Wheeee!

Two great reviews for Poseidon VII just been posted on the net. One new and one ages old but just finally made public. And here they are:

A five rating from Just Erotic Romance Reviews.
A four angel rating from Fallen Angel Reviews.

Hey, I have to boast a little now and then :)

S.J.

Astral Projection and Other Forms of Cheap Travel

Here's a concept that is vastly fascinating: astral projection. Now, while I've never been able to put this theory into practice myself, my father claimed to have been able to do so on several occasions.

The first time he left his body, he'd been lying in bed waiting to fall asleep while staring at an imaginary white dot on the ceiling. He described the dot as getting larger at it grew ever closer, until he passed through it. The next thing he saw was a man and woman in bed. It wasn't until the man looked up that he realized he looked down on himself. He said it scared him so badly he immediately hit his body with a jerk. It was so violent, it woke my mother who wanted to know what the hell was wrong with him.

Now, I can't say for sure if dear old dad actually traveled out of his body, but he believed he did, so I'll take him at his word.

While reading up on astral projection—or more accurately out-of-body experiences—the OBE is classified as a psi, but not necessarily a paranormal event. Or so says Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experiences. Instead, it describes it as a "mental exercise in an altered state of consciousness." All right, I'll go with that. But if you break down all paranormal experiences aren't they in some part an extension of an altered state?

Near-death experiences, psychic readings, and channeling all have that commonality of being in an altered state. Hynopsis would qualify as well, but I'm not so keen on including that unless it's pared down to self-hynopsis alone. With each of these scenarios there is some sort of traveling involved, even if it's just to "read" impressions left on an object.

So, what's the interest in astral projection? Well, I've always been a person who likes to explore how far the mind can take us. There is so much untapped potential in our brains, it should be possible not only to travel to distant places, but take extended vacations should we so choose. I really like what Harper's says about this type of psychic movement. It reads: "A phenomenon in which a person feels separated from his or her physical body and seems to be able to travel to distant locations on Earth or nonworldly realms."

Nonworldly realms. That's right up my alley!

I have several stories brewing that use some type of astral projection or OBE as the basis for the paranormal plot. One is about a woman who dreams nightly of walking the streets of Gettysburgh, searching for something she can't seem to find. When she travels there, the locals look to her as if they've seen a ghost...and truely they have. For while she's sleeping, she's actually traveling and is mistaken in her astral body for one of the ghosts of Gettysburg. Of course there will be some reason she's pulled there nightly, a mystery to solve, a real ghost to put to sleep, or some such like that...

...hmmmm, maybe I'll try booking passage on the mind train and go do some research.

-Kat

Covering Up!

A.K.A. Where on earth has it been?

You’ve just watched the latest show of Jerry Springer and discovered that perhaps sex could have an unpleasant side to it. After all, how long have you known this superlover of yours. And, let’s face it, to become a superlover requires practice, lots of practice. Just how many disease-ridden trollops did he learn his craft with, hmm? Okay, so a year and a half after you first took him to bed seems a little late to think about safe sex but, hell, who says you can’t make up for lost time.

The difficult part is presenting your case and having your beau agree. Should you surreptitiously just slip a Trojan on him when he’s not looking? Should you have the latex surgically attached to his nether regions for worry-free sex? Or perhaps you need to seriously reconsider your relationship because you just know his dipstick is checking out every sump in town. Never fear, Agent Double D.3 has risked life, limb and a million dollars of shares in the local prophylactic factory to bring you this special report -- Where on Earth has it been?

Agent Double D.3 reports:

1. Vampires: These fellas have been around for years. Before you were even born he’s had his share of roman orgies, naked druid sex orgies, er, religious rites. Not to mention he probably knew every whore in regency London by name and pubic hair type. Being dead kinda makes you immune to worring about things like AIDS, herpes and all those other little problems that score better on a scrabble board than on a date. But hang on for a bit and don’t immediately go for the emasculation/surgically-implanted-latex-condom solution. Being dead also means those little bugs and viral things can’t live in him either, though they can live a few short days on his skin. So, just as long as you scour his genitals with bleach and scouring powder every time before sex you’ll get along fine. If he starts to complain, well, that’s why you do it pantiless, of course…

2. Werewolves: The one thing you’ve got going for you here is that wolves mate until death. Unfortunately werewolves also tend to live a trifle longer than humans. Regardless, it means he will have had far fewer sexual encounters than his cousin the vampire. All you need to do is keep a handy thirty pack of condoms ready (that should last a couple of days) and insist on him using them. At least make him use them until the werewolf doctor has done the necessary tests and pronounced him clear. After that toss the icky things into the local recycling bin (remember colored condoms in the pink bin, plain in the white and bumpy ones in the red.) Does he feel unhappy with this state of affairs? Console him a little by tossing him a few pounds of prime rib and then artfully present yourself, pantiless and whipped cream at the ready, for dessert.

3. Ghosts: I don’t care how many condoms you buy, or how small you get them. There ain’t no way you’re going to get one to stick on this guy no matter how hard you try. Not that it matters much since physical contact isn’t your lover’s forte and even if he had a dozen lovers most bacterium will either freeze to death on contact or beat a hasty retreat to the other side of the hosts body. Be tactful, though. Your research may have determined his probable cause of death as a hefty dose of syphilis but it’s wise not to bring it up. After all, wouldn’t you rather experience the soft chills of lustful fingers than a dead man’s cold shoulder?

4. Invisible men: Don’t listen to him. Yes, we all know he is a brilliant, nay, genius of a scientist. In this instance, though, he is wrong. Just be cause he is invisible doesn’t mean the STD bugs can’t see him to infect him. Don’t be fooled by his elongated explanation of invisible condoms either. If he doesn’t wear his cover provided by you, he’s not getting under your cover either. Of course, once he’s been given the all clear by the doc, no problem. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to spray a little disinfectant over his bits when you start each lust filled session. A girl has to look after herself, you know.

5. Mermen: For some obscure reason merfolk appear to be immune to almost all of the regular STD’s. Your main problem lass, you guessed it, is crabs. And we’re talking huge suckers here not your regular run-of-the-mill guys. And watch out for those barnacles too. The best thing is to keep your legs clammed shut until you’ve performed the only known cure. Have him sit his naked butt in a pot of boiling water until you’ve cooked those suckers good. A year or two later, after he’s fully recovered, reward him with a special wine, dinner and pantiless evening. Crabcakes always go down well…

6. Incubus: Safe sex? Trust me hon, there ain’t enough condoms in the world to deal with this guy’s needs. Best if you stick with your friend Rosy Palmer on this one and let the rest of the world succumb to his disease-ridden blaze of glory. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a nice stable werewolf next time around.

7. Djinn: Mention AIDS to a djinn and you’ll find your living room suddenly full of half a dozen highly competent assistants. Let’s face it. You get a nasty illness, one flick of his tawny braid and boom, you’re in perfect health. As for catching an STD from him, come on. Have you ever seen a sick genie? (And yeah, we know all about those Persian dancing girls.) So trust him a little, or not. Either way he’ll be magicking those panties away from you in a moment's notice so why not go along with things and just enjoy. Do you really need condoms anyway?

Agent Double D.3 report ends.

13 reviews

Thirteen book reviews that have piqued my interest:

1. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre at Dear Author
   
2. Like a Thief in the Night by Bettie Sharpe at Mrs. Giggles.
3. Heart of the Winter Wolf by Dani Harper at Book Utopia.
4. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly at AAR.
5. Heat of the Night by Sylvia Day at Darque Reviews.
6. Demon Night by Meljean Brook at The Good, The Bad, The Unread.
7. Beautiful Girl by Shiloh Walker at I Just Finished Reading…
8. General Winston's Daughter by Sharon Shinn at AAR.
9. No Commitment Required by Seressia Glass at Dear Author.
10. Paul's Dream by Rowan McBride at Book Utopia.
11. Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty at Karen Scott's.
12. Dawn's Awakening by Lora Leigh at The Good, The Bad, The Unread.
13. The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne at Dear Author.

Well, obviously I read reviews at Dear Author! But also a number of other sites. The last, 13, I've even bought and is on my tbr pile.

So which reviews have you read lately that got you interested in a book?

Jenn's Addiction

People always seem to ask me the same question in chats, or interviews, "What inspires you to write your stories?" Though, sometimes, I get the feeling what they want to ask is, "What in the heck are you smoking?" After thinking about it, though, I've realized that I am an addict of sorts and what I'm jonesin' for is books, movies, and music, and here lately, I've figured out that I am even a little bit of a television-phile. But like many, I never knew what I had until it was gone. *sniffles*

Movies(and television to a certain extent) are pure visual escapism where I can just watch the story unfold. It's harder for me to do that if the movie in question is based on a book I've already read. My brain can't mesh the book/movie versions and I end up frustrated instead of happy. Although, a hot hunkolicious man in the lead role doesn't hurt my feelings any.

Books have been my friends for over thirty years. I'm a total book-hewoor. If you have a book, you may not want to lend it to me. While I won't hurt it, there is the chance that I will think of it as my own once I've taken it into my bookcave to fondle, er.. I mean read.

A truly great song can carry me heights of happiness and fling me to the pits of despair from one chorus to the next. My tastes are eclectic, from metal, classical, to hiphop and yes, I know you're surprised to hear it, even the pure sweet twang of a sad country song. While this one is the most conducive to my creativity as I can listen to it while writing, it can distract me as well, so I have to strike a precarious balance between feeding my addictions and working.


Of course, when all the others pale, there is always that old standby....

CHOCOLATE!!

*pauses for a moment of silence*

Whatever your addiction is, feed it every once in a while, because indulging yourself can be a great way to fuel your creativity.

Happy Wednesday and Happy Writing,


Jenna

January 29 New Releases

This week, we have 3 paranormal or fantasy releases with a trio of *amazing* covers, so I uploaded them all! You may see some familiar names in this mix:

"A Spell for Susannah" by Jody Wallace
Genre: Fantasy Romance
ISBN: 1-59998-872-0
Length: Plus Novel
Price: 6.50
Publication Date: January 29, 2008
Cover art by Christine Clavel

A not-ready-for-Disney fairy tale.

***
"In the Shadow of the Selkie" by M. A. duBarry
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-874-7
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: January 29, 2008
Cover art by Vanessa Hawthorne

In the dangerous world of the selkie underground, a selkie vampire king and a mortal woman join forces to fight the queen of darkness that would destroy them all.

***
"Princess of Thieves" by Gia Dawn
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-018-5
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50
Publication Date: January 29, 2008
Cover art by Anne Cain

Cross a lawyer with a tale-spinning thief and throw in three meddling fairy godmothers. Result? Magical mayhem, hidden evils and dangerous desire! Demons of Dunmore, Book 3

***

Jody W.
A SPELL FOR SUSANNAH--Available now from Samhain Publishing
http://www.jodywallace.com/ * http://meankittybox.blogspot.com/

Two Veilers with Releases This Week!

Congratulations Jody Wallace and Gia Dawn, who both have books releasing today from Samhain Publishing!

Click the author links in the sidebar for ordering information.

Big changes afoot!

Dear readers,

You may have noticed there are quite a few new authors' covers over in the sidebar. That's because starting Feb. 1, the authors of the Fantasy and Enchantment blog will be merging with Beyond the Veil! We're all terribly excited and happy to have these fabulous authors on board. They are: Dayna Hart, Gia Dawn, Jean Marie Ward, Melissa Lopez, and Rebecca Goings. Christine Norris, another Samhain author, will be joining us as well.

The new merged blog will still be called "Beyond the Veil" and for now we're not moving anywhere. The only noticable difference will be that our tagline is going to change to reflect the change in focus, from "just" paranormal, to paranormal and fantasy.

Each author will be blogging roughly once a month, with a lot more wiggle room in the schedule for guest bloggers, contests, special projects, whatever strikes our fancy.

Also, while I'm at it, I hope you'll join me in welcoming back S.J. Willing! S.J.'s been offline for a little while as he deals with moving to a new house and all that goes with it. We've missed him terrible and overjoyed to have him - and Agent Double D3 - back in rotation!

Well, I've got to get back to adding rooms to the BtV Castle Keep. The faeries are all going to want corner chambers. Hmm, I think the stables will need to be expanded as well - all those dragons moving in, ya know. *sigh* So much to do! Must make a note to call in the Kilted Construction Crew to help out...



Slan,
Carolan
www.carolanivey.com

How Long Should It Be?

A.K.A. Cutting it close, indeed

So, you’ve been going steady now for a few months. Life is good, the dates are good, the visits to the folks were good and the sex, bless his dark soulless heart, is fantastic. Yet during one of those steaming, make-me-scream-double-and-pull-the-ceiling-down orgasms you noticed, running your fingers through his hair, that he’s had the same old style for absolutely ever. Okay, we know his lifestyle, trepidation of sharp implements, and the fear of a gay Mr. Universe covered in tattoos fawning over him; will prevent him from getting anywhere near a barber shop. You’ve decided, then, to take matters into your own hands and forced your, rather reluctant, beau to sit in towel-wrapped-around-neck glory in your easy-to-sweep-the-floor kitchen. The trouble is, now you have all the implements of the expert coiffeur neatly stacked beside you, you have no idea what to do.

Never fear our special Agent Double D.3 has risked life, limb and fingertips in barbershops nationwide to bring you this exclusive report on everything you need to know to trim those silky locks. Can’t tell the shears from the snips? Find yourself sticking the comb into his ear each time? Not sure what the difference between a thinner and a trimmer is? Then come on in, take a seat, fluff up the apron and read Agent Double D.3’s special report on Cutting it close, indeed.

Agent Double D.3 reports :

1. Vampires: Don’t ask me why but these fellas, in spite of being dead, still grow hair. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ve heard all the arguments about polylactic acetyl enzymes and the maturity effect of vampire life magic. But let’s face it, it’s just a bloody nuisance having to untangle those long raven locks of his every time he takes a quick feast while on his way home and gets blood clots stuck in them. That’s another three hours wasted tending to him in the coffin when you could have been spending his hard bitten cash in the local fashion show. So, treat your fella to a nice short style, one that keeps the hair out of his eyes and well away from any unsuspecting wench’s neck. Rub in a goodly amount of garlic oil and the feisty stuff might not even grow for a while. What? He wants to know what you’re both going to do about being pantyless? Hell, nothing. You’re not sticking your face anywhere near him until that garlic smell wears off. Geesh, men!

2. Werewolves: This might be the first time you hear your werewolf lover whimper. Unfortunately it has nothing to do with the unbridled lust he feels at learning you’re without panties, and more to do with the loss of his wondrous, silken coat of fur. Never mind that the aforementioned silken coat is matted with mud, twigs, the entrails of moonlight feasts and literally crawling with bugs and other creatures that you dare not name. Be lenient with him though, leave him a reasonable head of hair, say, to just above his shoulders. After all, even the most timid of prey would likely laugh themselves to death at the sight of a bald wolf. If you feel this task is a little beyond you just take him to the nearest Petco grooming station. Make sure to bring his doggie treats with you and maybe you’ll get a treat back home…

3. Ghosts: Now you’re trying to make me laugh, yeah? I mean. Ghost, like, ghost. Yeah? Since when have you literally been able to grab this guy and hold him still for anything, let alone a haircut. Okay, so the sex is great, and you really get a thrill out of an ectoplasmic orgasm. But that’s not actual physical contact, right? This guy just doesn’t exist in a solid form and any attempt to trim his hair is likely to leave you with more than a few dozen nicks in your fingers. For this one gals, just take the easy route out. Exorcise him and keep hunting round till you find a ghost with the hair style you like. It will be so much simpler in the long run.

4. Invisible men: 1: Place mannequin head on table. 2: Sit in chair. 3: Place lovers wig on mannequin head. 4: Style to your hearts content. Hey, why waste energy trying to do the impossible. And think of all that extra time he’ll have to reward you for the panty free styling. Just wanted to mention it.

5. Mermen: The main problem here is the salt. Well, okay, the salt, the limpets, the barnacles, the… First thing is take him to your private swimming pool (or bathtub) and hold him underwater for, oooh, let’s say seven hours to begin with. Tie him there if necessary, after all this is for his own good. Come back every two hours to tease him about your pantyless state and ruffle his hair good. Remember to bring a chisel and hammer too, since some of them clam things really don’t want to give up their homesteading rights. At the end of the week, when he’s finally salt and shell free, sit his surly butt in the kitchen and snip those wavy bushels of hair to a nice buzz cut. After all he doesn’t really need hair, it just slows him down when he’s swimming. If he’s up to it afterwards, take him to the bedroom and remind him of your pantyless disposition, maybe he’ll return the buzz cut favor…

6. Incubus: Let’s face it, you’re gonna have sex. Aint nothing you can do which isn’t going to make this guy crazy in love with you, so make sure you do the styling naked. Preferably bent over the kitchen island and singing “Sweet mysteries of life,” while you do. Who knows, maybe twelve or a hundred orgasms later you might actually have given him a decent crew cut. It’s worth a try, eh?

7. Djinn: Djinn’s, alas, love their braids. It’s as if the braid holds their very life force in place and they would rather die than have it trimmed. Of course, he’s very welcome to spend the rest of his life in the bottle… Once he’s finally come around to your way of thinking don’t be too harsh on him. Chop off an inch a day on the braid thing. With a bit of luck he won’t use magic to regrow it back too quickly and you’ll have him with a sexy just-below-the-ear style in less than a year. If all else fails, well, there’s bound to be another magic lamp somewhere in the world.

Agent Double D.3 report ends.

Thirteen Paranormal and Fantasy books Coming Soon

Thirteen Paranormal and Fantasy books Coming Soon

1 - In the Shadow of the Selkie by M. A. duBarry - In the dangerous world of the selkie underground, a selkie vampire king and a mortal woman join forces to fight the queen of darkness that would destroy them all. Publication Date: January 29, 2008




2 - Princess of Thieves by Gia Dawn - Cross a lawyer with a tale-spinning thief and throw in three meddling fairy godmothers. Result? Magical mayhem, hidden evils and dangerous desire! Publication Date: January 29, 2008


3 - Into the Mist by Maya Banks - One woman’s mission to bring down a sexy elemental shifter turns into a battle of wills…and hearts. Publication Date: February 5, 2008


4 - The King's Daughter by MC Halliday - As a dark web of spells closes in, Magaith may be Sygtryg’s only hope—and she his only destiny. Publication Date: February 5, 2008

5 - Stripped Away by Sydney Somers - Quinn excels at slaying demons. But betrayal is the one demon she never saw coming. Publication Date: February 5, 2008


6 - Lights, Camera…Monsters by Lila Dubois - When monsters need a makeover, they head for the one place that can make it happen. Hollywood. -Publication Date: February 12, 2008



7 - The Trouble with Kings by Sherwood Smith - Princess Flian finds herself the unwilling object of desire of three royals. Is the one she wants a villain—or a hero? - Publication Date: February 12, 2008


8 - Savage Retribution by Lexxie Couper - An animal rights activist is about to get a crash course in werewolves. One she may not survive. Publication Date: February 19, 2008



9 - Davin's Quest by Bianca D'Arc - Which man will Callie choose, the alien or the warrior? Or can she have both? Publication Date: February 19, 2008


10 - To Tempt a Wolf by Colette Denee - The best way to tempt a wolf? Offer something irresistibly sweet. Publication Date: February 26, 2008

11 - Standoff by Lauren Dane - It’s the law of the Pack—or anarchy. Publication Date: March 4, 2008



12 - Dark Prince of Anfall by Ciar Cullen - The bad boy Elf of Anfall shifts his way into a Texas Ranger’s heart. Publication Date: March 7, 2008


13 - Night Rhythm by Charlene Teglia - He’s waited centuries for her rebirth. Can he persuade her to love again? Publication Date: March 7, 2008

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Belated New Releases from January 22, 2008

I'm two days late posting, but these books are still enjoying their first seven days of release. Samhain had a very paranormal and futuristic week! Make sure you check out:

“Magnetic Attraction” by Mandy M. Roth
Genre: Romantic SciFi-Futuristic, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-867-4
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50

No matter how many light years you run, the past is never far behind.

***

“Master of Disaster” by Lani Aames
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-869-0
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

If you held the fate of the world in your hands…what would you do?

***

“Starbound” by Kassie Burns
Genre: Romantic SciFi-Futuristic, Red Hots!
ISBN: 1-59998-870-4
Length: Category
Price: 4.50

Four lovers’ lives are torn apart by a despotic race bent on sexual slavery.

***

“The Host: Shadows” by MK Mancos
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 1-59998-871-2
Length: Novel
Price: 5.50

Sometimes the things that go bump in the night are there to protect the innocent.

***

Jody W.
A SPELL FOR SUSANNAH--January 29, 2008, Samhain Publishing
http://www.jodywallace.com/ * http://meankittybox.blogspot.com/

Training a Puppy and Writing

I did something this past holiday season that I’ve never done before. I took more than one consecutive day off from writing! After the passing of my beloved dog, Wiggles, I emotionally spiraled downward for awhile. It was difficult to write without his head and paws resting on top of my feet.

But life does go on. After mourning Wiggles for a few weeks, I decided it was time to find another dog. Although I still had my two other dogs—Maxie and Lady—the house simply felt like it was missing something without that third dog. So, after an extensive search, Sammy came into my life.

I’d forgotten how exciting, tumultuous and frenetic life can be with a puppy. Yet as I chased him around the yard trying to pull grass and twigs out of his mouth (like many puppies, he’ll put most anything in his mouth), it suddenly occurred to me just how similar raising a puppy and handling a writing career can be. Let me share those similarities.

Similarity Number One: Sometimes it’s fun, but sometimes it’s just plain hard work. Puppies are cute and cuddly. Puppies are funny and lovable. Puppies, however, are just plain hard work. From watching them every second to trying to housetrain them, they take a lot of time and effort. Unlike human babies, they are also extremely mobile in those first few weeks. During the first couple of months with Sammy, I found myself wishing I could slap a diaper on him and strap him into a cradle. No such luck.

Don’t get me wrong. I love puppies. I am a true dog fanatic. However, I also love to write. I’ve written in one form or another all my life. I’ll never give it up. Plus, once I’ve finished a book, I’m thrilled and proud of what I’ve accomplished. Writing can be great fun. However, there are other days when putting my butt in my chair and getting to work is the last thing I want to do. I’d rather go shopping. I’d rather go out to lunch. But writing is what I do. It’s my profession. So I take the hard work along with the enjoyment.

Similarity Number Two: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Of course, you can guess what I’m talking about, can’t you? Training a puppy to do his business in the yard—and not on my clean carpet—is a full-time job. There were accidents and there were other times when I would’ve sworn Sammy peed on my carpet on purpose. You know. Just to get my goat. Heck, at times he did it while staring directly at me as though saying, “Oh, yeah? You don’t want me to pee inside where it’s warm and dry? Ha! Watch this, lady!”

Believe it or not, training a pup is a lot like writing. For instance, when I write a scene, I turn on the internal editor and just write it. However, I know from experience that the first version is never exactly the way I want it. The first draft is never complete. Never perfect. Never “placed” in the right spot. Just like Sammy’s sometimes pitiful attempts to poo in the right spot. But, just like with Sammy, I don’t give up. I try and try again and know that, eventually, I’ll get what I want and where I want it.

Similarity Number Three: What comes out is sometimes *#&*. Yep, you got it right. For the first three weeks of his life with me, Sammy had a parasite that turned his stool to mush. It was awful and it stunk to you-know-where. So, being a good dog owner, I followed the vet’s instruction and gave him medicine three times each day for three weeks.

You can see where I’m going with this, can’t you? Sometimes what I write is good. At times, it’s very good (if I do say so myself). But at other times, it’s just plain terrible. That’s when I go back to the beginning and work to turn &^%* into something good.

Similarity Number Four: The result is not always what you wanted when you started. I agree with Forest Gump’s mamma. Life is like a box of chocolates because you don’t always know what you’ll get. Puppies are supposed to grow up to be what you bought, right? A shih-tzu isn’t going to turn into a Doberman, right? Well, okay, maybe. I have one shih-tzu who was sold to me as a full-bred shih-tzu. However, he’s much bigger, much brawnier than any shih-tzu I’ve seen. I think he must be part Lab. But it’s okay. I still love the big lug.

Books are often the same way. I’ve written books thinking they were funny and light-hearted only to have readers email me to say they cried through much of the book. Okay, sure. Most of my books contain the gamut different emotions. Still, as the author, I have a certain impression of each book. Fortunately and unfortunately, the reader’s impression can be totally different from mine. And it’s okay. I still love my readers.

Similarity Number Five: Feedback is good and bad. Puppies give feedback in non-verbal ways. A snuggle in your lap says “I trust you.” A rapid succession of licks on the cheek says “I love you.” Yet not all their feedback is good. A slight nip on the hand can say “I don’t like what you’re doing.”

Writing is the same. Whether it’s a reader emailing to rave about my latest release or a reviewer trashing the book, feedback can vary widely. As a professional, I know this is true and, as a dog owner, I’ve learned to appreciate the good feedback and use the negative one for learning a good lesson.

Similarity Number Six: Even with the bad, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Okay, I admit it. Getting used to a new puppy and training a new member of the household is daunting. At times, I regretted my decision to get another dog. But the first time Sammy rested his head and paws on my feet while I was writing, I knew I wouldn’t have traded him for the world.

Writing is often frustrating, aggravating, annoying, perplexing, thankless and worse. But when push comes to shove, I know the joy and benefits outweigh everything else. So, with Sammy at my feet, I’ll keep on writing.

Beverly Rae - www.beverlyrae.com

Giggle, Gasp & Sigh with a Beverly Rae Romance

Futuristic Romances Pre-2004: A Very Long List

Bianca's post yesterday got me thinking about a newsletter I used to helm called the Science Fiction Romance Newsletter. I handed over the masthead in time, and the newsletter is no longer active, but at one time I gathered what I felt was the most complete list of futuristic romances from mainstream publishers available at the time. I was a regular list maniac. I had many lists. I narrowed my lists into subgenres and ended up having different lists for releases from mainstream romance houses, mainstream sf/f houses, and small presses because the lists became too unwieldy when combined.

On this particular list, I combined current day or first contact romances with space opera, future Earth, time travel with/from future Earth, and different planets. This list also doesn't take into account when authors have gotten their rights back and re-released the books for a new and adoring public to appreciate.

Anyway, I've wanted to update this list for years, and I thought I'd share it here if anyone is interested in its "historical" significance. Also, maybe making it public will force me to begin the task of updating. The last time I weeded this garden was -- ouch! -- early 2004. I'm sure you folks can help, too! Right? Right? :) The links should take you to the books' summaries at Amazon, or they did when they existed on the old site.

So, do you remember many of these old gems? Not that they're all antiques, but do you know which one of these was released the earliest? Did you know there were *this many* released before today's yummy boom of sf romances?

Anthologies: Charmed, Enchanted Crossings, In Our Dreams, Lovescape, A Mother's Way, Night Magic, The Only One, Out of This World, Silent Night, Summer Love.
Archer, Jennifer: Shocking Behavior.
Arnold, Judith: A> Loverboy (HA 389).
Ashley, Amanda: The Captive, Deeper Than the Night, Sunlight/Moonlight.
Avery, Anne: All's Fair, A Distant Star, "Dream Seeker" in Enchanted Crossings, Far Star, Hidden Heart.
Baker, Madeline: Beneath a Midnight Moon, Warrior's Lady.
Ballard, Patricia: By Honor Bound.
Bangs, Nina: Night Games, An Original Sin (Wink & A Kiss, 3).
Barbieri, Elaine: Dance of the Flame.
Barry, CJ: Unearthed, Unraveled.
Bennett, Janice: Amethyst Moon.
Brandewyne, Rebecca: Beyond the Starlit Frost, Passion Moon Rising.
Brockman, Susan: Time Enough for Love (Loveswept, No 858).
Burke, Cinnamon: Lady Rogue, Rapture's Mist, Ring of Fire.
Campbell, Marilyn: Pyramid of Dreams, Stardust Dreams, Stolen Dreams, Topaz Dreams, Worlds Apart.
Cane, Nancy: Circle of Light, Keeper of the Rings, Moonlight Rhapsody, Starlight Child.
Castle, Jayne: After Dark, Afterglow, Amaryllis, "Bridal Jitters" in Charmed, Harmony, Orchid, Zinnia.
Casto, Jackie: Daughter of Destiny, Dreams of Destiny, The New Frontier.
Cameron, Stella: Early in the Morning in Summer Love.
Cavanaugh, Sara: A Woman in Space.
Conn, Phoebe: Beyond the Stars, Starfire.
Cooper, Astrid: Crystal Dreams.
Copeland, Lori: The Best of Lori Copeland: Out of This World & Forever After.
Cresswell, Jasmine: Midnight Fantasy (Harlequin Temptation 574.
Davis, Justine: Lord of the Storm, The Skypirate.
Dawson, Saranne: Crystal Enchantment, From the Mist, Greenfire, Spell Bound, Star-Crossed, Starlight, Starbright Note: See books missing? Ms. Dawson has several books in the fantasy romance subgenre as well.
Deauxville, Katherine: Out of the Blue.
Delinsky, Barbara: The Outsider.
Elizabeth, Suzanne: Till the End of Time.
Estrada, Rita Clay: Forms of Love (Harlequin Temptation #500).
Flanders, Rebecca: Earthbound, Quinn's Way (Harlequin American Romance 558).
Fox, Karen: Somewhere My Love, Sword of MacLeod.
Gill, Judy: Whispers on the Wind.
Gordan, Deborah: Runaway Time.
Grant, Susan: Contact, The Star King, The Star Prince, The Star Princess , The Legend of Banzai Maguire , "The Day Her Heart Stood Still" in A Mother's Way anthology, "The Star Queen" in The Only One anthology, The Scarlet Empress.
Hall, Chloe: Ariel's Dance.
Hansen, Kim: Close Encounter (Harlequin American Romance #604).
Harris, Leann: Hunter's Heart.
Hooper, Kay: Summer of the Unicorn.
Hutchinson, Bobby: Not Quite an Angel (Harlequin Superromance #595.
Jordan, Marilyn: Warrior Moon.
Joy, Dara: Knight of a Trillion Stars, Mine To Take, "My One" in Lovescape, Rejar, Ritual of Proof.
Kauffmann, Donna: The Royal Hunter.
Kendyl, Sharice: To Share a Sunset.
Kenyon, Sherrilyn: Born of the Night, Paradise City.
Knight, Angela: Jane's Warlord.
Krentz, Jayne Ann: Crystal Flame, Shield's Lady, Sweet Starfire.
Krinard, Susan: "Kinsman" in Out of This World, Kinsman's Oath, Star Crossed.
Kyle, Kristen: Nighthawk.
Lee, Carole Ann: Banner's Bonus (Futuristic Romance).
Lindsey, Johanna: Heart of a Warrior, Keeper of the Heart , Warrior's Woman.
Madden, Mickee: One Bright Star.
Mallory, Tess: Jewels of Time, To Touch the Stars.
Maverick, Liz: The Shadow Runners.
Maxwell, Ann: Change, Dancer's Luck, Dancer's Illusion, Fire Dancer, The Jaws of Menx, Timeshadow Rider. Note: Most of the Ann Maxwell books were reprinted by romance publishers except Jaws of Menx, so look for it in the sf/f section of your bookstore.
McCutcheon, Pam: Golden Prophecies, Quicksilver.
McReynolds, Glenna: Prince of Time.
Michels, Christine: Ascent to the Stars (Love Spell), Beneath a Crimson Moon, In Destiny's Arms, In Fugitive Arms.
Morgan, Kathleen: Crystal Fire, Firestar, Firestorm (Five Star), Heart's Lair, Heart's Surrender (Five Star), The Knowing Crystal, Last Gatekeeper (Anthology: Enchanted Crossings). Note: See books missing? Ms. Morgan has several books in the fantasy romance subgenre as well.
Nance, Kathleen: Day of Fire.
O'Shea, Patti: Power of Two, Ravyn's Flight.
Owens, Robin: Heart Duel, HeartMate, Heart Thief.
Piel, Stobie: The Dawn Star, Lord of the Dark Sun, The Midnight Moon, The White Sun.
Popp, Robin: Too Close to the Sun.
Rafferty, Carin: Touch of Night (Dreamspun).
Richards, Emilie: From a Distance (SIM 456), Somewhere Out There (SIM 498).
Robb, J.D.: Betrayal in Death, Ceremony in Death, Conspiracy in Death, Glory in Death, Holiday in Death, Immortal in Death, "Interlude in Death" in Out of This World, Judgment in Death, Loyalty in Death, "Midnight in Death", in the anthology Silent Night, Naked in Death, Rapture in Death, Seduction in Death, Vengeance in Death, Witness in Death.
Roberts, Nora: Time Changes, Time Was (SIM 313).
Rock, Pam: Love's Changing Moon, Moon of Desire, Star Searcher, A World Away.
Roenbeck, Patricia: Golden Conquest, Golden Temptress.
Ross, JoAnn: Moonstruck Lovers (HT 436), Star-Crossed Lovers (HT 432).
Rush, Mallory: Kiss of the Beast (HT 558).
Savery, Jeanne: A Timeless Love (Zebra Regency Romance).
Shayne, Maggie: Out-Of-This-World Marriage (SIM 633).
Sizemore, Susan: After the Storm, Wings of the Storm.
Spangler, Catherine: Shadower, Shamara, Shielder, Shadow Crossing, Shadow Fires.
Speer, Flora: Destiny's Lovers, Lady Lure, No Other Love, Venus Rising. Note: See books missing? Ms. Speer has several books in the time travel romance subgenre as well.
Squires, Susan: Body Electric.
Stewardson, Dawn: Gone With the West (H Super 615), Moon Shadow (H Super 477).
Tarantino, Janice: The Crystal City, The Crystal Prophecy.
Taylor, Janelle: Moonbeams and Magic, Moondust and Madness, Stardust and Shadows, Starlight and Splendor.
Thompson, Trudy: Prisoner of Passion.
Waddell, Patricia: The Alliance (Lionheart), Whispers in the Stars.
Weyrich, Becky Lee: "Stars in her Eyes" in Night Magic.
Williams, Ann: Sam's World (SIM 615).
York, Rebecca: Prince of Time (HI 338), short story in In Our Dreams.
Zimlich, Jan: The Black Rose, Heart's Prey, Not Quite Paradise.

***

So. Let's update! Let me know what mainstream futuristics (or science fiction romances) have come out since 2004. I think we'll need to do a separate list for small press or it will be so long it frightens small children.

(I've got a fantasy romance list I can post as well, also woefully out of date.)

Jody W.
A SPELL FOR SUSANNAH--January 29, 2008, Samhain Publishing
http://www.jodywallace.com/ * http://meankittybox.blogspot.com/

Spec Romance & The Marketplace

Please permit me to show off my latest cover. Ain't it great? The cover is for the print release of my first two Sons of Amber stories, which will be coming out from Phaze in March.

Okay, now that the eye candy portion of this post is done, let's talk about the book market a little. One of my last posts on this blog was about trends in the marketplace. Judging by my experience, paranormal is still very hot, yet the other speculative romance genres are beginning to make headway, much to my delight. My anecdotal evidence of this is the success of my recent paranormal ebook release, Sweeter Than Wine, and the plans being made by my publisher and booksellers for the upcoming print release of Hara's Legacy. (It will be be displayed on endcaps in both Borders and Waldenbooks for a few weeks after its release. Wow!!!)

Frankly, I've been amazed at every turn by the response Hara's Legacy is getting. I remember only a decade ago, when I first tried to sell the idea of a futuristic romance, the bigger publishing houses all rejected me. I stopped writing for a good long time, thinking I'd never be able to tell my kind of stories to the world. Now, it seems, the tide is turning. Although I believe it's still easier to give new ideas a shot with smaller publishers (why I chose to go this route), it seems the larger publishers--and book sellers especially--are starting to take notice of the readers' response to new and innovative storylines.

I think this is a win-win scenario for both writers and readers. Less cookie-cutter plots with the same old characters because big publishers want books that are "just like" something that was successful for another house. More choice for readers with more authors out there and smaller publishers taking chances on innovative works. All in all, it's a good thing for writers like me, and my friends here on BTV. Speaking of which, you may notice some changes around here (not sure if I'm supposed to mention this yet or not) in the coming weeks as we expand our coverage to include other speculative romance areas and more amazing authors. Stay tuned! Exciting things are afoot!

Bianca
Come over to The D'Arc Side... www.biancadarc.com