News

Yes, I have fabulous news!

I am flying high this morning, because I've been asked to take part in an anthology for Resplendence Publishing, and have literally just signed the contract for G Spot, with a release date of November 10, 2009 from Resplendence Publishing.

I'll be joining amazing authors Regina Carlysle, Anny Cook, Fran Lee, Tessie Bradford, Paris Brandon, and Cindy Spencer Pape in the anthology, Carnal Reunions, which will be released in 2010.

I certainly want to thank my dear friend and fellow author, Regina Carlysle for being the brainchild behind this. Reg, I love ya' and I'm honored.

I'll make you proud!

Taylor

Newbies

Meps kitty calling for birds. Yes, he's sitting beside the birdseed, I think he thinks, he's hiding...

I consider myself a fairly new author, a babe in the world of publishing, if you will.

I’ve had a tad bit of success, combined with lots of luck. I’ve managed to land an amazing editor, and have two books published with Ellora’s Cave. One is in print, which as we all know, though it is a wonderful experience to hold YOUR book in your hands, does not make you a millionaire overnight. Hell, far from it.

Yet, if it hadn’t been for the kindness of fellow authors, I know I would not be where I am today.

So, this little bit of advice is to all of the ‘New’ authors out there in the industry.

1.) ASK
Yes, just ask. Don’t be afraid to ask someone a question. Most romance writers that I’ve met along the way will give you more than a moment of their time to answer questions. Don’t feel like you’re bothering someone or that you are ‘stupid’ for asking a simple question.

FB, WIP, HEA. Do you know what this means? If so, great. If not, just ask because I’m here to tell you that everyone started at the bottom, everyone had to learn their craft and hone their skills and knowledge. There’s always an’ inside’ language, small nuances of every world that one must learn to communicate with those who chose to dwell in that world.
Examples of this are the military, law enforcement, hell, the culture of the cyber world. Writers are no different, so remember, just ask.

2). Confidence
Don’t put yourself down, don’t belittle yourself or your work. People, this is huge! Honestly, whether you write or not, the world will continue but you must believe in yourself and have the balls to say so.
There’s only one person who should matter, and that’s you. If you stopped writing today, who would care? Honestly. Make that commitment to yourself. Be confident in your decision to write, because the first person who has to believe in your work is you. You won’t sell to an editor or an agent until you believe in your abilities.

3.) Seek out your peers
Yes, this means other writers. Are you a member of a loop, but lurk in the background without interacting? Bad, bad, bad.
I can’t stress enough how much I’ve learned by watching, listening, and communicating with other authors. I was finally able to build up the courage to create my own blog after reading other authors blogs and deciding that hey, I could do this. So, I asked questions, gathered ideas, and bam—I had a blog.

I have two very dear writer friends who I’m in daily contact with. Hell, I jones if I don’t talk to them every day, multiple times…it’s sad really. But, this interaction has created a very informal critique group. Without their support, kind encouragement, and yes, even the whip from the dominatrix of the word, I would not have continued working on my vampire novel. I may have given up when the going got tough, when it wasn’t so easy to make it over those humps and I had to dig my feet into the dirt and climb.

Yes, everyone has doubts. That little voice inside your head that tells you that you suck. Has you asking yourself, “What the hell was I thinking?”
Declaring, “I’m not a writer.”

I’m a mother. I’m a sister. I’m a daughter. I’m a housewife or a professional.
Wipe those thoughts out of your head and get on the bandwagon. Yes, loops can take a bit of your time, but having a support system is crucial to making it through those doubts, even blowing them away with a kick-ass manuscript.

Can you do it all alone? Sure, but why do that when you can open yourself to another world. Make friends, ask questions, and take a bit of advice. If you can use it, fine, if not, toss it away.
But, my friends and fellow ‘newbies’, don’t fear. You are not alone.

Taylor

Studs

"Tripple Cherokee McQue" or Trip, as I fondly call him.

Studs. That got your attention, didn't it?


I'm not talking about gorgeous cover models here, sadly. No, I'm talking about my gorgeous little baby American Paint Horse, who is all grown up. So grown up that we're having , um...company. Yes, his first mare to breed.


Let me just say this immediately.


I am so glad that the human mating ritual is NOTHING like animals.


Trip was teased, and then we he thought he was doing the right thing, it earned him a full-on 1200 pound, put her ass into it, kick in the ribs/right shoulder.

This mare whomped his ass, and certainly put him in his place.


Okay, so maybe a bit of foreplay is required, after all.


As a romance writer, I can't help but compare this equine mating ritual to the human one. I mean, most women, even heroines who are tough and no nonsense, want to be wooed by a suitor. Even though they wouldn't admit it, even upon threat of a gory death.


Yes, I said suitor. And yes, I dared to say wooed.


That's what romance is about, right. The basest human emotions, raw need and lust packed together with undying love, either at first sight or that special love/hate bond that many hero/heroines have.

We all want a stud, face it.

As I watch them from my bedroom window, I can almost feel the sexual tension. They're trailing each other around the pasture, pretending to eat grass, watching, eyeing, waiting...and every once in awhile Trip will take the chance and walk up beside her, nuzzle her neck, hoping that this will be the 'moment'.

Daring to take the chance...that my friends, is inspiring.

Taylor

Semper Fi'

Private A. Bacon, United States Marine Corps

Happy Memorial Day 2009

I want to take a moment to say thank you to all of those brave men and women who are or have served our country, fought for our freedom, and given their lives selflessly in the name of honor, courage, and commitment to freedoms that most of us take for granted today.

As a mother of a United States Marine, I can tell you that it takes a huge heart and a certain kind of selflessness to devote yourself to military training and life.

You must walk away from everything you hold dear, giving up your family, friends, and life as you know it to join other brave young men and women who, most likely having never been away from home, are as traumatized by the experience as you.

You must overcome great pain, both physical and emotional, and challenges that you never imagined yourself capable of achieving and you do it all in the name of your great country.

Graduation Day, 4/24/09 Retired WWll veteran, PFC J. Bacon and his grandson, Private A. Bacon

So, to our heroes, may God keep you safe, may the wind be at your back, and may you find the courage and strength you need to overcome adversity, strife and the atrocities of war that few can image.

And may you all return quickly and safely to your families and loved ones.

To other military moms out there, know in your heart that you have raised a wonderful, strong and courageous child and that he/she is growing into a very brave and strong warrior. You have to be one too.

Taylor

Taking stock and a new review for Body Candy

"From sex to tension in a flash, this Ellora’s Cave Quickie will have you wondering what will happen next in this scintillating tale."

Read more of the new 'Multiple O's' review for Body Candy from RRT Erotic Reviews follow the link below.

http://rrterotic.com/2009%20Reviews/elloras_cave_2009.htm#BODY_CANDY_%E2%80%93_Taylor_Tryst_

Or buy your copy today at www.ellorascave.com or www.jasminejade.com

Thanks,
Taylor

Other News

I was writing yesterday, shhh. I don’t dare say that too loud because sometimes I feel the universe as a whole is conspiring against me, and not allowing me to be able to complete a book.
Being paranoid? Oh, probably. You know, I’d usually say something like this as a joke, but this year I’m really beginning to wonder.


I mean, I have spent most of the year between having and recovering from debilitating back surgery and the pain associated with it. I’ve had to learn to overcome medication issues, as well as issues with severe depression, anxiety and a sleeping disorder that have stemmed back to a major trauma in my life. Thought that trauma feels in some ways, as it happened only yesterday, it's occurred three years ago.


It’s nearly June 2009. Am I where I want to be at this point in my career? Absolutely not.


I’ve tried talking to therapists, and usually received different advice. Sure, I suppose it’s all helpful in a sense, but I was actually told by a VA therapist that writing ‘Didn’t matter’ and I wasn’t in the emotional shape to do it anyway.

Hmmm, maybe this ‘therapist’ doesn’t want to take the chance on the fact that I hope I’m able to someday write about what occurred. I think that in the end, that will truly be the only way I’ll be able to purge my soul and the self I have left, after it all.

So, I’ve received a good review from Body Candy released by Ellora’s Cave, the company IS going to repair my laptop at their expense. Yeah.
I’m still plucking away, albeit painfully, on my vampire book, and all in all, I’m feeling pretty good considering.

The first part of the year hasn’t been the most productive, but hey, I still have six month coming and I think I’m ready to take it on!

How about you? If you take stock, are you where you want to be?

Taylor

Doing the right thing

So, I started out having a perfectly normal morning. Catching up on emails, surfing the web, wasting time on Facebook, er, making important networking contacts, I mean.
Bam, the screen on my laptop goes black.

WHAT? OMG.

I notice immediately that the little power light that is usually on and showing that the battery is being charged, is not lit up.

Well, funny, but I just had that problem fixed.

Oh, did I mention that my laptop is now out of warranty. Sorry, another plus.

So, I quickly run to town, I live in the sticks, for chocolate and pop, soda, caffeine.

Once I arrived home with said items in my system, I spent the next hour and four minutes on hold, waiting for find out if the company was going to fix the probably that they obviously didn’t fix the first time.

I ended up speaking to an extremely rude, condescending supervisor. He literally argued with me about dates. See, he wanted to use the date that I called in and made the service request instead of the actual date in which the product (my lifeline) was repaired. Due to my surgery in February, there was a three week delay in my getting said item boxed up and shipped for service. A crushed vertebrae will do that, you know.

I had to pry the dates out of the man, and only when I asked him very calmly to speak to his supervisor, using his first name, did he put me on hold for another twenty minutes before the original customer service technician returned and told me that the service would be covered.

What I want to know, and what I told the rude supervisor was, why wouldn’t the company do the right thing?

Had I not demanded the actual dates, I’d have ended up paying for servicing a repair that technically should have been covered by the warranty.

Why is it that the biggest companies are the worst at this offense? Always trying to screw the little guy or the ‘lady writer’ in this case.

I’m in the middle of two projects, and this is the worst possible time for me to lose my ‘baby’. It’s already nearly June. The year is speeding by and due to my surgery, my son’s complete change of life by joining the Marines, and many other personal things, I haven’t’ been as productive as I’d originally planned.

That in itself is sobering enough.

In life, I think we have choices that we make every day. Sometimes little things, sometimes big things, but overall, it’s about doing the right thing.

That’s another reason why I write romances with a happily-ever after ending and heroes that have integrity, values, and heroines that don’t give up without a fight, not even on the little things.

Taylor

Cyr's Revenge by Ava Rose Johnson

1.) How long have you been writing? Can you tell us a little about your first publishing experience?

I've been writing for about four years now and my first release was with Cobblestone Press. It was a very exciting time. There's nothing like that rush!

2.) What is your writing process? Night owl, early bird, plotter or fly by the seat of your pants?

This varies. Sometimes I write late into the night and sometimes I get my best work done during daytime hours. I like to have a rough outline of plot in my head before I start writing anything. Though that outline often changes as the story moves forward.

3.) How many books do you have published and how many publishers do you currently have?

Cyr's Revenge is my fifth single title and my first with Ellora's Cave. I'm also published with Loose Id, Liquid Silver, Cobblestone and Phaze.

4.) What was your key to success? The one thing that you think pulled you out of the 'slush' pile, if you will.

I kept going. Even after rejections, I continued to write. My style improved with practice, my characters deepened, my plots became more precise.

5.) What is your favorite genre to write?

Erotic romance and most of its subgenres. I'm loving cowboys at the moment, and shifters. Yum!
6.) Did you choose your genre or did your genre choose you?

Well, I've always been a fan of erotic romance so I suppose it was a natural progression that erotic romance would be my genre of choice.

7.) Are you an avid reader?

Absolutely!

8.) What is in your TBR (to be read) pile now?

I have a couple of Tess Gerritsen titles to read, and a selection of erotic romance ebooks waiting for me on my laptop.

9.) What is your one guilty pleasure, non-writing related?

Ice-cream! And I'm a tv-a-holic. Give me a night of Bones and Ben & Jerry and I'll be happy :)

10.) If you could meet one 'Famous' or big name author, who would it be and why?

I'd love to meet Emma Holly. She writes erotica and erotic romance for Black Lace and a couple of other publishers. Her work is always very raw and very involving. I'd love to know her secret!
11.) Can you tell your fans where they can find your books. Website addy, publisher's link, etc.

To keep up to date with my new releases and contests, readers can stop by my website at http://www.avarosejohnson.com/. Cyr's Revenge will be on sale on 20 May at http://www.ellorascave.com/.

Ava, thank you again for being here today and I wish you many sales on your new release, Cyr's Revenge.

Read on for a blurb and excerpt of Ava Rose Johnson's Cyr's Revenge, part of the Hunter for Hire series.

Enjoy,

Taylor

Blurb:

Cyr’s Revenge
Ava Rose Johnson

Hunter for Hire

Bounty hunter Smith Knox likes to go it alone. Seven years ago he suffered a knife through the heart when Cyr, his best friend and lover, walked out on him, and he’s determined to never let that happen again. But when his latest assignment to track down a drug-lord drives him straight into Cyr’s arms, he can’t resist the heat that flares between them and hitting the mattress soon becomes their primary target.

For years Cyr dreamed of sharing Smith’s bed again and with their sweat-slick bodies locked together, he can hardly remember the point of their mission. But as a dangerous web of deceit closes in, no amount of blisteringly hot sex with save them. And when Smith discovers Cyr’s lies, their relationship could be over for good.

Excerpt:

“What are you doing here Cyr?”
Ah, that voice. Rich, gravelly, darker than the purest sin. Deeper than before but then again, seven years had passed since he’d last heard it. Seven years of hell.
“You know why I’m here.” Cyr retrieved ID from his pocket. “Amalgamation business.”
Smith folded his arms over his broad chest and his biceps bulged deliciously beneath the stiff cotton of his shirt. One brow rose. “You work for the Amalgamation?”
Cyr couldn’t help but smile at the cynical tone, even though his mouth felt like sawdust after the muscle-action. He held out the badge. “Yeah. We have a job for you.”
“I know. Drake Ivanof. Should be easy enough.”
Cyr’s smile widened, even as his stomach twisted at the sound of that name. “You don’t know Drake.”
Smith opened his mouth as if to say something, then snapped it shut again. His dark eyes left Cyr’s as he moved to one barred-up window and stared down at the street below. “You knew Ulric would send me.”
It was a statement rather than a question. And he was right. Using his telepathy skills, Cyr had put the suggestion very firmly in Ulric’s mind. Send Smith Knox. He’d known it would piss Smith off. But now, being so close to his old love again, he knew the hostility was worth it.
“Are you reading my mind right now?” Smith swiveled on his heel, once again locking Cyr’s eyes with his gaze.
“You’d know.”
“Maybe not.” Smith began to pace, his eyes still burning into Cyr’s. “It’s been a long time. We don’t know each other the way we used to.”
Cyr begged to differ. Sure, time had passed. But he could still read the emotions flashing in Smith’s harsh features. Anger, hurt, lust. All caged beneath a tough exterior.
“Why are we meeting here, anyway?” Smith asked, once again coming to an abrupt halt. “I don’t usually meet the person who’s hiring my services. I just get the job spec, jump in my ship and make sure it gets done.”
“I wanted to show you this place.” Cyr laid a hand on the wooden table and glanced around the massive space. Not too long ago it had been filled with machines, white lab coats, scientists. Now it was practically empty, though the phantom hum of electrical equipment still buzzed in his ears. “Drake used this building in the past. I thought maybe you’d seen him around here.”
“Ulric gave me his picture. I didn’t recognize him.”
Cyr nodded. He’d expected as much. Drake liked to stay out of sight. No doubt he’d only entered and exited this building in the wee hours. At the time, Cyr had been too out of it to have any sense of time or space.
The memories tore down his spine like cold fire, burning his skin and chilling his bones. He straightened his shoulders and blocked the mental images from his mind.
“That’s not the only reason I wanted to meet you.”
Smith lifted his chin again. “Oh?”
“Yeah.” Without focusing on the many reasons he shouldn’t do what he was about to do, Cyr took one long step forward until his face was centimeters from Smith’s. Urgent need flooded his body, taking charge of his mind. He couldn’t hold off. “I was hoping we could…catch up.”

Finding Your Process

What's your process for writing and completing a novel?

As most everyone knows, because I haven’t been quiet about it at all, I’ve been struggling to finish my vampire erotic romance for days, err, weeks, okay, months. Yes, I hit the brick wall of writer’s block, but I couldn’t figure out why and even though I wasn’t a smoker or drinker before I began this process, I’ve considered taking up both habits.

Chocolate has always been my vice. Okay, chocolate and Pepsi, or more recently Dr. Pepper. Hey, a girls gotta' have a little variety, right.

I digress, but I’m back on track here, promise.

I think I finally figured out what had me ramming my head into that brick wall.

A process. My process.

I remember my first and only RWA conference when I had the privilege of taking a workshop offered by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. This workshop stands out in my mind because SEP said something that I could relate to on an elemental level.

Her process was to sit down at her computer, read what she’d written from page one, and then continue. She considered herself a ‘slow’ writer because of this.

Being a baby in the world of publishing, this has been the way I’ve managed to complete and publish two books to date. By reading what I wrote and taking off from there. I don’t plot, I mean I have a vague idea where I’d like the story to go, but the characters come to life and take over the entire plot, hell, they even surprise me at times.

This is my process.

When I began my vampire romantic erotica piece, I had major momentum, but as usual that momentum was interrupted by…life. Bam, the wall came up. In complaining to my very dear writer buddies, I was given suggestions on how to continue that momentum and how to STOP editing the same page over and over again.

But damn it, I was stuck. I just couldn’t break the habit, no matter how hard I tried. When it became so bad that I felt embarrassed by my non-existent daily word count, I realized something.

I needed to go back to basics. For me. Do whatever it is that I do to finish a book.
It’s not the most productive process in the world, but it’s the way that works for me, whether I like it or not.

Now, I have two projects going at once, and I’m actually making bits of progress on a daily basis.

Knocking on wood, here.

So, what’s your process?

Good luck!

Taylor

Ever wonder what romance authors really look like?

Scary version of me:

I'm here to tell you, what you are about to see isn't pretty. Usually the names and faces are changed to protect the innocent, but here we are, presented in all of our 'glory'.

Yes, I'm doing this on a dare. Snap a picture of what you 'really' look like, au naturel, I was asked.

Well, on a Sunday afternoon, for once I'm actually working, and I'm proud to show off the 'real' me, nerdy glasses, no make-up and all.

Warning: What you are about to experience may cause people with certain medical conditions and small children to go screaming into the night!

Taylor

Regina Carlysle and Highland Beast

http://www.reginacarlysle.blogspot.com/ visit Regina's blog and enter her contest for a free copy of "Highland Beast" the first book in her series of shifting Texas cowboys. Or go to Regina's website @ http://www.reginacarlysle.com/ to see her backlist.

Good luck, readers.

Taylor

Blurb: Hightland Beast

by Regina Carlysle

From the moment she looked through the antique mirror and saw him change from beast to man, Martha wanted him. The brawny Highlander, sexy and dark, made her body burn for his possession. But when he reached through the glass to yank her straight into the past, her fantasy became reality.

Trapped by an evil curse, Silas MacAdam, the lycan king, yearned for the modern woman who stared so innocently at him through the mirror. The need to take, to claim, to possess her on the furs in his ancient castle, burned him. Only she can help him return to his rightful place among his people. Upon their arrival in modern-day Texas, it becomes his mission to convince the lady that she belongs to him—as his mate.

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: HIGHLAND BEAST
Copyright © REGINA CARLYSLE, 2009
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

Martha struggled to her feet and stared in amazement. Finally she shook her head. If this was a bizarre dream, she wasn’t going to participate. No way. His grin widened as he stepped closer, still separated from her by the mirror. “Come to me,” he said again. The deep baritone voice was laced with impatience and a touch of humor that she found oddly appealing. When he moved closer, she sent her eyes down his heavily muscled torso and gasped at the size of his erect cock. It rose against his belly, thick and heavily veined and topped with a dark, thick head. Between his thighs, his balls were hard and drawn up high against his body.
Arousal hit her like a punch.
She wasn’t the kind of woman who succumbed to men who oozed testosterone, but this man was something different, something more. More than man. He was also a beast. His gaze swept her body and his expression went hard with lust.
Lust?
Impossible. There was nothing remotely enticing about the simple white nightgown covering her more-than-generous curves, but he loved what he saw. His feelings whipped through her mind and suddenly she saw herself as he did, tall and full-figured with high, generous breasts and a mop of curly dark hair that brushed her shoulders. His nostrils flared as if he were breathing her in and Martha’s body reacted. Her thighs quivered, her pulsed sped.
The man, who moments ago had been a huge black wolf, reached down and fisted his hand around the base of his erection. Martha watched, mesmerized, as he dragged it up the thick length and slowly down again. “Come to me, wench.”
Courage to refuse him abandoned her and she licked her lips as he pleasured himself. She swallowed and flicked her gaze up to find him watching with a strange intensity. “Who are you?”
“The MacAdam.”
“The MacAdam? Who is named The MacAdam?”
“I am. It is my name. Say it again. I like the sound of it on your tongue.”
Martha licked suddenly dry lips. “MacAdam,” she whispered.
Loneliness swept her and she knew it was his. Lust too. His and hers. He stepped to the mirror’s surface and lifted his palm, settling it on the other side of the mirror. His lips were beautiful, full and sculpted, the lower slightly larger than the top. His smile was soft. His eyes at half-mast. “Give me your hand.”
Without thinking, she lifted her palm and settled it against his, expecting to feel the cool glass of the mirror, but felt warm skin instead. Martha gasped. Sparks sizzled from where their flesh touched and then suddenly his big hand snaked around her wrist and he gave her a yank. As if she were in the midst of a stranger-than-hell dream, she fell like Alice down the rabbit hole through the mirror and straight into his arms.
He caught her up against him, wrapped her in his brawny arms and then looked into her eyes. His mouth took hers with savage intensity. His tongue swept inside her mouth to taste her deeply. It ghosted the insides of her cheeks and thrust in a lusty parody of hotter-than-hell sex before he pulled back and gave her a wicked grin.
Dizzy and disoriented, Martha had just started to breathe again when he tightened his hold and settled his mouth against her ear. “I have you now,” he whispered. “Thank the gods the curse is broken and you are mine.”

A Tangant

The Rockies from the window, during my flight from Arizona back to Minnesota. Sigh. I miss those mountains!

Hating.

Sorry, but today I’m going off on a bit of a tangent today.

I have a certain internet service povider that I’ve used since, well, ‘back in the day’. As far as I was concerned, there was just no other email service provider that I’d rather use.

Sure, I recently had to break down and create an email addy at Yahell, only because my ISP wouldn’t download my email. I’d go hours, sometimes and entire day without an email, then get slammed with a hundred or so, some important.

See, I’m digressing already.

The thing I wanted to mention, the thing that really pisses me off to no end, is the posting that goes on at the bottom of nearly each and every news story. Come on, you know what I’m talking about.

If you scroll way down to the bottom of the page, there are comments made by everyone and anyone.

What usually pisses me off is the absurdity of the comments. Yes, I write erotic romance. I believe undyingly in the freedom of speech. But, come on, people. When did the world turn so cold and callus?

Call me naive here. Okay, I’ll admit it, I’m naïve. But, ple-ease. Are people out there really that ignorant and childish, really that mean?

There’s so much hating going on.

From blaming the recent Army shooting on President Obama to slamming Jessica Simpson’s, dance moves and the thickness of her thighs. Blaming everything on the republicans, democrats, or God.

I tell myself I won’t read that trash, but inevitably, I do. I scan down, read and roll my eyes in disgust. I think that people are cruel.

I thank God that I write romance, because we could all use a little more love and kindness in the world.

Taylor

Vampires

Vampire Kitty

Vampires.

See, just the word draws attention. Books, movies, and many a series have mainstreamed vampires in today’s culture.

As an erotic romance author, I can tell you that with all of today’s popular vampire fiction, it’s a bit scary to delve into their world and hope that my book meets reader’s expectations?

I’m plugging away, been playing with a title, and trying to imagine the cover. The market is inundated with vampire fiction, but readers want more.

Maybe it’s the fear of letting readers down that has stalled my current work-in-progress.

I tell myself no, but am I lying to myself? I think so.

Hell, I’m one of those readers.

I can’t wait for True Blood to return to HBO, though I haven’t read Charlaine Harris’ vampire series. Partially in fear that if I did, it would ruin the HBO series for me. Face it, the movie is never as fabulous as the book! I know this.

What about those witty damn titles? God, they’re wonderful, and usually laugh-out loud funny. I wish my brain worked that way. I spent several afternoons emailing fellow author and friend, Regina Carlysle, trying to think of a witty title for my vampire book.

Regina so brilliantly pointed out that my vampire book is dark and violent, not befitting a witty title. Oh, yeah, I thought. She’s right.

I think I finally settled on a befitting title, but I have to have a few on standby, just in case my editor or publisher protests, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Must finish first, right?

So, today I’m back to writing. I’m going to work on creating the best possible book that I can. I’m not going to worry about length, Quickie or Novella. I’m going to flesh out my idea, which is hopefully fresh, and delve into my character’s emotions. After all, I’m dealing with life and death, here.

Serious business, I suppose. If I can bring passion to it, and end up satisfied with my results and sell my work to my editor and ultimately, my publisher, then I’ve done a good job. That, as an author, is my ultimate goal, though knowing I made my reader’s hearts race and their fingers fumble to turn the page is a close second.

Okay, so maybe those two goals are a bit muddled in my brain, but whatever works, right.

Taylor

Stuck!

Have you ever been stuck?

I mean unable to do or complete a necessary task. Hell, even something that you want to do, but have just been unable to force yourself to do.

Currently, it is my work-in-progress. Yes, my current vampire book is at a standstill. I’ve had wonderful suggestions from fellow authors, who I respect greatly. I’ve tried different tacts, coming at this from all different angles.

It’s like something in my subconscious is fighting my conscious brain and I’m afraid that the subconscious procrastinator is winning.

I’ve written, completed and been lucky enough to have my first two books published. So, I know that I’m physically and mentally able to complete a novel.

Check.

I’ve finished two books, from the first sentence to the last, so I know I have the staying power.

Check.

So, I’m asking myself why. Why can’t I finish this book?

Hell, if I had an answer, I’d probably be writing.

So, today, I’m going to give it another shot. Because in the end, it’s me and the book.
Me and the words on the page, or lack thereof.

My friends and all of their wonderful encouragement can’t finish this book for me. My mom, even with all of her loving comments and encouragement, can’t finish this book for me.

It’s all up to me.

I have to dig deep, find that discipline, and just do it. Like that ol’ Nike commercial. “Just Do It.”
Okay, I can do that…right?

Taylor

Happy Mother's Day

This is Tiffy and her baby kitten, three week-old 'Dumpling'

Happy Mother's Day, ladies.

Although Mother's Day is Sunday, I wanted to take the opportunity today to acknowledge mothers everywhere.

It's a tough job, motherhood, but it's filled with so many rewards. Like any job, it has its good days and bad, but in the end, we know in our hearts what a difference we make in the lives of our children.

Every second of every day, mothers love, nurture, and help their children grow both physically and emotionally. From diaper changes to graduations, some mothers intrepidly step outside their home to pursue a higher education, maintain a career, or work their fingers to the bone in jobs that service America, all while maintaining a family and household.

So, to every mother out there, I congratulate you!

Take the day. Read a good book, take a bubble bath, and remember it's your day.

Enjoy it.

Taylor

Minnesota Moon

I stepped outside late last night with the dogs, and the moon was playing

hide-n-seek with me, though I tried to capture its image with my camera. It didn't dare peek out until I had put it away...but I LOVE this shot. So spooky!

Chasing Temptation by Regina Carlysle

Chasing Temptation
Regina Carlysle


London’s Haute Ton calls her Miss Temptation. But Elizabeth Grayson can’t be bothered by society’s diversions while seeking justice for her murdered sister. She is a woman on a dangerous mission. Now is not the time for mindless social engagements or courtships from men she has no intention of marrying. However, Christian Delaford is no ordinary man. He stirs her like no one she has ever met before. His eyes speak of sin and tangled sheets. Of decadent nights spent in his arms. Far too diverting for her peace of mind.

Christian Delaford, the Duke of Haverton, must be married by midnight of his birthday or forfeit his heritage to a distant relation. After years of living a hedonistic life in the Orient, the thought of binding himself forever to an insipid English Miss fairly curls his toes. London’s current ‘diamond of the first water’, however, changes his mind. In Elizabeth, he finds a bold and daring woman who harbors a terrifying secret. He vows to chase Miss Temptation, to the ends of the earth if needs be, and save her from the forces that would tear them both apart.

http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

**An Adult excerpt** from Body Candy

Hello everyone,

I was thinking I should share an **Adult** excerpt of Body Candy for those of you who haven't yet read my most recent Ellora's Cave release. It's available through my website at http://www.taylortryst.com/ or http://www.jasminejade.com/ .

Enjoy and many thanks,

Taylor

He pinned her to the floor, his body responding to her curves and the excitement of their tussle by going hard everywhere. He was panting and his cock was throbbing against her thigh. “His mistress?”
“No,” Sophie growled. She fought him for a moment, her heart raging against her chest, a carnal rush of heat sending the blood bursting through her veins and flushing her skin, her face.
It was useless, she realized, falling back against the lush carpet she was grateful that she’d had installed only months prior.
He outweighed her by at least sixty or seventy pounds of pure muscle.
His cock throbbed against her thigh and she closed her eyes at its stiffness, trying to ignore the pang of lust that shot through her in response to the power of his body and the rod-like stiffness of his cock, as if in answer to the wetness between her thighs.
Her robe parted, the fabric askew, her thigh and hip bare and part of her breast revealed provocatively.
Sophie licked her lips and forced her gaze to meet his. They gasped for air when their eyes locked.
Raw sexual awareness zinged between them like an electric current.
There was more than power here.
More than control.
Or a loss of both.

On the downside

Meps kitty: An olympic stretcher!

Back to work

Coming off an emotional roller coaster created by a trip home to Phoenix, a two and a half-night visit to San Diego, my son graduating, and family issues, I’ve been have a little problem refocusing my energy on writing. Go figure.

Which is strange, actually, because when I’m not writing, all I can think about is—you guessed it, writing?

It’s a strange nagging compulsion, one that I’m constantly aware of but unable to carry out. It’s like being hungry and standing in front of the refrigerator, door wide open, and not being able to figure out exactly what it is that will satisfy that craving.

Sure, I managed a bit of writing at my aunt’s house in Phoenix, in between visits with family, running around with my aunt, and playing with my cousin’s kids. I tinkered on the airplane, unable to lose myself in a hot sex scene for fear of people reading over my shoulder. I even plugged in at the airport in Chicago on my way back to Minnesota, but just couldn’t get a rhythm going.

I’ve unpacked, cleaned my room, and caught up on most of my television. I’ve barbecued in the rain. Spent plenty of time with my horse. All while thinking about writing.

Maybe it’s the title, or lack thereof. I’ve never had such a difficult time with the title of a book. I’ve tossed one around with my dear writer buddy. Okay, we’ve tossed several around, but one hasn’t clicked yet.

I’m hoping for a good challenge with my pals this weekend, but I think they are both in between projects. In fact, Regina Carlysle was challenged to write a something about a photograph online, and she popped out something brilliant.

Hello…me, I’m still here, digging in and wondering if I’m working on the book that will never be completed. Stalled. Not full on writer’s block, but stuck.

I can see it all so clearly in my mind, and I suppose that I’ll just have to force myself to have some discipline. To sit down, or in my case prop myself up with pillows, and just write.
I’ve slept a lot from jet lag (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it) and lazed around plenty.

I’m afraid it comes down to one thing…er…I not exactly sure what that one thing is yet, but once I figure it out, maybe I’ll have a manuscript to submit to my editor.

Anyone else ever get stuck? What do you do to oil the wheels and get things moving again?

Taylor