Friday Flash- Nik's Playtime

Nikita glanced at Rand's naked back. Though she'd won the bet, part of her wish she hadn't even accepted it. But Sekhmet had told her that she would win. This time, Lyonene, high priestess of Sekhmet, would not be forced to beg for release- she would demand it.

"Once you're done taking off your clothes, Rand, I want you to kneel with your head bowed, arms behind your back in a submissive position." Nik opened up her play closet, allowing her gaze to go from each toy, mentally discarding the ones that she thought Rand wouldn't enjoy. Choosing her favourite black, silver, and purple flogger with a mix of suede and rabbit tails, Nik did some figure eight moves in the air before her. This will be good for Rand. I think he'll find this heightens his need in ways he hadn't considered.

Turning back towards Rand, she noticed he had followed her directions, kneeling at the foot of her bed, his head bent and his arms positioned perfectly behind him. She walked towards him, stopping just shy of his face. "Good boy, Rand. Last time we had a sex oriented bet, you won. That night I was your sex slave and you pushed boundaries that you had no right to push. It was to be a fun time for us both- no strings attached."

"I'm--"

She flicked the flogger so the ends hit his back solidly. "I didn't give you permission to speak, Rand. Tonight, I'm the mistress and you're my submissive. You wondered about my sexual desires and my fantasies, but never once asked me that night what I wanted or needed. You chose to push me emotionally and for that, I have avoided you." Nik's hand moved with her words, sending light strokes against his back in a figure eight pattern. "But tonight, you'll learn about my sexual needs and you'll bare your soul to me. Paybacks are a bitch and we know I do bitch well."

She continued watching Rand's reaction to the flogging, making sure she covered his back from his broad, muscular shoulders down to the crack of his ass. When she heard the first sound that sounded like a cross between a moan and pain, she spoke again. "If you can't handle what I'm doing, the safe word is red. If something isn't comfortable but you're not sure if you want to completely stop, say yellow. If you're okay, then the answer is green. Understand?"

"Yes, Nik."

"That's Mistress Nik, Rand." She stopped while she ran one hand down his lightly pink skin. His body shuddered causing her to smile. Seems that I've discovered something that Rand hadn't realized about himself. Good for me.

"Yes, Mistress."

She slid one hand under his chin and tilted his head up so their gazes met. "I won't hurt you, Rand, but I will make you experience pleasure in a way I doubt any woman has ever shown you. I want you to stand by that X shaped piece of furniture, your back against it."

Rand stood up, his gaze never wavering. One hand stroked his cock and Nik slapped his hand. "Bad boy! That's my dick and you don't get to touch it unless I say so. Now do as I said."

"Yes, Mistress." Rand walked towards the St. Andrews cross and Nik wondered if somehow this might backfire on her. Seeing him submit to her will, even under the guise of the bet, turned her on more than she imagined. Damn, I hope he can still fuck my brains out once I'm done teaching him a lesson. Sekhmet, I leave tonight in your care and keeping. (continue reading &aquo;)

Sex Ed with Mistress Cynnara

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Pagan: Recipe- Apple Butter

I love making apple butter, even though it takes a long time to make. I also have a crock pot version I'll post later too. But here's the recipe my gramps followed for years with his slight modifications. *grins* You're lucky-- I don't change the recipes as he did when he gave them to others. LOL

6 pounds of tart or lightly sweet apples, unpeeled, cored, and sliced 
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 strips of lemon zest, each 2 1/2 inches long
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt

and 1 cup of water

 

In a large saucepan cook the apples in the cider over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes, or until tender. Puree them through the medium disk of a food mill into another saucepan and add the remaining ingredients.

Cook the mixture over very low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until very thick. Discard the lemon zest and spoon the mixture into 2 sterilized 1-pint Mason-type jars, filling them to within 1/2-inch of the top. Wipe the rims with a dampened cloth and seal the jars with the lids.

Put the jars in a water bath canner or a rack in a deep kettle and add enough water to cover the jars by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and process, covered, for 10 minutes. Transfer the jars with canning tongs to a rack and let them cool. Let the apple butter mellow in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week. (continue reading &aquo;)

Personal: Heartache

Yesterday, my male and I broke up. Right now, I'm feeling empty and the heartache won't go away. I've spent the day today making my doctor appointments, joining the Incredible Shrinking Authors, and sleeping. I've slept over 8 hours today, not including the passing out last night from the pain.

What hurts most- I've never had this with any other person I've ever dated. I was truly happy. I mean that. Happy. Content, and for the first time in my life-- in love. I miss him terribly and I have to really work at not picking up the phone right now. Really hard. It's something I've done for almost a year-- calling him nightly to talk. But he says he's not in love with me, not like I am with him. He says it's not fair for me to not have that totality. Yet, he's given me more love, encouragement, and healing than anyone. I miss him and honestly, he's the only person in this world I'd ever fight to keep.

So, why am I hiding in my home? Why am I not facing anything or anyone? Because the emptiness is so far vast now he's gone. It's funny, I took for granted that he had this place in my heart. And now he's gone, I realized-- he was my heart. He was more than just heartmate. And I somehow, failed him. One day, he might forgive me. Maybe. (continue reading &aquo;)

Paganism: Understanding and Compassion

One of the abiding tenets in most pagan belief systems is that of understanding, acceptance, and compassion. Most of us want these things. Most systems give a way to bring other ideas into play without feeling compromised. Even the Celts made way for Christianity and incorporated aspects of it in their ways. That's just how most pagan systems are set up-- to be accepting of change and understanding of other aspects.

One thing lately that has been pushing at me is that other people have asked me how I can believe in so-called dead gods. I remind them one thing-- dead is only in the eye of the beholder. Just as speaking a name gives power, so too does offering and worship. To me, the gods aren't dead. I see them every day in all I do. Whether it's greeting the dawn or walking in a park, or even at work at the computer- the gods are there and they enjoy that they're known. In some ways, it's the easiest thing in the world to know that you can worship as you wish. Sometimes it's hard because it makes it difficult to worship.

I believe in understanding, acceptance, and more importantly, in compassion. Those who don't believe as I do, they are okay. They aren't wrong, but neither am I. I worship in a way that is best to me and my beliefs, just as they do. Next Monday, we'll start on the Elements and how we are beholden to them most of all . (continue reading &aquo;)

Saturday Flash-- Snippets, Tidbits, and Gripe

Today's flash, which is a day late (but I had a migraine that was NOT happy with me being awake), is just a scene that came to me suddenly in the midst of doing something else. It was one of those moments where you just look from one character to another and go... "What the hell are you doing?!" So-- for you all. LMAO Enjoy!

Craft of Writing: Blurb- It's What's Happening!

Blurbs--they can get people reading or they can make people pass on by. Yes, many will tell you that cover alone is the be all, end all of your book hooking readers, but many of us are drawn more to titles and blurbs over covers. Even if you have the most kick-ass cover--without a blurb snaring the attention--you can still lose readers. So, how do you write a blurb that hooks your attention without giving too much away?

Blog Post: Craft of Writing: Blurb- It's What's Happening! http://s3nt.com/itx

Friday Flash- Menage and BDSM

Today's scene is inspired by Love Romances Cafe's theme day- BDSM and menage. The current story I'm working on has both elements-- which please me to no end. So a big thanks to Dawn and the LRC group for today's theme. *grins*



Liam tugged on Jeanne's hair, until she looked up into his face. "Sweetling, I know that you're new to the ways of the fae, but a command is a command. Seamus told you to remove your clothing. You will do as you're told."



Jeanne shook her head, as her hand dislodged Liam's. "No, I won't. From what you've told me, I'm the heir to the throne. I'm the one in charge and you two are my servants to command. What right do you both think that you can tell me what to do and think that I would even consider doing it?"



Seamus smiled as he placed himself behind Jeanne. "You want us. I smell your desire as easily as I breathe. You want us to take you, to pleasure you, you want us to make sure we're pleasured as well. Don't you, dearling?"



Jeanne looked from one to the other. How can they sense my arousal from them being this close to me? I'm not that obvious am I? "Explain yourselves, right now. How can you scent me?"



Seamus stroked Jeanne's dark hair, then slowly stroked the back of her neck. "Easy, we have increased olfactory senses. When Liam kissed you, your desire clung to the air, letting me know how much more you wanted. As for your desires, you're fae and all fae love a bit of bondage with their sex."



Jeanne gulped. They knew so much about her and she had no idea on what she wanted or what she could do, but the idea of letting these men control her every action sexually- as much as she wanted it, she wanted something more.



"I will let one of you boss me around sexually, but only one. The other must do what I want, how I want it. If you both can't agree to that, then we'll all do without. I may want you both, but it will be on my terms alone." She stepped to one side, forcing both men to face the other.



"Well?" Seamus asked Liam, as they both snuck a glance her way. "Do we do as the princess has asked of us, or do we take what we want and damn the consequences?"



"Taking what we want would be good, but in the long run, it'd hurt all of us." Liam cupped Seamus' chin. "But for all our new heir knows, she doesn't understand about us, does she?" Liam didn't give Seamus a chance to respond as he kissed the other man with deep affection. (continue reading &aquo;)

CoW- To Plot or Not to Plot Pt.1

What are the basic components of a good story?

Many authors and writers have different ideas on this. I make reference to Vogler’s The Character’s Journey and Morgan Hawke’s Cheater’s Guide to Erotic Romance Novellas.

Depending on if you’re writing a one or two main character story, that will decide how long and what kind of components you’ll have.

For a one person story, my story and characters are usually run like this-

1.) Intro to a crisis. - This is what starts the action of placing the character in motion and sets the plot in motion.

2.) First test/trial – Normally, the hero/heroine faces their first obstacle – usually physical with a slight nod of the internal conflicts. Normally I have them fail with a slight success to balance them enough to keep going.

3.) Twist to the Second Test. – This is usually internal conflict caused by external factors. This is a good place for a couple of red herrings, a few attempts to try to do something (and somewhat succeed). Normally this is where I have the characters begin questioning why they’re acting/reacting in certain ways. This also begin some resolution, though it’s not fully actualized in the mind.

4.) 1st Major Change/Semi-resolution – At this point we’re about halfway through our story. At this point, I toss the character into a point where external & internal conflicts collide. Why? Sagging middles are not good. By forcing the characters to face a mini version of what’s to come, you give the characters a chance to step up using the new techniques and resolutions. Depending on the genre of the story – the character fails completely, at least for me. Why? The lessons learned so far aren’t easy to do when they’re not natural. Thus at a crux point in the conflict, the old established beliefs hold say because the new beliefs aren’t helping. (Or so they think.)

5.) Grief State – I call this the grief state because now comes the time where the character after losing a battle (& fearing he’ll lose the war) begins the process to truly change and face his internal conflicts. From anger, depression, bargaining, etc – the character will grieve until he’s resolute in his course.

6.) Practicing while Turning – This time he hits either an internal or external or both and wins. It’s a major accomplishment and he feels he’s getting where he needs to be. This is where I, the author, give the character time to celebrate but then quickly move him to the hardest moment in his life.

7.) The Black Moment – After being lulled a bit, this is where I throw the lot at the character. I do it without letting up and force choices – both good and bad. But the hero knows now, he’s learned and conquers this. Though he wins, he knows there’s always a price.

8.) Resolution Station – Here we tidy loose ends, resolve the sadness of the bad part from the Black Moment, solve the mystery for others, etc. In the romance genre, we show the HEA or HFRN.



How does it work for TWO characters?

Just like above though you add a few more midpoints between the beginning & middle and the black moment. That allows you to overlap internal and external goals and conflicts and have each character’s growth be shown. So instead of 8 points you might have 10-12. This will also lengthen your story.



How many subplots should you have?

For very short stories, you often stick to one issue to be resolved – locked room mystery, falling in love, saving the universe.

As you increase the length, you add in internal and external goals/conflicts to deepen the main goal/conflict. Though they don’t have to seem related, these subplots should support the whole theme in some manner.

Also, you may set a short-term goal as a subplot.

Example – Saving the universe but while doing so the intrepid heroes must acquire a sacred object stolen in antiquity. By retrieving said object, the heroes gain an alliance that could help their main goal.



What if your main plot is weak, but you really want to use it? What do you do?



Think about making it a scene for a subplot. Or figure out the larger picture. Ask yourself questions to find out just what's needed to make the story longer and more indepth. What is the theme of the story? Oooh, that alone is a new topic. One where we will pick up come next week.

(continue reading &aquo;)

Pagan: Cheese (the easiest ever!)

This cheese recipe came to me from my gramps and verified by a Romuva member. I grew up with a cheese that wasn't like anything else I had tried since. It was soft, pale, but my gramps would make it and flavour it in many ways. Finally, after searching his cookbooks and getting the information about Lithuanian suris, I've finally gotten a good recipe for this cheese. (I'm so excited!)



Ingredients:



1/2 gallon milk



2 Tbsp lime juice or white vinegar



Assorted seasonings-- cumin seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, dill, etc.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Heat the 1/2 gallon of milk to a boil, then remove it immediately from the heat. Stir in the lime juice. Keep stirring for 2-3 minutes until curds form and separate from the yellowish whey. If they don't separate, use another Tbsp of juice or vinegar and keep stirring. Once they separate, let sit for 10-15 minutes.



Then pour into a colander lined with cheesecloth, letting the liquid go down the drain. At this point, I normally bring all four corners together, twisting it slightly, to help wring more liquid from the cheese. I let the balled mixture hang in the cheesecloth another few minutes or until the dripping stops.



At this point, you can add in various seasonings, then mold your cheese into a container, or a specialized mold that you've bought, etc. Once you've put it in a mold, you'll want to place a heavy object on it, to not only disperse remaining liquid, but to also help it to conform to the mold.



One thing to note- this cheese doesn't melt much, which makes it good to make cheese sticks, and other goodies where you want the cheese to remain fairly intact. (continue reading &aquo;)

Personal: When Friends find you

Gods, this week has been intense. I'm on vacation- the first time since mom died in January. I miss her, but I also remember her lessons well. A month or so ago, I got an email about an old friend. It took a while, but we're back in touch again. The funny thing is-- this friend can tell stuff about my past that No One else knows. LMAO



Two years ago, Eric came back in my life. Now Leslie. We keep this up, we're going to end up with a huge collection of our old friends getting together for vacation or something. But this...this is a blessing I needed.



What a great moment for me. Leslie-- I've so missed you. Now if you even think of getting me to sing again-- we're gonna talk. LMAO (continue reading &aquo;)

The Sweet Taste of Completion

I'm on vacation this week. More importantly, I'm working on my writing. That's important to me and something that's been lacking for a while. This is day 3 of my vacation and the first day I spent just hanging out and doing fun things while packing to take myself to the male's house. Yes, I'm spending my week with my male. It's good for me, and for him. (Though he might deny it. LMAO)



What's interesting is that yesterday, my first real day of writing-- I finished a story that I've been having trouble. It's done, it's over double it's original length and more importantly-- I love the story again. I had always felt I had short-changed it. Now it's done. And I'm waiting to hear back about it. LMAO Life is good. I'm getting back into the submission process too.



This week, Liz Viehl, the Paperback Writer, is hosting Left Behind and Loving It Workshops for those who aren't attending RWA National. Honestly, I'm enjoying it more than I should. (I've got writing deadlines!) And it's reminded me of my own blogging regimen I need to get back into.



Yesterday I was supposed to blog about Paganism...and in fact, I'm gearing up for Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh. I'm preparing a meal feast for my male, my nephew, and myself. What will be fun is that it's one of those holidays for me as a Pagan that helps give thanks to things that I don't get to spend much time with-- the outdoors. Due to allergies and other lovely pathogens in the environment, I have to play with the outdoors carefully. But I can cook and I can celebrate in my own special way. And that we'll talk about later once I'm done with my 2k for the day. LMAO I'm about 1k in and need another 1k to be happy.



There's something about completing a long term project that just makes you feel so good. For me, it's a sweet taste that I'm savouring because it's been a long time coming. (continue reading &aquo;)

Friday Flash-- Lord of Abs vs. the Angel of Death

This is a story that I've sat on for years. I'm not great at romantic comedy, but this story every so often pops up and bites my ass. *grins* That said...one day, I'll be able to use this story idea and we'll see what happens.
~~~~~~

Nick Giovanni sped his motorcycle down the street. Granted that it wasn’t the normal means of traveling he enjoyed as a superhero, but one must maintain appearances for the rest of humanity. Lakeland wasn’t one of his usual stops, but this time he was here for a reason.

A dog darted out into Lakeland Hills Boulevard in front of him. Nick swerved, missing the dog, but causing his motorcycle to slide sideways along the road. The mutt scampered away as Nick’s body slammed into the pavement. He tried to brace himself after the impact, but there wasn’t enough time.

* * *

Angelique Dawson, Jocelyn Rogers, and Ayumi McCabe emerged from the diner. They laughed at Ayumi’s joke as they waited to cross the busy street. They heard the crash before they saw it, the black motorcycle skidding across the asphalt road. Angel dashed into traffic, heedless of what could happen to her.

She bent before the man whose helmet laid split in half beneath his head. Quickly, she examined him for any injuries. His leg was somewhat shredded as it bled from open wounds caused by being dragged. As she laid her hands on his wound, he stirred beneath her touch.

His eyes tried to focus on the shape before him. The sunlight created a halo effect around the blonde hair of the person whispering comfort to him. He blinked again as warmth emanated from her. “Are you the Angel of Death?” he asked hesitantly.

Angel smiled. “I’ve been called the Grim Reaper because of what I did to Fred and Ethel, but never have I’ve been called the Angel of Death.”

His audible gasp caused her to place her hands firmly on his wound to stop the bleeding once again. He whispered, “Why do I think I should be afraid?” Then his eyes fluttered closed as unconsciousness surrounded him.

“Because most people are?” Angelique whispered as she tended his injuries the best she could. Seeing the damage to his leg, she placed her hands on it and began setting it as well as she could, using her metahuman abilities. “Where’s the ambulance already?”

“It’s coming. How is he?”

“I need you to check his pulse. He seems shocky. I’m trying to keep him from bleeding out too much.”

“Careful with your ability.”

“Well, the Lord of abs ain’t going anywhere quick, now is he?”

“Lord of abs?”

“Take a look at the six pack he’s got, you tell me?” Angelique said as she bit her bottom lip while trying to use her talent for degeneration for regeneration. Her mentor had tried to teach her, but it wasn’t always easy or successful, thus the reason her air ferns, Fred and Ethel were deader than a doorknob.

Blog Post: Friday Flash-- Lord of Abs vs. the Angel of Death http://s3nt.com/hbk

Flash Friday-- Who's in Charge?

Today's flash is themed on Changeling Press's Bar and Grill theme-- Sex anywhere and everywhere. The idea of sex in such an adventurous manner has been playing at my mind all day while at the day job. But more importantly, it made me think about what is one person's adventure is another person's idea of boring. So, finally, after some thought, I think I have a decent sequence put together. It's....definitely different.

~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'll give you anything you want, except what you really want," Lila purred as she stroked Xavier's bare chest. She reveled in the fact that she managed to chain him before he realized her intentions. "But if you're good, you can earn what you want."

Xavier's eyes closed as if trying to ignore Lila's nails rippling over his nipples. "Please, Lila. You know I don't know how to be a good slave boy like Darius." His eyelids fluttered as she pinched one sensitive nipple, finally letting her see those gorgeous onyx eyes. "Pick on him, but I won't give into your games. He likes them."

Lila snorted as she continued to stroke Xavier's naked, chained body. The sound of the chains rattling reinforced the growing need in her. Xavier often made her the toy in their games, but tonight would be different. "Yes, but you like playing games too. In fact, this place was your idea." She gestured to the night club where people danced around the cage Xavier and her stood in. "You wanted to splay me here for your sexual needs. But instead, you're the captured one. How does it feel?"

"I hate it. Release me, Lila. Because when I get out, I will punish you for this." His words were harsh and filled with rage. She knew that he felt caged like an animal that needs to be free. My precious panther, when will you learn that you're only as free as your mind lets you be? I can control you with my submission as I will rule you with my strength.

"Personally, I think you should let me fuck him as you suck his cock. Then force him to fuck you while I do him in the chains," Darius remarked as he climbed into the cage. Lily smiled at the almost naked male. Darius was truly a Switch-- both dominant and submissive. He submitted only to women strong enough to handle his magick and dominant to all other preternatural males. It's what made Lila love him. But there was Xavier to deal with.

"Down, Darius. Xavier likes to do the deed, not be the recipient. He doesn't like to the receiver. But tonight is different." Lila slapped Xavier's leather clad cock. "Tonight is about me and my control. My needs. Xavier, you might be were, but I am the ruler of all animals--including you. You will obey or the punishment of this will be prolonged until you break. Understood?"

"Never!" Xavier spat at them both. (continue reading &aquo;)

Book Trailers-- I finally did one!

Yuppers, I did, I did! I've uploaded it onto Youtube. It's for my books, Shades of Fyre, the easiest book to put together something. I'm hoping the next time I've got downtime that I can do one for Treaty of Desire or one of my other books at Loose Id. It was fun to do! Shades of Fyre Book Trailer

Lounging with Raine Delight

Welcome to the Lounge of Cyn. Today we have a special guest, Ms. Raine Delight. Trust me; this author is someone you want to put on your TBB SOON pile.

Cyn: Welcome to the Lounge, Raine. *waves the male harem towards Raine* Please take good care of Raine while we chat, gentlemen. Raine here deserves some extra special loving today. Tell me a bit about yourself, Raine. How did you get started writing romance?

Raine: Hi Cyn {hums with approval over the lovely display of eye candy}, what a lovely place you have here. Thanks for inviting me. Let’s see something about myself huh *eyes glaze over as they start to give a foot massage*. *shakes head* Well, I am a single mom of two ages 6.5 and 8, have a boy toy of my own *smiles wickedly* and I am a lover of books. I started writing over 2 years ago and with a few missteps with a publisher or two, I finally found a place that I enjoy being at. I am a HUGE HEA girl. I love romance and all the trappings. Heck I am a Libra so go figure that I put much on little things like flowers for no reason, little notes to say “I love you” and other stuff like that. My favorite thing in writing is having two completely opposite characters find that the sparks they have between them makes one dang hot fire! *grins wickedly*

Cyn: I know you write paranormal romance. Why paranormal? Why not straight contemporary?


Raine: Paranormal is a fun genre. I can explore to my hearts content over different aspects that everyone knows about and add in my own imaginative things to keep it different, fresh and interesting. I can’t do a straight contemporary if you paid me to. *shrugs* For some reason, it just doesn’t interest me in any way. I like the way paranormal fits inside my head and in my stories. I am branching into Sci-Fi Futuristic Romance, Fantasy romance and other genres like that. Makes me feel like I am thinking outside the box, so to speak.

Cyn: What led to the creation of Devon Falls? How did the initial idea of a series set in that location come to you?

Raine: Devon Falls *smiles softly*. I just read a book that sucked, plain and simple. TSTL Characters, a very weak plot line and other flaws that had me gnashing my teeth and muttering I could do better. An author friend, Skyler Sinclair told me to do it and I took aspects of my hometown, added in some very imaginative characters and plot; VOILA! Devon Falls was born! Sticky Magic, the 1st book was written in one week and from then on it took off. I never expected it to have 5 books much less the response to the whole series as a whole. J Each book except the very last one is set around a holiday. Sticky Magic is Christmas, Red Hot Magic is Valentine’s Day, Fiery Magic is 4th of July and Haunting Magic is Halloween. Each has some aspect of the paranormal, be it magical mages, shape shifters or something like that but all have one thing in common: the characters all find a love worth fighting for and sharing. J The final book is something of a mystery but you do get a hint of what it may be in Fiery Magic. *grins wickedly* Each book also has a character that is the next book’s hero/heroine. Something really different and unique if I say so. *laughs then groans as the lovely boys hits on my arches with delightful pressure*


Cyn: What was the best writing advice given to you when you first started writing?

Raine: To write, write, write and then write some more. I am a busy mom and frankly try to write during the day when kids are in school. With summer vacation coming, I may alter my schedule a little especially as we have family vacations, birthdays, and high school graduations coming up. Weekends I leave for family. This is my down time and I desperately need it. LOL I try to treat this as a job but sometimes life just gets in the way and I may not write as much but I always try to write at least 500-1000 words a day if I can during the week.

Cyn: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Raine: To write what you know then expand it! Keep learning from more established authors and try to do free workshops if possible. I try to get some workshops in on anything I can to help me learn more on my craft. Write what you know then smash it by going beyond what you know and expand the horizons. Always make sure to read publishers submission rules carefully!!!!! That is very important. I also try to beta test something on an impartial person, be it an author friend or a crit partner. I like finding out what doesn’t work before I submit so I can change it and polish it up even more before submitting so I can get an acceptance letter rather than a rejection letter.

Cyn: *leans forward and motions for two men to begin the massage on Raine’s lower back* Tell me, Raine, who inspired you to write such erotic love scenes? How do you keep inspired when writing?

Raine: *moans as they hit one particular troublesome area* My god Cyn, I am definitely going to have to come back for some more relaxation. *Evil Grin*

*laughs* My honey loves being my “research partner”. According to him, it is all in the name of research! *Laughs softly* Most of the stuff I write is sensual to explicit. I don’t believe in close door romance. I find that sex is a natural part of life and once you stop feeling like that then it is all down hill. Maybe some are uncomfortable with that but heck, I like sex and the way it is between two people who love and cherish each other. To me that is romantic and special. I try to make the books I write have that foundation before they generate to a bedroom, a wall, heck a counter top or the floor. *laughs* It is all imagination though I have been known to partake in some sensual bondage games with the honey sometimes. *Wide innocent grin*

Cyn: If you had a choice between plain cheesecake and chocolate chip cheesecake, which would you choose?

Raine: *swear softly* You do know my weakness Cyn. *laughs* Neither. Give me White Chocolate Carmel truffle cheesecake. LOL I like the unusual and decadent!

Cyn: What makes a hero? How do you create your heroes?

Raine: My heroes have flaws of some kind, but their heart is good and in the right place. A flawed character gives the author more to work with then a perfect one because face it; there are NO perfect people though from what I see on celebrity news, many think they are perfect. *snickers*

They come to me, either in flashes or voices in my head though it is always when I am drifting off to sleep and I am swearing a blue streak to the voices to contact me on my office hours. *grins* I start writing and they end up telling me what they look like, what they like and who they love/lust for. It is fun to unwrap the layers and get to the soul of them and find that the woman of their dreams is actually one that may or may not be right for them. My muse is one demanding bugger and he likes to take some naughty side trips to nude beaches and sip mai tais. *laughs* I swear some days he enjoys watching me swear at him and pound out words on the computer and then have him come swooping in to save the day. I swear he has a hero complex. LOL


Cyn: What is Raine up to now? How can readers contact her and find out the latest?

Raine: I have so many WIP’s in different stages it is not funny. LOL I am writing a Space Pirates series that I am interested in another publisher for, add in a romantic comedy with paranormal elements, a BDSM-themed paranormal, plus a few others, I am going to be one busy bee this year. Plus I am writing the 4th book in Devon falls, Haunting Magic and then I am letting it rest a spell to write other stuff and then in 2009 I will write the final Devon Falls book. Also AMP just contracted my Fantasy Romance called Fairy Kisses and Magical Dreams. It has a magical Faberge Egg, romance and a hot Fae Prince determined to get out of an arranged marriage by finding his destined mate. Look for that either end of 2008 or early 2009.

To find out about what I am up to, you can go to these places:

Website: www.freewebs.com/raine_delight (I am in the process of getting a new website loaded and will be unveiling it, I hope, over the summer).

Blog: http://rainedelight.wordpress.com

My Space (come be my friend): www.myspace.com/raine_delight

Email: rainedelight@yahoo.com OR rainedelight@gmail.com

Raine’s Sinful Seductions Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RaineDelightNewsletter

Raine’s Chat Loop: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rainedelight

Come on over and sit a spell. I enjoy meeting new people and seeing what they enjoy in books.

Cyn: Can you share a bit of your next release with us?

Raine: Fiery Magic comes out July 4th. In just *looks at calendar and counts* 16 days! This is Alicia and Damien’s story. It is emotional and sexy to my eyes. Basically it is a story of redemption, of finding that the love you thought died was still there and about forgiveness.

Three years before, Damien Dracon destroyed Alicia Stevens (Jenna’s sister from Sticky Magic) heart and from then on he has regretted that he lost the one woman who was his mate, his love and the only one who made him whole. Fast forward to three years later, Damien came back to Devon Falls, determined to win back her heart and show that love can be sweeter the second time around. Alicia and Damien both have secrets that threaten this fragile love that blooms again and add in a twin brother, Rodrick who thinks every woman is his to use and toss aside, secrets and sinfully hot sex, you get Fiery Magic. J

This one was special to me because I wanted to show how two people can come together, get ripped apart by choices that they had to make even if it was the hardest thing they had to do and find that love always wins over time. Revisit Devon Falls and find out if Alicia will bring Damien to his knees and both will end up with more than they ever thought possible. Can Alicia forgive the man who broke her heart and who she still loves even after the hurt that lingers in her deepest part of her soul? Can Damien win over the cynical woman that Alicia has become? Everything comes to head when these two find that love is always sweeter the second time around.

The wonderful Celia Kyle did the cover and I have to say…she did a beautiful job capturing the characters on the cover. I have heard that many love Alicia’s eyes on the cover and that they are very striking. *grins* I can’t wait to see how Haunting Magic’s cover will look once I get that into Aspen Mountain Press.

*groans as the boys deliver a wonderful massage* God Cyn, maybe you should offer package deals for the boys/girls and let us buy an hour of their time for “relaxation”. *grins wickedly* Thanks for having me here and I thoroughly enjoyed my first time here. *laughs* I look forward to more visits. J

Friday Flash-- Sex Is

I had this scene in my head for a while. I have no clue what it's for. I know it's inspired by the MSNBC poll about reading romance. Plus many authors and readers have been discussing why they read and write romance. So, I took it one step further.

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“I don’t care how many times you tell me that sex has got to mean something,” Veronica growled, approaching her best friend, Nina. “Sex means nothing, except a physical release. Making love is different. That’s that emotional thing you go through with each boyfriend. Oh wait, you go through boyfriends like water, so perhaps you’re arguing because you can’t make it last!”

The short haired brunette stepped back, making Veronica wince internally. Nina was a good friend, but she was searching for something that didn’t exist– the perfect life with the perfect man. But Ronni knew better. She knew that happiness came from yourself, then from others. They can only help increase your belief in yourself.

“Sometimes, I hate you, Ronni. I believe sex means something.” Nina stepped forward, grabbing her arm. “You may want to pretend it doesn’t, but inside, it means you’re looking for someone to be compatible with.”

Ronni shook her head. “Sex is sex. Physical release based upon endorphin rushes. Physical pleasure that does not have to include the heart or soul, Nina.” Glancing into disbelieving blue eyes, Ronni made a decision. It might cost her a bit, but she had to get her friend to believe that one time sex does not make a relationship. “I’ll make you a deal. You come with me to Pleasures and I show you another side of sexuality. If after you see that, you can still say sex is emotional and commitment searching, I will drop this. But if you can’t–”

“If I can’t, then I’ll let you have the right to reject the next guy I meet.”

“Agreed.” Ronni knew that her friend was tough, but hell, Nina hadn’t ever been to Pleasures, one of the best kept secrets in Silver Springs.

Why romance?

My father does NOT understand it. My mom did. My sisters kinda get it, but my male does. Romance– why do I write what I do? Many people will tell you it’s for the happily ever after. Some will tell you it’s about falling in love. Some will even say it’s for the sex ideas. Well– they’re all correct.

I write romance because I love the sensation of falling in love, I love stories with Happily Ever After, I love the hot sex that makes me want to tell my male “Get in that bedroom now!” But there’s something more. Writing about romance is only part of the equation for me. My romances aren’t strict romances, but are part of a whole. I write action stories for women and men that have romance within the storyline. Why? Because love and romance are part of our daily lives. Whether we like it or not– it’s there. We either deal with a lack of love or needing it or having it and taking it for granted.

I write romance because it lets me have the best of many worlds. I can write sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy, or more and keep the romantic elements in play to help complete the story and to ratchet up the tension. Anyone who’s read the original Dragonlance Chronicles knows the romance stories that were not a huge part of the plot but happened to enhance the telling of the stories.

Currently, I’m writing something dealing more in the sexual fantasy realm. I’m actually stepping into the realm of BDSM and though I’m slightly nervous of showing this side of myself and my personal knowledge, in another way, I’m thrilled to finally let go and not hold back. It’s hard because sex and romance do go hand in hand, though many people don’t want to hear that. For me, kinky sex is more fun to read and to experience because it allows me freedom I don’t get in my daily life. (We all can’t be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft! Dammit.)

So stay tuned. I’ll be putting out my newsletter this month with a special interview with Lena Austin, one of my favourite erotic romance authors. But be prepared- I’m going to be posting more about sexuality, craft of writing, and more. Just when I thought I was going to be normal– I upped the ante on sharing what I know.