Tag: Lesbian fiction

A Julia Review: Heat Wave (A Seasons of Love story #3) by Elyse Springer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sara Walker’s life is going nowhere fast: she has a job she enjoys but doesn’t love, friends who are too busy to hang out with her, and no boyfriend in sight. Then a phone call on a lonely Friday night changes everything, and suddenly she’s spending her weekends with Laura. Newly single and openly bisexual, Laura makes Sara think decidedly not-straight thoughts.

Laura Murphy, with her red hair, freckles, and killer curves, is any guy’s wet dream. But Laura’s done with guys for now, and it’s Sara who can’t stop dreaming about her. When Sara finally gives in to the curiosity, Laura blows her mind and pushes her further than she’s ever gone before.

But Laura makes it very clear that this is only a rebound fling, and she’s still planning to move to California. She’s more than happy to tie Sara up, but she’s not ready to be tied down. If Sara wants to keep her, she’s going to have to work hard to convince Laura that New York is worth staying for . . . and so is she.

Heat Wave by Elyse Springer is the third volume in the “Seasons of Love” series which I got hooked on after reviewing the second entry “Thaw”. Though having read the previous books will certainly enrich your experience due to the reappearance of several characters, it is not necessary to get into the individual volumes. I’d still recommend checking out all of them as it is well worth it.

What I find particularly appealing about this series is that it features characters from a range of different sexual orientations and addresses this fact in a natural and genuine way. This time the story is told from the point of view of Sara, who is now faced with being sexually and romantically attracted to another woman after she has thought of herself as being exclusively heterosexual her entire life. Sara is a character many can sympathize with, in my opinion. She is relatively content with her current living situation but is also in need of new and more profound experiences both in her work and love life – even if she does not quite realize it or can openly admit it to herself at first. She is a strong person who enjoys organisation and efficiency as well as testing her own limits (though she is still hesitant to give it a try in certain areas).

Sara is made aware of her own ambitions and hesitations when she gets closer to Laura who is by now the ex-girlfriend of Sara’s ex-boyfriend. Laura, who identifies as bisexual, is a very open and direct person who makes no secret out of her physical attraction towards Sara and the fact that she is only looking for a friendship with sex and nothing more (at least at first). Her directness challenges Sara to re-examine aspects of her life and herself that she had previously thought to be set in stone. And it was just the thing that Sara needed in her current situation. It is inspiring and quite admirable to witness how Sara finds at last the motivation to give it her all and take her life into a new direction she had not anticipated up to this point – especially her fight to keep Laura in it.

As I mentioned, we also encounter other characters from throughout the series – most notably Nathan, the protagonist of the first book and Sara’s best friend, who acts as a source of encouragement and support. I found it quite endearing to meet familiar faces again and learn a bit about how they have been getting on with their lives.

The sex scenes here are much more numerous and explicit than in the previous book (which is only appropriate considering the characters involved). We are treated to some steamy lady on lady action with light elements of sexual submission and domination as well as a cheeky scene of public sex in a dance club.

While I greatly enjoyed the previous entry to this series, I enjoyed this one even more. The author has a clear, expressive style of writing that gives the characters very distinct voices. They are depicted as realistic and relatable with their own individual sets of strengths and challenges. The frequent reappearance of characters – one time as a protagonist facing the ups and downs of their own relationship troubles and another as a supporting friend – makes you invested in them more and more. I can honestly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt and motivational love story.

The cover design by Natasha Snow is quite pretty and fits in well with the rest of the series.

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 262 pages

Published July 31, 2017

by Riptide Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-62649-515-9

Edition Language: English

A Julia Review: Painting Class ( Chiaroscuro #1) by Suzanne Clay

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Ainsley’s first gallery showing is way out of her comfort zone. After teaching high school art for over a decade, she can’t think of anywhere else she’d rather be than the classroom, and especially not in front of a crowd of strangers ogling her paintings.

Salvation comes in the form of an insightful young woman who coaxes Ainsley to open up about her inspiration, her drive, and her sexuality. Sparks fly before Ainsley realizes that the young woman is her former student, Noma, freshly graduated from college. As Ainsley fights to reconcile her memories of Noma with the woman she’s become, they fall into a playful game of dominance and submission that will change their relationship forever.

Painting Class by Suzanne Clay is the first, short introduction to former teacher/student-couple Ainsley and Noma and (possibly) the start of their future relationship. It almost reads itself like the first couple of chapters of a novel. And I am intrigued to read more.

Ainsley is an art teacher as well as an artist who amongst other styles focuses on bodypainting. It was good to read about a character who has so clearly found her passion in life despite still being nervous about presenting her art pieces to the public. Noma on the other hand appears at first glance to be very sure of herself and her ambitions (especially those concerning her former teacher). I liked how the two of them started getting to know each other again, after Noma had been Ainsley’s favourite student a few years back.   

Despite their roles as former teacher and student, it seems very much like Noma is the one who is much less nervous and totally in control – at first, that is. I really enjoyed the dynamic between those two and how they both seem to engage in a bit of a power struggle with Ainsley clearly gaining the upper hand later on (and not at all to Noma’s displeasure). The author did a lovely job at highlighting how the tables can turn once the setting is moved from a public to a private one and Ainsley finds herself more confident and at ease when practicing her art.

The body-painting-turned-sexual scene between those two is rather explicit and involves light elements of d/s. It is quite endearing (and hot) how these two discover each other’s experiences and preferences in that regard. And the painting aspect adds an additional layer of sensuality to it.

I quite enjoyed reading Painting Class though I was surprised by its length. Since the author intends to continue the story of Ainsley and Noma, it’s not really a self-contained short story. And it is also too short for a novella or novel. But then again, the quality and potential are definitely there and I am looking forward to learning where Ainsley and Noma will go from here.

The cover art by Natasha Snow is very beautiful and a great combination of colours and tones. I like how the glitter mixes well with the darker, more ominous body paint.

Sales Links:  NineStar Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 34 pages

Published June 5, 2017

by NineStar Press

ISBN: 978-1-947139-18-3

Edition Language: English

In Our Spotlight: The Wrong Woman (Toronto Connections #4) by Cass Lennox (Riptide Publishing Tour & Giveaway)

The Wrong Woman (Toronto Connections #4) by Cass Lennox
Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist L.C. Chase

Read an Excerpt/Purchase it at Riptide Publishing

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Cass Lennox on The Wrong Woman tour.  Check out the latest in the Toronto Connections series!

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About The Wrong Woman

As an independent filmmaker, Katie Cherry is used to difficult shoots—but a band’s music video in a tiny lesbian bar is proving worse than most. Stress-busting, expectation-free sex with Zay, the calm, gorgeous bartender, seems just the ticket. But then she and Zay discover the band’s lead singer beaten into a coma in the bar bathroom. They need an alibi, but playing girlfriends is a role Katie’s never excelled at, so she can’t see this ending well.

Zay Fayed-Smith is finally getting her life back together after her junkie ex broke it apart. She’s working part-time while pursuing her dream of being a lawyer, and definitely keeping things chill on the girls front. Of course, that’s when a crime happens in her bar and her ex shows up wanting to try again. “Dating” Katie seems like the best way for Zay to keep her head down and teach her ex a lesson.

Except pretty soon, the charade begins to feel less and less like acting. And when the attacker turns his attentions toward Katie, they have to cut through the lies to discover what’s real.

Now available from Riptide Publishing. 

About the Toronto Connections Universe

The winters might be cold, but hearts are warm in Toronto. Canada’s largest city is home to a big lake, a big tower, and a big queer community. People here are trying to get by like everyone else: pay the bills, deal with life in the city, and maybe find some happiness along the way with someone who’s sweeter than maple candy and more constant than a Canadian’s love for Timmie’s coffee.

For some, falling in love is a real challenge. For others, falling is the easy part—it’s the happy ever after that proves a little more difficult. But in the end, love is worth every complication, misunderstanding, and occasional swear word.

Check out Toronto Connections! http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/universe/toronto-connections

About Cass Lennox

Cass Lennox is a permanent expat who has lived in more countries than she cares to admit to and suffers from a chronic case of wanderlust as a result. She started writing stories at the tender age of eleven, but would be the first to say that the early years are best left forgotten and unread. A great believer in happy endings, she arrived at queer romance via fantasy, science fiction, literary fiction, and manga, and she can’t believe it took her that long. Her specialties are diverse characters, gooey happy ever afters, and brownies. She’s currently sequestered in a valley in southeast England.

Connect with Cass:

● Blog: casslennox.wordpress.com/

● Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cass-Lennox-1704635609768647/

● Twitter: twitter.com/CassLennox

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Wrong Woman, one lucky winner will receive a $15 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on May 27, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Nancy J. Hedin on Advice to New Writers and her latest release ‘Bend’ (guest post and giveaway)

 

Bend by Nancy J. Hedin
Riptide Publishing
Cover Art: Natasha Snow

Read an Excerpt/Purchase it here at Riptide Publishing

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Nancy J. Hedin here today with her latest novel, Bend and sharing her thoughts on writing. Welcome, Nancy!

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Advice to new writers by Nancy J. Hedin

Read everything you can and read widely, especially things that by consensus of the literary world are good works. Read fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Research topics that interest you. Write fearlessly. Get the ideas on the page without worrying about spelling, the exact word needed, grammar, or whether it skips around makes sense or is complete. Get it down on paper. Revision and editing are down the road. First, get it written. Write whether you ever plan to submit for publication and don’t let not being published keep you from writing. You are working on practicing and improving your craft. You are keeping your writing muscles in shape.

We are so lucky that we don’t have to type everything on a manual typewriter for every draft we create. Word processing gives us the chance to save and play with multiple drafts while we are figuring out the story we want to tell.

About Bend

Lorraine Tyler is the only queer person in Bend, Minnesota. Or at least that’s what it feels like when the local church preaches so sternly against homosexuality. Which is why she’s fighting so hard to win the McGerber scholarship—her ticket out of Bend—even though her biggest competition is her twin sister, Becky. And even though she’s got no real hope—not with the scholarship’s morality clause and that one time she kissed the preacher’s daughter.

Everything changes when a new girl comes to town. Charity is mysterious, passionate, and—to Lorraine’s delighted surprise—queer too. Now Lorraine may have a chance at freedom and real love.

But then Becky disappears, and Lorraine uncovers an old, painful secret that could tear the family apart. They need each other more than ever now, and somehow it’s Lorraine—the sinner, the black sheep—who holds the power to bring them together. But only if she herself can learn to bend.

Now available from Riptide Publishing. http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/bend

About Nancy J. Hedin

I grew up in a small town in central Minnesota. That small town sensibility informs my writing and gives me interesting voices in my head and I strive to choose which voice to bring to the page.

I live in St. Paul with my partner, two daughters, one dog, one beared dragon, and two cats.

I have worked as a mental health crisis worker for over twenty years.

I love reading and getting my books signed by the author. I daydream about my own stories in book form and having others read them.

Connect with Nancy:

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Bend, one lucky winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on May 13, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

A Julia Review: Realm of Passion (Sexy Snax #114) by Courtney Breazile

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Irresistible magic in a tempting body.

Callie’s body is the perfect hiding place for the magic of the fairy realm. Malia is the perfect guard for her body against the demons determined to have the magic for themselves. Malia can’t resist the magic—it calls to her—and Callie’s body is as close as she can get to it. Surprised to find the body so welcoming, Malia refuses to give it up once she has it.

What can I say about Realm of Passion by Courtney Breazile? First of all, I have never read anything that felt so rushed before – be it short story, novella or novel. The storyline has enough content that you could and should fill at least twice as many pages with it. It is basically a plot worthy of an entire novel pushed into the format of a novella. Scenes that feel like they should be important for character and plot development are only given a quick mention consisting of no more than a couple of sentences. The lore is hastily explained and very standard for a fantasy story. Even though the end takes place in a completely different realm than ours, there is only just the faintest trace of world building and we learn hardly anything about the fairy realm or its inhabitants.

The characters are of course majorly suffering from the hasty writing as well. We get to learn next to nothing but the most superficial information about their personalities, relationships and motivations. They cannot respond to events with the proper amount of emotions or opinions since there is almost no time before jumping to the next scene. In the beginning, for example, Callie loses a patient on the operating table, goes to puke in the bathroom and is already contemplating on treating herself to dinner two paragraphs later – seemingly without any repercussions of just watching a woman die under her hands a few hours earlier! The reader is not nearly given enough time and exposition to become involved with the characters and their actions in any shape or form. Therefore, the characters feel empty and impersonal. The person, who is supposed to be the main villain, receives probably one and a half pages of appearance time in the end and the two supporting characters are apparently killed but it is only mentioned briefly afterwards and no one seems to care anyway.

The worst example for this lack of proper character development is Callie, the main protagonist, whose feelings and decisions make almost no sense whatsoever. She lives a normal life until she finds out that magic is real and demons are coming to hunt her down because she carries magic within her that is needed to save the fairy realm. Oh, and she can now shoot beams of light from her hands that incinerate people. Basically, within a chapter of learning all of this and being kidnapped, she can only seem to think of one thing: hot sex with her fairy kidnapper who, of course, also immediately lusts after Callie in return! The sex scenes are described in greater detail than any other more plot-relevant scenes. That said, while the first sex scene might still be semi-entertaining, the ones that follow are mainly just the same over and over again. When the two protagonists profess their love for each other, you cannot help but cringe and shake your head, since they have barely gotten to know each other at this point nor spent more than maybe two days in each other’s company.

The only reason I gave this novel 1.5 stars is because at least the basic idea for the plot and characters seemed interesting enough which makes it just all the sadder that the material was treated this way. This felt like it should have been the plot outline for a story rather than the actual finished book.

I did like the cover art by Posh Gosh with its comic-like style. However, a pretty cover cannot redeem a story lacking so severely in execution.

Sales Links:   Pride Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 47 pages

Published April 9, 2012

by Pride Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-85715-938-0

Edition Language: English

A Stella Review: Storm Season by Pene Henson

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

storm-season-900px-front-tumblrThe great outdoors isn’t so great for Sydney It-Girl Lien Hong. It’s too dark, too quiet, and she’s certain a giant spider is going to sneak into the tent she’s sharing with friends on her way to a New South Wales music festival. To make matters worse, she’s been separated from her companions and taken a bad fall. With a storm approaching, her rescue comes in the form of a striking wilderness ranger named Claudia Sokolov, whose isolated cabin, soulful voice and collection of guitars bely a complicated history. While they wait out the weather, the women find an undeniable connection—one that puts them both on new trajectories that last long after the storm has cleared.

I’ll be honest and say this new release by Pene Henson wasn’t easy to read as it was Into The Blue , which I easily adored. I had some little struggles with Storm Season from the beginning until the ending, and these were due to the use of the present tense as verbal form. It’s not my favorite and I too often have problems with it, this time too. It gave me troubles and it was hard to focus on the characters and not on the pure writing. But I didn’t give up and was rewarded. I can’t give Storm Season less than four stars, it put me in a good mood and the atmosphere I found myself in was the right one I want to have in my reads.

Storm Season is one of the few FF romances I read so far, I picked it just cause I loved the author’s previous work. And it was a comfirmation of my appreciation for her style. As soon as I was able to put aside my aversion for the present form, Lien and Claudia caught my attention, two person apparently so different from each other, the first a fashion blogger well known, the second a ranger who isolated herself for three years. But things aren’t exactly how they appear, Lien is not a superficial girl and Claudia is not just a ranger. After some days spent together in a cabin in the middle of a storm, where they will let themselves got to the attraction they have for each other, Lien returns in Sidney and Claudia needs to come back to her life before the years she spent in the wilderness. From this point the story changes and it starts a new part where these two girls will take their time to actually know each other and see if they have something important to explore.

I have to say, the first part, although well done and hot in some scenes, bored me a little, while the second part engaged me deeply. I loved see both girls focused on their lives and it was really beautiful to watch Claudia gain the confidence and passion she had for her true work career.

I liked all the characters, not just the main ones, the second characters played important roles, especially Beau, Lien’s bestfriend. I liked him and it was clear how much he cared for Lien and her happiness. I would love to read his and Annie’s story.

If you’re a FF lover, give Storm Season by Pene Henson a chance. It deserves it.

I like the cover art by CB Messer, simple and well done and  it totally fits the story.

Sales Links

Interlude Press | Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 208 pages

Published February 2nd 2017 by Interlude Press

ASIN B01MU73GUH

Edition Language English

In the LGBTQIA Release Spotlight: Finding Lizzie by Karma Kingsley

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Finding Lizzie by Karma Kingsley
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

NineStar Press

Purchase It Here at NineStarLogoFinal

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Karma Kingsley here with her author Playlist for Finding Lizzie. Welcome, Karma!

My Playlist by Karma Kingsley

Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSound & The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

When I was in high school, I had a really good, really weird, really quirky friend with a car that she’d named Sophia. And this is not an endorsement, but we used to skip class…A LOT. But we didn’t skip class to get high behind the gym or some other teen-angst afternoon special kind of thing, but we’d hang out in Sophia and listen to Justin Timberlake and Lauryn Hill with a various mix of Michael Jackson albums in there. We were obsessed with those artists. They were our One Direction/Justin Bieber/ whoever else the kids fangirl over these days. And writing Lizzie kind of made me think of this particular era of my life; a time when I was still figuring all of my shit out.  

James Arthur & Bibi Bourelly

There’s no deep, significant reason that these two are on the playlist. Their voices are just heaven in my ears, so everything they touch gets put on every playlist.

Let it Happen & Bring Me The Horizon’s That’s the Spirit

I just love these bands, but they’re on the playlist likely because the release dates just synced up with when I was writing. But there is a Let it Happen lyric that I think fits Lizzie’s story pretty perfectly. It’s “The good news is the bad news could be good news if you change your point of view.” Which aside from being true in just life in general, it applies to Lizzie because she’s sort of in this place where she’s left her long term boyfriend, her relationship with her mother is hanging on by a thread and she’s completely lost this life that was comfortable and safe and that didn’t make her take these huge introspective looks at herself. It all sounds pretty awful but then this confident, wild girl walks into her life and takes all of that bad news perspective and flips it on its head…I bet if you give me long enough I could come up with a good BMTH quote that applies too 😉

Hozier & Tegan & Sara

At least one Hozier song makes it onto every playlist I have. Specifically, Jackie & Wilson I think works for Lizzie and Kerra. If they ever have kids and their names are Jackie and Wilson, this is the source. And what playlist is complete without a little Sainthood?

Drake & Eminem

Because sometimes I fancy myself a rapper.

About Finding Lizzie 

Lizzie doesn’t know what she wants from life, but she’s sure it’s not the attention of her suffocating boyfriend, RJ. A chance encounter with a group of women on the day of the local Pride parade leads her to meet the wild, free-spirited Kerra. Lizzie begins to realise she’s crazy about Kerra, but how can she come out in a small town where prejudice is rife and even her own mother thinks being a lesbian is wrong? Can Lizzie find herself without losing everything else in the process?

Genre: Contemporary
Sex Content: N/A
Pairing: FF
Orientation: Bisexual, Lesbian
Identity: Cis
Length: Long Novel
Words: 106100
Pages: 213

Purchase Links:

COUPON CODE: Get 20% off preorder on NineStar Press website with coupon code “preorder”

* (Good until release day)

Excerpt

Karma Kingley © 2016

All Rights Reserved

The warm metal stung her arms as she slid down the length of the car to sit on the pavement. The instant need to sulk overtook her as she let herself obsess over her life choices, hating each and every one that had led her to the middle of who knows where, waiting for a man she didn’t want to see.

She let herself wade in her misery, listening only to the sounds of her own sorrow. She didn’t even hear the Jeep when it pulled up next to her.

“Hey hot-stuff, show us what you got!” a voice shouted from the backseat of the Jeep as someone tossed a necklace of rainbow beads at her. Elizabeth attempted to back away, her flight instincts kicking in almost immediately, but the two-ton car behind her blocked her path.

“Excuse me?” She squinted her eyes against the sunlight, searching the Jeep full of women for the culprit that was throwing plastic jewelry at her.

“Oh, are you not with the parade?” the woman behind the wheel asked her. She seemed genuinely confused as she scratched at the orange bandanna covering her forehead.

“Parade?” Elizabeth shook her head in apprehension.

A woman squashed in the middle of all the others stood up, grabbing hold of one of the bars connected to the roof of the Jeep. “Excuse these crazy ladies. We thought you were part of Pride. We didn’t mean to throw things at you for no reason.”

The woman smiled at her and Elizabeth felt her blood heat up. She was probably the most beautiful woman Elizabeth had ever seen and her smile made everything in Elizabeth’s life seem a little less tragic.

“Are you okay, love?” Elizabeth realized she’d been staring at the woman for an abnormally long time without saying anything.

“Yeah. Um…my car broke down.” Elizabeth pointed lamely at her car, as she fought against the dumbfounded stupor that smile had sent her into.

The woman jumped across all the ladies in the Jeep and landed in front of Elizabeth. It was the fastest, smoothest transaction of movement she’d ever seen and she had to will herself not to gasp in awe.

“I’ll take a look for you.” She opened the front door to the car and stopped short. “I think you’re just out of gas.”

Elizabeth watched her every move, unable to tear her eyes away. “Oh, umm…yeah, I know. That’s what I meant. My car umm…ran out of gas.” She fidgeted uncontrollably as she babbled on like an idiot.

“You sure you’re okay?” She took a step forward and Elizabeth unconsciously took one backwards, keeping the distance between them.

“I think you make her nervous.” One of the girls in the Jeep howled as the others erupted in giggles.

The woman looked back at the cackling group of her friends. She straightened her necktie as she took another step forward, the gesture seeming to make her even more attractive. Elizabeth swallowed hard but she wouldn’t allow herself to take another step away. “Is it true? Do I make you nervous?” The woman raised an eyebrow, making Elizabeth’s heart beat double-time.

“N-no. I’m not gay.” Elizabeth mentally scolded herself for her unorthodox reaction.

A smile spread across the woman’s face. “Sure you aren’t.” She gave Elizabeth a wink before returning to her friends in the Jeep. “We’re headed into the city to grab some drinks. You want to come along? We could grab some gas while we’re out there.”

Elizabeth looked down at her phone. “My boy…” She stopped, rethinking what she was about to say. “I have someone coming to get me.”

“Baby, it’s Pride. It’ll be hours before anyone makes it through the city to this side of town,” the purple-and-orange-clad driver shouted at her.

“Yeah, come on, come with us,” another voice from inside the Jeep called out to her.

“Come with us. Come with us,” they all chanted at her, making her laugh as they continued in unison.

She held her hands up. “All right, all right. I could use a drink anyways.” She considered her day so far and sighed at the truth in the statement. She could use several drinks.

Author Bio

Karma is a wine-enthusiast, feminist, activist, humanitarian, vegetarian and just all around liberal and that often seeps into her writing. She loves any place with white, white sand and blue, blue water and an endless supply of mo-suffix drinks (Moscato, Mojito, etc.).

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Karma_Kingsley

Smashwords author page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/karmakingsley

Email: KarmaKingsley@gmail.com

Check out NineStar Press events calendar for information on additional blog stops for Finding Lizzie and other upcoming releases!

Brenda Murphy’s Giving Tips on Submitting Creative Working and Talking ‘Dominique and Other Stories’ (Guest Blog and Giveaway)

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Dominique and Other Stories by Brenda Murphy

Publisher:  NineStar Press
Release Date: September 26, 2016
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Purchase Links: NineStar Press 

COUPON CODE: Get 20% off preorder on NineStar Press website with coupon code “preorder”

* (Good until release day)

Ten Tips for Submitting Creative Work by Brenda Murphy

Have you held off from submitting your creative work because you are scared/overwhelmed by the requirements/unsure of formatting/ the process? As someone who struggles ADHD getting a creative project to the final stage and ready for submission is difficult for me. And yet if you don’t submit your work (if your goal is to be traditionally published then you might as well shout down a well for or set fire to your manuscript when you finish it. Unless you get it together and get it off your hard drive it will never be published. I have to push myself every time I put a package together to send out. I have routines that I follow that have made it easier, notice I did not say easy- it is never easy no matter how many times I do it. Even if you do not struggle with distraction issues and/or ADHD the process can stress out even the most calm even tempered person. This is a collection of ten tips that help me and I hope they help you.

While most often associated with gambling, the phrase ” if you don’t play you can’t win” is what I say to myself every time I send off a submission for review, not because it is a gamble but because of the truth of the statement. If you are one of the many who dream of having your work traditionally published, displayed in a gallery, or publicly recognized, you have to submit it for consideration by other people.

Is it easy? Yes, it is easy to hit send, but it can be incredibly stressful to assemble a submission package, book proposal, portfolio, manuscript, short story, or any other creative project. Some people get so overwhelmed they never submit anything. It is an act of confidence for any creative person to submit their work for review. As Erykah Badu says ” I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my sh*t…” and Ms. Badu is so right. I have yet to meet a creative person who is not personally invested in their work.

Just reading submission guidelines can be overwhelming. The stress that occurs knowing that making a mistake can get your submission rejected before it is ever reviewed can stir up so much resistance that many individuals give up. A large percentage of creative people have attention issues and struggle with details. Here are ten organizational tips to make the submission process less stressful.

1. Read the submission guidelines. Read them again. Print them out, underline, and highlight the requirements for the submission.

2. Enter all deadlines on your calendar. What no calendar? Read my post on keeping track of multiple deadlines and projects here.

3. Start a computer folder, a flat file or file box and keep everything related to the project in one location. This keeps key information and work together.

4. Date all drafts, or versions of your project. This prevents you from sending the wrong version of the file when it is time to send in the final version.

5. Set reminders for key dates, these can be written reminders or electronic reminders.

6. Have another person, preferably someone who is detail oriented review your submission before you send it. Give them the guidelines and ask them to review your submission to see if you have everything required. Buy this person a beverage and a meal of their choice for helping you.

6a. If the person helping you has suggestions or points out errors that you have made- DO NOT BE A JERK ABOUT IT. You asked for their help so take it.

6b. If the above person is cruel, negative, rude, or in any other way discouraging, thank them for their time and ask someone else. No, you still don’t get to be a jerk even if they were rude.

7. Be realistic and take your time. This is very difficult for many creative people, and particularly difficult for people with ADD/ADHD. Creating is fun, paying attention to details not so much, but if your brilliant work is never reviewed because you did not follow the submission guidelines you are defeating yourself.

8. Remember that as hard as it is to hit “send” or mail that package, it is the only way it is going to get reviewed: If you don’t play you can’t win.

9. Expect to have some anxiety after you submit your work. See Ms. Badu’s quote above, then get to work on your next project. Starting a new exciting project is the best way to deal with your anxiety over the one you just submitted. And if you get lucky enough that they ask you to please send them more of your work you are ready to go.

10. Celebrate. I can’t stress this enough. You have done something that many, many people dream of and never ever do. Celebrate your determination, celebrate your work, celebrate no matter what.

So hit the send button, drop off the portfolio, submit your creative work, jump in with both feet.

You can find more tips and writing advice on my blog

Writingwhiledistracted.com

Book Blurb

Obsession. Pleasure. Pain. Desire. Love.

Four women—heartbroken and lost—long to satisfy their soul-deep need for the sensual blend of pain and pleasure, but have not found relief for the ache…until now. Dominance, submission, power exchange, and love lost-and-found feature in this collection of stories about women willing to risk everything in their quest for passion and love.

Category: Erotica
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM
Sex Content: Explicit

Pairing: FF
Orientation: Lesbian
Identity: Cis

Length: Novella
Words: 26800
Pages: 75

Author Bio

Brenda Murphy writes both short stories and novels. She is a member of Romance Writers of America. Her non-fiction and fiction work has been published in various collections—most recently, “Whole Again” in First: Sensual Stories of New Beginnings (Ladylit Publishing, 2015).

When she is not writing or teaching cooking classes, she’s attempting to train an unrepentant parrot, much to her Ohioan family’s delight. She writes about life, books, and writing on her blog, writingwhiledistracted.com. She shares recipes and celebrates food on her blog, quinbykitchensideshow.com.

Email: quinbysideshow@gmail.com

Website: http://www.brendalmurphy.com

Facebook: Brenda Murphy

Mailing list: You can sign up for my mailing list at brendalmurphy.com

Instagram: quinbysideshow

Excerpt

Brenda Murphy © 2016

All Rights Reserved.

“Hey, Gina?”

She flinched at the tone. Kurt was forever uptalking, and it made Gina nuts.

“There is a lady out here, says she knows you, and wants to talk to you about coffee service for a group.”

“She needs to talk to Bill. He handles all the catering arrangements.” Gina turned back to measuring coffee beans.

“Uh, Gina?”

“Kurt, for the love of all that is holy, please let me do this, or we’ll be buried in the rush.”

“She says she only wants to talk to you. She’s kinda scary.”

Gina rolled her eyes. Kurt was over six feet tall and looked like he lived at the gym. What the hell could be so scary? After tossing the scoop onto the counter, Gina walked to the front of the shop, grabbing the catering brochure on her way out.

“Our owner would…” Gina stopped.

“Hello, Gina.”

Miranda’s face—signature lipstick and smoldering look—made Gina’s heart hitch. She had played this scene in her head so many times, but now that she was in it, she found she had no words.

“Miranda.” Looking down at the floor, her knuckles white on the counter, Gina swallowed hard. “You need to talk to Bill. Here’s his number.” She handed Miranda the catering menu. “You still know how to use a phone, right—or do you have people to do it for you now?”

“Can we talk?” Miranda stepped closer to the counter. Her eyes locked on Gina’s face, and she raised her hand as if to touch Gina’s cheek.

Gina took a step back. “I think the time for that has passed.”

“Are you so sure?” Her voice rubbed against Gina’s resolve like raw silk. She wanted to say, The hell with it. To say yes, to toss her apron at Kurt, leap the counter, and…then what? She didn’t know. She only knew she didn’t want to ever feel that particular kind of heartache again. She shoved her hands in her pockets to keep them still.

“No. Yes. The hell, Miranda? You walk in here like it’s five years ago, and expect to pick up where we left off. What is wrong with you?” Her eyes pinned Miranda to the spot, or, at least, that was what she intended. Instead, Gina was as lost in the ice-blue depths of Miranda’s eyes as she had ever been. She bit her lip to keep it from quivering, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall.

The clanging of the door chimes startled them.

“I’ll go. I’m so sorry. Truly sorry.” Miranda lowered her head, shoulders sagging. She slid a card across the counter toward Gina.

Gina swept it to the floor, looking around Miranda at the small woman behind her.

“Hi, Mona, do you want your usual?”

“Oh, yes, honey. I need my fix this morning.”

Mona stepped around her to pay, squinting at Miranda’s face.

“Hey, are you that woman? You know, the one everyone is talking about—Dominique somebody. You make those dreadfully scary movies my grandkids always want to show me?”

“I am.”

“Well, how about that? Would you sign something for me?” She snatched a napkin out of the holder. “Gina, honey, can I borrow a pen?”

“Sure, Mona.” Gina passed her pen over and left the two of them there, Miranda making Mona laugh like a schoolgirl. Gina sent Kurt out to make Mona’s tea.

In the bathroom, Gina splashed water on her face. She looked at herself in the mirror. Five years was a long time. The bit of gray that started at her widow’s peak had widened to a blaze across the top of her short dark hair. The smile lines along her mouth and eyes were deeper. She liked to think she hadn’t changed much in five years, given that Miranda sure as hell hadn’t changed. But Gina had changed. She was a little less impetuous now. A little less bold. She worked hard to protect her heart, not trusting anyone to keep it safe.

And make it up to her? How could Miranda make up five years of wondering what the hell those blissful nine months had been about? Five years of wondering why, or what if, or how? Screw that, Gina thought as she slammed the door behind her.

Walking to the front of the shop, she saw Miranda’s card on the floor and picked it up, meaning to fling it into the trash. She caught the scent of the white gardenia perfume that, like all things Miranda, had never changed. Gina turned the card over in her hand. Miranda had scrawled her hotel information across the front. Gina ran her thumb over the embossed print and shoved the card in her pocket.

Giveaway

Check out NineStar Press events calendar for information on additional blog stops for Dominique & Other Stories and other upcoming releases!

 

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Riptide Tour and Giveaway – Assassins: Discord by Erica Cameron

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Assassins: Discord (Assassins #1) by Erica Cameron
Riptide Publishing
Cover by: Damonza

Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here

 

About Assassins: Discord

Kindra’s moral compass has never pointed north, but that’s what happens when you’re raised as an assassin and a thief. At sixteen, she’s fantastic with a blade, an expert at slipping through the world unnoticed, and trapped in a life she didn’t chose. But nothing in her training prepares her for what happens when her father misses a target.

In the week-long aftermath, Kindra breaks ranks for the first time in her life. She steals documents, starts questioning who their client is and why the target needs to die, botches a second hit on her father’s target, and is nearly killed. And that’s before she’s kidnapped by a green-eyed stranger connected to a part of her childhood she’d almost forgotten.

Kindra has to decide who to trust and which side of the battle to fight for. She has to do it fast and she has to be right, because the wrong choice will kill her just when she’s finally found something worth living for.

Purchase at Riptide: http://riptidepublishing.com/authors/erica-cameron

About Erica Cameron

After a lifelong obsession with books, Erica Cameron spent her college years getting credit for reading and learning how to make stories of her own. Erica graduated with a double major in psychology and creative writing from Florida State University and began pursuing a career as an author.

Erica is many things but most notably the following: writer, reader, editor, dance fan, choreographer, singer, lover of musical theater, movie obsessed, sucker for romance, ex-Florida resident, and quasi-recluse. She loves the beach but hates the heat, has equal passion for the art of Salvador Dali and Venetian Carnival masks, has a penchant for unique jewelry and sun/moon décor pieces, and a desire to travel the entire world on a cruise ship. Or a private yacht. You know, whatever works.

Connect with Erica:

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Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Assassins: Discord, one lucky winner will receive $30 in Riptide Publishing credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on September 10, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!