotica anthology including sixteen stories including a startling variety of ideas and sexualities. The stories range from openly amusing to genuinely spooky and are, in my entirely biased opinion, well worth the $3.95: http://www.eternallyerotic.com/eternallynoir.html

2005-06-01T13:27:00.000-05:00

Damn, this past weekend seemed long. Nice, but long. I guess mainly because the hubby had a good 4 days off, then came home from work early yesterday. Kind of seems like the good old times when he worked shift work and had those 7-off stretches.

The kids wanted to go pick up shells and play in the water, so we ended up trekking to the beach (if you wan to call it that) on Saturday afternoon. It's a very small, secluded spot about 3 miles from here. There's hardly any sand and it's filled with mostly oyster shell and other tiny little shells that wash in with the tide. But occasionally you can find some nice sand dollars and sea glass. And you don't have to deal with all of the people that swarm to the Gulf Coast on long, hot weekends.

Not much else to say really, right now. Getting a headache, so my brain's trying to misfire.

Oh yes, before I forget.

My email was down Thursday and Friday (May 25th and 26th).

Actually, the hosting company I use had a massive power failure and didn't have emergency power generators (they do now...go figure). Any email sent to my personal email address, or any other "jourdanlane.com" address, wasn't retained in the queue to be sent when everything came back up. Which means, it was lost in the black hole of the internet.

Hey M, that's what I get for telling you that it was more stable than the rest!

*smirks*

Anyway, just wanted you all to be aware.

2005-04-26T18:23:00.000-05:00

When Life just blows....

2005-04-13T20:14:00.000-05:00

The problem? Writer's block.

The solution? Music!!

I've always written with music going in the background. Every book has it's music and every book's music has been different. When we moved into the MIL's house, I've felt it was a bit rude to sit around with headphones on all of the time.

Now, since I've figured out that music has been what's missing and blocking my writing, I really don't care how it seems. She can talk about how rude it is all she wants...I won't be able to hear her :-)

Target has ended up with several different types of music, but we (the characters and I) have ended up on an Enrique Iglesias kick for the finish.

Soul Mates (the vampire novel) has ended up with The Crystal Method. I can't tell you how it helped me to capture the club scene in the beginning. If anyone has any high-energy, gritty, edgy mixes to recommend...I'd REALLY appreciate it! I've got 6 weeks to finish the novel and I know I'm going to get tired of TCM by then.

A song that I fell totally in love with recently was "Over and Over" by Nelly & Tim McGraw. I love the beat/feel of it and it's the perfect sex music. In my "writing sex" folder I've really only got: Sarah McLachlan and Enya. I'm looking for more things like "Over and Over" so I can get a different tone for some of my scenes.

Any other recommendations??

This is getting old...

2005-04-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

We've been living here with the MIL since February 15th...and I've been sick the entire time we've been here.

Seriously.

I think there have been 2 days that I've actually felt like it was ok to be alive. The worst thing...is that I know what's making me sick.

It's this little creature right here:

No, that's not her (because I'm too lazy to go find my cell phone and take a pic) but it's damn near identical. The only thing, is that I think my MIL's has more hair.

In the short amount of time in living here, I've sort of developed a love/hate type relationship with this cat. She's sweet and lovable, but...

Here's what I've grown to hate:

Not being able to breathe.
Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and being totally and completely miserable for 24 hours a day.
That I find cat hairs floating through the air over the stove while I'm cooking.
Taking a bite of food, only to realize that I've just ingested a cat hair.
Stepping in cat puke made of hair and....something else unidentifiable.
That she seems to know I'm allergic to her, and suddenly her favorite place to sleep during the day is on MY pillow!
That no matter how much I vaccuum, I can't sit on any piece of living room furniture without coming away covered in long, white cat hair. ICK!
The way she follows me around, wanting me to pick her up and hold her, giving me these sad fucking eyes when I start sneezing and have to go blow my nose.

This shit is getting mighty old!

*wanders off to go vacuum her pillow and to contemplate shaving the cat*

What's Your Dragon?

2005-03-30T22:46:00.000-06:00

Not too long ago, I joined a writer's forum. Great forum and all, but there's this one thread called, "time waster" that caught my eye. I really wish it hadn't, but it's too late to go back now.

Instead of writing, emailing, and working on that damned list from the other day, I'm finding out what my inner dragon is.

Oh shut up and stop laughing -- You KNOW you want to know what yours is!

So...don't make me feel like I'm the only person in the world (well, besides the other writers in that forum, lol) wasting time!

What's YOUR inner dragon? Find out HERE!

Dragon of Fate

In the war between good and evil, a Dragon of Fate tends to walk the fine line of Neutrality.

When it comes to the powers of Chaos vs. those of Law and Order, your inner dragon walks a fine line between Law and Chaos.

As far as magical tendancies, Your inner dragon has the ability to conquer the world of magic, but it will not be easy.

During combat situations, the Dragon of Fate shows a preference for the rending and slashing of Hand to Hand combat.

Dragon Description:

Dragons of Fate are a very rare breed of Dragon. They are seldom seen, but when they are they appear to be nothing more than a wisp of smoke, though occasionally one will view the sharp, silver talons that characterize this breed.

They will often appear at key moments in human history, but generally just as observers as they do not like to interfere in the natural course of human events. There are occasions however where they will use their powers, but only in the direst of circumstances when the balance of the universe is threatened.

When the balance is threatened they will retreat to a plane of existence where they can see each and every strand of life in the universe. They will isolate a particular strand or strands and either change that strands course, or in very rare occasions, cut the strand out of the web, which is why they need the sharp talons.

Though no one has ever seen this plane, the rumors are that the pattern of life is so beautiful that if one were to gaze upon it they would lose all sense of themselves and simply cease to exist. It is for this reason that Dragons of Fate have to be very cold and objective, for only they can gaze upon this web and not be awed by its beauty.

This Dragons favorite elements are: Objectivity, Balance and Free Will

Oddly enough, I think my dragon fits me rather well. Scary!

Deadline pays off...

2005-03-29T14:20:00.000-06:00

Or at least one of them has (technically, not literally). Yesterday, I received a contract in the mail for one of my short stories.

I was totally caught off guard when I pulled out the large white envelope. I'd been prepared to wait at least 2 months (as it was last year) to find out whether or not the story was accepted. I certainly never expected to have a contract in hand in less than 2 weeks!

*happy sigh*

Another thing to add to my publishing resume. Now, if I could just find an agent and get a novel published, I'll be doing good :-)

Where to start...?

2005-03-28T09:49:00.000-06:00

I've figured out that there just aren't enough hours in the day. I decided to make a list, not necessarily in order, of things (work/writing related things) that I need to get accomplished in the next 3-5 months. Sometimes a list of to-do items makes me sit back and think objectively about what I need to do and what I need to work on first.

1) I've got to get my website updated. If any of you lovely readers/bloggers are web designers...let's talk. I can pay (not much, 'cause I'm not a famous author or anything, but yeah...with real money). Right now the whole site is just kinda.....BLAH. I've been searching for some classy nude/torso/erotic photos that can be cropped and made to fit into the background of the site. Right now, it's some sort of "sphere/swirl" that I can't make go away.

2) I need to get started on the revisions/rewrites on my current book (books). I need to figure out where I'm going to chop this monster manuscript (projected at 300,000 words total) in half...making this book into book 1 and book 2 of the coming series. When I started this story...all I could think of was getting all of the story, plot, character growth/development, case development, etc into this one book. After doing a bit of investigation, I figured out that it was ok to actually leave book 1 on a cliff-hanger...as long as book 2 is already written. Now I just need to get my ass in gear and get the first half tightened up and discard the useless crap :-)

3) I need to finish the online version of the story mentioned above. I'm at chapter 32 right now...projecting maybe to chapter 37 or 40 to finish the story. Finishing this will take alot of pressure off. I don't know why...but I feel guilty that the story has dragged on for as long as it has. The readers have been unbelievably patient for the past year. Well, it's been longer than a year as I started posting in January of '03.

4) I've got another short story deadline coming up in May. Actually, it's not a short story like I'm used to (5,000 words) writing for UGE and the other one-handed reads. This is a 10-15,000 word submission. Right now, I'm at about 8,500 words and begging this thing NOT to turn into a fucking novel. I've got enough of them to get finished!!

5) Speaking of novels to get finished...I've got 5 of them that desperately need attention. I also have 4 books from my vampire series to finish...2 of them of which, I need to get rewritten and sent back to the publisher. I actually got comments on what the editor didn't like about the first book...and I've FINALLY figured out what she thought was wrong...and yep, it was DEFINITELY wrong! I just need to figure out if I can still write "het-sex". I should, after all, 'cause I have lots and lots of experience there, LOL!

6) Emails are something else I REALLY need to get caught up with. I've got SO many to return right now that it isn't even funny. I'd been doing so well and had actually thought that I was caught up. That's what I get for thinking! There's only about 150 emails to go at this point!

Fun, Fun.

*sigh*

Ok, so it's not a long list, but it sure as hell is a time-consuming one when I look a bit closer!

Unfortunately, all looking at it has done for me so far is make me tired, LOL

An Interesting Gift...

2005-03-15T13:56:00.000-06:00

Ok, let me start off by saying that I'm not really a collector of anything. Well, anything that I can show off to just anyone...

My boxes and boxes of books and porn don't count.

And with 3 young kids, I can't put my art of male nudes on the walls or put out my awesome nude sculptures...

*sigh*

Someday.

Anyway, I'm getting off track here. My MIL (mother-in-law) is a collector of damn near everything.

Sculptures and figurines of fairies, birds, flowers, angels; teapots and cups; dolls; decorative birdhouses...You name it...she's probably got a collection of it (or at least the start of one).

She's been frequenting this antique store that's going out of business in the area. Every day she's come home with bags and bags of goodies.

The one thing that caught my eye that she started bringing home were these delicate little teacups. I'm not a fan of delicate anythings, really. I've never liked frilly girl things. I think Barbies were the only girly things I ever owned. I liked playing with them....only because I could make them have sex.

Yep, I've been pervy my entire life.

Anyway, the MIL brings home this butterfly teacup and saucer. Oh my Gawd! It was absolutely beautiful...but I was afraid to even hold it in fear that I'd fucker up and drop the damned thing or hold it to tightly.

So into the china hutch everything went and I admired it from a distance.

I mentioned that if they had anything with a dragonfly (my absolute favorite little insect, lol) on it, I might be wiling to go check the store out.

Yesterday, the MIL brings home 2 boxes and sets them in front of me. "If you don't like it, you don't have to keep it," she says. "They were out of the dragonfly cups."

I open the fancy blue box, separate the styrofoam, unwrap the yards and yards of bubble wrap and low and behold...THIS is what was inside....

Horror of horrors...I liked it.

I'm scared to death of it because it's so delicate and breakable (nothing close to being as delicate as that butterfly teacup)and I can't stand the thought of one cup being $65 a piece. The spoons do not come with the cup and saucer either and they are an additional $15 a piece.

I warred with myself, trying to say that it was frilly, and girly, and that I didn't like it--but I failed.

I ended up going online to look for more of these Franz designs. I never should have done that! I found so many cups, teapots, vases, etc. that I just found incredibly beautiful. Yeah, I found that alot of them were more gaudy than beautiful (to me), but I think it's all just a matter of taste.

The cool thing is that the cups are cheaper online...but I don't know that I trust the US Postal service that much!

*sigh*

So does that mean I just might be interested in starting a collection? I think so.

But please God, let it stop there and don't turn me into a girly-girl after all these years!!

P.S. Here is that Butterfly cup and saucer I mentioned.

WTF was I thinking?!?

2005-03-01T14:52:00.000-06:00

Damn, it's been so long since I've actually posted, I'll have to see if I can remember how to work this thing.

Ah yes…it's not that difficult; easy enough for a blonde to operate.

I don't have as much internet access as I'm used to and my working/writing environment has been elevated from sucking—to just plain shitty. Why? Perhaps it's because right now, we're living with my mother-in-law (Yes, it is as bad as it sounds) and I actually have no work area...other than the dining room table and hard as hell chairs.

What is it that I miss the most in being here? (Besides my desk and my big leather chair, of course.)

I miss being able to maintain a train of thought for longer than 5 seconds, being able to decide by the caller ID whether or not I wanted to actually talk to my mother-in-law, all of the post-it notes I use in writing that were starting to look less and less like individual notes and were beginning to look more like some odd scheme of fuckered up wall-papering.

*sigh*

Ok, so those aren't the only things I miss. Just the ones I could think of in the 5 seconds that my brain was actually engaged.

I think one of the things I just miss the most is my PRIVACY! I miss being able to have a conversation with my husband that my MIL and brother-in-law (because he's here as well, more often than not) aren't privy to. There is no such thing as privacy here. I seemed to have forgotten that little factoid when I agreed that we could live here until we were able to find a house.

WTF was I thinking?!

*goes off to search the classified ads…yet again*

A Dilemma...

2005-01-27T23:47:00.000-06:00

The hubby went in for a pre-interview test for a job that he's applying for a couple of days ago. While on a break, he meets up with someone in the lounge that is some sort of recruiter for a company that's doing contract jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan. They get to talking and it turns out, the guy is in town to recruit employees for jobs overseas. Well, after talking for half an hour, the hubby walks away with a solid offer for employment.

Hubby didn't approach me with it immediately. He slept on it. Thought about it. Obsessed over it. Tried to figure out the logistics of it all.

He tells me this morning that he has something he wants to talk to me about. He tells me the deal and wants to know what I think.

What do I think? I think he's crazy.

Hubby has been without a job since June of 2004. Not because he's complacent in going out and looking for a job, but because what he does pays a good bit of money. There's a VERY low rate of turn-over in that industry, thus not very many people vacating those jobs. Nope, once those men/women find a job in that industry--they stay there until they either hit the lotto or retire.

I do understand why the offer of this job overseas is so appealing. Not only is it the over $100,000/year income, but it's the feeling of finally getting back into the workforce and taking care of family, not having to worry about how much longer the savings will last.

I try to think of this in the way he does, but I can't. All I can think of are the people who've been kidnapped and killed. Yes, military personnel, but also civilians who are working there as contractors -- because they chose to be there. I can't get the image of a bus going down the highway that ran right over a bomb and exploded, killing everyone on it/near it, out of my head.

Hubby's supposed to go back and meet with the guy in the morning. We've talked about it throughout the day and I've tried to be very clear, letting him know exactly how I feel. I've never told him that he couldn't do something just because I didn't like it. We don't work that way. I might tell him that I'm not comfortable with it or that it scares me to death, but I've never believed in holding him back from doing something the he really and truly wanted to do. He is the same way for me.

What would you do if your husband/wife/partner/boyfriend/significant other wanted to take a job and go (willingly) into a place like Iraq, where safety is FAR from guaranteed?

For the first time in the 10 (almost) years we've been married, I'm tempted to put my foot down and tell him 'no'...that he just can't go. Is that selfish? Or is that me, taking care of my family, making sure that my kiddos have more of a chance of keeping their daddy around?

Sure, accidents happen here every day. Nothing is guaranteed.

I just think I'm a little more comfortable with taking our chances here...not thousands of miles away in a country where the risk of accident is multiplied tenfold.

Oh well, I think I'm going to have a cup of Earl Grey and obsess for a while myself.

*UPDATE*

For lack of energy in creating a new post...

After an interesting decision-making process, my hubby decided NOT to take the job overseas. The one thing that sealed the deal on him not going was a dream with his father (who passed away in Aug. '04). In the dream, his father told him that taking this job wasn't the right thing to do. He also told him that if he took the job, he wouldn't come back home again. I'm big on dreams and their meanings and we both decided that if this dream wasn't a sign...we didn't know what was!

So....my hubby is here...now working for a friend and things are looking up!

Mentally Exhausted....

2005-01-26T01:31:00.000-06:00

*Warning – if you're a reader of Target, this post is like a MEGA spoiler for things to come toward the end of the book, so if you don't want big, heaping details (or at least hints) – come back another day*

I just finished writing 8 pages of sex. I should feel ecstatic, but in all actuality, I'm just exhausted. Mentally exhausted. Now, you may wonder why the hell 8 pages of sex was so difficult. Well, this wasn't just any run of the mill sex scene. This was a threesome.

I tell ya, the logistics of 2 people are easy. But add that 3rd person and it becomes a little bit like strategizing. (Don't even get me started on the 4-some sex scene I've still got to write!) It's inevitable at times, but you never want one of the characters just sitting back and not doing anything. Heh, then add to the mix that they're all guys…and then you get lost in a sea of: he said/he moved/he turned. If you're not careful, you can lose track of which he is doing what! Luckily this is written in 1st person, so that only left me to deal with 2 he's.

Even though I've tried to add the foreshadowing of this twist, I do think my readers are going to be shocked. And then they're going to be angry. Hell, I was a bit angry at my character's decisions. But trying to go over it, around it, under it…anything but through it…that didn't quite work. Things always seem to get really screwed up when I pull rank on the characters and make them do what I want them to do.

What people don't always realize, is that I'm not making these twists and turns to shock people. Really. Everything I'm doing actually has a reason and a fix. It might not be magically fixed in the next chapter – or even in this book – but it will work. Hopefully the readers will stick around to see that happen.

I've lost many readers in the past year. I've been told that it's not my writing, which is a plus (I think), but that it's the story itself. It seems that I've touched on a lot of people's personal demons…including my own. This isn't a light-hearted "beach read". No, this is more like an emotional roller coaster ride with the energizer bunny in control. It just keeps on going, and going, and going....

Anyway, 2 guy friends (I use the 'friend' term loosely for one of them) were asked about how they felt about 3-somes/4-somes – in regard to this story/situation. I'd expected the worst, but they surprised me by saying that it wasn't a big turn-off; to them, at least.

So, as a reader (not of my stuff, but just in general), just out of curiosity…

How do you feel when romances take on a more non-typical twist in a story?

Would it bug the hell out of you for the 2 main characters/lovers to have an encounter with another couple…and then ultimately have more of a stable, loving relationship with ½ of that other couple when that said couple didn't quite work out and parted ways?

A few thoughts/questions for any writers out there…

Do you ever worry (perhaps obsessively) about the plot twists and turns in your work?

Have you ever not taken a direction in a story because you were afraid your readers wouldn't be able to accept it? Not necessarily in regard to "is that in the character's mindset", but in regard to some "moral/controversial" subject?

Ever worry that you're just going to have a piece so F.U.B.A.R that you can't figure out what to do next?

Ah well, I better head off to bed and let the brain cells reorganize. I hear that's VERY important for us blondes ;)

Breaking things down...

2005-01-09T13:44:00.000-06:00

**warning -- pervy post ahead**

Well, pervy for some of you maybe. I have a VERY diverse group of friends and readers, so what might be kink for some is normal for others. That's not to say this is a kink post, 'cause it's not. At least I don't think it is. Oh nevermind!

I think I've mentioned it before, but in case you missed it or I didn't spell it out plainly enough....

I LOVE my MEN Magazine!!

The hubby and I were going somewhere yesterday and as I got in the car, I noticed a grey slip-covered magazine between the console and the passenger seat. Since I didn't renew my subscription to The Advocate, it had to be my newest issue of MEN. I whipped it out from between the seats and gave the hubby an incredulous look. "All we got was junk mail, huh?"

He laughed and said, "Oh, I forgot about that one." Sure. Yeah. Tell that to someone who doesn't know for a fact that he'd hide it from me, just to make me ask for it. The man is lucky he didn't get injured for that one.

Anyway, the Feb. '05 issue has Dean Phoenix on the cover and a layout of him looking so totally edible in nothing but his boots and hat. What more could I have asked for while working on a "cowboy" story?!? Perfect freakin' timing!

I realized something while reading this issue of MEN and a few other magazines that I get. It seems as though I tend to break things down into little groups of 3 (see Dreams post for more evidence). To further prove my point, I subscribe to believing in 3 types of the "men".

1) Total body men -- Just give me the man and let me take my time, there's not a single spot on his body that I wouldn't love to examine just a tad bit closer. Example: Dean Phoenix, ZA (which I'm not naming b/c I get enough searches for him), Kris Knight, and Dave Dekker are total body men -- for me, that is. There are SO many more...but that's a start.

2) Dick men -- Pretty self-describing there. Just the dick please. Hold the body, hold the face; break out the "do-it-yourself dick kit" and let's replicate that bad boy.

3) Ass men -- Also self-describing. Just turn around and let me have that ass. No, please...don't ruin the fantasy by looking over your shoulder!

I have a friend that says that I'm just plain scary...that I'm a gay man trapped in a woman's body. It truly is a curse. So many men, none of them available. Oh well, at least I can talk porn and hot men with my friends or scare them to death by telling them I'll be behind the curtain watching their next 3-some (don't even ask, lol).

So what exactly was the point of this twisted, nonsensical post?

That I'm wasting valuable time that I should either be responding to emails or writing?

--OR--

That I'm getting my pervy brain in gear so that I can more efficiently write some porn? Oh, sounds good to me. There we go. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Snow for Christmas!

2004-12-27T10:40:00.000-06:00

For the first time since 1918 -- it snowed -- and stuck to the ground (on Christmas) in South Texas. Our estimate is that we got around 10-14 inches between the afternoon of Christmas eve and 4 am on Christmas day. That might not sound like alot to most people that actually get snow during normal winter months...but for here...it's absolutely amazing.

As sick as we all still were, we played in the snow. My oldest loved daughter loved it and learned very quickly how to make snowballs. Good for her, bad for us; no where was safe! The younger 2 kids liked the snow for about 5 seconds and then they got smart and went back into the house to play with their new toys.

The hubby just cursed me over and over again, telling me that if I ever wished for that "white shit" again, he'd kick my ass. I proceeded to sing, "Let it Snow" and "Dreaming of a White Christmas" for the rest of the day.

A pic from out in the pasture...

Ugh

2004-12-20T18:33:00.000-06:00

I don't know how clear this post will be. My brain seems to be on vacation. For those of you who think that's nothing new.....I hope Santa gives your presents to the neighbor.

Last weekend my oldest daughter was sickly. She never actually got sick...just extremely tired. Well, by Friday, the other 2 ended up the same way -- except they ARE sick. With lots of little extras to go with the fatigue. What a fun weekend it's been.

I thought I was doing good. But last night, I had that *feeling*. The one you get when you're about to get sick. I woke up this morning, expecting the worst, but was just tired...as usual. As the day went on, I just couldn't seem to get moving. Now, it's too much of an effort to blink.

So, if you don't hear from me for a few days...I've climbed into bed and couldn't manage to get back out.

When did it become our right?

2004-12-14T14:18:00.000-06:00

It breaks my heart to hear someone say, "You have to love yourself first..."; then turn around and point to someone else and say, "God, look at her/him, can you believe -fill in the blank-". Just how two-faced is that? No wonder we wonder if our friends are actually being honest with us.

When did it become our right to judge someone because of how they talk, how they dress, what they believe in, how many cars they have or don't have, what neighborhood they live in or where they don't, where they work or where they don't, how they have more or less than we do, how he or she should just do this or that, how they'd be so much happier if they were on a diet or how if they'd just gain a little weight....I could go on and on.

We're all guilty of it...but why? Why must we be that way? Why can't we just accept people the way they are without trying to change them or judging them for being who they are?

The next time you think of doing it.....STOP, and think about this. They might be perfectly happy just the way they are...

Except that by judging them...you're cutting them out of your world, someone who just could have been the greatest love of your life or the best friend you could ever have asked for.

Ok, my complaining is done for the day. Carry on.

Is it just me...

2004-12-14T10:52:00.000-06:00

Or do people complain way to fucking much? Ok, so this post is a bit ironic. 'Cause I'm about to complain. Oh well. Don't like it...you can go away now.

I spent the entire weekend dealing with complaints. In the time that I should have been writing and working, I was dealing with other people's feelings and trying to smooth things over. Some things, I admit, I didn't give a flying fuck one way or the other if those feelings were spared.

If you're a member of my group and you're reading this. I'm sorry. I just have to vent...and this is a better place for it...for me, at least. At least I won't have to have a debate over what I'm feeling and whether it's right or wrong.

If you're not a member of my group and don't know what's going on...I'm sorry. You're welcome to join and read up. Just don't complain to me...at least for a week or so until my *bitch self* goes back into her corner.

I started my group as a place where I could beta my work. It was a quiet group at first, 18 people joined from another board I was on, and their feedback and comments meant the world to me. After some encouragement from them, I started posting the story to Nifty. Boy, the numbers came up quickly and since those 18 members in January of this year...my membership stands at about 1060 members.

Eventually people joined up that liked to chat and share jokes and pictures and stuff. I fully and completely encouraged that, (still do) and I vowed that there would never be anything that was "off-topic". I didn't care if you were sending in "Aunt Mabel's Famous Pumpkin Pie recipe" or a pics of hot naked men...it was readily accepted. Anything was allowed as long as there were no attacks on other members of the group.

My friend, my twin sister at heart, and my moderator sent in a post that was nothing but a "group hug". One person got in a big tissy over that and posted what I considered a rude and retaliatory comment and just went on and on, basically berating her in front of those 1060 people. Acceptable -- Not bloody likely. It pissed me off.

For one, because someone was attacking someone else who I love dearly. For another, because the person who did it was someone I thought I'd connected with on some level. I was so disappointed in that kind of behavior. And then, I was pissed with myself because I trusted in him and his ability to behave enough to take him off of moderated status before it was his time. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Now, there are people who post and say, "I don't know if this is ok..." or "I don't want to offend anyone with this..." And now, when I can't approve a post the minute it hits the board, people worry that they've said something they shouldn't have thinking the post has been deleted.

It bloody pisses me off that he's introduced that worry into my group, that people now wonder if they are doing something wrong by sharing or posting. He sent me an email later on saying, "you didn't post my last message before I left the group".

Hell no I didn't post it. Did he think I was going to let him post that and leave the group so he wouldn't have to listen to the responses? He must think I'm such an angel. I might claim it, but when you get me pissed off, you're looking at more of a demon than anything else. I am not proud to admit it, but I hold grudges. Probably for alot longer than people can remember what they pissed me off about or what we fought about.

Some people have this, "I'm right, I'm always right, and you're damned if you don't think so" attitude and it just pisses me off to no end.

I do have one exception to that one though. I have a friend that likes to be right all of the time, and there are lots of things we disagree on, but we know where to leave it. We know when not to let it interfere with our friendship and we'll both back down. Politics and the election was a tricky time for us, because we had opposite beliefs, but it ended up ok. You know who you are, hon, and if you're reading this...know that I love you :-)

This situation has got me to thinking.....

There is so much going on in the world right now; so much hate, war, crime, hunger, poverty, prejudice, sickness -- I could go on and on. But it really makes me wonder about people when they start complaining about the things that are so trivial in nature. Things that aren't going to end the world. Things that are nothing more than slightly annoying.

Damned ISP's...

2004-12-09T13:14:00.000-06:00

I apologize in advance, this is a whiny post...

Recently, the owner of my ISP took the time out of his oh-so-busy schedule to email me and let me know that I'd been using too many hours of my unlimited service. He wanted to know if I could cut down my usage in order to help him save $$. In order to help me accomplish that, he interrupted my service for 2 days.

Not only did he interrupt my dail-up access, (Yes, I said dial-up. I live in the middle of BFE, what do you expect?) he cut off access to my email and to all customer service points of their system. So, not yet knowing what the problem was, I called customer service. The guy at customer service, (now named 'Kenny with the sexy voice') did tell me that the owner had suspended my account, but had locked everyone out of seeing why. He also told me that the owner was out of town. Great.

While all of this was happening, I signed up for a trial subscription to MSN. Their dial-up really is unlimited, but I absolutely cannot stand using webmail. I like all of my mail downloaded and saved, put in its respective folders. While I can download MSN mail into my Outlook, it just isn't the same. I think I'm going to keep looking for another provider.

Since I could connect to the internet again though, I went looking at my old ISP's site, trying to find the Terms of Use agreement. I ripped through that thing, trying to see if there was something I'd missed about hours and usage, but everything just pointed me to unlimited service. And, according to the Terms of Use, the owner breached his own part of the contract by suspending my account.

The owner and I have since traded some interesting emails and he offered to let me keep my email address for my troubles, as long as I don't use their dial-up service, and it would only cost me $3.95 a month. That would be taken off of the 6 months that I still have left of my yearly subscription. That sucks too...cause their mail server won't allow me to send mail while I'm connected to MSN or another dial-up service.

I just feel shafted about the whole thing. The company advertises unlimited dial-up and usage. In fact, the name of their company is "----- Unlimited". I think the owner is striding into false advertisement territory, and have told him as much. He gets defensive and tells me that's his right. Maybe so. I still think he's in the wrong.

*sigh*

Oh well, if anyone sent me an email to my regular email address and I haven't emailed you back, now you know why. I never got it and you're more than welcome to re-send. As of now, some of the messages that I send are still being delayed either by a couple of hours or even days. One of these days I'll get it all straightened out...one of these days I'll move to where there's DSL access. Woohoo!

Dirty thoughts...

2004-12-07T16:58:00.000-06:00

I picked up my daughter from the school bus this afternoon. I'm perched on the 4wheeler, writing some outline things for a chapter into my notebook, when the bus pulls up. I look up from writing and I swear, I could not keep my jaw from dropping.

The driver was HOT! I mean, stepped out of the pages of International Male or GQ ...HOT!

He smiles and waves and I have to force myself not to slide off the 4wheeler into a quivering mass of jello. We trade a few words while my daughter is climbing onto the 4wheeler. As it turns out, he's got this low, sexy, husky voice that just gives fuel to dreams of hot, sweaty, sex.

I sit there for a moment, watching him drive away and then ask my daughter. "Who was that?"

She says, "Oh, that's Mr. ----"

And I say, "But he's not your normal driver."

She laughs and says, "No, he's the high school principal. He was just driving us today because Mr. ---- was sick."

"Ooooh, I see." I get caught up in the thoughts of his voice again and wonder how come WE never had a hot Principal.

She then punches me on the shoulder and says, "I know, he's hot, right?"

"Oh shut up."

She giggles incessantly and I'm tempted to make her get off and walk the mile home. Little shit. I'm going to have to watch that one!

By the way...

I will reiterate that I am happily married. But just 'cause I'm married...doesn't mean I'm dead!! When a gorgeous guy crosses my path, damn it, I'm going to fucking look. Or drool, or wish, or think dirty, nasty thoughts....!!

I am a mean, evil...

2004-12-02T14:55:00.000-06:00

Bitch. Or at least my cat thinks so. She used to lounge at the edge of my desk throughout the day, now she doesn't want to be in the same room with me.

I gave the little shit a bath this morning, because after getting out of the house the other day, she suddenly came up with a few fleas. By mid-point thoughout the process it sounded, and kind of felt, like I was trying to hold down a mountain lion. Never knew the little 7 pound bitch could be so strong!

Had I come across this wonderful set of instructions, it might have gone much better.

Ah well, maybe next time...

Calendars for 2005

2004-12-01T13:35:00.000-06:00

The calendars are all coming out for 2005 and DAMN some of them are smokin' hot!! It does seem to me that wet is somewhat of a theme. Several of the calendars I've come across have had men in water, men under waterfalls, men in showers.

But I think that no matter how many calendars I come across, none elicit more of a response (no, not that kind) than Jeff Palmer's work. His Temptation 2005 calendar is a sure winner.

Jeff is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite photographer of male nudes. He's got men photographed alone as well as in couples. His work is sensual, erotic, raw, honest, romantic...just beautiful. If you've never seen any of his work...check it out. You won't regret it!

This is definitely not a complete list, but here are some other calendars I've found interesting so far:

Cowboys by James Franklin -- who doesn't like cowboys?!?

Diex Du Stade 2005 - French Rugby Team

Dreams by John Falocco

FDNY Firefighters

On the Couch by Tom Bianchi -- Tom's another awesome photographer

Reichen by Kal Lee

365 Dicks a Year -- ok, so this one is purely the perv in me.

Distractions....

2004-11-27T17:34:00.001-06:00

There are distractions...and then there are distractions.

I wish for a distraction like this every damned day...

Ooh, to be right in the middle!! I'd SO take one for the team :-)

The French Rugby Team...photo from the Dieux Du Stade Calendar photo session, but I don't know if it's the '04 or '05 calendar. Special thanks to Mark and Michelle!! You two have made my weekend!

Okies, those of you who only wanted to look at the pic can go now, LOL!

Unfortunately, my distractions run more toward the mundane.

I'll be in the middle of a hot scene ...."I push his legs back even farther, opening his ass wide..."

Hubby: "Hey, can you help me find the manual to my cell phone?"

Me: Stopping typing, looking at him like he's just ask me to go outside and wade back through ass-deep water while it's 50 degrees out and raining. "Um...I'm kinda busy right now."

Hubby: Puppy dog eyes. "I just want try to get the camera to work so I can send you some pics while I'm gone."

Me: Shoving down that voice that's threatening to sound really evil. Sigh. "Ok, but then I've REALLY got to finish this piece."

Hubby: "Thank you baby."

Me: "Um-humm, you'll think baby when my head starts spinning like the chick from the exorcist 'cause you won't leave me alone."

Here lately he's been pushing the envelope. Music is almost a necessity, but the TV is a big no-no when I'm writing. I'm so tired of Monster Garage, American Chopper, MadTV.

All freaking day long....

So not conducive to writing.

Now, he fully supports my writing, but he hasn't learned yet that I need some "office time" during the day that is just ME. He hasn't quite learned that he is as much of a distraction to me as the kiddos are. Lest you think I'm just being a bitch, well, I probably am...but anyway.

Hubby has been out of work since JUNE. Now, before you get the wild idea that he's being lazy and sitting around the house. Umm....No. He does go out and look for work nearby, and when he's not doing that, he's searching Monsterjobs and sites like that. But he seems to need the TV on in order to do any of it.

I think that with some help around the house and with the kiddos that I could have been finished with the book in August. I was there, the end was in sight....I knew I could do it if I just kept going.

Humm....almost like sex, I guess. A little to the left....

Almost....

Right there....

Oh yeah....that's it....

And then another shift...and everything you've been working toward is just gone. Leaving you feeling like you "almost" got off.

Well, I need to get my writing off. I need it to have the big O that it's been working toward for the past year.

Anyone want to babysit? 3 kids and 1 husband.

I can't promise they'll be good...only that they'll be distracting.

(sorry for the sex analogies...what do you expect from a fucking ~~porn~~ /erotica writer!)

Deadlines...

2004-11-27T11:17:00.000-06:00

I've been sitting here at my desk all morning, trying to get something accomplished. I think there comes a time when you just have to walk away, take a breather, and see if anything happens when you come back. I got some emails returned, that's about it.

Deadlilnes...

Every time I look up, I see the print-outs for my various short-story deadlines. They've got big pink post-its stuck to the corner of the pages, screaming out the deadline date. Wanna see my list? (Just until March)

January = 3 different deadlines...6 stories
February = 2 deadlines...3 stories
March = 2 deadlines...4 stories

Doesn't sound like much, considering they're only 5,000 words a piece, except for one that's 15,000. But there are times that coming up with hot, steamy ~~porn~~ erotica is just difficult. Perhaps I'm just pressuring myself too much. Kinda like performance anxiety.

Oh, I know...maybe I just need to watch porn!!

Anyway, the deadlines do NOT include the vampire novel I'm supposed to be working on, nor does it include my work on finishing up Target (On the Edge, whatever you want to call it). I've ABSOLUTELY got to finish the vampire novel. If I don't get it done, it'll be late 2006 before it's out on the market.

Damn.

You remember that movie "Freaky Friday"? Well, my thought is that I need to run into Nora Roberts. That woman can hammer out a book in no time! Perhaps we can just switch bodies for a little while. A couple of months, then I should be caught up and good to go.

Oh wait, she's a best-selling author, an author that gets paid! I just might want to make myself comfy in her place. That would piss off her readers, lol. They'd wait a year for a new book instead of months. That, and the fact that she'd no longer be a best-selling author if I was in the saddle.

Woohoo...off to stare at my files again.

Thanksgiving...

2004-11-25T10:28:00.000-06:00

So, today is Thanksgiving. Oh joy....

I'd love to just stay home. But I guess being with the hubby's side of the family is important, especially this year. My mother-in-law lost her mother last year and a husband and a father this year. I guess being her support this year is going to be something she needs.

Alrighty, now I must go get the kiddos dressed.

I hope that wherever you are you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving...just have a wonderful day!

What's worse than...

2004-11-24T20:26:00.000-06:00

Wading across ass-deep water? Wading across ass-deep water when it's 60 degrees, with the cold north wind blowing at 25-30 mph, then having to work in those wet clothes.

But, pump was pulled again and hubby attached foot valve. I nearly froze my ass off waiting for all of the PVC pipe and glue to dry. Finally, it's dry enough and we wrangle the 2 sections of 100 foot pipe. By the time we got most of the pipe back down the well, my back was killing me. But, hubby gets it wired and I trudge back through all of the deep water to the electric box and flip the switch.

Low and behold......we have water. Woohoo!! My job is done and hubby says, "I knew you were good for something". I give him my most evil glare and all he can do is grin.

I come into the house and turn the water on to clear the air from the lines and with the smell of the water, I have to open the windows. I like bleach...when I do laundry...but that's it. But, being as that is the only way that we can disinfect the well, this is the price we pay.

At about 6 p.m., the water was deemed fit for use. Not for drinking just yet, but good enough to wash clothes and dishes. Never thought I'd be so happy to wash dishes.

I was able to fix our septic system problem on my own. I was able to reset everything in the control box and stop those damned sprinklers from going non-stop. Yay, for easy fixes!!

Anyways, I'm off to watch Chronicles of Riddick....I hope I like it as much as Pitch Black. Oh well, it's Vin Diesel. If nothing else, I can close my eyes and just listen to his voice.

Who the hell did I piss off?

2004-11-23T23:17:00.000-06:00

I must have pissed someone off....God, Lady Karma, the Fates, the weather gods....someone.

Went to the funeral on Saturday. It rained. I hate being in the cemetery when it's raining. Makes me think of "The Crow". Odd, but true. It was surreal...like the scene out of a movie where everyone is standing around the coffin, crying, tissue in one hand and an umbrella in the other.

Went to the "lunch" after the funeral...held at a Baptist church. One of "those" churches, just like my Dad's. All of the little old church ladies standing in the kitchen, peeking out through the dividers, looking at the family. Plastic smiles on their faces when you catch them looking.

I didn't eat a thing. Looked at the table and my stomach turned. I bet that every dish on that damned table was made with cream of mushroom soup being one of the main ingredients. Not necessarily a problem for most people. But for me...yes. I'm allergic to mushrooms. (Although my mother frequently tries to feed them to me anyway. Feel the love.)

Came home and it was still raining. Rain at our place is a bad, bad thing. We live in a very low area, prone to flooding. We also live at the dead end of a mile-long dirt (yes, dirt, with huge potholes and all) road and you really need a 4X4 to get to us. I swear, it sounds bad, but the no neighbors thing is really cool!

Sunday morning we get up and we suddenly have lake-front property. 28 acres of it. And yet, it was still raining.

And then, joy of all joys, I flip the handle at the kitchen sink and the only thing that happens is this gurgling sound -- and no water. I call hubby away from his "Monster Garage" episode or "American Chopper", some sort of mechanical/building show....and I tell him to go check the pump and make sure that the ants aren't clinging to it for dear life. They make a habit of doing that when the water gets high.

He goes out and about half an hour later he finally comes in and says, "The pump is fucked."

I'm suddenly counting just how many bottles of water we have in the fridge and in the cabinets and thankfully, we've got enough water for a small army -- or, at least enough for 5 people for a few days. Um-humm....unless you want to count washing dishes and cooking with it. Oh boy...

Water, water everywhere -- and none of it fit for use.

School was canceled on Monday. Most of the major roads around here were flooded and closed off. The hubby couldn't get out to go get a new pump.

Then, the septic system suddenly has an alarm going off -- a very loud buzzing noise, with flashing red lights to go with it -- too much rain water covering the underground tanks. The sprinklers are going off continuously and I just know that our delicately balanced Norweco system is VERY unbalanced at this point. The reset button doesn't reset a damned thing. Calls to the service people are being handled in the order that they came in. Lovely.

Today, the water was down a bit and hubby went and bought the new pump and 100 foot of new pipe to send down the well. There was one point in pulling the old pump that hubby mentions, "we can't let this piece break off or we're screwed". As if the Fates themselves heard that, ten minutes later the pipe broke off and down the well it went. Hubby cursed and threw the channel-locks to the ground and just looks up at me with a "what's next" expression, then says, "I think it'll be ok. I just need to set some new pipe into the hose."

I just shake my head, 'cause this kind of thing is just normal, and I have this sinking feeling (one that I don't voice) that his idea is not going to work. I've paid enough attention to know that whatever we need to go right, will insist on going wrong.

Well, after working on that all day, pulling the old pump and pipe and trudging through ass-deep water, we get the new pump set. On comes the power and the pump is not pumping water. Apparently, the little piece of pipe that threw itself down the well has a "foot valve" on it.

Great.

Tomorrow, we get to do all of that shit all over again. Can't you just feel the joy that I'm radiating at this point?

I won't even go into the problems with my ISP. I'll save that for tomorrow, LOL!

Tonight, I'm sitting here going trying to get caught up on some emails, and we have another storm pass through. This one brings a tornado that skims along side the house. No real damage, some tree limbs down and some shingles missing, but otherwise not too bad.

As I'm writing this, I can hear the thunder rumbling outside again. I can only hope that this is going to end soon.

Now, I really need to figure out who I've pissed off.

I'd like to make amends :-D

Ooh, Contributor's Copies...

2004-11-13T15:30:00.000-06:00

I just received my contributor's copies of Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005 in the mail today. I didn't expect the editorial assistant that I've been working with to get them out to me so quickly, but the doll she is, sent them to me Priority Mail.

I ripped open the box and was able to confirm with my own eyes that the cover I've had as a jpeg on my screen for months, is now hard copy in my hand.

Yes, I grinned like a damned fool!!

I was so delighted that my story was in what I see as a good place in the book. Not at the beginning. Not at the end. In the middle, sandwiched in between M. Christian and Christopher Pierce. How great is that?!?!

And they spelled my name right!!! 50 extra points to Alyson!

The book will be in the bookstores on December 14th, 2004 and is available now for preorder from Amazon.

Anyways....just wanted to share.

I'm off to go act like a writer or something :-)

(after I go ~~drool over~~ read my newest issue of MEN, that is)

Just passing it on...

2004-11-11T20:32:00.000-06:00

I got this through one of my writing groups and I thought it was too important not to pass on.

Visit the Varnish Fine Art website for more information.

The Big Love Show: A Benefit for Paul Willis
November 13, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am
Varnish Fine Art
77 Natoma Street at 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA
Website: www.varnishfineart.com
Admission: $5 - $20

If you will be in the San Francisco bay area on November 13, I'd like to invite you to a very special - and very humanitarian - event. Our friend Paul Willis is a well-known queer writer and editor from New Orleans. He is also a longtime supporter of queer writers in his roles as Executive Director of the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival and founder of the Saints & Sinners Literary Festival, an alternative literary festival for the LGBTIQ community. This year, Saints and Sinners raised over $10,000 for the AIDS Task Force of New Orleans.

This past May, after a night out with friends, Paul walked another home. As he made his way back, he stood on a corner in front of a convenience store smoking a cigarette. A van pulled up and four teenagers jumped out and attacked him for being a gay man outside the French Quarter after dark.

In a matter of minutes, they had beaten him so badly surgeons were convinced he would lose his right eye. Despite the heroic efforts of several young women in the convenience store who rushed out to help Paul and get his attackers' license plate number, they disappeared with his wallet-and have yet to be found. Despite the efforts of a slowly reforming New Orleans Police Department to treat this as a hate crime. Despite a reward offered by Anne Rice on local television.

As for Paul, he has undergone hours of surgeries to restore his eye and his eyesight. He can now distinguish light from dark, but doctors are hopeful they can further improve his vision. The surgeries and medical bills continue.

To thank Paul and his partner, author Greg Herren, for their constant championing of queer artists, Michelle Tea, Greg Wharton, and Ian Philips are hosting THE BIG LOVE SHOW to raise money to help with his medical bills, and to raise awareness that hate crimes happen every day to people whose only crime is to exist.

Emcees: Michelle Tea and Ian Philips DJing by DanielA slide show by Sux and Elissa Performers scheduled to appear: Dodie Bellamy, Susie Bright, Patrick Califia, The Chainsaw Chubettes, Justin Chin, M. Christian, Tina D'Elia, Juba Kalamka, Kelly Kegger, Kevin Killian, Martin Pousson, Kirk Read, Simon Sheppard, Chelsea Starr, Sage Vivant, and Greg Wharton

If you wish to donate funds directly to Paul Willis, please contact Ian Philips at ian@suspectthoughts.com, or send a check or money order made out to "Paul Willis" to:

Suspect Thoughts Press
2215-R Market Street, PMB #544
San Francisco, CA 94114-1612

Bad Monday...

2004-11-08T12:30:00.000-06:00

This is NOT a way to start off the week.

Every time I find a show I LOVE -- it comes to an end. I don't watch much TV at all. But there are certain shows that I just cannot do without. Really. It's like an addiction.

And now...

Six Feet Under is being buried. After this season there will be no more.

*goes off to sulk in a corner*

The quest for an agent...

2004-11-07T18:33:00.000-06:00

The time has come again. I need an agent. Not because I've made the big time, but because there are houses that I want to submit to, but can't on my own. Damn that unsolicited manuscript rule. I know, I know...it keeps out alot of the crap -- but still. It's hard enough to find an agent that takes on clients that write smutty romance, but smutty gay romance?!?

Why now? Why go through this torture again?

THE major novel, that has consumed the last 10 months of my life, is coming to an end. And now, as I'm doing revisions/rewrites, I've realized that I want to have a choice of publishers to submit to.

Publisher A takes queries, which is good enough for me. Unless I think about writing them, of course. But I know I at least have the chance of them asking to see sample chapters or even the full manuscript.

Publisher B, I only accepts agented submissions unless you're going for one of the imprints. Like Pulisher A, they also offer an advance, but the royalty is a bit higher. There is also the fact that they could also make an outright purchase.

Both A & B publish smutty gay romance :-)

*sigh*

Unfortunately I've been on this "quest for an agent" before and have been turned down by some of the biggest agencies. Perhaps I had my hopes a bit too high when I submitted to Writer's House -- but hey -- can't blame a girl for trying.

So now, I'm sitting here thinking of all of the queries and cover letters I have to write, and I just want to cry. I can write anything else, but ask me to write a letter and the little wheels in my ~~blonde~~ brain, just cease to turn.

An editor I chatted with said, "Oh don't worry, you'll do fine. Just be brief and tell them exactly what you want".

*looks skeptical*

Yeah...sure. Brevity has never been my stong point. Just consult my 250,000 word count novels to find that out.

Telling them what I want without sounding like a complete moron? mmm' humm..........

Anyone want to write some letters?

Cute little video...

2004-11-07T14:32:00.000-06:00

Oh my God!

I just had to share this little video. It takes a few minutes for it to load on the page, but it's SO worth it. Incredibly cute!!

But alas...

*sniffle, sniffle*

It spawned a few tears.

Help finding a name...

2004-11-05T15:15:00.000-06:00

Does this guy look familiar? Anyone have a name for him?

I got the pic from a friend, and he thinks the guy is a COLT model.

I'm not as familiar with COLT as I am with MEN, but figured that maybe someone else might have a name.

I would be ever-so-grateful and I'd worship you forever.

Ok, maybe not forever....are the next 24 hours ok?

Not a good day....

2004-11-03T15:52:00.000-06:00

I sat here at the desk last night monitoring websites and the TV as I tried to write. I'd done my part -- I voted -- and all I could do was sit back and watch the outcome. Needless to say, I didn't get a damned thing written. Ok, maybe just a tad....like, part of a sex scene. An angry sex scene though....so I don't know if it'll get to stay.

By 3 am...I couldn't stay awake any longer. I crawled into bed, feeling sick, depressed, and totally disgusted -- knowing deep down that Ohio was out.

Oh yeah, I woke up very pissy at 6 this morning. It didn't help that the ~~ass~~ hubby was walking around pointing at the TV saying, "Oh yeah, Bush is IN".

I REALLY wish I could find those darts. I'd SO nail his ass with them.

America is a scary place to be at this point. The ramifications of having ~~THE VILLAGE IDIOT~~ Bush as president for a 2nd term will last way longer than the 4 years that he's in office.

I'd like to crawl into a hole for a while and hide...cause that's what I'm good at most of the time...

But I just can't do it anymore.

No more hiding.

Scary Halloween Costumes

2004-10-29T15:10:00.000-05:00

I got these through one of my Yahoo groups and they were too interesting not to pass along.

Some of these are just.......wrong!

Retired Hooters

Sheep Guy

Spider Man

Wonder Woman

Figuring it out....

2004-10-25T11:57:00.000-05:00

I've just been opening the file for the current chapter and staring at it for the past week or so (I'll never tell exactly how long--or so-- is), not writing a damned word. I've tried opening files for different scenes/chapters and nothing comes along. I've even opened files for totally different stories...and again, nothing happens.

No spark, no words, no dialogue -- and worst of all, the voices in my head have been so very quiet. That's NOT a good thing.

Especially when I'm 30 chapters into a book and working on the ending. But, I think I've finally figured out some of the problem. That oh-so-horrid email that hurt might have actually been on que.

I printed out all of the chapters that I had of the book so far, and I went back and started re-reading. I think it's weird to read my own writing...but anyways, I digress.

I started seeing that my hero was more tainted than tortured after the fabulous mind/body fuck in chapter 24. I didn't actually want him to BE a monster -- but to FEEL like the monster.

It was as if the moment I realized it, I knew what I had to do. I pulled down my chapters from my Yahoo group (one reader caught me as soon as I did that...so much for trying to pull a fast one) and went to work.

Last night the words flowed. Scenes made sense. My Richard gave me another scene from his past that he's held private for so long. I know it was hard for him -- but it was instrumental in getting it right. So sitting here, tears flowing like there was no tomorrow, I worked on one of the most difficult scenes I've had to write thus far.

It's hard when your character hits the bottom of the barrel and you have to both take them there and bring them out again. So, at 5:15 a.m. this morning I finally went to bed, confident in the fact that a 2nd botched suicide in his lifetime was his wake-up call. But I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, shaking my head because what I'd written had been so raw and so exposed that I had a hard time shutting off the emotion from the actual scene.

I then kind of felt as if some weight had been lifted. It was as if Richard had wanted this scene to be in the book originally -- and had been trying to tell me that all along -- but that I had pulled back, trying to protect him from going through it.

I love my characters, I truly do. But Richard is so much a part of me, that sometimes it's hard to separate the boundaries of what's HIS shit and what's MINE. Sometimes it's equally hard making sure that what none of MY issues hit the page. In this case, I'm glad there is no blurring of the lines and that this issue is his and his alone.

Oh well, I guess I'm off to have another tear-filled day. It just seems to keep popping up.

Damn, I'm thinking I should buy stock in Kleenex....

Speed-reading at its finest...

2004-10-25T09:31:00.001-05:00

Fearful that some, not yet named, author might do some story spoilage...I finished the book I was reading over the weekend. You just never know when those darn writers will tell you how the story ends. Actually, I'd have finished it anyway. I tend to do that with good books.

And books that fall off of the shelves above my head as I'm printing out pages. I believe in signs. Damn, if that doesn't say, "READ ME" I don't know what does!

Anyways, if you read the Friday post then you'll know I was reading "The Night We Met". This is the 2nd book I've read by the author and I believe I read that this one was his debut novel. I can hardly believe that. He reads like a seasoned author. (chili pepper, maybe)

I won't tell you what happens....you'll have to go buy the book. But I will say this:

It is an incredibly entertaining read. It's fast paced, witty, and there are times when Murphy's Law just takes over. (make that...alot of times). Talk about a romance where 2 people are from opposite sides of the track. But, it works-- very well. I laughed until I cried, which doesn't happen too often. Definitely a book that I'd read over and over again.

Ok...so there's my book review for the day. Like I've said before. I don't really push too many books. But here lately, I've read some great ones. I've got another name on my "List of Authors" to watch out for and I can only hope that Rob Byrnes is hard at work on another book.

I'll put a list up--eventually-- of some of the cool books I've read recently. But for now--I've got to go look at some rewrites.

Ciao'

What? and Why?.....

2004-10-22T09:27:00.000-05:00

What the hell is this? And why is it the very first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning?!?

The dry, brown grass of the vast fields of the Savannah, teased by the gentle breeze, sways in the quiet, afternoon sun. Upon first glance, it's only dry grass, yearning for a drink of water. On looking closer, each blade bends and sways in perfect harmony with the next, as if the breeze has suddenly turned the field into a large, flowing river, taking what was first seen as something thirsting and needing, and transforming it into something so full of life. May the breeze in your writing mind be like the breeze over the fields of the Savannah; bending, shaping, flowing, and transforming your thoughts and ideas into something beautiful and alive.

Humm...I would have thought nothing of it if I'd only had that weird thought on waking once. But it's like the 3rd time. I don't know where it came from or what it means. Perhaps I'm obsessing over it subconsciously. Or perhaps I have a reader sending me subliminal vibes trying to get me to write faster.

*shrug*

Ok, so maybe it wasn't the very 1st thing...but the 2nd...the 1st thing was me getting pissed at the alarm. I mean, When you get to bed at 4...the last thing you want to hear at 6 is the damned alarm clock! Oh well, such is life.

I would have been in bed at a fairly decent hour FOR ONCE if I hadn't picked "The Night We Met" up off of the shelf. I swear I was only going to read a few pages--being that it was already 1 am, but that SO didn't happen. I wanted to keep reading, but my eyes hurt so much that I had to put it down. I guess that happens with as many hours a day as I spend reading/writing.

*sigh*

Off to work........I hope!

The AFA and Procter & Gamble

2004-10-13T10:23:00.000-05:00

I got my copy of the Advocate in the mail yesterday. On page 19 there was a small article titled: "Religious right shelves Crest". I read through it and it wasn't a bad article. So P&G donated some money to lend support for some anti-discrimination measure. Good for them.

Then....I received an email from my Dad, something on the same subject, forwarded to him from the American Family Association. I have to say this, I love the man, but we will NEVER walk the same track.

In my original post, the one I lost while trying to publish, I posted the page from the email and had some smart-ass remarks included. Well, now I'm not in the mood for smart-ass remarks. Now, I'm just frustrated. Now I just want to sit down and cry and write nasty emails to these people. But what good would that do? Not a damned bit. These people are covered in so much shit, they'll never be clean....because it's not just on the outside...it's on the inside as well.

The email pretty much says the same thing that the info below does. I just found it disturbing and wanted to share. Here it is:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE THIS ABOUT PROCTER & GAMBLE
WE INCLUDED THE PROOF!

Ad in gay magazine undeniably proves P&G's committment to the homosexual agenda.

Suppose I told you Procter & Gamble created and ran an ad that showed two men (in fuzzy focus at top center of the ad) in bed after an apparent sexual encounter.

Suppose I told you the ad showed clothing scattered across the floor like the two men were in a hurry to get undressed and get into the bed.

Suppose I told you the P&G ad was captioned with these words: "You were more concerned with taking them off than folding them up." (In other words, the two men just could not wait to get into bed to have homosexual sex.)

Suppose the ad goes on to say that you can use Downy Wrinkle Release, a P&G product, to unwrinkle your clothes left on the floor in your haste to get into bed.

Suppose I told you this ad, which leaves the impression that homosexual sex is normal, thrilling and exciting, was created by P&G and run in a homosexual publication called Xtra.

I know you would have a hard time believing me. So see it for yourself. Click here to see the ad.

There should be no doubt P&G is aggressively promoting the homosexual agenda. A company doesn't create and run an ad that leaves the impression that homosexual sex is thrilling and exciting unless they support the homosexual agenda.It should come as no surprise when P&G supports homosexual marriage.

This is the company that has aggressively come out in favor of repealing the law in Cincinnati which forbids giving homosexuals special rights, but at the same time has refused to support the Ohio Marriage Protection Amendment which defines marriage as being only between one man and one woman.

Remember, this is the company that said they "will not tolerate discrimination [against homosexuals] in any form, against anyone, for any reason." To keep homosexuals from being legally married is discrimination [for good reason] that P&G says they will not tolerate.

Book Cover....

2004-10-12T01:40:00.000-05:00

The cover of the book where my short story is going to be published.

"Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005" edited by Jesse Grant.

It should be out in December '04.

WooHoo!!

I can't believe it...

2004-10-11T17:57:00.000-05:00

My sister, the one who never wanted to have kids, is pregnant. But here's the funniest part!! She had an ultrasound today and she's pregnant with TWINS!!! LOL! Sometimes life is just too damned ironic.

But really, I'm so happy for her and her hubby. She's got so many medical problems that this was like a freaking miracle that it even happened. The next 8 months should prove to be quite interesting.

Oh well, just had to share.......

Working backwards....

2004-10-09T23:50:00.000-05:00

ok, so it feels really weird to be where I am at this point. I've got 1/2 of the book finished...and now I seem to have jumped to the ass-end. I see this as both a good thing and a bad thing. Good -- because I now know how the book is going to end. Bad -- cause I've got readers waiting to read chapters in the middle.

Humm.....but at least now I know how the book is going to end!! LOL!!

*sigh*

Ok, I must step aside and let the Wendy take a bow. She has managed to get me into the plot of another story....a collaboration between the 2 of us that we've been discussing for a while.

Here I am, 6 freaking books in various stages of plot/writing...and she pops up and says, "Oh, by the way I was thinking that we could..."

*rolling eyes*

'cause I just knew what her "....I was thinking" was going to inspire.

AND...I was right!

SO, instead of writing on CURRENT BOOK, doing 20-30 pages a day.....I'm stuck with lines, plot, and devastatingly handsome hero of an entirely different story getting in the way. I should want to cry, yell, scream, pound my head against the wall to make it stop -- but all I want to do is write.

Wendy, I love ya babe! But I hope you're ready for the ride :-) It should be -- interesting!

Guess I've bored you enough for tonight......

2004-10-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

Alot of people ask me who Zeb Atlas is. Well this, my friends, is the man. Too damned hot for words....Zeb babe, you are truly blessed!

An unhappy reader...

2004-10-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so he wasn't just unhappy. He was pissed. Pissed at whom? Me. Why? Cause I disappointed him with my story direction.

As a writer, I completely understand that the readers are all going to gain something different from a piece of the story. As a writer, I expect negative feedback and less than pleasant critiques...

I'll show you a bit of the letter -- not all -- but some. It just felt *gasp* personal. He startes out saying that he thought my writing was publishable...umm....thanks...kinda knew that already. But then he launches into this -- here goes:

And then I read chapter 24 yesterday and was completely revolted by it. This chapter is totally out of character and totally out of touch with the rest of the story. The only way the Richard of the first 23 chapters would have had sex with the monster Broussard would have been under the influence of drugs and he obviously wasn't. He not only voluntarily had sex with a man he detested, a man who had caused extreme pain to those he loved, but he enjoyed it, said it was the best sex of his life. You expect the reader to believe that because he was 'turned on' he forgot about everything else. The Richard you introduced us to would never have done that. That he did do that means that to me he is now a monster in the same category as Broussard. I now longer care what happens to him. I no longer want him to get back together with Ryan. I especially hope he is never even in the same county as Andrew.

Umm, this is ok to a point -- because it's his opinion and what he's personally understanding. But then there was this:

You've lost me. You destroyed the story by losing control of yourself, by going off on some extreme whim. Maybe you're the one on drugs. My friend encouraged me to go on with the story. He and another friend also nearly gave up after chapter 24. He said the story goes back to the same kind of story it was before, that chapter 24 was an aberration, out of place, overly extreme and really was a mistake, but the story does recover. Tonight I tried to start chapter 25 but after just a few minutes gave up. Your hero is now a villain to me and I just don't want to read any more about him.

And blah, blah, blah....

But OUCH! That kinda hurt. I lost alot of readers after the shift in the story...but most of them trudged along, dealing with the shit that my precious Richard had to go through. The readers who are still with me today -- they've been able to see the point in the horrid events -- or most of them at least.

*GASP*

And he thinks I'm on DRUGS! LOL! It would probably be funny if I'd had something to drink before reading it. Just kidding!

*sigh*

But anyways, for people to think that I lost control of MYSELF and got carried away.....that's a little disconcerting. I knew what I was doing at the time -- and it all made sense.

What was worse...the hubby agreed with the reader, saying that he thought he was right about the shift in the story. (Not that hubby will actually read the entire story because of all of the HOT man-sex, but he knows enough to comment on) I wanted to shoot darts at hubby's ass last night.

I know, I know -- thick skin in the writing biz. But still, it shook my newly acquired oh-so-confident feeling when writing. Am I going to wonder about everything now?

Am I going to hold back so I don't offend people? As much as I want to -- I know that is the last thing I need to do. I did it with my first book because I thought people wouldn't be able to handle the graphic content, then ending up fucking myself up completely. Now I can't even get a decent rewrite out of it without totally changing the story again.

*sigh again -- yes, I know I do that alot*

Feeling like I've shed a little blood in battle. The scar will probably linger for a long time to come -- and might even be a hindrance in the next battle.......

I've been reading more than I should...

2004-10-02T23:54:00.000-05:00

and when I do that -- I'm not writing as much as I should.

Ordered "Trust Fund Boys" by Rob Byrnes a couple of weeks back. I put it up on the shelf, determined to read it when I didn't feel rushed with getting chapters done. I swear the damned book kept moving itself away from the others, making sure I noticed it.

I finally gave in and pulled the book from the shelf, telling myself that I'd just read a chapter and then get back to work. Seventeen parts and theories and 6 hours later, I've finished the book. So much for working heh?

The story was fun, witty, and so cleverly crafted. The characters were so very well developed and even though I wanted to choke him at times, I loved Brett! The plot is filled with twists and turns, but they're solid.

Rob Byrnes is an incredible author. I did a search and found another book written by him (Rob Byrnes, in case didn't get that the first 2 times I wrote it) titled: "The Night We Met". I've ordered it and am still waiting on the mail. I LOVE super-saver shipping but HATE the long delivery time.

I want it and I want it NOW! *stomping feet and being so very childish* I can't help myself --it's my generation. Yeah, that's a good excuse!

Anyway...you should really check the author out. I don't push too many books, but this one's worth it. Incredibly entertaining!

Just in case Rob Byrnes should ever pass through here....I bought your book dammit! -- and loved it.

*should have titled the email "How many times can I say Rob Byrnes..."

Poppers...

2004-09-30T00:26:00.000-05:00

Went out to dinner last night evening with the in-laws. Quaint little Mexican food restaurant, family owned. I'm sitting scouring the menu, trying to figure out if I'm going to be brave and order something different this time. After failing to find anything remotely interesting, other than my normal taco salad, I put the menu down on the table. My mother in law says, "So, what looks good on the appetizers". Now me, being on a low-carb thing, I hardly ever look at the appetizer list. But tonight, I glance down and what do I see as the first thing listed?? Poppers. OMG! I must be writing too many one-handed reads because the first thing that comes to mind are little vials of amyl nitrate. Shit. I lean over to hubby and say, "Maybe they have a back room..."

He knows where my mind is—in the gutter where it normally resides, and laughs at my giggling over poppers. I should have felt bad…but it just wasn't in the cards. This is a family establishment where they encourage you to pray before you eat the meal. Those poor people couldn't have known that someone would see their oh-so-innocent way of making out the menu. Or could they? Who knows, only that it really made me laugh and gave the evening a little kick.

Hehehe, mother in law ended up getting Poppers *snickering* although I think her poppers will give her little more than a bad case of heartburt tonight when the jalepenos start a revolt.

Perhaps I've been writing one-handed reads for way too long for Poppers to be such a familiar, yet perverted, thing to me.

*sigh*

I'm off to read the rest of "Male Model".

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

2004-06-29T21:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here's to start the new damned blog. What happened to my old one and all of my old posts, I don't fucking know.

*sigh*

It also seems that the templates and shit have been changed as well. It took me a while to figure out the old one -- hopefully this won't take too long. So forgive me if the pages look odd ;-)

Oh well...here's to starting something new -- yet again.

Jourdan Lane

Update: Clarity and Mark of the Beast

New Interview at Queentutt's World of Escapism!

Surrender Available as Single Shot Classic

*waves*

Torquere Press Celebrates 7th Anniversary!

A Few Things...

FYI: Soul Mates: Bound By Blood (Kindle Edition) and Amazon

Do you Twitter? Facebook?

New Release: Mark of the Beast

Soul Mates 5 - Questions?

Update -- January 4th, 2009

New Release - Soul Mates: Secrets

Updates as of 08-16-08

Spiked is out!!

Holiday Sip out at Torquere Press!

Update -- 11/26/07

Soul Mates: Sacrifice - Out Now at Torquere Press!

The Call - edited by Rob Knight - Out Now at Torquere Press!

Sword and Sorcery: The Lost Son - Out Today!

New Release - Soul Mates: Deceptions

Contest!!!

Review - Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

Review - Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

Repost - Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

Soul Mates: Bound by Blood

Cock Appreciation Months

Call for Submissions

Offline for a while...

Cowboy Up!

A Rumor Of Angels...

New Release from Ally Blue

Research help needed...

This is getting old...

What's Your Dragon?

Deadline pays off...

Where to start...?

An Interesting Gift...

WTF was I thinking?!?

A Dilemma...

Mentally Exhausted....

Breaking things down...

Snow for Christmas!

*Ugh*

When did it become our right?

Is it just me...

Damned ISP's...

Dirty thoughts...

I am a mean, evil...

Calendars for 2005

Distractions....

Deadlines...

Thanksgiving...

What's worse than...

Who the hell did I piss off?

Ooh, Contributor's Copies...

Just passing it on...

Bad Monday...

The quest for an agent...

Cute little video...

Help finding a name...

Not a good day....

Scary Halloween Costumes

Figuring it out....

Speed-reading at its finest...

What? and Why?.....

The AFA and Procter & Gamble

Book Cover....

I can't believe it...

Working backwards....

An unhappy reader...

I've been reading more than I should...

Poppers...

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

waves

Ugh