Ink

I’m currently reading this novel…

It’s always nice when a fellow author blogs about my books.  Author Jaime Samms blogs about what’s on her mind, and more…check it o out here!

http://dontkickmycane.livejournal.com/134336.html

Also, to find out more about author Jaime Samms, check out her website at:

http://www.jaime-samms.net/

Breathless

Breathless

Portrait of an Artist

 The painting was literally like nothing painted on Earth. But can the mystery behind it really save Peter’s relationship?

Editing the Perfect Novel

I recently finished editing my new novel, Surrender Love, due from Loose Id on February 17, 2009. It’s erotic M/M Science Fiction Romance. When I finished it — that is, prior to my editor getting her first look — it was over a hundred and forty thousand words. We had to cut it to a hundred and twenty thousand for it to fit the outer edges of Loose Id guidelines. Twenty thousand words. My first thought was, “But it’s perfect! I can’t take out anything!” How do you cut that many words you’ve sweated to produce?

Michelangelo was once asked how he could sculpt such beautiful pieces of marble into lifelike creatures. Paraphrasing his words, his response was that if you want to carve a horse from a huge block of marble, you simply chip away anything that didn’t look like a horse. In writing, you chip away any words that don’t portray exactly what the reader needs to enjoy and understand the story.

Easier said than done? Too, too true. I followed a few steps I’d learned from previous books and soon cut it down to the right size. I can’t take all the credit. My editor, Hollie Hollis, guided me and provided excellent ideas on where to cut, but the actual snipping and trimming was mostly my own. It went back and forth between my editor and me several times, before going to another level, the line editor, back to my editor, and then to me. Each time, I cut more, polished more. So, what exactly did I cut? Here’s a basic list any author can follow and apply.

A) Look for sub-plots that don’t move the story forward, or can be developed in a sequel or another book. My strong suggestion is that you never cut anything more than a sentence or two without saving it to a document called Ideas for _______ , using the series name, or “other books”, etc.

B) Passages I particularly loved but didn’t fit for whatever reason went into Cuts I Love.doc. These were passages that could be adapted for any book I wrote, whereas the Ideas document is strictly for story-related material. An example from the Cuts doc is “Let yourself want it. Let yourself enjoy the lust, the heat. Let yourself rest in my arms while I pleasure you.” I cut this from another book because it didn’t work for my beta hero, but would be great in an alpha love scene.

C) Characters not necessary to the story. In Surrender Love, Luc had a dungeon in his penthouse, nearly an entire floor with rooms designed with every type of pleasure and punishment in mind. When he meets Izzorah “Rah” Ceeow and falls for him, he knows immediately the way to Rah’s heart is not through pain, but with a gentle hand. I wrote a scene where he calls in a designer and orders everything on that floor ripped out, and changed over to a private nightclub and areas for Rah’s rock band, Kumwhatmay, to practice and record. The designer also held appeal for another minor character, and I knew I couldn’t let them get together or sparks would fly. There wasn’t going to be time to chase that bunny trail, but it could end up launching a new book. I decided to cut and save it, eliminating several pages and nearly two thousand words.

D) Look for words that end in “ing”. This ending is proper for words used within a passive framework, but not for active. An example from Surrender Love is when the alpha hero is the passive recipient, and “ing” helps reveal that.

Luc shook his head, throat too tight, panting so hard he couldn’t speak.

“You’re starving for it, t’hahr. I can taste your hunger. Let me give myself to you.”

Luc didn’t trust his voice. Can’t lose control now. Can’t. Can’t. He shook his head, fighting for mastery of his emotions.

If you find “ing” words where the scene should be active, it’s easy to change to active. Here is the same passage, altered from passive to active. Note the slight change in wording.

Luc shook his head, throat too tight. He panted, speech past him.

“You’re starving for it, t’hahr. I can taste your hunger. Let me give myself to you.”

Luc didn’t trust his voice. Can’t lose control now. Can’t. Can’t. He mastered his emotions and shook his head.

The first paragraph is fifty words; the second is forty-seven. Three words doesn’t sound like much, but multiply that by eliminating three words per page in a three hundred page document, and you have nine hundred words. Averaging two hundred fifty words per page, you’ve cut almost four pages.

The key point is that “ing” words often reveal passive phrases. Hunt them to sharpen the action and reword to make the sentence stronger. Small reminder: not all such words are going to help, i.e., thing, sing, string, during, something, anything, ring (noun), and so on. If you look, however, you’ll find plenty of places to change structure and write in a more active tense, often saving words.

These are the fastest way to cut, and there are many more. I’d love to hear ideas from you!

The book I referenced in this article is Surrender Love, coming from Loose Id on February 17, 2009. http://loose-id.com

Cowboys’ Christmas

By Carol McKenzie

http://carol-mckenzie.com

http://xanga.com/mckbooks

As of today, Friday, December 19th, 2008, Cowboys’ Christmas is ranked the #1 best seller at Fictionwise for loveyoudivine, it is the #1 best seller for loveyoudivine at All Romance Ebooks and ranks #15 at AllShortStories.com

It is the first story to be released for the coming print anthology in 2009, Men On Holiday.

Ebook ISBN / Price: 978-1-60054-283-1

Length: 56 pages / 14,400 word count

Genre: M/M

Category: His and His Kisses

Rating: Shooting Star

Price: 3.75

Buy link: http://tinyurl.com/4u2yz8

Video Trailer: http://tinyurl.com/59anuw

About

Cowboys’ Christmas

The First Release from MEN II: On Holiday from Carol McKenzie – DEC 1st

It’s December and it’s cold. Blake’s back aches from busting broncs and he wants to settle down, maybe do some ranching. Blake loves his sister, who doesn’t know he’s gay. But he loves Riley, too. If he breaks the news, will his sister accept Riley into the family?

Thirty-year-old Blake finishes his obligations on the rodeo circuit for the year. It’s December and it’s cold. He calls his sister, Katy, in Rufus, Oregon, and tells her that he is getting too old to bust broncos. His back and bones ache. He mentions he may come home for Christmas. Katy ís delighted because she needs help with the Kinglsley Ranch; it’s falling apart, and her boyfriend is too much a tenderfoot to help.

Blake can’t wait to meet up with his “friend” in their usual camping area. Katy doesn’t know about his flame, Riley S. Campbell. What will she say or think when she finds he’s taken Riley, a man, as his lover? Will Riley’s family accept Blake?

Excerpt:

Blake Kingsley pulled his truck and fifth wheel into a vacant island of Huck’s Gas Mart in downtown Longview, Washington, and stopped the engine. He climbed out and put his gray Stetson on his head. Heavy, cold rain beat down on the overhang and the air smelled of gasoline. He lifted the nozzle, pressed the mid-grade button and pumped forty dollars worth of gas into his tank, mumbling his displeasure the whole time. When he finished, he put handle back and ambled toward the pay station, the soles of his boots smacking in puddles.

A sleepy-eyed, brunette attendant behind a counter looked at him over her gold-rimmed glasses and blinked long, curling lashes.

Tipping onto his toes, he drew a couple of wadded bills from his tight jeans’ pocket and placed them on the steel counter.

The attendant took them without a word.
“Thank you, Ma’am,” he said and returned to his truck.
He climbed into the cab, closed the door and within the minute, drove toward Kalama, Washington, taking the interstate north. Pangs of loneliness entered his system again. He thought about his family; those alive and dead. I need to make a call. He retrieved his cell phone from the center console. Without swerving off the road, he dialed his sister in Rufus, Oregon.
“Katy, this season’s done. Thank God.”
“I hope you come home.” Her voice sounded creaky. He imagined her soft, freckled face and auburn, curly hair. “It’s been quiet here since mom and dad’s died.”

A picture of their parent’s crumpled automobile, with blood on the seats the day after their head on collision in Medford played in his mind. The horrible call from the emergency room had come announcing their demise. He gulped air in his sadness.

His sister sighed, bringing him back to the here and now. “Things are fallin’ apart around this ol’ place. Frank’s not into ranchin’. He can’t even ride a horse.”

Blake wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and the remembrance ended. He clucked his tongue, recalling her tenderfoot boyfriend, Frank. “I’ll bet.” A misplaced smile quirked at the corners of his lips. It’s best I change the subject, or she’ll cry. “What do you want for Christmas, sis?”

“Just get here safely. We’ll have a nice holiday, if you come. I’m invitin’ you, you know.”

“I’ll spring for the turkey, if I was to come,” Blake said and placed his Stetson on the passenger seat.

“So, how are you doin’ otherwise, little brother?’”

“It’s best you not ask, ’cause right now, I’m in a piss poor mood.”

“Why’s that?”

“These friggin’ gas prices suck. They’re high as hell. It costs too much drivin’ the circuit anymore. I’m twenty-eight and gettin’ too old for bustin’ broncs.”

“Get a different job, then. Stay home, settle down. Maybe get a job as, I dunno, be a cop.”

“I’ve done ruint my back.”

“Maybe it’s time to quit.”

“I’ve got to think about it. See you.”

“Tell your buddy hi. Oh, and call when you get close.”

“Will do.”

Once he put the cell phone back in the case and closed the console lid, he took a left onto a different highway and began thinking about what Katy didn’t know—his ideas on sexual preferences. It’d shock her to death. He thought about his job situation, too. Maybe I’ll work the farm. Or become a cop. At a stoplight he lit a cigarette and slid the Bic back into the pocket of his blue western shirt. Right now, all I do is get out there and risk life and limb…for what? To give the audience thrills, and all I get is a few measly dollars. Shit. I must have rocks in my fuckin’ head. What the hell am I goin’ to do? Should I rodeo another year, or quit? Cops’ lives are always in danger. Maybe my back ain’t in good enough shape to do that kind of work.

He coughed, took another drag off his Benson & Hedges and glanced at the speedometer. The dial read he was going five miles per hour over the speed limit. He raised his foot a bit on the gas pedal until the needle stopped just over sixty-five. An elongated sigh left his lips.

He passed several dense, vast forested areas. The dark green fir trees alongside the road forked upward toward a gloomy, cloudy sky. Rain splattered on the windshield as the wipers thump-thump-thumped. When he stopped at a sign, he flicked his cigarette out the window into a mud puddle. He turned the satellite’s radio knob to a country-western station and hummed along with George Strait who sang Easy Come, Easy Go.

As he started driving, his thoughts turned to a better subject. Yeah, I’ll park this thing and take a rest. Gettin’ a mess of Riley will make me feel better. The U-Shine Car Wash caught Blake’s eye. Maybe I should unhook this thing and wash the road dust off my pickup. He decided to keep on trucking, wanting to get to his destination before dark and get a space rented. I’ll wash it tomorrow.

Mid-afternoon, driving along on I-5, he gazed out upon the sparkling Columbia River near his exit. Slow barges made their way north and west; a breathtaking sight.

Once off the interstate and in town, he drove down the main drag looking for the old, peeling sign that read Campground–Marty’s Trailer Spaces–Weekly and Monthly Rates. Blake passed the launderette and the post office. He traveled two blocks past the totem pole, the Lone Pine Cafe and made a right just like he had at previous season’s end.

I’ll rest. Maybe spend part of the winter with my ol’ buddy.

He pictured his pal, Riley S. Campbell, when he last saw him over a year earlier. He stood five ten and had a slim, strong build. Blake never thought to ask his exact age, but he guessed it to be around twenty-eight. He’d worn hand-tooled boots and a belt that sported a silver Texas longhorn buckle. Riley’s onyx gaze seemed to penetrate his soul and mind. Worn jeans, most of the time faded, encased a well-shaped ass. Blake began to feel the slide of him coming inside his body. Damn, I’ve missed him. He’ll be a sight for sore eyes.

This week I welcome multi-published author, Amanda Young, as Guest Blogger!

One of my favorite things about writing M/M romance is the ability to write outside the box. The characters don’t have to be the typical alpha male found in other genres. 

In my opinion, the idea of physical beauty in this day and age is a little skewed. Instead of smooth, flawless skin and gym-toned bodies, I’ve always been drawn to a different sort of man. The kind of man who’s built like a brick sh*thouse and covered in hair. That’s right—Bears. There’s nothing sexier to me than a hairy chest and a solid masculine body. Michael Angelo’s David be damned, I want to explore the allure of brawny men who can bench-press their own weight plus that of their partner.

For my next series, I’m planning to focus on big strapping men with even bigger hearts. There will be Bears, and Otters, and Wolves—oh my. For those of you who don’t know the terminology, I thought I would share some definitions (as I understand them) with you.

• Admirer – a term that refers to someone who is sexually or romantically attracted to Bears (this term is often used in various communities to describe an outsider who has sexual attraction to people within that community). Also often referred to as a Chaser. Admirers/Chasers can be of any weight, hairy or hairless and any age.
• Bear – a hairy man with a stocky or heavyset build and facial hair. Can be clean shaven and of any age.
• Bear run – a gathering or circuit party for Bear/Cub types and their Admirers.
• Cub – a younger (or younger looking) version of a Bear, typically but not always with a smaller frame. The term is sometimes used to imply the passive partner in a relationship.^[10] Can be hairy or hairless.
• Gobi – A male, often heterosexual, who is often in the company of bears. Likened to a Goldilocks.
• Daddy bear – is an older guy sometimes looking for a daddy/son relationship with either a younger Bear, Cub, Otter, Wolf or Chaser.
• Goldilocks – A female, often heterosexual, who is often in the company of bears (a bear’s fag hag).
• Leatherbear – A bear with a leather fetish.
• Muscle bear – a muscular version of a Bear. A muscle cub is a younger or smaller, yet muscular, version. Can be hairy or hairless and of any age.
• Otter – a man who is hairy, but is not large or stocky – typically thinner, or with lean muscle. Slimmer version of a Bear with little pockets of fat like love handles or a tiny gut, but not as lean as a Wolf.
• Panda bear – a bear of Asian ethnicity. A panda cub is younger version. Usually hairless.
• Pocket bear – A short Bear.
• Polar bear – a silver- or white-haired Bear.
• Wolf – A lean, masculine gay man who is attracted to bears and involved in the bear scene.
• Woof – A greeting often used when a Bear spots another Bear in public and wants to express physical attraction. He might make a growling noise (“Grrr!”) or say “Woof!”

What would you, the reader, like to see more of in erotic M/M romance? Maybe more overweight characters, or “Average Joe” type heroes. How about little known fetishes, like sploshing or water sports? For every kink you can dream up, there’s someone out there who’s interested. I’d love to hear what readers would like to see more of.

Author Bio:

Amanda Young writes in multiple subgenres, including M/F, M/M, and paranormal romance. The only thing she guarantees is hot ride and a happy ending. To learn more about Amanda’s books, please visit her website: www.AmandaYoung.org

Please welcome multi-published author and friend, J.M. Snyder as “guest blogger” for the week!

I’m J.M. Snyder, author of gay erotic and romantic fiction. I began in self-publishing, but am now working with e-publishers Amber Allure, Aspen Mountain, and Torquere Presses. My short stories have appeared online at Ruthie’s Club, Tit-Elation, and Amazon Shorts, and in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain Press, and Cleis Press.

 This month, I have four paranormal releases just in time for Halloween.  They are: 

A More Perfect Union

 * A More Perfect Union, published 10/12/08 by Amber Allure Press

http://jmsnyder.net/books/bstates/union.html

 

 Book 3 in Between States a historical paranormal series set during the American Civil War. This is novella is the last story in the series, and all three will be released in a paperback collection in January 2009.

  Once a Yankee soldier, Brance Brenneman has left behind the War Between the States and gone into hiding with his lover, former Confederate Caleb Chilson. Deserters intent on keeping to themselves, they find a nice, sparse acre of land where they can finally settle down. Life falls into domesticated routine for both the brooding Yank and the excitable Rebel. Together they struggle to create a more perfect union forged of love and their shared shapeshifting secret. 

 

But the discovery of another bobcat encroaching on their territory brings out the possessive alley cat in Caleb, eager to defend his home and his mate. Will the newcomer destroy what they’ve worked so hard to attain? Or is there room enough for the three of them deep in the wilderness of Pennsylvania? 

The Arc Position * The Positions of Love Book 11: The Arc Position, published 10/19/08 by Amber Allure Presshttp://vic-and-matt.com/positions/pol-11.html

Book 11 in The Positions of Love, a contemporary series about lovers Vic Braunson and Matt diLorenzo. Every time they make love, Matt inadvertently gives Vic superhuman powers. There are a total of 12 stories in this series, which will be released in a paperback collection in December 2008. *** It’s Halloween, and Matt’s coworker Roxie has invited him to a costume party on that spookiest of nights. He’s afraid he’ll have an uphill battle convincing Vic to tag along, but to his surprise, his lover jumps at the idea. Matt chooses a pair of police uniforms for them to wear, and looks forward to a little sexual role-playing once the party is over. Nothing like a pair of handcuffs and a game of good cop/bad cop to get the blood pumping. A Haunted Love But Roxie calls with a pool emergency an hour before the party starts. Because Vic isn’t in costume yet, Matt goes on ahead alone. When his lover shows up for the party, Matt’s surprised to find he’s not dressed as a cop. Instead, Vic’s latest superhuman power has created a costume of its own, with comic results.

* A Haunted Love, published 10/31/08 by Aspen Mountain Presshttp://jmsnyder.net/books/haunted.html

A Haunted Love

This novelette originally appeared in the e-book anthology, Cupid’s Arrow, also published by Aspen Mountain Press. Nick works as a re-enactor at a Colonial America site. One foggy night he meets David Henry, just about the sexiest man in colonial garb Nick has ever seen. Because Nick’s missed the last bus into town, David invites him to stay the night with him at the colony’s inn. Though there’s definitely a spark between them, David is gone when Nick wakes. When David’s claim of working as an apprentice at the glass shop doesn’t pan out, Nick begins to wonder about the guy he’s met and the ghost stories circulating around the colony, stories he always believed untrue …

* One of Use, published 10/31/08 by Torquere Presshttp://jmsnyder.net/stories/st_oneofus.html

The Sip...

This short story appears in my self-published collection, Shorts, and was also published online at Ruthie’s Club.

 Connor Allen is a young man who sports a nasty bite that seems to grow worse during the full moon. A former classmate, Rand, tells him it’s a werewolf bite. At first Connor thinks he’s joking, but as the moon rises, he finds himself undergoing a painful transformation. Rand knows just how bad it can be the first time a man changes, so he distracts Connor in a way that pleases them both.

For more information on these releases, please visit my website at http://jmsnyder.net or click on the links above.  I host monthly contests to five away free copies of all new releases (http://jmsnyder.net/contest.html), and I give away additional freebies through my Yahoo! group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmsnyder/)

Thank you, Jon, for hosting me today!

Any time, J.M!  Keep keep us informed as the holidays approach…  Thank you for sharing your latest releases with the readers of my blog. 

If you have a question for J.M Snyder, current or past releases, please post then here for response…

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Nex week, I have a very special “treat” for you – or is that a “trick”??

Gremlins are coming…check back next week as Gremlin’s author/graphic cover artist Anastasia Rabiyah chats about her new release, appearing in the print anthology, Gremlins – from loveyoudivine.com

FOR THE LOVE OF MEN – Interview By A.J. Llewellyn

Monday, September 8th, 2008

Hey, ya’ll!

Yep, I hail from the southeastern portion of the USA; born and raised in the state of Georgia.  I thought my first post should be a little about me to provide some insight for those who might not have met me or read some of my writing – and I’d like to hear about you too!  So, feel free to reach out, give me a shout; ask just about anything.  I’ll post a regular message on the 8^th of each month, and perhaps intermittently throughout the month – so, check back often!

How long have I been writing? 

Let’s see, as long as I can remember actually.  Is that an answer?  To put an age to my response, I’d say since I was about ten years old.  I used to create characters and make-up simple story lines, often playing out scenes in my head – or acting them out for my family.  Didn’t we all do this at some point?  My family said I had “an active imagination.”  I probably have every scrap of paper, poem, blurb, idea, character, storyline or novel I’ve ever written, piled in boxes in the attic and basement.  Ironically, I didn’t get serious about publishing until last year.  Growing up, school, career – life kept getting in the way, I guess.  I’m a new author at Loveyoudivine His & His Kisses and very happy to be among some of the most talented, creative authors I’ve come across in a long while; imaginative, witty, creative and pushing the barriers.  My recently released story, VOYEUR, deals with the obsessive depths of voyeurism and what happens when a few innocent glances can spiral into obsession that changes the protagonist’s life forever. Voyeur released Friday, June 13^th this year and will also appear in Loveyoudivine’s His & His first print anthology titled, MEN, set for release August 1^st, 2008.

What genre do I prefer to write the most?

 
I write about ideas and stories that press forward in my mind, whatever I’m feeling, what moves me, perhaps has even touched my life at some point.  I’ll be driving along or waiting in line at the grocery store when a story idea or character surfaces in my thoughts.  If it stays with me long enough, I’ll typically get my thoughts down on paper, or via in the computer – even recorded on a micro-cassette recorder I keep in the car.  I have a boxful of scraps of paper, notes, scenes, characters – you name it.  I’ll cull from this stash now and again when needing inspiration or the right look or feeling for a character.  I enjoy jotting notes of description about “real people” and what it is about them that captured my attention; often guessing what may be going on in their lives at that moment by just studying a face, a body, a walk – even the clothes worn.  I write gay-themed suspense/thrillers and mystery stories, often with erotic and romantic undertones.
 
Current work-in-progress?

I have hundreds!  I always have “something” in progress.  Currently, I’m writing a murder-suspense novel titled “Pretty Boy Dead”.  The story focuses on a closeted Atlanta homicide detective who – upon returning to the job following a “forced” six-week sabbatical – catches a high profile case involving a young man’s suspicious death.  Discovered in a popular Midtown park, the victim’s brutal murder ensnares the large metropolis and threatens to consume the embattled homicide detective, Sgt. Kendall Parker, a man of many secrets who’s battling his own inner demons.  While investigating the death of the popular nude dancer, Parker must deal with an apathetic department and judging public while forced to confront her own inner demons of acceptance.

Authors that have influenced my writing…

There are many, from the time I was an impressionable teenager and discovered my love for curling up with a good book.  The first author that comes to mind is S.E. Hinton (Outsiders, Rumble Fish) and Ray Bradbury.  The novel I credit with pointing me toward a path to writing my own stores is Patricia Nell Warren’s, The Front Runner, to this day, one of my favorite all time authors.  I’m also very fond of James Kirkwood’s, Good Times/Bad Times, John Grisham’s, A Time To Kill/The Firm, Felice Picano’s, Like People In History, and anything written by Michael Nava.

. 
You can contact me/find me on the web here:
http://www.jonmichaelsen.net

Michaelsen.jon@gmail.com