Hello? Anyone here?

So it's been a while! According to blogger, it's been nearly 4 months since I last posted here. Life has been a little (read: very much so) crazed and blogging has been the easiest thing to let fall by the wayside even after I managed to get everything in working order again.

Hello!

I admit to missing my blog and looking at it now, I have a lot of updates to do. I'll work on them slowly so I don't use up all my blogging energy at once.

In writing news: I've finished 2 more Scandalous Encounters stories, Improper Duke and Improper Wedding. Both are being edited now; I'll post when they're available. I hope to have Improper Duke ready by the end of April

Trust me, it won't be another 4 months!

Up next on the writing docket is 3 more Curvy books! Writing those now and enjoying the setting, a farming community in the San Joaquin Valley.

Writing update: Regency Romance

I'm finished the next in my Regency Romance series, formerly titled Desperate Woman, and it's off to the editors. Still working on that title!

I did a lot of research for this story. It does have courtroom drama, of the 1817 variety, and I not only don't know a lot about British law (except for TV) but I know nothing about Regency law.

All right--mainly I watched Garrow's Law, which is an excellent BBC series about William Garrow and his efforts to reform the British judicial system. And it took me a while, but the actor who plays Garrow, Andrew Buchan, is the actor who plays Mark Latimer on Broadchurch, which I absolutely adore.

A short blurb:
The daughter of a successful merchant, Selina Lyndell never expected to marry an earl. But that's exactly what's about to happen. But then it all falls apart--her father is convicted of murder and hanged, vicious scandal follows her like a second shadow, and Selina herself is hunted.

Edmund, Earl of Granville, isn't letting Selina go without a fight, be that on the streets of London, at the Old Baily, or against the ton's vicious gossip. Nothing will stop him from clearing the family name of the woman he loves. Or of getting her back in his arms, where she belongs.

Writing update: Regency Romance

I've finished editing the first in my new Regency series. Title still to be determined. It was Ruined Woman, but that no longer fit the story. I have a couple floating around.

But I finished editing it, it's back with my editor now for final edits then off to the lovely woman who does my e-book conversion. I hope to have it ready for publication by May 7 but will definitely announce it in advance.

Here's a short blurb:
Two years ago, Isabella Harrington followed her heart to Milan and never looked back. One year ago, the man she thought she loved abandoned her. Now, she must find her own way back to London not in disgrace, but victorious.

Jonathon, Duke of Harcourt, isn't necessarily looking for a wife, but he can't resist a good wager. If he wins, Isabella becomes his mistress. If she wins, he marries her.

Stories from the Weekend

2014...I'd ask where 2013 went but we all have that question!

Stories for this year:

• My Curvy Girls trilogy. Three curvy friends from New York and their winding road to love (m/f)
• Regency Winter's Menage Tales. Het menages (m/f/m) set during the winter of 1814 and the Last Frost Fair on the Thames.
• The Forbidden Series. Contemporary menage (m/m/f) series set in Havenbrook, CA in the middle of a large farming community.
• Sordid Little series. A Regency's matchmaker's delight in setting up 'ruined' women with an ideal match.(m/f)
• Cursed Love. I wrote the first a while ago--cursed woman out to find the people who did this to her and the man who loves her regardless. Then I realized it needed a sequel so that's on the goal list this year!

So far I have the first in my Forbidden Series, Forbidden Road finished, the first in my Curvy Girl Trilogy finished, Countess Curvy finished and 1/4 of the first Regency Winter's Menage Tale, A Lady's Temptation finished.

I've discovered I'm definitely a goal oriented writer, but that so many things pop up that sometimes those goals fall by the wayside. Still, I think these are enough stories to keep me busy over the next few months!

Ella's Birthday Bash #Bloghop

It's Ella Jade's birthday and she's celebrating with a blog hop! 

Birthday memories. I have tons from childhood--the new toy, all those presents with paper strewn across the living room. But my more recent birthdays have been quieter. Less wrapping paper and more...something else. Different. Not better, because let's face it those childhood birthdays rocked.

Birthdays now are nights out, weekends away, and lots and lots of birthday wishes phone calls. It's always nice to have your birthday acknowledged!

Which makes me think I should add in a birthday into a book.

Leave a comment on how you'd put a birthday into a story. Remember, think my stories! Erotic historicals or menages--how would you celebrate a birthday in those romances?

I'll choose a random winner at the end of the tour on August 11. (Or thereabouts, if you know anything about me it's that I'm not necessarily on the spot with these kinds of things!)

By leaving a comment, you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble, winner's choice. There's a grand prize drawing, too! $100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) Gift Card. And tons (100+) blog participants, so make sure to literally hop around!

Winner will be announced and contacted by Monday morning. (Both this blog's winner (I hope!) and the grand prize winner!)

July #goals and RWA conference

I won't go into the fact that it's suddenly July. Nope, won't touch that distressing bit of calendar news!

Lots going on this month: a wedding (not mine lol) and the Romance Writers national conference on Atlanta. I've never been to Atlanta and would love to explore but I'm literally flying in Thursday night after work and leaving Sunday morning at the crack of dawn. Alas, no exploring for me. One day, Atlanta!

I'm also working on my contemporary ménage series, Havenbrook Ménage Series and in the beginning stages of plotting an Edwardian trilogy. Yes, I know I started one several months ago but I didn't like it. The plot felt great, the characters engaging, but every time I went to write it I dreaded doing so. In the end, it was best that I scrapped it.

I'm not sure if I want this to be m/f erotica or a ménage but I do want to write one. I love the time frame and have always wanted to write in that era! It's now or never!

And Christmas...was going to write a Christmas ménage. Maybe for next year.

Wizard World/ComicCon

I planned to write this wonderful blog on my fangirl moments at the Philadelphia Wizard World/Comic Con. But then I got caught up with writing and then Game of Thrones was on and we'll, if anyone watched last night's episode (or read the books and know what happened!) then you know why I need a day or two to move beyond the trauma.

Trauma! And damn you George R. R. Martin! You made me care!

I'll talk about Comic Con tomorrow. Today I must mourn and find a way to deal with the end of season 3 and somehow move forward with my week.

Struggling with a story: Wicked Seduction

For weeks now I've edited Wicked Seduction on and off but continue to feel as if I'm missing something vital to the story. It has sex. Wow does it have sex!

Could be that I've read it over so many times I'm way too close to it now, but I'm not happy with it. I'm going to let it sit for another week or 2, read it over once more, then be done with it.

How long can I keep at it before the story isn't what I wanted and is not just edited, edited, edited?

And can I just say it's driving me batty!

There you have it, what's happening with this story. Forgive my lateness with it!

Weekly #Goals

I'm happy to say that this past weekend was super productive!

I finished Forbidden Road: A Havenbrook Ménage Series. By finished, I mean it's done, but certainly not edited. In fact, I think I changed one of the hero's eye color half-way through. Must fix that! And I'm positive I managed to mess up another defining characteristic or two for all 3 of my characters. Plus I need to change the name of a secondary character to one that does not begin with a G. Garret is a great hero's name, but Grant doesn't match the secondary character needs to go.

This week I want to take a couple days and not think about this story but then start to edit it. I love this book and the concept I have for the next 2 in the trilogy, but need to flesh out book 2 a bit.

Also on my weekly goal list is more exercise. I've slacked due to this plaguing cold, but need to get back into it. Just because it's freezing out there doesn't mean I shouldn't exercise! I'm told it helps with your body heat, but my body didn't get that memo. As I type this, my fingers are blue. Literally. I need a nice cup of hot tea to get me through this day. At least one.

Have a great week! And remember: Some people strengthen the society just by being the kind of people they are. John W. Gardner

February #goals, #series, and more #menage romance

This month I shall figure out a way to stop time (only for a little while, a few hours at most!) so I can accomplish more. Or possibly sleep more so my waking hours are more productive.

Groundhog Day/Stargate aside, this month is yet another busy one! Who here wishes that just one month would be free from obligations? Or at least limited to maybe a small handful of them?

Setting aside writing time is harder and harder to do, but this month my goals are to finish up a couple stories and get everything ready for publication. I'm so close to finishing my 2 ménage stories that I'd really just like them finished, edited, polished, and done! Plus I have some serious plotting to do for the next books in the series.

• Re-write the ending to Cursed Love: A Wicked Demon Story--I liked the ending when I wrote it but upon second and third read, it needs something a bit more.
• Edit the whole thing once more and have that converted
• Finish Forbidden Road: A Havenbrook Ménage Series
• Edit it, write the synopsis and blurb, and submit it
• Outline and plot Forbidden Love: A Havenbrook Ménage Series
• Outline and plot Forbidden Temptation: A Havenbrook Ménage Series 
• Finish Wicked Seduction: A Victorian Ménage at the Parisian Expostion
• Write blurb and finish cover
• Edit it and have it converted
• Outline and plot The Wallflower's Seduction: A Victorian Ménage at the Parisian Expostion

Happy New Year,series' goals, and thank you

Since I'm having a party at my house for New Year's Eve I figured I'd write this blog before then. Because I know I'll be in no shape for January 1, 2013 to wish anyone anything unless it's to wish for someone to take the puppy out tomorrow morning. (Any volunteers?)

A happy, healthy, warm, and loving New Year to everyone. Life is what you make it and I hope everyone has positive energy surrounding them this new year. Say it with me now: 2013 is going to be the best year ever! (Ugh, did I just sound like a cheerleader there?)

Thank you to everyone who have made blogging fun, not a chore, and who keep me always thinking about my next story. I enjoy the interaction with my readers and hope you have as well. Keep safe!

Writing wise, I have a lot planned for the upcoming year! A whole lot:

• I want to finish my Parisian Exposition series-this is a 6 book series, one for every month of the 1889 World's Fair. Book one (Seduction of my Proper Wife) is finished, and book 2 (Wicked Seduction) is so close I know I can finish it in a couple of uninterrupted days. If I can find those uninterrupted days!
• I have an Edwardian story I want to get back to, the tentatively-titled The Half-Bred Earl.
• A Wicked Demon Story series--I still have to finish editing book one: Cursed Love. Originally it was to be a Halloween story, but when the idea strikes on September 30 it's not very feasible to publish it on October 31. This trilogy is also a little different, my m/f couple battling ancient demons. I'll post the blurb next week.
• Book one of The Havenbrook Menage series is flowing beautifully. Forbidden Road is my twist on the small town series so popular. I like the small town romances, but they're often a little too sweet for me! More on this series to come
• Last but certainly never least, Regency romances. Let's face facts, it's the lack of the death of the Regency! I want to write another trilogy set during this time but haven't quite hit on what yet. I like the idea of the menages there, so much scandalous wickedness hidden in plain sight. We'll see how the year goes.

Also on my 2013 goal list:

• Take more time for myself
• Exercise every day. Even when I'm tired. Yes, even then!
• Spend several weekends this year not writing but out and about, meeting new people and experiencing new things.

What about you? What are your so-called New Year's Resolutions?

Disaster Movies

So instead of attending to my writing as I should have been this weekend, I did a little bit of it, then watched the B- movies on SyFy Disaster Saturday. Ok maybe some of the movies were D movies (that snow globe one was truly awful.) But I was still watching! Then I wondered: Why, with all the far-fetched stories they threw out at me, was I glued to the action on screen?

 

My theory? Our innate desire to figure out the worst case scenerio in any eventuallity and ask, am I prepared? What would I do?

 

As an east coaster I've lived through hurricane Sandy - thankfully with minor damage to my house and only a week of no cable ::shudder:: - I was fairly well prepared. But would I be if a killer ice tornado struck or if a Zombie apocalypse started?

 

Yes, I have an imaginery fortress in the wilds of upstate New York equiped with all the necessities; like geothermal power and high walls to keep the zombies out. There's both solar and wind power and a hydroponics garden for survival.

 

So, tell me - what's your imaginary disaster fortress like and what's there?

Meditation, #Goals, and Seduction of my Proper Wife

To start off this week, today I'll be at The Menagerie Authors today talking about Seduction of my Proper Wife: A Victorian Menage at the Parisian Exposition. Stop on by and join the discussion!

December, the time of Christmas, end of year stuff, slight panic, and a time to meditate. Yes, I really did say meditate. Why? Because of all the months to start taking time for yourself, don't you think this is the month to do so? Face it, even if you don't celebrate Christmas it's the rush of all things ending. Not that January 1 feels all that different from December 31 but it's the mental attitude of it all.

So this month I want you to find a spot where no one will talk to you for at least 90 seconds in a row. (I can wait, I know 90 seconds is a lot during the day!) Sit straight, feel flat on the floor, hands on your thighs, close your eyes, and breathe.

It may not seem like much but that time for yourself, when you breathe in and hold it then breathe out, breathe in and out slowly. Each and every breath you filling your lungs, and that is really good for you. Meditation apparently keeps Goldie Hawn young (and face it, she looks fantastic!) Meditation keeps you focused and centered and if that minute and a half is all you take for yourself in a single day, at least you have that time and your body will thank you!

Now that you've relaxed for nearly two solid minutes, what do you plan to do with your month? Make new year's goals and resolutions? Shop? Wrap? Get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season? Take another minute (30 seconds if you have to) and relax.

This month I plan to finish Wicked Seduction, the second in my Victorian Menage series, and work more on the Edwardian menage. You can read more about that one on Wednesday when I'll talk about it for the Next Big Thing Blog Hop!

Want to join in? Just email me and I'll send you the questions!

Writing and Christmas shopping

I know what you're thinking, Christmas shopping? But it is that time of the year and if you've watched even a second of TV you probably saw a Christmas commercial. It's overbearing, I agree. Which is why I've been shopping all year, finding things I know the family & friends will like and storing it away until the time when I can give their gifts. I find it saves money and sanity.

Which is just as well, as I have a lot of writing to do. I really want to finish both menage stories by year's end, but find time rapidly slipping away. Amazing how that happens.

How are you coping with the holidays? Shopping, cooking, baking, surviving?

Monday #goals

Finished editing Cursed Love: A Wicked Demon Tale yesterday and sent that off to my editor. Pleased with the way this turned out and hope that Cooper and Nikki's story will progress over several stories. Here's the blurb:

Nikki Kent had spent her life running from the monster inside her. When she found Cooper Marquez's ranch, she knew she found home. Unfortunately, her demons followed her.

Cooper Marquez knew his lover had secrets, but hadn't figured on one quite like this. No matter what she thought, he wasn't going to let her go through anything alone.

Together they go on a journey to discover the secret to her curse. But when Nikki discovers the truth about her demon, will she leave Cooper for his own safety? Or can he convince her that nothing will stand in his way.

This is a paranormal contemporary romance with ancient Native American spirits, drug cartels, and one hot rancher to make it all better. I hope you enjoy it, since this is a departure from much of my other work.


It's also November, which means it's NaNoWriMo! Or National Novel Writing Month. Yes, while it's possible to write an entire 50,000 word novel in one month, I'm positive that November isn't the month for me. Between birthdays, Thanksgiving, and general craziness, it's so not happening.

Or, to put it another way--too much pressure! I can write a 50,000 word novel in a month on my own terms, but to do so on someone else's makes me break into a cold sweat.

My goal for November, however, is to start a new menage. Details to follow!

Why writer's conferences matter

This past weekend, the New Jersey Romance Writers had their annual writer's conference. This is a 2 day event with socializing, food, goodies. (I found this awesome squeezy brain in hot pink with the author's information printed on top. If you're wondering what a squeezy brain is, it's one of those stress-reliever squeezy things...in the shape of a brain!)

It's also a place where writers talk, meet other writers, and learn. I know what you're thinking, writer's conferences are for writers, hello! I'm a reader what do I care? Here are a couple reasons why these conferences are great for writers and readers alike.

• When writer's learn about things like plotting, pacing the plot for maximum impact, and writing in a certain point of view, we write better.
• When writer's write better you have a story to read and better enjoyment for your money.
• When you better enjoy the book you've just read, you let people know about it, thereby introducing a potentially new reader to this author's work and helping them enjoy it as well.
• Now this can also create new friendships, since you and this potential new reader can then compare books read, TBR, or TBB.

Imagine the possibilities! And all because a writer went to a conference, learned something new about writing her latest story, added it into her work to make it that much better.

Guest Malia Mallory

(Try 2)

I do apologise for the confusion earlier. But let's try this once more. I'd like to welcome Malia today! She's here from Hawaii...don't you just love the internet?! Of course I am a wee bit jealous that she's in Hawaii, because I don't care what anyone says about living anywhere. Some places are simply more beautiful and exotic than others.

Why I Write

Given some personal struggles and time blocks over the last week that have stopped up the writing flow, I've decided to give some serious thought to what exactly it is I am trying to do and why am I trying to do it.

I've made a mental list of the reasons why I write and tried to sort through them. This is in no particular order.

Money. Well, we all need to make a living somehow. Maybe I could be the next to strike it rich on the indie highway (doubtful). However, I might be able to match my "day job" salary and that would be acceptable. The problem is I don't personally find money all that motivating. I like the idea of it and wouldn't mind having more of it, but it doesn't get my fingers on the keyboard. I'd have to be pretty financially uncomfortable and then, such discomfort would probably only stress me out making it harder for me to write. It doesn't look like money is going to do it.

Job Freedom. I'm not fond of my profession. I won't go into what it is. It wasn't something I would have chosen and it is a very difficult field to be in at the moment. I've been doing it about five years. I'd rather sit home than go to work. Who wouldn't though? Is the ability to tell my boss "I'm outta here" going to motivate me? Probably not. What about being my own boss? That is certainly attractive, but I have a real procrastination problem. The reality is that I sometimes question my ability to keep myself on track without outside pressure. Freedom is enticing but yet scary at the same time. Losing benefits and regular paycheck is a bit off putting when the future can be a very uncertain place. Do I have what it takes to make that jump?

Personal Flexibility. I'd love to be able to stay home with my child. I like going to the grocery store during the day when it is less crowded. I like not having to take off work for every appointment. This is a convenience issue though except for the childcare. That would save money, but how much writing can I get done caring for an infant?

Looking at these reasons thus far I see a huge problem. They have nothing to do with writing. They have to do with paying my bills and being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it. No wonder none of these things are motivating me to write - personal revelation!

Fame. Do I harbor a deep desire for everyone to know who I am and rave about my work? Not particularly. I've been writing a long time and have shared with personal friends and such and that has been fine. In fact, I don't think I'd care to be famous. I like anonymity. In fact, one of the things I don't like about where I live now is that I cannot go anywhere without running into someone I know. When I lived in New York, I never had to worry about where I went or what I did. The chances of anyone I knew seeing me were so remote I never worried about picking up a porno book or being rude to a sales clerk who deserved it. I can't do that here. I know someone who was fired because she called in sick and it got back to her boss she'd been seen at Wal-Mart. You can't sneeze here without someone telling your mother-in-law. So no, I prefer to go about my business.

However, that doesn't mean I don't want people to read and enjoy my work, which finally brings me to what I have concluded must be my new motivation.

Readers. I must confess I love to read. I mean I really love it. I read for pleasure every day whether it be novels or non-fiction. I plow through news web sites. I used to read for a living as a proofreader and copy editor. I can also read fast so I can get through tons of material. I have favorite authors, many of them. I have dozens of books that I like so well I re-read them over and over maybe once a year. These authors have given me entertainment, pleasure and escape. I'm always on the lookout for their newest releases.

That is why I should be writing - to give something to people, to give readers something entertaining. I don't really plan on writing the next literary masterpiece that will stand the test of decades and become a college literature staple. I suppose it could happen, but it isn't a current goal. However, I think I would enjoy knowing that someone riding the subway is reading my work. It might be gratifying to think of someone whipping out their iPhone at the doctor's office and delving into my story to pass the time. I need to focus on that. If I can bring the enjoyment that I have received from reading to others that would be motivating.

About the Author:

Malia Mallory is the author of The ABCs of Erotica series, which includes so far A is for Anal, B is for Beach, C is for C*ck Ring, D is for Domination, and now, R is for Revenge. The ABCs of Erotica covers the erotic spectrum from BDSM to ménage and everything in between. More releases in the series are on the way. She has also released Mia's Cop Craving and Santa's Backdoor Baby. She has hit the bestselling erotica lists at both Amazon and iTunes. Her books are available in electronic format at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and AllRomance Books.

For a free copy of B is for Beach from The ABCs of Erotica, head to her website and sign up for the newsletter at http://www.maliamallory.com/Join_My_Mailing_List.php.

Connect with Malia Mallory

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/@MaliaMallory
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/MaliaMallory
Blog - http://abcsoferotica.wordpress.com/
Web Page - http://www.maliamallory.com/

Excerpt from Mia's Cop Craving

He brushed her lips with his. "Mmmm, you'd better point me to a flat surface."

Her hand fluttered in the direction of the hallway and she gasped as he swept his arm under her knees and picked her up. His legs covered the distance quickly, and it barely seemed a blink before they were in her bedroom.

Lights from the street bathed the room in a slight glow and Rogan laid her on the coverlet. He smoothed her hair back from her face and climbed onto the mattress beside her.

"Mia," he whispered, “tell me what happens in your fantasy."

Buy Links
Amazon Author Page
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Weekly Goal #14

Just because it's Wednesday does not mean I can't have a goal for the rest of the week. Believe me when I say I'd rather skip it but I like having goals. I like making them better than planning/missing them but I find that small goals push me to at least get those finished.

It's better than complaining about not moving forward!

So despite the mid-week-ness of it all, here are my goals for the first week in April, no foolin':

1. Chapters 1-4 of Aycliff's Vow (Chapter 1 is 98% finished)


2. Fiddle around with concepts for a website


3. Get free PDFs out to contest winners

Weekly Goal #4

Am now over the hump of hating this weekly goal thing. It was a small bump in my road. Course so was this cold. (It's not bronchitis!) I can barely concentrate on typing in my password in, let alone word count.

1. Finish act of Covet: A Regency Menage Tale. I separate all my stories into 5 acts, no matter the length, and am nearing the end of Act 3. I so wanted to have this story finished and out by now, but I've been sick and it's not so easy to write when you can't breathe.

2. Review stories I've read while sick. I understand the value of reader reviews and would like to offer reviews for the books I've read. I'm not so good at this, but my goal this week is to write reviews for at least 2 of the stories I've read and post them on GoodReads.

Encouragement: Pass it on

I think that's a commercial but alas. It's true. In trying to find a cool picture for my post the other day (couldn't find one that sized correctly which annoys me-stupid new blogger) I found this.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not the kind of person who thinks sitting back and letting the universe do all the work will give you anything but bedsores, but I do believe that positive thinking helps.

It helps get you through the day, it helps put things in perspective, and it definitely helps with goal setting.

So think positively today!