Founded in November 2004, Romance Divas is an award winning, free writer's resource website and discussion forum dedicated to the romance and writing community. Our vision is to provide a fun place for writers to learn about the craft and business of writing in a supportive environment, where our members share in the personal and professional journey with other aspiring and published writers.
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♦ Emily Ryan-Davis’ “naughty nooner” INTERLUDE IN PEARL will be available for free download at Ellora’s Cave February 22.
♦ Gail Roarke’s paranormal erotic short ONE KNIGHT STAND will be released on February 12th by Cobblestone Press.
♦ Kate Pearce’s first contemporary erotic novella for Kensington Aphrodisia comes out in the anthology SOME LIKE IT ROUGH, with Susan Lyons and Anne Rainey on February 23rd.
♦ The Casino Caper, a mystery/suspense novella by K.S. Manning, releases February 25, 2010 from Red Rose Publishing.
♦ Marisa Chenery’s werewolf romance Jinx and Her Werewolf, and her first book in Liquid Silver Book’s Strange Hollow series, releases February 8th. Her second book in her Goddess Revealed series, Love’s Fiery Arrow, releases at Ellora’s Cave on Feburary 17th.
♦ Savannah Stuart’s erotic paranormal romance WORTH THE RISK will release February 24 from Ellora’s Cave. It’s the second story in her Miami Scorcher series.
♦ Savannah Stuart sold her erotic paranormal, POWER UNLEASHED, to Ellora’s Cave. It’s the third in her Miami Scorcher series. Release date to be announced.
♦ Kissa Starling has a short story, Vegas Vixens 4 Ever, releasing in ebook and print formats as part of the To Love and To Cherish, lesbian love anthology at Love You Divine Publishing on February 14th. The proceeds will go to Marriage Equality.
♦ Seeley deBorn was accepted into the Faculty of Engineering with a major in Environmental Engineering.
♦ Stephanie Adkins signed with Ellora’s Cave for her erotic romance story, Seducing Reagan. She also signed with Liquid Silver Books for her erotic romance story, Driving Miss Devin. Release dates to be announced.
Rhonda Stapleton started writing a few years ago to appease the voices in her head. She has a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. In the twelve minutes of free time she has each day, Rhonda enjoys reading, photography, writing poetry, singing in the shower (and in the car, at work, or basically anywhere that provides oxygen), drinking chai tea, and playing on the Internet (AKA, connecting to the “mother ship”). Rhonda lives in northeast Ohio with her two kids, her manpanion, and their lazy dog. Visit her website at: http://www.rhondastapleton.com for more information about her and her books.
1. Tell us about yourself?
Well, I’m an author, mother, teacher, editor, and amateur photographer. I also hate blue food, love chinese and sushi, and hope to visit Japan in the near future.
2. How long have you been writing, and how did you get your start?
I’ve been writing since 2004. Stupid Cupid is actually the third novel I wrote. My first novel was a chick lit, and my second a YA (this is the one that got my agent). I’d originally written Stupid Cupid as one book, but my agent sent it to my editor who thought it would make a good trilogy.
3. How long have you been a member of Romance Divas? What does this site mean to you?
I’ve been a die-hard member since 2005, and it’s like crack. I love it. It’s a fantastic source for all things writing. I’m also the YA liaison, and I love it!
4. What should we know about the STUPID CUPID trilogy.
Ummmmmm it’s super goofy and light and there aren’t any vamps and werewolves in it. haha
5. How did you make this sale?
My agent sent it to my editor, who loved it enough to buy a trilogy!
6. I understand you had a booksigning in Canada? How does it feel to be an international superstar?
OMG it was so much fun. And sooo scary. But what a great first signing–I sold several copies, and some people even brought theirs in from home for me to sign. Talk about the ultimate flattery!
7. What will you be doing to help promote the trilogy?
Other than pimping the crap out of my stuff online? I’m doing group signings, podcasts, and blog tours and contests. And I have a few things up my sleeves…mwahahahaaaaa…
8. Tell us about a typical writing day For Rhonda Stapleton.
When I’m in drafting mode, I write at least 1 hour a day (which is around 3 pages for me), 5 days a week. My writing is typically done later in the evening.
9. Where do you get your inspiration?
It’s all around–my family and friends provide a lot of help, because they’re all crazy. hahaha
Wanna learn how to make teens fall in love with your characters and have a good laugh or two (or hopefully more)? Check out Rhonda Stapleton’s YA romantic comedy workshop and find out tips on writing funny, as well as how to keep the romantic tension building in a satisfying manner.
Workshop includes:Day 1–tips about writing comedy. Day 2–how to build a realistic teen romance. Day 3–bringing it all together.
**Workshop is featured in our FORUM. Required registration. Become a member and participate for free.**
I’ve been a published author for approximately seven years. Since I started to write, I’ve exploring subjects that intrigue, puzzle or upset me. Circles of Love was a book that examined a painful topic. For years I pondered the idea of having no clue as to “where you came from”. The heroine in Circles of Love went in search of her mother after realizing she couldn’t marry the hero until she knew who she was. The story earned me a 4-1/2Gold review from Romantic Times Book Club.
While negotiating my latest contract my editor suggested that I write connected books. I didn’t want to write about another large or extended family so I opted for stories connected by a large company. Living in the Detroit area, ideas swirled around the automobile companies since Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler Corporations headquarters are all located in metro Detroit.
French-owned and operated Gautier’s International Motors was born after I rejected the ideas of the Detroit based companies. I had no idea that the auto industry would stall, fail or file for bankruptcy protection to stay in business and start new. Chrysler would offer the hand of partnership to Fiat and my little story would follow some of the events that marked the news in the Detroit area.
As an undergraduate student at Wayne State University ,I worked as a nursery aide at a day care center. Many of the parents also put in several hours a week of work to lower their tuition costs. One mother in particular stayed in my thoughts for years. Kim was the parent of two little girls, Heather and Sarah. Both girls were under the age of three.
I soon learned Kim was going through a bitter divorce with her husband, Bill. As part of their separation agreement, Bill had visitation rights for the girls every other weekend. One weekend Bill didn’t return and I later learned that he disappeared with Heather and Sarah and was never seen again.
Today, things are very different. We have laws and options that weren’t in place at that time. Amber alerts and the procedures used by the police to handle these cases are different. There is a great chance of a parent having their children returned to them.
That idea has haunted me over the years. The concept of losing your children for life seemed so painful and cruel. Never knowing if they were alive or dead was beyond anything I could comprehend.
When I became an author/writer this kidnapping was a topic that I wanted to explore and try to make sense of. Hence, I Can Make You Love Me began to take shape.
Let me know your thoughts on the subject. E-mail me at karenwowens@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you. Remember, don’t be a stranger.
You can find me on facebook and myspace, or check me out at my website: www.karenwhiteowens.com.
♦ Angela James has joined Carina Press as the Executive Editor. She brings with her seven years of experience in the digital arena, after working for various digital publishers (most recently Samhain Publishing). Carina Press, an extension of Harlequin Enterprise, is a digital-only publishing house that will operate independently of their traditional publishing businesses.
♦ Crista McHugh was a double finalist in the On the Far Side contest and won the paranormal category of the Emerald City Opener. She also sold her second paranormal romance novella, ANGELIC SURRENDER, to Samhain for publication in 2010.
♦ Jax Cassidy sold her erotic contemporary BRUSH STROKES to Amber Heat, an imprint of Amber Quill Press. This story will be available January 2010.
♦ Portia Da Costa’s erotic novel SHADOWPLAY will be reprinted in a new cover on 10th November – her last ever Black Lace release.
♦ Rhiannon Leith sold erotic sf novella WITH A TOUCH and erotic paranormal novel EDGE OF HEAVEN to Samhain Publishing for publication in 2010.
♦ Rowan Larke’s debut, a dark, paranormal, erotic romance, A LOVE NEVERENDING, releases November 17th from Loose Id.
♦ Seeley deBorn got an A on her Computer Programming midterm and her vehicle for Engineering Design got the highest performance score in the class.
♦ Shelley Munro’s contemporary novella, Soldier of Fortune will be available November 18th from Ellora’s Cave.
♦ Stephanie Adkin’s contemporary erotic romance suspense novella, Between Heaven and Hell, will debut from Liquid Silver Books on November 16th.
♦ The French translation of The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover by Victoria Janssen, Lecons de plaisir, is available beginning November 2009 at Amazon France and Harlequin France.
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia, October 2009
Genre: Historical Romance (Erotic) Rating: 4.5 Kisses Reviewed by Voirey Linger
In Simply Wicked, Kate Pearce once again takes us to the House of Pleasure where we meet Anthony, a young man whose history of abuse has skewed his perception of sexuality into something dark and damaging. Determined to put the violence he’s craved for so long behind him, he leaves his lover and the world of bondage and dominance behind him. When he is asked to act as social escort to Marguerite, a young widow with secrets of her own, he sees an opportunity to distance himself from the pull of submission and a much needed distraction from a lifestyle that is destroying him.
Marguerite isn’t sure what to think about the intriguing and sensual man her family has procured as escort. He brings to life desires which have laid dormant since her husband’s death and she quickly acts on them. But Anthony’s past may be more than she can handle, and when his former lover refuses to let him go, Marguerite is pulled into a bitter man’s vicious game of revenge.
Ms. Pearce has penned a story of sensual elegance so lush and appealing, I didn’t want to put it down. The two lovers battle their private demons, trying to lay the past to rest and move on with their lives. However, they discover their pasts aren’t as separate and private as they believe and must work together to set things right before they can move on.
I was drawn to Anthony early in the book because of his vulnerability, his desperation to leave behind a lifestyle which left him filled with shame and degradation. He didn’t know what he wanted besides change, and this lost quality left him floundering, searching for some elusive sense of happiness. Anthony’s attitudes were frustrating, though. He ranged from one who seemed to enjoy wallowing in victim mode to sulky bratty-ness early in the book, however as he learned to stand up for himself and make his own decisions he matured.
I was not as attracted to the character of Marguerite. While she was a very sensual character, I was never sure what drove her or why she made some choices. She was, however, very sensual and surprisingly open to new sexual experiences. Sexually, she was the perfect match for Anthony, firm and demanding, yet still the picture of soft, feminine sensuality. This fourth book in the House of Pleasure series left me wanting more. Ms. Pearce’s luxurious writing is a decadent delight and I cannot wait for book five and its unexpected hero.
♦ Dawn Halliday’s story WINTER HEAT will feature in A HIGHLANDER CHRISTMAS anthology with stories by Cindy Miles and Sophie Renwick–in bookstores November 3 from NAL Signet Eclipse.
♦ Eden Bradley’serotic vampire novella, THE SEEKING KISS, Book One in her Midnight Playground series, will be available from Samhain Publishing October 20th. Her erotic novel, THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER, will be available and in bookstores October 27th from Bantam/Delta.
♦ Eden Bradley has contracted a new four-novella series with Samhain Publishing. The Celestial Seductions series will debut this December.
♦ Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis contracted their contemporary novella, This Fire, to Liquid Silver Books for December release in their firefighter themed anthology.
♦ Ella Drake’s erotic paranormal short, SCENT OF CIN, available from Cobblestone Press Oct 2, 2009. Her debut novel, THE FORBIDDEN CHAMBER (historical paranormal), releases Oct 27th from Samhain Publishing.
♦ Gwen Hayes signed with agent Jessica Sinsheimer at the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency.
♦ Kim Knox’s SF erotic romance novella, SATIN SPAR, will be available 20 October 2009 from Samhain Publishing
♦ Marisa Chenery’s erotic novella, ROXIE’S PROTECTORS-ROAN’S FALL, the first book in her new werewolf series, will be released at Liquid Silver Books on October 19th.
♦ Mima will be signing Claimed at Authors After Dark Paranormal Weekend.
♦ Natasha Moore’s novella, Bound by Design, released from Samhain Publishing Sept 29th.
♦ Nell Dixon’s Blue Remembered Heels is released as large print format October 1st from Ulverscroft.
♦ R. F. Long will be holding the book launch for the print edition of The Scroll Thief at Octocon, Ireland’s premiere SFF convention, on 10th October at 5.30pm.
♦ R.G. Alexander’s 4th book in her Children of the Goddess series, MIDNIGHT FALLS, will be available at Samhain Publishing October 20th.
♦ R.G. Alexander sold thr first novella in her Wicked series, WICKED SEXY, to Samhain Publishing, for January 2010 release.
♦ Sela March has been offered a contract by Red Sage for her novella, “HARD HARVEST,” part of the “Three Kinds of Wicked” ménage à trois series.
♦ Stephanie Adkins paranormal erotic romance short story, The Wicked Flame, debuts this month from Cobblestone Press.
Maria Geraci was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised on Florida’s Space Coast. Her love of books started with the classic, Little Women (a book she read so often growing up, she could probably quote).She lives with her husband and their children in north Florida where she works part-time as a labor and delivery nurse by night and writes romance full time during the day (sleep is not an option). Her first book, Bunco Babes Tell All, a sexy, funny women’s fiction story debuted in May, 2009. The follow-up, Bunco Babes Gone Wild, comes out in November. Maria is currently working on a romantic comedy scheduled for an early 2011 release date. You can visit her website at www.mariageraci.com.
What inspired you to become a writer and how long did it take from the first draft to the first sale?
I’ll be honest, I really can’t say what inspired me, although I’ve always loved to read. One day, I dropped my husband off at the airport for a business trip and on the drive home, I decided to write a book and I’ve been writing ever since. Five years later, I sold my first book.
How many rejection letters did you get before you finally got the agent and/or the sale? Were you discouraged or what did you do to overcome them?
I don’t know how many rejection letters/emails I have, although I can honestly say that the majority of my rejections have come after getting an agent. I only queried a couple of editors on my own before I decided that I’d rather have an agent first. I was very lucky. I think I queried about 4 or 5 agents before landing my agent, Deidre Knight-although it took her about 6 months from the initial query to agree to rep me. The first manuscript she shopped for me was rejected by about 10 houses in NY, and the second manuscript (which eventually sold) was rejected by the first 7 or 8 publishers who read it. Recently, my editor rejected the first synopsis I sent her on my option book. I did sell her the book, but I had to come up with a totally different concept. So, even after being published, rejection is something you have to deal with.
Realizing that rejection isn’t personal is key to survival in this business. Whether it’s being turned down by an agent, or an editor, or even a bad review, you have to shrug it off, learn from it, and move on. Having a good support group is critical, I think, to helping you overcome the downside of writing. I know for me, without my friends, I’d be lost!
What is the most difficult part of writing and how do you get over “writer’s block” or something like it?
For me, the writing is the easy part. Occasionally, I have writer’s block, but I work through it and somehow the muse finds me again. The difficult part of being a writer is the lack of control you have over your finished product. From the cover, to the title, to even the way your book is packaged and sold, is totally up to the publisher. You have some input, but the end decision is mostly out of your hands (at least at this stage of my career). Maybe once I start hitting some lists, then I’ll have more input!
Are you a plotter or a panster? Do you have any daily ritual or writing routine to get you going?
I’m a combination of both. In a perfect world, I would be a pantser and sit at the computer and just let the story unfold naturally. But that would mean taking a lot of wrong turns, and since I write under deadline, I have to have some semblance of a plot, otherwise, I’d go around in circles until I found my way. My only routine to get me going is plugging in the coffee pot!
If you were an ice cream flavor, what would it be called and why?
Chocolate Crunch Delight.
The delight is because I’m generally a pretty happy, upbeat person. The crunch is for my occasional “bite.” And the chocolate is just because!
What are you currently working on and what should be look out for in the future?
Right now, I’m writing another light women’s fiction story for Berkley, titled The Boyfriend of the Month Club (my editor really loves the title, so I’m hoping I get to keep it!) It’s due to my editor in January and will probably come out early 2011.
Any last words or tips for aspiring writers to help them get started?
If you hope to make a living from your writing then always remember, this is a business, so treat it like you would any professional endeavor. Work hard, don’t burn any bridges, and always follow the Golden Rule!
Hello, Divas! Thanks for having me today. I don’t usually write book reviews, but I just read Jackie Barbosa’s debut novel, Behind the Red Door, and it was so wonderful that I want to tell everyone about it.
The book is made up of three novellas, each involving a house of ill repute called the Red Door. Before I continue, I have a few confessions to make.
1. I love sexy Regencies.
2. I adore novellas, especially when I’m busy
3. I’m often in the mood for erotic romance, because I really like sex scenes. I like early, frequent sex scenes. What can I say? I’m naughty.
Behind the Red Door was right up my alley, because it incorporated all of the above elements without skimping on quality writing or emotional impact. Each story was excellent, which is rare in this format, from my experience.
In the first story, the hero is a dissolute rake and secret scholar. The heroine is a recently jilted young lady who is also a bit of a bluestocking. She doesn’t consider the hero a good match for marriage because of his scandalous ways. Although she desires him physically, she’s also intellectually infatuated with his “friend,” the brilliant poetry translator she’s never seen. Oh, the calamity.
Like the next two stories, this one has familiar themes, done well. A unique point—the hero has had male lovers in the past. I find sexual fluidity in women very appealing, in men not so much. This is a matter of personal taste, however, and I think the author addresses the issue in a positive way.
The sex is explicit, and the hero talks dirty (mmm!), but there is a real tenderness between the characters. He realizes that he wants a committed relationship before she does, which is a detail I always enjoy.
The second story also worked well for me. A war hero with PTSD enters the Red Door with an odd request—a good night’s sleep. He can’t stave off the nightmares when he’s alone, so he hires a prostitute to lie beside him. She fancies him, of course. In the morning, she wakes him in the best possible way. He returns the favor, what a gent.
Again, we have steamy erotic encounters, and a marriage-minded hero who decides what he wants in record time. My main problem was with the heroine’s profession. She likes sex better than scrubbing pots, and has no negative feelings about her job. Maybe some readers would find that refreshing, but I thought it unrealistic. The story took an unexpected turn in the second half, and continued to hold my interest. Nicely done.
The third story is the most explicit. I liked it the best! Lady Jane is in love with her betrothed, a seductive scoundrel who he sees her only as a friend. Desperate to win his heart, she visits the Red Door, intent on learning how to please him in the bedroom. Jane’s unsuspecting fiancé is there to relieve a hankering—for Jane. But he doesn’t go through with it. Before he leaves, the madam invites him to give lessons to a disguised Jane. He readily accepts. She won’t allow him to take her virginity, so they do everything else. And I do mean everything!
Behind the Red Door has three very sexy, very enjoyable stories. If you like well-written erotic romance, I highly recommend it.
ABOUT JILL:
Jill Sorenson writes romantic suspense for Silhouette and Bantam Dell. Her latest release, Set the Dark on Fire, is in stores now.
on Feb 2nd, 2010 
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