First Course – The Amuse Bouche
The Girl from Christmas (by Georgia St. Claire) — Lisa’s rescuer is a handsome, somewhat loopy, Italian man waving a sword.
Claiming His Human Wife (by Sue Lyndon) — Can Edwin the Crigon get his mortal wife home safe?
Second Course – The Appetizer
My congratulations go out to my colleagues who have been nominated for the 2016 Golden Flogger Awards, sponsored by BDSM Writers Con. Some of those nominated are: Katherine Deane (for 2 books), Cara Bristol, Maggie Ryan & Laurel Jane, Maddie Taylor, and Darling Adams. I wish each of them the best of luck. If you readers have other authors (spanking fiction, BDSM of various flavors) you’d like to see nominated, you can go here to do so. The books nominated must be published in 2015.
Third Course – The Entrée
I’m coming closer to making a work plan for my 2016. It includes teaching through the mentoring program at Savvy Authors. Teaching is something I find very rewarding. I love being in contact with authors who want a little input from someone who’s been-there-done-that. Since I’ve been in this business since 1993, I’ve pretty much seen it all. As well, I have regular material to impart pertaining to the industry and writing composition. Anyway, I’m looking forward to it.
I will also be working on some short stories. I have no plan to publish them through the usual channels, but I’ve been wanting to work on them, regardless of the way they fit (or don’t fit) into the standard niches. I might publish them to my website, but I haven’t made a decision yet. These will be casual projects without deadlines.
So far, that’s my 2016 plan: light but fun. I’ll be tinkering with it through the end of 2015.
Fourth Course – The Dessert
I got a look at the cover art for Surface (Sonata’s Moon Book One). It’s amazing, with a red/gold theme and a gorgeous cover model that looks just like my Sonata. I can’t reveal it to you; I’m going to surprise you when the book is published. I’m told that will be “this week” sometime. Decadent Publishing is being very mysterious.
Following, is another tidbit from inside the book. In this segment, Sonata has inadvertently ingested a legal hallucinogen (times are different in the next century). She’s pretty loopy, but agrees to go upstairs with Mikhail, who is determined to put her to bed where she can sleep off the drug. Although he’s a bit lustful after her, he’s an honorable guy and wouldn’t take advantage of her like that. She’s his best friend Charles’s girl, which definitely influences his behavior. Here’s a part of their conversation before he tucks her in.
“…If you don’t want to be a virgin anymore, I know Charles would love to relieve your condition. And he’d only be the first in line to offer.” And if Charles is foolish enough to decline, I would happily take his place.
“But he’s so experienced. And almost ten years older.” She licked her lips, and Mikhail had to shake himself mentally. “I just know he’d laugh at me if I told him.” Her eyes lit with sudden eagerness. “Would you tell him for me?”
Mikhail’s jaw dropped. “No. That’s up to you. But if you want my advice….”
Sonata bobbed her head several times.
“Tell him before you agree to share with him. He’ll be gentler with you and teach you what you ought to know.”
The turn of this conversation was so odd Mikhail suppressed a laugh. After this, he’d be the last man to claim any understanding of women. It made no sense this sweet little virgin would be so interested in a jaded cynic like Charles.
“I guess you’re right.” She beamed and giggled. “You’re pretty nice, you know. For a man I mean. Most of them would have tried to…well, you know. That’s why I haven’t taken any drugs before. I need to be cleverer than they are.”
“I’ll bet you do. But, though you may think I’ve forgotten the fact, I am a man, and I believe there may be a woman waiting for me downstairs. So, unless you’ve decided to get cured right here and now, I’m going to go. Why don’t you just lie down like a good girl and let the Cerepause wear off.” It was a command, not a question.
You’ll laugh out loud at what happens next, but that will have to wait until the book is in your hands.
Lesson 1 – Setting Goals