My lair, and welcome to it!

Sleep? What's that?

2012-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

Having a great time here on the east coast, visiting with my good friends Rachel Haimowitz and Liz Silver. Thus far I've taken in two operas (including Puccini's Tosca with the sublime Patricia Racette). Met my Twitter pal Brien Michaels for the first time, and we went to see Darren Criss's Broadway debut in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - and Darren absolutely KILLED it! Oh, and I FINALLY saw Fass in A Dangerous Method.

On the agenda for this week: apartment hunting, writing, one more opera (Faust with Joseph Calleja and Marina Poplavskaya), and Fass's new movie Haywire - where he apparently gets his ass kicked by a woman!

I have a feeling I'm going to be VERY TIRED when I get home a week from Tuesday, but it'll be a GOOD kind of tired! :)

Oh, and lest I forget - Once a Marine has been nominated for Best GLBT Book in the LRC Best of 2011 Awards! If you can spare a moment, I'd love your vote. Go here and leave a comment.

And now, back to having way too much FUN! :-)

Wanna see something purty?

2012-01-11T06:09:00.001-08:00

Feast your eyes on THIS!!

It's the final cover for book one of Rachel Haimowitz's & my epic m/m kinkapalooza! Keep your eyes peeled for Power Play: Resistance, coming Spring 2012!

Up, up & away!

2012-01-10T05:54:00.001-08:00

Here I am, wide awake at a quarter till six in the AM. Have to leave for the airport in 2 hours. I'm flying out to NYC to visit with my BFF (and editor and co-author) Rachel Haimowitz for a couple of weeks. Going apartment-hunting in Jersey, taking in the opera and the dreaaaamy Darren Criss in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

And somewhere in the midst of all this FUN, Rachel & I need to get in some work (possibly even FINISH!) book #2 in our hardcore m/m kinkapalooza, Power Play. Sleep? What's that?

Methinks some Dramamine is in order, so I can get some shuteye on the plane.

Watch this space for pictures! :-)

Another announcement!

2012-01-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

I'm happy - and touched and AMAZED! - to announce that Once a Marine has been nominated for Best GLBT Book in the LRC Loop Best of 2011 Awards!

Watch this space for voting instructions!

My new year's resolutions? Drink less, eat more sensibly. Exercise at LEAST 4 times a week. Write my ASS off!

Time to get started! :-)

Giveaway winners announced!!

2012-01-01T08:38:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Here's the moment you've all been waiting for, so...

::drumroll::

For the Blu-rays of X-Men First Class (I have two!) & The Conspirator, the winners are:

Naaju
Lori
Alex

Drop me a comment & let me know which one you want! First come, first served!

Winner of the GayRomLit swag bag is...

Jayel

And the winner of the grand prize - a Kindle Fire! - is...

MANtastic

Winners, please leave a comment with your email addy, and I will contact you about claiming your prize!

Thanks for playing, everyone! Have a great New Year's! :-)

As the ball drops...

2011-12-31T09:09:00.000-08:00

In Times Square, we bid farewell to 2011!

This year has just flown by for me. In between publishing Entangled Trio, A Fool for You and Once a Marine, I attended RT in LA in April, Authors After Dark in Philly in August and GayRomLit in NOLA in October. And finished Power Play: Resistance, the first half of a m/m total-power-exchange kinkapalooza I'm co-writing with Rachel Haimowitz.

Next year? I plan to move cross country (California to New Jersey), finish up Book #2 of Power Play, rewrite my Courtland books for republication with Riptide, and oh... write two or three new books?

Sleep? What's that??

So, what are your plans for the New Year? :)

My happiest Christmas memory...

2011-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

Was when I was around twelve or thirteen. We'd lost our family pet, a beloved elderly dachshund named Susie, a few months before, and I was begging our parents for a new puppy. But my mother put her foot down - she and Dad had had Susie since before I was born, so her loss hit them hard too.

But on Christmas Eve, my grandmother showed up with this tiny bundle of orange fur in her arms. Her cat had had kittens awhile ago, and she'd brought me one of them. I'd always been a dog person up till then, but my sweet girl Dusty converted me. I've been a cat lover ever since.

So, what's your happiest Christmas memory? Leave a comment & you might just win a GayRomLit swag bag or a Kindle Fire!

Winners will be drawn on Sunday, January 1st! :-)

Get your minds out of the gutter, you pervs!!

2011-12-28T12:57:00.000-08:00

When I said inches, I was talking about SNOW! Or rain! It's wintertime in the northern hemisphere, you know!

Let me know how many inches you got over the holiday! Every comment counts as another entry in my giant post-Christmas giveaway! Win a GayRomLit swag bag, Blu-rays of X-Men First Class and The Conspirator, or...

The grand prize, a Kindle Fire!

Winners will be announced Sunday, January 1st! :-)

White elephant, anyone?

2011-12-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

So... what's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received? Something you couldn't WAIT to regift?

Leave a comment (pictures of the offending object(s) will gain you brownie points!) for a chance to win a Kindle Fire! A GayRomLit swag bag! Blu-rays of X-Men First Class!!

Winners will be drawn on January 1st. :-)

Twas the day after Christmas...

2011-12-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

And alas, I didn't find my movie boyfriend Michael Fassbender under my tree! *haz a sad*

However, I do have some lovely gifts to give away this week, including Blu-ray discs of X-Men: First Class and The Conspirator (starring Fass's XMFC co-star, the equally delish James McAvoy), a packed-to-bursting swag bag from this year's GayRomLit retreat, ANNND...

*drumroll*

The grand prize - a new Kindle Fire loaded with all my current in-print ebooks!

So... what hot guy didn't YOU find under your tree this Christmas? Leave a comment (the more creative the better - include pics if you want!) for a chance to win!

I'll announce the winners next Sunday, January 1st! :-)

Eeeeeeee!

2011-12-15T11:01:00.001-08:00

My current movie boyfriend Michael Fassbender got a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a drama! As if I had any doubt, but still! I'm so excited for him!

Oh, and the LA Times is running a poll on who's the hottest guy nommed in the best dramatic actor category - and guess who's winning by a WIDE margin?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/12/golden-globes-george-clooney-leonardo-dicaprio-michael-fassbender-ryan-gosling-brad-pitt.html

That's my Fass - even beating out Brad Pitt & George Clooney! :)

Merry Christmas to me - a few days early! :)

2011-12-14T19:40:00.001-08:00

Nothing like coming home from lunch & a movie with friends (Arthur Christmas, which I highly recommend - adorable, touching & HILARIOUS!) to find a brand, spanking-new contract in my inbox!

Hm. That sounded dirty, didn't it?

Power Play: Resistance, the first half of Rachel Haimowitz's and my epic m/m kinkapalooza, has just been picked up by Riptide Publishing for Spring 2012.

*twirls happily*

Watch this space for details on part two, tentatively titled Power Play: Awakening! :)

Watch this space...

2011-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

For deets on my upcoming holiday promotion!

I'll be giving away DVDs, ebooks, a swag bag from GayRomLit, and a Kindle Fire loaded with all my currently in-print titles!

Also... I'm December's Spotlight Author of the Month at the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. C'mon over & let's chat! :-)

Giving thanks...

2011-11-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for (in no particular order)...

Good friends
My cat
Michael Fassbender
Being able to devote my days to doing what I love

No big plans for today, other than watching some of the shows piled up on my DVR, eating the rotisserie chicken in my fridge and getting some writing done. A quiet holiday, but I like those best.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends. And to everyone else - have a great Thursday! :)

checks calendar & SCREAMS

2011-11-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

OMG, Thanksgiving is in TWO WEEKS!! Eeeeeek!

Well, you know what that means, right? Almost time for holiday cards!

If you'd like one from me (with a special goodie inside!), shoot me an email at: bittermint2007@gmail.com. :)

raises a glass... of green tea

2011-11-10T11:12:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, United States Marine Corps!

And in honor of tomorrow being Veteran's Day, many thanks to our valiant men & women in uniform (active and retired) for their service to our country.

Riding the wave...

2011-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

It's been an incredible launch week for my new publisher, Riptide Publishing. They've gone viral, which is great for them, and for me. My new book Once a Marine is climbing the charts at Amazon Kindle and All Romance ebooks. Color me pleased!

OAM's also garnering some great reviews - and some not-so-great ones. In fact, I haven't received such mixed notices on a book (from both readers and reviewers) since my first book came out in 2008. But that's a good thing - it means the book is engaging people. No reason an entertaining read can't be thought-provoking too!

In other news... my publisher/editor/good friend/fellow Fassbender fanatic Rachel Haimowitz is visiting me for the next week or so, and last night we FINALLY started drafting this insanely hot, super-kinky m/m novel we've been brainstorming on Twitter since last July. Just THINKING about the next sex scene we're about to write has me dancing on my chair! Can't wait for you all to read it... sometime next year.

Yup, I can tease with the best of them. :)

It's heeere!!!

2011-10-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today's the day! Riptide Publishing is now officially open for business! *twirls happily*

Their eight launch titles (including my novel Once a Marine) are available direct from Riptide, and also from Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, All Romance ebooks, 1 Place for Romance, and a number of other 3rd party outlets.

In fact - get ready for some horn-tooting - OAM is now #9 on the Kindle GLBT best-seller list!! I may have to go lie down!!

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who've helped make OAM a best-seller on its first day out! I'd like to give each and every one of you a hug!

And now I really will go lie down... ;)

Shameless begging!

2011-10-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hey folks. Can I ask a favor?

Once a Marine is in the running for November Book of the Month over on the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In fact, it's one vote in the lead! So if you can spare a moment, go here to vote in the poll and help me win!

I'd be ever so grateful! *bats lashes*

My grand adventure - let me show you it!

2011-10-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

I arrived home this past Monday from twelve days spent in New York City and New Orleans – the most fun and exhausting trip I’ve taken in years!

First thing I did was go see Michael Fassbender’s new movie Shame at the New York Film Festival, with my friends Rachel Haimowitz, Damon Suede and Elizabeth Silver. Suffice it to say, it’s a wild ride, and so fucking powerful (literally!) that it had four erotica writers up in the balcony sobbing over a three-way scene. Fass and Carey Mulligan are both AMAZING. If they don’t get Oscar nominations, there is no God.

A couple days later, I visited the Vatican for opera fans – aka, the Metropolitan Opera.

I heard one of my idols, Russian soprano Anna Netrebko, live for the first time, singing Donizetti’s Anna Bolena. Dragged Liz Silver along with me, and we made a night of it. Too bad I don’t have pics of us, because we looked HAWWWT. ☺

I bought Met Christmas cards and a Blu-ray disc of an opera about Anna Nicole Smith. I didn’t even know there WAS an opera about Anna Nicole Smith, but as soon as I saw it, I had to have it. I mean, what are the chances I’ll ever see it live in the theater?

Spent a few days hanging out at Liz’s place, watching James McAvoy movies and eating way too much junk food, before heading back to Rachel’s and our flight to New Orleans for Gay Rom Lit!

Let me preface this by saying I’d never been to NOLA before. So I was not prepared for how fuckingly, amazingly INSANE the French Quarter is. It’s like Fort Lauderdale at spring break – everybody walks down the street with drinks in hand, and the bars are packed even at ten in the morning. “Laisssez le bon temps roulez!” is the town’s motto, and man, do they mean it!

It’s a beautiful town, too, with balcony gardens all over the place. Like these!

As you can see, they go all-out for Halloween!

The conference itself was magical. Sure, I’ve been to romance writers’ conferences before, but this was the first one where all the m/m writers didn’t get shoved off into a corner as if the organizers were ashamed of us. Everywhere I looked, I saw people who write the same thing I do. Who read the same thing I write. Who LOVE m/m romance, and had come to NOLA to celebrate it.

I met so many wonderful people, colleagues and readers alike. One reader actually SCREAMED when she saw me – which was flattering, but a bit unnerving too! (Now I know how movie stars feel!) Did my first public reading of my work – and survived to tell the tale! Had a great time on the riverboat cruise book signing, with an entire ballroom full of fellow m/m authors and our admirers. Talk about redefining FUN!

Me and Will, who saved my poor, sore legs by schlepping my bag onto the riverboat for me. ILU, bb!

Cherie Noel, who made my whole fucking CONFERENCE by complimenting me on how I’d handled my Marine hero Cole’s PTSD in the Once a Marine excerpt I read.

The Riptide Publishing crew (clockwise from the bottom): Damon, Rachel, Chris Hawkins, Bryl Tyne, me.

Angelia Sparrow & me.

ZA Maxfield & me.

Damon in his infamous kilt. Supposedly he wore it in the correct “regimental” fashion, though I didn’t verify it. ☺

And when I got home, look who was waiting for me! My Lord and Master, aka Mr. Timothy Tuxedo!

He’s been getting plenty of hugs and snuggles.

Oh, and I can haz award!

And let me tell you, that hunk of glass is HEAVY. I’m keeping it on my nightstand, so if anybody ever breaks into my place, I can hit them over the head with it!

Thank you to all the readers who came up and talked to me. Your words mean a lot. We writers spend most of our time working alone, with no idea how our books will be received until we see reviews months later. It does our hearts good to hear how our work has entertained and affected you.

And a HUGE “thank you!” to the GRL organizers for putting on such an outstanding event. I’ll be there with bells on next year in Albuquerque!

Are you ready for Nawlins???

2011-10-12T13:39:00.001-07:00

The time is here! Tomorrow Rachel Haimowitz and I take off from beautiful Newark, New Jersey for New Orleans and GayRomLit!!!

Can't wait to meet everyone, authors and readers alike. If you see me, by all means come up and say hi. I don't bite - unless you ask very, VERY nicely. :)

Catch you tomorrow in the Big Easy!!!

A sad day...

2011-10-05T16:59:00.001-07:00

RIP, Steve Jobs.

I wrote twenty years' worth of fanfic on various Apple computers. Five books on the laptop I'm typing this entry on now. I think it's safe to say that without Steve Jobs and Apple Computers, I wouldn't be a published author. Sure, I've used Windows machines - at work, when I had no other choice - but I've never OWNED anything but a Mac.

I didn't know the man, but through his work and his vision for the future, I feel as if I did.

Pre-orders now open!

2011-10-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

For all of you who've been salivating to read Once a Marine, you can now pre-order it - along with all of Riptide Publishing's other launch titles!

Pre-order customers will get their books a couple of days early - and you can also be entered into RP's Free Books for a Year Contest!

Go on, pre-order. You know you want to! ;)

Sneak peek!

2011-09-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

One more month until my new m/m contemporary Once a Marine hits the virtual stands, but today you can read the entire first chapter on my website!

Discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, former Marine major Cole Hammond is struggling to find a new identity. But PTSD casts a pall on everything, and his hard-nosed, homophobic father can’t even bear to look him in the eye. To top it all off, he’s pretty sure he’s flunking out of law school.

Marc Sullivan is a kind, sensitive romance author-slash-waiter with a thing for men in uniform. Cole’s not wearing his anymore, but there’s no mistaking the warrior Marc meets in the diner one rainy afternoon. Cole’s sexy smile and Carolina drawl prove irresistible, but Marc’s played this game before, and he always loses. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and if there’s one thing Marc knows about such men, it’s that they all leave him in the end. It doesn’t help that Cole’s practically closeted in public, or that he refuses to seek treatment for his PTSD.

But like any good Marine, Cole’s willing to fight for what matters. And like the characters in Marc’s stories, he’s certain that if they try hard enough, together they can find their own happily ever after.

Drive-by pimping post!!

2011-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Drop by Amara's Place today to get the scoop on my upcoming m/m contemporary Once a Marine - and leave a comment for a chance to win one of my backlist books!

Horn tootin' time!

2011-09-25T11:16:00.001-07:00

Nothing like waking up to discover you're a DOUBLE FINALIST in the 2012 EPIC Awards! Entangled Trio and The First Real Thing are both up for the top prize in the Erotica category!!

*cue happy dance*

In other news, I just got a contract on my current rentboy WIP, which isn't even finished yet - but soon! In fact, I stayed home from Folsom Street Fair today to write what I hope is the final chapter. Guess I should get to it, huh? :)

Howdy, strangers!

2011-09-21T11:21:00.001-07:00

It's been a whirlwind here for the past few weeks.

Just finished final edits on my m/m contemporary ONCE A MARINE, due this coming October 30th from Riptide Publishing. I'm VERY proud of this book (and SO IN LOVE with my hot Marine hero Cole Hammond, even though he's only got eyes for his geeky lover Marc) and I can't wait for you all to read it! C'mon, October!

Actually, I'm saying that for more than one reason, because the GayRomLit retreat's coming up in NOLA in about three weeks! And before that, I'm flying out to NYC to hang with my editor Rachel Haimowitz for a few days. We plan to hit the New York Film Festival to see SHAME with Michael Fassbender (aka, my imaginary husband). It's gonna be off the hook!

Also, if you're in the mood for a hot, kinky m/m/f menage, ENTANGLED TRIO is now available in paperback from Ellora's Cave!

I can haz cover!!

2011-09-01T09:25:00.001-07:00

Got the final cover art for my new m/m contemporary, Once a Marine, coming this October 30th from Riptide Publishing.

Purty, ain't it?

And if you head on over to Goodreads and leave a comment, you just might win a copy! :)

Coulda knocked me over with a feather...

2011-08-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Looks like my kinky m/m/f menage Entangled Trio is now available in paperback!

First I've heard of it, but hey! There's something to be said for surprises, right? :)

In other, more serious news: For those of you in Irene's path, take care! I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you. *hugs*

I'm baack!

2011-08-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Got home from Authors After Dark late Monday afternoon, and I've been struggling to get caught up ever since. Caught a touch of con crud too, which means I'm off to the doctor this afternoon. :(

Had a great time, though. Will post more details later!

In the meantime... If you want to win a copy of my hot new m/m novel A Fool for You, the lovely Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton are hosting a giveaway here at Cup o' Porn!

I'm at AADPhilly...

2011-08-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

And now, the first challenge of the day: Getting out of bed!

I'll let you all know how it goes. If you're here, please say hi! :)

Leaving on a jet plane...

2011-08-09T18:35:00.001-07:00

Heading off to Authors After Dark in Philadelphia tomorrow morning. The airbus is picking me up at *choke* 3:30 AM to make an 8:25 AM flight out of San Francisco. On the upside, it's a non-stop!

This is my first time at AAD. It's a much smaller con than, say, Romantic Times or RWA. About 300 people total, including authors, so it should be fun and relatively intimate. I'm going to be on my first panel ever - the BDSM panel. Should be... interesting.

I'll be rooming with Riptide Publishing managing editor (and fellow Fassavoy fanatic) Rachel Haimowitz, and meeting up with some of my Twitter-buds for the first time. Color me excited!

If you're there and you happen to see me walking around, c'mon over and say hi. I'll be signing books at the book fair on Saturday afternoon as well, which is open to the public.

Hope to see you there! :)

Now it can be told!

2011-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Remember that secret I hinted about awhile back? The one I was so freakin' excited about, but couldn't reveal yet? Well, now I can!

Drum roll...

I've sold SIX books - my new contemporary m/m romance, Once a Marine, as well as the reprint rights to all five of my Courtland Chronicles books, which are going out of print from their original publisher at the end of this year. The lucky new publisher for this literary largesse (HA!) is Riptide Publishing, a shiny new venture founded by my good friends and fellow authors Aleksandr Voinov and Rachel Haimowitz, which will be launching this fall. OAM is tentatively scheduled for November, with the Courtland books trickling out (this time in proper reading order!) over the next year and a half.

To say I'm over the moon would be an understatement. I'm so freakin' giddy, I can't stand it! I mean, six books at once! I'll never break that record! Plus, I am just completely, amazingly stunned, flattered and honored to be among Riptide's roster of authors, which also includes: Andrea Speed, Brita Addams, Bryl Tyne, Damon Suede, Kari Gregg, LA Witt, Rhianon Etzweiler and Storm Grant - as well as our fearless leaders, Aleks and Rachel. Quite a lineup, huh?

I'm currently in the midst of developmental edits, which are kicking my ass in the best way possible. I can see the manuscript taking on a different shape, getting better every day I slave away at it. I am so excited for you all to read it! I have a feeling it will be my best book yet.

Rachel and I will be appearing at Authors After Dark in Philadelphia next week, as well as the GayRomLit retreat in New Orleans in October. C'mon up and talk to us - we're eager to spread the word about Riptide!

And now, back to editing Once a Marine! :)

Allow me to introduce...

2011-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today's a guest-blogger day here, and I'm very pleased and excited to introduce my Twitter-bud, Brien Michaels, who's celebrating the release of his debut novel, Sparks Fly, available now from Etopia Press!

Niiice cover, eh?

Take it away, Brien! :)

So, for those of you who aren’t following me: today’s a pretty huge day in my life. Sparks Fly, my m/m urban fantasy/horror novella is officially on sale from Etopia Press! It’s my very first release day and I couldn’t be happier. The road to get here was so long and winding that I nearly gave up, but I’m glad I didn’t. Hell, the road to write this was so long and winding that I wanted to print it out and burn the pages and permanently delete the file. But, again, glad I didn’t. It was just one of those experiences.

It all started a few days before my vacation last year when a publisher I’d really been trying to get with put out a submissions call for stories about the end of the world. I jumped at the idea because, hey, even though I was still new to the world of writing romance and erotica, horror and fantasy were my thing. So almost immediately, the gears started turning and before long, I had this wonderful idea for a story about a group of people who knew death was coming for them. It so wasn’t as Final Destination as it sounds.

But then vacation started, and everything changed. My family and I flew down to Florida and things went from bad to worse. I’ll spare you the details, but suffice it to say, by the time we actually made it onto the boat for the cruise to the Virgin Islands we were embarking on, the story in my mind had totally changed. In the new story, all the women on the planet had died except one, and all the men who were left were on a journey to find her. I just didn’t know quite how they would get to her.

The ship we were on was just one huge disaster, and I couldn’t actually enjoy being on it at all because I got this massive headache every time the bloody thing moved. Yeah. By the second day, I’d found my mode of transportation for my men. Can you guess what it was? A giant cruise ship. After I figured that out, I was all set to start writing. Now, like the lovely Cat, I am more of a pantser than a plotter and I started the book out with only the barest knowledge of where it was going. I knew the bare bones, and that I had two otherwise straight men who were going to be falling for each other.

But as my time on the boat got more and more irritating, the situation my heroes found themselves in became more dire. By the third day (this was an eight day cruise, mind you), there was a killer on the boat, picking off the other men one by one and leaving their bodies mutilated and, in some cases, totally unrecognizable. By day four, I was so annoyed that I couldn’t write fast enough for my brain and had a full synopsis already written and I was only about six or seven pages in. I should probably leave out that it rained on every island we went to except one…

At any rate, while the title does share its name with a Taylor Swift song, it refers not only to my heroes relationship, but also the very real sparks they see just before each corpse on the ship is discovered. The story is just as dark as that two-week span, but I love it nonetheless. It’s one of those that, by the time I actually finished it, I was so excited I didn’t know what to do with myself. Partially because it meant that I could finally let the vacation go, but also because it was a far more solid story than I’d thought it would be with so much bitter emotion behind it.

The publisher I wrote it for ultimately passed, but that didn’t stop me from submitting it, and look where it is now. On the New Releases page of Etopia Press! Now, those of you who’ve been following me so far on my blog tour know that the final sentence is about to be unveiled. What is this Final Sentence, you ask? Well over the last week, or so, I’ve been releasing sentences from the book, and whoever can put them in the right order, or the closest to it, will win a free copy in their choice of digital format. Just head back over to my blog and make a comment on my post there with the five sentences in the order you think they go in. It’s that simple.

The final sentence is: “He would have sworn the man was normal if not for the swirling grey masses where his eyes should have been and his skeletal hands.”

And, since I love Cat so much and I was a reader long before we became author pals, one random commenter on this post will also win a free copy of the book. I hope you guys like it!

Thanks for having me, Cat!

You can find me online at:

My website

My blog

On Twitter

Into the home stretch...

2011-06-27T13:26:00.001-07:00

Everybody else in the world (or so it seems!) is heading off to New York for the RWA conference. But here I sit at home, trying to finish my Marine book. It's up over 40K now. First I thought it'd clock in at around 30K, then when I reached 30, I thought, "Oh, 40K, easy." Now I'm thinking it'll be close to 50K. Hoping, anyway! I really would like to finish it this week.

Can I get a "HELL, YEAH"??

2011-06-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

New York State legislature legalizes gay marriage!

California, I'm lookin' at you next. Do the right thing. Don't make me move!

Happy Pride, everyone! *does a one-woman conga line across the room and back*

Home again!

2011-06-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

Home after a busy, fun-filled week in San Francisco! Man, am I TIRED! Next time I'll have to train before I go - all those hills are exhausting!

Now, time to go grocery shopping, or there won't be anything for dinner tonight. And try to get my head back in the Marine book. I probably won't do any writing today, but tomorrow, it's back to work. *nods*

In other news... we're finally getting summer here in Monterey! It's supposed to be in the 70s and even low 80s all week. Can't wait! :)

Vacation!!

2011-06-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

I have to exercise today. And do laundry. And pack for my trip up to San Francisco.

I'm heading to the city for the next few days to see Wagner's Ring Cycle at San Francisco Opera. And hang in the Castro. Eat and sleep and be waited on in a nice hotel. And generally just relax and have fun!

And for one whole week, I'm not going to write. This is the first time I've taken several days off in the middle of a book. It'll be good to have the luxury of clearing out my head before I charge into the home stretch.

So take care, everyone! I'll see you back here next week. :)

It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friiiday...

2011-06-10T11:36:00.001-07:00

Reviews by Jessewave gave A Fool for You four out of five stars! w00t! What a great way to cruise into the weekend!

I've been cranking on the Marine story this week. Over 10K in the past four days. I know some writers can do that in their sleep, but I've always been kind of a slowpoke - a thousand per day on average, with a few 2K's and the occasional 3K when I'm really chugging along. Yay for progress!

And tomorrow I finally get to see Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy make eyes at each other, just to let us know they're totally Doing It offscreen! X-Men FTW!

Okay, I'm outtie. Have a great weekend, everyone! :)

Coming up for air...

2011-06-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

Just cracked the 30K mark on my Marine story. Sent him off to have Christmas with his new boyfriend & the BF's mother. Yup, it's time for the heart-warming section of the story, before I bring the hurt.

I'm evil, ain't I? :-)

Next week I'm taking a bit of a break. Got a friend driving up with me to go see Wagner's RIng Cycle at the San Francisco Opera. I'm very excited! Hopefully I'll come back all perky and refreshed, ready to tackle the home stretch of this book.

But now I've got two more days to crank on it before I get to go see Michael Fassbender in spandex. Or leather. Either way, I'm good. :)

Thursday already?

2011-06-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

This week has flown by!

On a happy note, A Fool for You just received its first official review over at Bookwenches!

And in other news, my gay Marine story is chugging along nicely. Think I've reached a point where I need to take a step back and figure out what happens next. Oh, the life of a pantser! But I still hope to finish it within the next week or two.

In the meantime, I need to write some guest blogs. And this weekend - Michael Fassbender in spandex - er, the new X-Men movie! *dances*

The official start of summer!

2011-05-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Memorial Day to everyone in the US! And to everyone else - happy weekend!

To celebrate, All Romance ebooks is offering a 50% rebate on all ebooks, including all mine!

Have fun reading this weekend! But don't forget to enjoy that sunshine too! :)

Beautiful day!

2011-05-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

It's warm and sunny out, and I got a great night's sleep! Time to rock the WIP!

In other news... A Fool for You is now available on Amazon Kindle! w00t! :)

blinks blearily

2011-05-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

I'm awake. Really, I am. *chugs tea* Was up till all hours last night working on my new WIP - the gay Marine story. It's great to be writing again!

In other news... I'm guest blogging about my Top Five Fave Musicians today at Kiss & Tell Girls. C'mon by and check out the hotties!

And, last but not least, A Fool for You is now available at All Romance ebooks!

Have a great week, everyone. :)

Daisy Harris says, "I know what boys like!"

2011-05-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome my fellow Dirty Birdie - and fine purveyor of paranormal smut! - Daisy Harris!

It's recently come to my attention that boys read my books. In fact, I've learned that even *straight* boys read my books.

Men?? Reading erotic romance?

I know! It totally blew my mind. In fact, when I first started getting male follows on Twitter and comments from male readers, I kinda thought the guys were stalkers. Part of this was lack of confidence as a new writer, but the other part was I didn't think men read "that kind of thing."

My husband skews my understanding of male reading habits. First, he hardly reads anything, and second, when he does read, the book is about war, genocide, terrorism, or submarines. Preferably all of the above. In the eleven years we've been together, I'm not sure I've seen him read any work of fiction. Well, except for Harry Potter - and even then he only read the last book.

Philistine husband aside, I'm happy to find that men read, and even happier to find that they read me! In fact, I've started to wonder what I'm doing to draw these men (aside from flashing my titties on Twitter. *I don't really do that*.)

Perhaps it's because I write paranormals with comic-book type premises. Or maybe I illustrate well the male psyche. Maybe my heroines are appealing because they have flaws and seem relatable. Maybe it really is the sex. Who knows? But what I do know is I love my male readers. Love, love, love them! (But not...y'know...*love* them.)

Let me count the ways...

0. Men are loyal. They aren't familiar with the wide open world of romance novels; they don't have a thousand authors in mind every time they make a purchase. If they find someone they like, they stick with them. Much the same way my husband is still close with his little group of friends from elementary school.

1. Men are not sappy. I've never had a male reader tell me I didn't go deep and angsty enough with my characters's emotions. I'm not an angsty, ambivalent person myself, so I can't write that kind of character. And men, bless their hearts, don't seem to want me to.

2. Men like to laugh. Yeah, I know women like to laugh too, but my experience from hearing from fans suggests that men really appreciate some humor with their smexxing. And golly gee, that's exactly what I like to write!

3. Men like badass heroines! In romance writing, there's a lot of stress placed on making heroines likable. Heroes can be total dickwads so long as they're redeemed by the end. However, a heroine needs to be sweetness and light from page one. (This is not always true, but often enough.) Well, men don't care if a female character is a bit of a bitch, or extremely hard-nosed, or even evil! Sure, straight guys want to *marry* a nice girl, but to read about? They're perfectly happy with a six foot tall amazon packing heat and a bad attitude.

So, here's to you, male romance readers! Whether you're gay or straight, nerdy or cool, young or old, I hope you try out my stories. I promise, one of these days I'll write about the submarine terrorist genocide apocalypse! And fear not, there will be plenty of sex.

---------------------------------------------

Birkenstock-wearing glamour girl and mother of two by immaculate conception, Daisy
Harris still isn’t sure if she writes erotica. Her paranormal romances start out
innocently enough. However, her characters behave like complete sluts. Much to Miss
Harris’s dismay, the sex tends to get completely out of hand.

She writes about trampy mermaids, sexy dragons, and snuff-y shark-shifters. Her
work also features zombie ingenues, horny gods, and some holiday characters like
you’ve never seen them before. And there’s almost always a mad scientist in there
somewhere.

If you like science-y subplots, fantastical creatures, and red-hot chemistry, you’ll love Daisy Harris. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook and at www.thedaisyharris.com/.

Take a sexy romp with the gods in this hilarious and hot ménage!

Over-extended - and closeted - charmer Mercury the Messenger struggles to accommodate all the factions of the Deities International Conference and Kibbitz. However,his skills at diplomacy stretch to the limit when the object of a chance tryst turns out to be his assistant, and his arranged fiancée arrives at the scene.

Dillon Rodriquez, Mercury's executive aide and a soon-to-be MBA student, refuses to be the closeted god's sidedish. But when an accident at the conference strands the god in the human world, Dillon agrees to act as his guide.

Traveling from San Diego down the Baha Coast to Cabo, Mercury experiences a side of life he never imagined, and he learns that if he wants to earn the love of the one man
who matters, he has to stop trying to please everyone else.

Mercury Rising is available here.

Happy Monday!

2011-05-16T08:49:00.001-07:00

Or as happy as any Monday usually gets!

To help cheer you up, Jessewave's giving away a copy of my hot new m/m novella, A Fool for You at her blog!

Leave a comment to enter! :)

I got it goin' on today!

2011-05-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's a busy Friday the 13th here at my house!

First, the fabbo Dakota Cassidy's hosting me over at her FB page with the burning question: "Who's your favorite hot, hunky musician, and why?" Drop by and answer, and you might win a copy of my hot new m/m novella, A Fool for You!

Also, I'm weighing in on the important issue of body hair on men - yay or nay? Over at my fellow Dirty Birdie Daisy Harris's blog!

And tonight's the Smallville series finale. Ten years of watching super-hawwt Tom Welling look gorgeous and beat up bad guys, gone in a flash! Who'd a thunk it?

Have a great weekend, everyone! :)

Dear TPTB on Glee...

2011-05-11T07:49:00.001-07:00

Please make Darren Criss and Chord Overstreet regular cast members next season.

Or, failing that, send them over here so they can be my g-string-clad houseboys.

In other news... my new m/m romance A Fool for You is now available from Ellora's Cave!

So many reasons to be happy! :)

Three years, gone by in a flash!

2011-05-09T13:33:00.001-07:00

This past May 4th marked my third anniversary as a published author. My first book, THE ARRANGEMENT, hit the virtual shelves in 2008, and is now officially out of print.

Which, IMO, isn't entirely a bad thing. I recently had a chance to take a look at the book again, and I can definitely see places to improve it. My hero, Eric, didn't come off too sympathetically to a lot of readers, so I've decided to remedy that, and add a little more sharin' and carin' amongst Eric, Nick and Ally, my first beloved menage.

Rereading the book after so long's been interesting. Honestly, there are parts I don't remember writing at all! In a way, it's like reading something someone else wrote. I can take a step back and view the work dispassionately, without being so caught up in it that I can't see where it needs a nip n' tuck here, an expansion there.

I hope to have the book out again soon, new and improved! Hopefully those of you who didn't care for the original version will give it another chance.

Never let it be said that I don't listen to my readers. :)

Release day giveaway!

2011-05-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

The lovely Amara has graciously agreed to host a giveaway for me over on her blog! I'm giving away a copy of my new m/m novella A Fool for You...

And a Nook! Yes, you heard that right. A Nook!

Bop on over and leave a comment here for a chance to win!

Winner will be announced on release day - Wednesday, May 11th. :)

Ohhh, shiny!

2011-05-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

As usual, the Ellora's Cave art department came through with another gorgeous cover for me!

All you excited yet? I know I am! :)

New release date!

2011-05-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Turned in final edits on A FOOL FOR YOU this weekend, and I already have a release date - May 11th!

I'm really excited about this one. It's the third book in my Icon Men series, right after The First Real Thing and Appearing Nightly. Hookers, drag queens and the men who love them! This book's about Trevor's son Brian, a young goth-rocker who falls hard for a sexy blues guitarist.

Here's a blurb to help whet your appetites:

Sexy Chase Aubrey plays blues guitar like nobody’s business. One look at him performing at a New York nightclub, and twenty-year-old keyboard player Brian Barclay’s smitten.

However, Brian remains true to his boyfriend Kit—until Kit cheats on him and steals all the songs they’ve written together. With nowhere else to go, Brian turns to his estranged father, Trevor, and Trevor’s partner, Cameron. But even Cameron can’t smooth over the tension between father and son.

Brian’s in need of a friend, and Chase fills the role nicely—and quickly heats up the sheets with him as well. The passion between them is mind-blowing, until Brian discovers Chase’s secret past. A past he’s run from for years. And when the past threatens the present, Brian can’t help wondering if the love of his life has played him for a fool.

Watch this space for more details! :)

Happy Half-Price Chocolate Day!

2011-04-25T10:51:00.001-07:00

Aka, the Monday after Easter! :)

Believe it or not, I almost chucked my leftover chocolate in the trash this morning. Almost. My mama didn't raise no idiots. Although I expect the rest of it will be gone by tonight. *holds tummy* Back on the diet tomorrow!

In other news... my edits on A Fool for You should be on their way soon. Then it'll be time to stop reading up on gay Marines and start writing about them!

Coming up on May 1st pretty damn soon. Where did the month go? I could've sworn I was at RT last week.

Ah, a writer's life. Not too glamorous, but never dull!

This is one of those weeks...

2011-04-21T15:51:00.001-07:00

That's disappeared into a black hole. I could've sworn yesterday was Monday!

Edits on A Fool for You should be coming up next week. *rubs hands together* I can't wait for you all to read it. I really love my young hero Brian - he's such a sweetie! And I think you'll love his boyfriend Chase, the hot blues guitarist, just as much. At least, I hope you will. :)

As for today, I'm blogging about the BDSM mindset over at Dirty Birdies! C'mon over and join the conversation. :)

Anyone interested...

2011-04-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

In reviewing a hot, kinky m/m/f menage? Here's a blurb to whet your appetite...

Renowned mezzo-soprano Colette DuPlessis is carrying on a torrid affair with her costar, handsome young tenor David Lewis. David wants Colette as more than just a short-term fling, but she must return home to Paris—and her husband, conductor Aleksandr Petrovsky.

Though she and Aleks have an open marriage, Colette vows never to see David again. But when her new costar cancels right before opening night, she has no choice but to suggest David as a replacement.

It doesn’t take long before Aleks notices the amazing chemistry sizzling between David and his wife—and realizes he’s attracted to the gorgeous young singer himself. He and Colette quickly make it their mission to seduce him.

The three of them explore the far reaches of pain and pleasure. But Colette and David both soon learn they must guard their hearts closely, or risk losing themselves within this entangled trio.

You can read an excerpt here.

Leave a comment with your email addy if interested. :)

Winner!

2011-04-18T09:39:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in my last-minute Easter blog hop this weekend!

The winner of her choice of books from my backlist is...

ldragoon!

She didn't leave an email addy, so let's hope she checks back!

Again, thanks for playing, everyone! :)

Easter Hoppin' Blog Hop!

2011-04-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

In honor of Easter, I thought I'd give you all some hawt eye candy...

Not bad, eh?

Leave a comment to win any title from my backlist. Entries accepted until 11:59 PM on Sunday, April 17th. Winners announced here and on Twitter this coming Monday, April 18th.

Just because it's spring...

2011-04-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Spring is bustin' out all over at Whipped Cream Reviews! C'mon over and leave a comment on my guest blog for a chance to win a Kindle or a Nook!

And if you're in a chatty mood, I'm over at the Literary Nymphs m/m chat today, hanging out with a whole bunch of other authors! :)

I got good news and I got bad news...

2011-04-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

The bad news: A touch of con crud's followed me home. Been wheezing and coughing since Sunday. Off to the doctor I go, once they call me back!

But on the upside... I just sold the third book in my "Icon Men" series (after The First Real Thing and Appearing Nightly) to Ellora's Cave! This one's about Trevor's son Brian, a cute twenty-year-old goth-rocker who falls hard for hot blues guitarist Chase Aubrey. I love writing about musicians, and I especially loved revisiting my beloved Cameron, Trevor, Mike and Ryan, all of whom make appearances in this new book.

More good news as it develops! :)

Exhausted but happy!

2011-04-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

Got home from the RT convention last night, and I'm still a bit woozy! It was a great con, but completely exhausting!

Had a blast hanging out with ZA Maxfield, Lex Valentine, Stephani Hecht, Lynn Lorenz and Belinda McBride. Signed books and postcards, chatted with readers and handed out lots of swag.

Met James Buchanan for the first time. He gave me a set of vampire fangs and told me he really liked Triad - which made my convention right there. :)

Sat next to the super-nice LB Gregg at the ebook expo and had tons of fun chatting with her.

Met Rhian Cahill at the ARe party. We both agree our editor Grace Bradley is da bomb. :)

One of my readers surprised me at the Saturday book fair by presenting me with a gift - an Alice in Wonderland china tea cup and saucer! Because I'm always tweeting about my tea-drinking habit!

The romance trading cards I ordered for my three Ellora's Cave titles were a huge hit! In fact, the LA Times published an article about the convention, and if you look close, you can see two of my cards in the accompanying photo. Too damn cool!

I have cards left, so if you'd like some, email me at: bittermint2007@gmail.com with your snail mail addy, and I'll get them out to you later this week.

And now, back to real life... ;)

One more day!

2011-04-04T08:49:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I blast off for RT in Los Angeles, and everything I do for the next five days will be tax-deductible! Woohoo!

If you're in the area, I'll be signing at the Giant Book Fair on Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM. It's open to the public!

In other news... my very first book, The Arrangement, is now $1.99 at All Romance e-books! Better grab it now if you haven't already - it goes out of print on May 5th!

2011-04-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

What's on my bucket list? Find out today at Passionate Reads! :)

FINALLY!!!

2011-03-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

My scorching new menage Entangled Trio is now available from All Romance e-books!

Or should I say FINALLY? Took forever this time!

The lovely Amara called his one "a hot, sexy jewel!" Hope you all enjoy it. :)

Busy, busy, busy!

2011-03-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

I'm not Irish, but Happy St. Patrick's Day to those who are!

This is shaping up to be a very busy day here at my house. I'm chugging away on my new WIP - and hoping hoping hoping I can get it finished in the next couple of weeks before the Romantic Times convention - and guest blogging about how NOT to write a sex scene today at the brand-new Dirty Birdies blog!

And the lovely Amara's interviewing me & doing a giveaway! Win copies of Entangled Trio and its sort-of prequel, Sonata Appasionata here.

In other news... looks like this will be the last sunny day here before five straight days of rain, so out I go to run errands. Then an entire weekend of writing! Can't wait! :)

Please welcome Michael Mandrake!

2011-03-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today I present my very first guest blogger, m/m author Michael Mandrake! Take it away, Michael! :)

Michael Mandrake
Author AND Reader

Hi readers!

I’d like to thank Cat Grant for having me on her blog today. Today I’m going to talk about something that’s plagued me for a while but I finally think I’ve gotten over the hump: being a reader while writing.

Although I’ve only been writing professionally for a year now, I would say this has been the biggest challenge; reading other people’s work while trying to do your own. I’ve always been concerned with copying someones idea or letting the other author dictate my style. Sometimes, I’ve felt that my way wasn’t good enough and I’d let the writer infiltrate my thoughts.

This doesn’t include reading for research. You read a certain publisher to get a feel for what they want or if you’re looking up information on a particular topic. That’s necessary but, when you really get into another author’s book, you get lost in it, totally immersing yourself in the characters, their attitudes as well as the plot and while doing this, you may think about a book you’ve done similar to it and wonder if you did it wrong. Truthfully, there’s no wrong way. Everyone has done the same genres and storylines but what makes us unique is the way we tell the story. This is part of the enjoyment I get out of reading another author.

So, now that I’ve gotten over my phobia, these days, I’m able to read books for pure pleasure and at any time of the day without second guessing myself and what I’ve done; whereas before, I only read right before bed. Thankfully, my Goodreads list has shrunk a little bit. Now if only I could stop adding to it for a while, I may be able to catch up. ☺

I’d like to thank Cat for having me as a guest. I’ve included two books and blurbs for your enjoyment.

The True Meaning of Love by Michael Mandrake http://xoxopublishing.com
Michael Mandrake - http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com
Rawiya - http://rawiyaserotica.blogspot.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/rawiyamikembl
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SharitaLira
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3542690

The True Meaning of Love – Michael Mandrake

Blurb: Brandon McFerry and London Davies are a couple that has been together six years. After having an argument over the importance of Brandon's event at his art gallery versus London's party at his club, London is involved in a serious car accident that makes him temporarily incapacitated. During his rehabilitation, Brandon and London will learn the true meaning of love thus bringing them closer together.

Only When I Lose Myself

Novel 2 inside the My Sexy Valentine Anthology from Sizzler/Intoxication

Blurb: Adrian Vanderguard is the hottest singer in the music business right now and is currently on tour supporting his third album. Now that the long journey is coming to a close, he’s visiting his home away from home in New York City to play a string of six exclusive shows at New York’s famous Falcon Theatre in front of sellout crowds that include top celebrities.

Adrian is also a loner who is in need of companionship. While on this lengthy trip, he has made up in his mind that he would like to be dating by Valentine’s Day of the following year, and he will stop at nothing to accomplish this.

Matthew Gionapolis is the Falcon’s environmental engineer. A young, healthy, twenty- something, that takes his work very seriously. Matthew is one person who likes everything to be in place, and really isn’t into having much contact with people unless he has to.

Not knowing this, Adrian decides that he would like to get Matthew to be his assistant despite the fact the young gentleman was rather rude to him when he tried to introduce himself. Undeterred, Adrian even goes as far to point out the fact that Matthew must do as his managers say or else it could mean his job. This upsets Matthew but, because he’d like to be employed, he goes along with Adrian’s ploy, and while all this is going on, he develops a soft spot for the kind hearted, gorgeous crooner that may change his mind about wanting to be alone for the duration of his existence.

A week of firsts!

2011-03-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Got my first review for Entangled Trio today, and it's a honey! Amara's Place calls it "a hot, sexy jewel!" w00t!

Also, I'm guest-blogging today about women writing m/m romance and the universal experience here.

On Thursday, I'll be doing my first guest-blogging gig at the new Dirty Birdies blog. Now if I could just figure out what to write...

And tomorrow I will be presenting a guest blog by fellow m/m author Michael Mandrake. My first guest blogger ever! Be sure to drop by and check it out. :)

I finally got out of the house...

2011-03-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

Last night I did something I rarely do when I'm in first-draft hell - I took a day off. Drove up to Berkeley to have dinner with friends and attend a concert.

And God, did it bring back memories! I attended UC Berkeley back in the mid-80s, but I hadn't visited the area around campus in at least a decade. It looked pretty much the same, albeit cleaner. I missed seeing old landmarks like Cody's Books, though. I remember when it closed a few years ago. End of an era!

Anyway... we had a lovely Thai dinner, then strolled up to Zellerbach Hall to hear tenor Jonas Kaufmann sing a recital of Schumann and Strauss lieder. What a lovely lyric tenor voice! The hall was packed, and the audience absolutely loved him. He got called back for three encores.

I've actually been a fan of JK's for awhile now, though this was the first time I've seen him perform live. In fact, he was the physical inspiration for David Lewis, one of the heroes of my menage novel ENTANGLED TRIO. This might help you understand why:

Rawwrr, huh? Kinda like a German Sendhil Ramamurthy (aka Mohinder on Heroes). I just want to tug my fingers through those flyaway ringlets! If he wasn't one of opera's hottest new stars, he could make his living as a romance cover model!

Gorgeous and talented - what a combination! :)

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-10T10:07:00.001-08:00

Well, almost! It's still alternating between sunny and rainy here in Monterey, but I'm looking forward to switching back to daylight savings time (yes, I know a lot of people hate it, but I hate when it gets dark so early!) and I'm especially looking forward to the Romantic Times convention in Los Angeles next month!

Just FYI, I will also be attending Ellora's Cave's RomantiCon and the GayRomLit retreat in New Orleans later this year.

In other news... got myself unstuck on my WIP and have chugged ahead. 12K and counting. My two young heroes are about to get together (finally!) within the next couple of scenes. I can't wait!

Today's news...

2011-03-01T10:09:00.001-08:00

I've only been up an hour, and this is already a red-letter day!

The First Real Thing has earned 4.5 tea cups from Happily Ever After Reviews!

Annnd...

My hot new menage Entangled Trio is now available from Amazon Kindle!

Want some candy, little girl?

2011-02-25T11:01:00.001-08:00

My promo pens for RT have arrived!

My apologies for the not-so-great camera-phone pic. I chose this particular pen (out of 30-something possibles - no joke!) because I could print my website's addy on the pocket clip, leaving the actual body of the pen for my tag line, "Sink your claws into something unexpected."

I can't get over how much they look like shiny sticks of candy! Hopefully they'll be a crowd-pleaser. :)

Release day!

2011-02-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

It's here!! Please join me in welcoming my hot opera-themed menage ENTANGLED TRIO into the world!

Here's a blurb to get your juices flowing:

Renowned mezzo-soprano Colette DuPlessis is carrying on a torrid affair with her costar, handsome young tenor David Lewis. David wants Colette as more than just a short-term fling, but she must return home to Paris—and her husband, conductor Aleksandr Petrovsky.

Though she and Aleks have an open marriage, Colette vows never to see David again. But when her new costar cancels right before opening night, she has no choice but to suggest David as a replacement.

It doesn’t take long before Aleks notices the amazing chemistry sizzling between David and his wife—and realizes he’s attracted to the gorgeous young singer himself. He and Colette quickly make it their mission to seduce him.

The three of them explore the far reaches of pain and pleasure. But Colette and David both soon learn they must guard their hearts closely, or risk losing themselves within this entangled trio.

Reader Advisory: This hot little number contains rougher-than-average sex. We’d never spoil the fun, so we’ll just say “fist” and let your imagination go with that.

In honor of this momentous occasion, the lovely Amara is hosting a giveaway on her blog! Comment for a chance to win a copy of ENTANGLED TRIO plus your choice of any book from my backlist!

Go forth and read! :)

2011-02-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

My new menage novel Entangled Trio is out tomorrow! Are you ready?

In honor of this, my tenth release, I'm pondering giving away a few e-books. Watch this space for more details! :)

We have a winner!

2011-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered my Supernatural soundtrack giveaway for Dead Winchester Day! I've drawn a winner, and it is... (drum roll)

Joder!

I'll be emailing you soon to get your shipping address for the CD. :)

Happy Dean Day!

2011-02-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Dean Winchester Day, aka Valentine's Day!

Last year a bunch of diehard Supernatural fans got together and declared February 14th as Dean Day. They had so much fun, they decided to do it again! I'm a bit late to the tradition, but I hope it carries on for many years to come, because let's face it... Dean Winchester is the perfect valentine!

For one thing, he's unfailingly brave and loyal - the definition of a hero. He's literally walked through fire - in Hell! - for the sake of his own brother. Time after time, he's sacrificed himself for the people he loves.

He's got a great - albeit dorky! - sense of humor (watch "Hell House" if you don't believe me!), and terrific taste in music. Gotta love a classic rock man!

And the actor who plays him is pretty darn hot, too! I'd never heard of Jensen Ackles before I saw him on Smallville the season before Supernatural started, but even that didn't prepare me for the power and charisma he brings to the role of Dean. He's literally moved me to tears more times than I can remember. He and his co-star Jared Padalecki have a special kind of chemistry that draws me in and keeps me coming back week after week.

In celebration of this great day, I'm giving away a copy of the Supernatural TV soundtrack.

This contest is open for anywhere Amazon.com ships! Leave a comment to enter. I'll draw a winner by the end of the day. :)

Happy Sunday!

2011-02-13T10:22:00.001-08:00

It's always a great start to my day when I get a review from Jessewave - and this one for my drag queen romance Appearing Nightly is 4.5 stars!

w00t! :)

Oops!

2011-02-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Looks like Entangled Trio's out on February 18th, not the 16th.

That'll just give you a couple extra days to salivate, right? ;)

Guess who's got a hot new cover to share?

2011-02-04T12:14:00.001-08:00

Uh, that'd be me!

Renowned mezzo-soprano Colette DuPlessis is carrying on a torrid affair with her costar, handsome young tenor David Lewis. David wants Colette as more than just a short-term fling, but she must return home to Paris—and her husband, conductor Aleksandr Petrovsky.

Though she and Aleks have an open marriage, Colette vows never to see David again. But when her new costar cancels right before opening night, she has no choice but to suggest David as a replacement.

It doesn’t take long before Aleks notices the amazing chemistry sizzling between David and his wife—and realizes he’s attracted to the gorgeous young singer himself. He and Colette quickly make it their mission to seduce him. The three of them explore the far reaches of pain and pleasure. But Colette and David soon learn they must guard their hearts closely, or risk losing themselves within this entangled trio.

Reader Advisory: This hot little number contains rougher-than-average sex. We'd never spoil the fun, so we'll just say "fist" and let your imagination go with that.

Coming February 16th from Ellora's Cave!

That was fast!

2011-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

I love Ellora's Cave! I handed in my edits on my new menage Entangled Trio last week, and I've already got a release date - February 16th!

Mark your calendars! :)

2011-01-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

I'm guest-blogging over at Clare London's LJ today, talking about my ornery muse! :)

preens

2011-01-24T13:37:00.001-08:00

Night Owl Reviews has given Appearing Nightly 4.5 stars and a Top Pick!

I'm really amazed - and pleased! - by how well my little drag-queen romance has been received! Everybody seems to love Mike, Ryan, Cameron and Trevor. I'm actually thinking of pushing the DADT book to later this year (so I can do more research - I don't know nearly enough about the US military to start writing yet) and write the book about Trev's son Brian, the twenty-year-old goth rocker with a king-size chip on his shoulder.

Sounds like fun, huh? *rubs hands together*

I'm going! Will I see you there?

2011-01-19T10:59:00.001-08:00

After a couple days of dithering, I finally went and signed up for the GayRomLit retreat in New Orleans this October!

Never been to NOLA before, but I've always wanted to, and this looks like the perfect excu-er, reason!

Can't wait to meet you all - authors and readers alike! :)

In like a lion, out like a lamb...

2010-12-31T10:24:00.000-08:00

This is one of those years where I honestly don't know where the time went - I distinctly remember it being the middle of summer last week!

2010 marked my second year of being a published author, and my first releases with Amber Quill Press and Ellora's Cave. Four books in total! I know that doesn't sound like a lot compared to some other authors, but it was a pretty big deal for me. Next year I'm aiming for six!

I love writing m/m, but next year I hope to mix it up a bit more with m/m/f menage. Why? Well, because I'm easily bored, and switching back and forth helps keep things fresh for me.

In fact, I'm working on a HOT menage right now. Honestly - BLAZING hot! It's got all my favorite kinks - older woman/younger man, older man/younger man, spanking, Dominance/submission, three-way sex, het sex, m/m sex... something for everyone! With every new page, these characters keep surprising me. So I should probably get back to finishing their story!

Happy New Year to me, and to all of you as well! Thanks so much for your encouragement and support! I couldn't do it without you. :)

It's called "Sequelitis"...

2010-12-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

I seem to be allergic to writing one-offs. It usually takes awhile for my characters to start talking to me, but once they do, they never want to shut up! I’d intended my first book, THE ARRANGEMENT, to be a standalone, but no sooner had I finished revising it than I was attacked by plot-bunnies for two prequels. And before I’d finished writing those, I knew I had to write yet another prequel PLUS a sequel to the first book. What was supposed to be a single novel ended up blossoming into the five-book Courtland Chronicles series, which followed a m/m/f ménage relationship over the course of twenty years. Never let it be said that I make things easy on myself!

Once I’d finished TRIAD, the final Courtland book, I swore I wouldn’t write another series – not for awhile, anyway. Then I wrote two novellas back to back – my m/m May-December story, ALLEGRO VIVACE, and THE FIRST REAL THING, an edgier, sexier tale about a male hooker who falls for a client. No sequels here, right? So far, so good!

But of course, the inevitable happened – I couldn’t get any of these new characters to shut up! First Matt and Aaron, my May-December lovers, demanded that I finish their story right NOW. So I spent most of the summer tap-tapping away on SONATA APPASSIONATA, with the Brahms violin concerto on an endless loop on my iPod. Then, not to be outdone, Mike, my hooker hero Cameron’s best friend, put on his best wig and high heels and sashayed in for his close-up.

When a drag queen demands equal time, what else could I do but comply? I already had Mike’s sassy Texas drawl firmly fixed in my brain – now all he needed was a soul mate, so I could give him his happily-ever-after.

Enter Ryan – hot, sweet and endearingly shy. Despite also appearing in THE FIRST REAL THING, Ryan didn’t give up his secrets quite so easily as Mike or Cameron. More than once I found myself telling Mike to pipe down and stop drowning out Ryan’s soft whisper. The one time I needed a character to be chatty, and he just wouldn’t cooperate! Characters, I’ve found, are a lot like cats. They do what they want when they want. Took a bit of wheedling and cajoling, but I finally got my unlikely couple their happy ending – high heels, feather boas and all!

Now I’m staring another spin-off squarely in the face. Aleksandr Petrovsky, the dark, charismatic conductor from SONATA APPASSIONATA wants his own book. It seems his wife, fiery opera singer Colette DuPlessis, has a handsome young lover she can’t get out of her system. And when Aleks and David finally meet, the sparks fly. Yup, it’s another ménage!

Sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge keeping up, but as long as the characters continue talking to me, I’ll keep writing ‘em down. Something tells me they’re not going to shut up anytime soon!

I did it again!

2010-12-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy I forgot to pick a winner again yesterday! Bad, bad me!

So I'll choose two again today - Brien and Nikyta! Check your email in a few minutes for your prizes!

One more e-book from my backlist to give away tomorrow! If you haven't entered yet, there's still time! Just leave a comment telling me which book you want. :)

Oops!

2010-12-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

Got so busy with holiday stuff yesterday - and working away on my new book! - that I forgot to draw a winner!

So I'll have to draw two today!

The winners are: Chris & Chele Blades!

I'll get your prizes out to you asap! :)

PS - Cheles, I don't have your email addy. Could you please put it in a comment so I know where to send your prize? Thanks!

A time of giving...

2010-12-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

I'm giving away e-books! Reader's choice from my back list.

Leave a comment with the title of the book you'd like and I'll draw winners Monday through Friday (December 20th through the 24th)! :)

YES!!!!

2010-12-18T14:39:00.001-08:00

Today the US Senate voted to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell!

Now I can write that DADT book I've been kicking around for the past year. *rubs hands together*

Release day!

2010-12-15T09:59:00.001-08:00

Appearing Nightly sashays across the stage today at Ellora's Cave!

You'd think after nine books (!!!), I'd be pretty jaded about release days, but nope - they're still a genuine thrill. I'm very grateful that EC took a chance on this quirky little book. You don't see too many drag queen romances out there!

A year ago I never would've considered writing anything like this. But then I saw an amazing documentary called Paris Is Burning, about African-American and Latino drag queens in 1980s Manhattan. It touched me in ways I hadn't expected. I'd never understood the appeal of effeminate men until I saw this film, but afterwards I couldn't shake it from my mind. I wanted to know a drag queen's heart, get inside his head. So when Mike, my hooker hero Cameron's best friend from The First Real Thing practically jumped off the page at me, I knew I had to give him his own book.

I hope you all enjoy his story. :)

I have a confession to make...

2010-12-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

I'm a Doctor Who geek. Big time! Although I'm not what you'd call a "true Who-vian" (I only started watching with the 2005 reboot, when Christopher Eccleston took over the role), I've embraced my Gallifreyan geekdom with wholehearted glee. For me, the best part of Christmas is sitting down with my dinner to watch the Doctor Who Christmas special. So naturally I was over the moon when I discovered these lovely new goodies!

A TARDIS coffee mug! It's so big and blue and shiny! How could I resist?

Salt and pepper shakers! The perfect size to set on the back of my stove!

And last but not least, a Dalek bottle opener! It screams "Exterminate!" every time you use it.

And there's also...

The Tenth Doctor's coat.

I'm sorely tempted, but I fear Ten's long, lanky frame fits it better than my own pear-shaped figure ever could. And so I drool from afar, imagining a smiling David Tennant modeling it for me - and wearing nothing underneath!

Well, look at that! Now I'm smiling too. ;)

Unpredictable me...

2010-12-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

I just read a remark somewhere in one of the Goodreads m/m forums that said, "Cat Grant? I never know what to expect from her."

To which I reply, "GOOD!"

I'll be the first to admit that I'm easily bored. While I wouldn't say I have ADD, doing things I've done before makes me antsy. I like to mix it up, keep things fresh. There are worse things in the world than being unpredictable.

I just started my tenth book last night. Yup, I'm in the double digits! Maybe one of these days I'll finally figure out what I'm doing-

Except I kinda hope I don't. Because starting a new manuscript is the most exciting part - for me, anyway. I'm not a plotter, but I do spend a fair amount of time letting the story "percolate" in my mind before I start writing. But I have no idea what the ending will be, other than it has to close on a kiss.

And moreover, I don't want to know. I want the characters to reveal themselves to me as I write. Sometimes they do things that are completely unexpected. That's when I know I'm onto something. It's when they clam up and refuse to talk to me at all that I know I've made a mistake, and have to backtrack.

If this sounds like channeling, or automatic writing... well, yes and no. There is this little thing called "editing" that happens once the first draft is committed to virtual paper. That's my chance to smooth things out, give the story a more coherent shape and narrative. That's when the early chapters get a good revision, because by then I know more about my characters than I did when I started.

Sometimes my characters are difficult. Capricious. Stubborn. They tell me things about themselves that aren't always pleasant or flattering. They let me into their hearts and heads. They reveal their flaws - which, to my mind, makes them even more human. It's not my job to judge them, just to present them as honestly as possible.

And that's one thing I will never find boring.

Busy busy busy...

2010-12-08T11:13:00.001-08:00

I've been running around like a headless chicken getting ready for Appearing Nightly's debut a week from today. So many guest blogs, so little time!

Also, just wanted to let you all know that Amber Quill Press is running a special holiday discount! This month all novels and novellas are 25% off - including my Amber Allure titles
Allegro Vivace and Sonata Appassionata!

Go forth and read. :)

The trimming of the tree...

2010-12-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

I don't go overboard on holiday decor, but since it is the first weekend of December, I decided I'd better break out my tiny tabletop tree - complete with nutcracker and Starbucks ornaments, and King Kong swatting planes on top!

And here's Santa Cthulhu keeping the Blu-ray player warm:

I'm nothing if not a geek! :)

New cover!

2010-12-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

Appearing Nightly appears on 12/15 from Ellora's Cave! Here's some pretties to whet your appetites!

And a blurb...

You can call me Mike—or Diva Michelle on the weekends. But just because I strut onstage in an evening gown and high heels doesn’t make me a sissy. I’ve still got a man’s body, feelings and desires. I’m also a man who knows what he wants—and that would be Ryan.

One look at our new employee with his hot physique and boy-next-door face and I was lost—falling hard and fast. It broke my heart each time he rejected me… Until the night he finally fell into my arms, desperate for the comfort only I could provide.

Each night our passion burns up the sheets, but Ryan’s holding something back. He’s been hurt in the past—leaving him scarred both inside and out. He won’t let me reach that secret part of him. I’d be willing to give him anything, but if he can’t trust me with the pain of his past, is there hope for a future?

Getting excited? I know I am! :)

It's that time of year again...

2010-11-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

I'm putting together my holiday card list this week. If you'd like to receive a card from me - and the chance to win a free copy of my new m/m romance Appearing Nightly on its release day, December 15th - shoot me an email at: bittermint2007@gmail.com. :)

What I'm thankful for...

2010-11-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful that my good friend (and fellow author!) EM Lynley's in my kitchen cooking our dinner! I made a New Year's resolution to learn how to cook, but roasting a turkey and making stuffing from scratch is beyond my very basic skills. Judging from how wonderful everything smells, this is going to be a great meal - if my rumbling tummy holds out!

In fact, here's the turkey and stuffing, fresh from the oven!

And here's EM sitting at the table!

Looks so ladylike, doesn't she? You should've seen her fisting the turkey!

And here's what the table looked like after we were done:

Yup, we were hungry!

All in all, it was a rather low-key day, a far cry from all those Thanksgivings spent with my dad's boisterous Italian family when I was growing up. And now, time to dig into the pecan pie!

New book coming in December!

2010-11-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

My editor and I have been working away getting my drag queen romance, Appearing Nightly ready for its December 15th release date!

Mark your calendars! And watch this space - I'll be doing some extra-special stuff this time to mark my second release with Ellora's Cave! :)

Please vote!

2010-11-13T09:08:00.002-08:00

The First Real Thing is up for Book of the Week over at Whipped Cream Reviews. If you can spare a moment, would you all mind voting for me?

Thank you. :)

New book coming soon from Ellora's Cave!

2010-11-05T14:25:00.001-07:00

I've just signed a contract for a new m/m novella from Ellora's Cave, entitled Appearing Nightly. This one features a drag queen hero!

Watch this space for more details. :)

Epic Awards!

2010-10-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I received word that both Triad and Allegro Vivace have finaled in the Contemporary Erotic Romance category of the 2011 Epic Awards!

After a week spent fighting off a cold, it's nice to get this little ego-boost. :)

Also, Double Concerto, the Amber Quill paperback compilation of Allegro Vivace and Sonata Appassionata is now available!

Here's the winner!

2010-10-04T10:29:00.001-07:00

Congrats to TT Kove, the winner of my Sonata Appassionata giveaway!

Thanks for playing, everyone. :)

My lair, and welcome to it!

Sleep? What's that?

Wanna see something purty?

Up, up & away!

Another announcement!

Giveaway winners announced!!

As the ball drops...

My happiest Christmas memory...

Get your minds out of the gutter, you pervs!!

White elephant, anyone?

Twas the day after Christmas...

Eeeeeeee!

Merry Christmas to me - a few days early! :)

Watch this space...

Giving thanks...

*checks calendar & SCREAMS*

*raises a glass... of green tea*

Riding the wave...

It's heeere!!!

Shameless begging!

My grand adventure - let me show you it!

Are you ready for Nawlins???

A sad day...

Pre-orders now open!

Sneak peek!

Drive-by pimping post!!

Horn tootin' time!

Howdy, strangers!

I can haz cover!!

Coulda knocked me over with a feather...

I'm baack!

I'm at AADPhilly...

Leaving on a jet plane...

Now it can be told!

Allow me to introduce...

Into the home stretch...

Can I get a "HELL, YEAH"??

Home again!

Vacation!!

It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friiiday...

Coming up for air...

Thursday already?

The official start of summer!

Beautiful day!

*blinks blearily*

Daisy Harris says, "I know what boys like!"

Happy Monday!

I got it goin' on today!

Dear TPTB on Glee...

Three years, gone by in a flash!

Release day giveaway!

Ohhh, shiny!

New release date!

Happy Half-Price Chocolate Day!

This is one of those weeks...

Anyone interested...

Winner!

Easter Hoppin' Blog Hop!

Just because it's spring...

I got good news and I got bad news...

Exhausted but happy!

One more day!

FINALLY!!!

Busy, busy, busy!

Please welcome Michael Mandrake!

A week of firsts!

I finally got out of the house...

Spring has sprung!

Today's news...

Want some candy, little girl?

Release day!

We have a winner!

Happy Dean Day!

Happy Sunday!

Oops!

Guess who's got a hot new cover to share?

That was fast!

*preens*

I'm going! Will I see you there?

In like a lion, out like a lamb...

checks calendar & SCREAMS

raises a glass... of green tea

blinks blearily

preens