Saturday, April 30, 2011

Product Testing...


Last weekend, I took a short hiatus from my blog tour to do a little product testing for Eden Fantasys. This time, they sent me the Sexy Slave Kit (shown above). When it arrived in the mail, I knew I was in for a delightfully dirty weekend.

I found the blindfold to be very comfortable, offering full coverage without being restrictive. Naughty girl- no peeking!


This kit is a quality product. Each component is well-made, and I'm sure I'll be enjoying it for years to come. The "Pleasure Feather" tickler feels fabulous on bare skin- my lover and I both agree.  

The Sexy Slave Kit also includes four adjustable, padded wrist and ankle cuffs. After a little experimentation, we discovered that any of the cuffs can also be used as a cock ring. The padded red velour is fastened with velcro that adjusts to a wide range of sizes. I know readers will enjoy the versatility of this kit. Each cuff features a 44" connector strap so you can tie your lover to the bed- or anything else that strikes your fancy.

My rating? Five O's. (Or more- I lost count!)


If you enjoyed this review, please comment below to win a copy of my first novel, Her Captive Muse. Don't forget to leave your email addy so I can connect with the lucky winners! Each entrant will receive a copy of my short story, "Cherry-Boy," just for playing.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Guest Starring... Cherie DeSues!


Today is your last day to win big on our Noble Romance Authors' Blog Tour!
Enter NOW to win our grand prize, a $200 gift card from Eden Fantasys!
Fabulous author swag!
This week, I'll be giving away a gift card to AllRomance E-books. Follow the tour for details!



Indigo Skye: Ink and Art
Welcomes Author Cherie DeSues!


A Sizzling Interview with Cherie DeSues

Q: If you could have a hot one-night stand with any fictional character you've created, who would you choose, and why?


A: Each hero of my novels and novellas are complex, masculine and desirable. Choosing one is difficult because each man has qualities that appeal to me. If I mix in the situation, I'm still struggling to choose one, as each plot is interesting, action-packed and romantic. That being said, I have a soft spot for Neol, in "Tales of the Red Moon Clan", a paranormal suspense with edge-of-your-seat action and erotic romance on the run. Neol is a Navajo shapeshifting bounty hunter and sexy as hell. The problem is I wouldn't want a one-night stand, I want all his nights.





 Q: What's the most unusual place you've ever had sex?


A: That's a really tough question, I don't favor a bed during sex. Some may think many of my interludes with lovers were unusual. The most memorable and exciting would include the back of a motorcycle, on an antique oak table in a haunted house, the Hawaiian coast during a storm and in a military plane over a war zone.



 Q: Tell me your sizzling secrets for turning readers on...


A: I treat readers the way I enjoy being treated by authors I read. I want adventure, action, suspense and a mix of passion that includes all the senses. The scent of a man, the feel of his abs, watching his muscles flex on his shoulders and chest during sex. To hear a man groan with pleasure because he's with the right woman, in the right place and time. Including all the senses is important to involve readers in the pursuit of sensual awareness with the characters.


Q: I'd love to know about your writing life... Do you follow a set schedule every day, or just write when inspiration strikes?


A: As a full time writer, I break up my day with interviews, radio shows, and other promotions as well as writing. I write every day, though some days are less than others. My muse is subject to flights of fancy, so I move from one project to another to mix things up and keep the words fresh.




Q: Where do you do most of your writing?


A: The secret to my success is a deep orange chair in my bedroom that has a great ottoman to put my feet up. My desk and rattan chair is close by, but most of my writing is comfortable. I have a large window that looks out into a well-kept garden.


Q: Do you have any writing rituals, quirks or tricks to help you get started and stay excited about a project?


A: The only ritual I have is to make a new project so exciting on each page that I'm exhausted by the last page of the novel. I have an attention deficit disorder, not bad, but I have to keep things shaking to stay with a project. Anyone who's read my novels will attest that there is rarely a dull moment.




Q: Your best strategy for beating writer's block...


A: I'm thrilled I don't get writers block. I can flow with words morning, noon and night without a problem. I have editing block, LOL. When the time comes for editing my work, I have to take frequent rest periods to stay on track. I mix up editing one project with writing for a new project- that keeps me satisfied.


Q: Tell our readers about your sexy new release from Noble Romance...


A: My latest release is, "Dangerous Curves", an erotic contemporary suspense about a plus-sized supermodel spokesperson who wins a 3-year contract with a Parisian designer for curvy women. When Selena Russo begins to receive death threats, her entourage grows with two hot bodyguards and a sexy photographer. This romp across Europe will thrill readers as they try to figure out the mystery as bullets fly.


Q: Any advice for new writers hoping to break into the business?


A:Write to please yourself, and the romance readers will find you. I've had many readers email and leave messages on my site about how much they've enjoyed my novels. A new writer must find a voice and stick with it in each of their manuscripts. If a romance reader enjoys one of your books, they will come back for more.


Q: Upcoming projects you can't wait to dish about...


A: I've just completed a paranormal suspense called, "West Salem" and this novel is my best work. Imagine a new pagan village on the northern coast of California filled with witches, wizards and Fae. These pagans were chosen by the elders because of their abilities and the sacred soil of the ancient Pomo tribe is increasing those abilities. Very exciting.


Q: What's the interview question no one ever asks, that you'd like to answer right now for our readers?


A: I don't think anyone has ever asked what my first years as a writer were like. I began writing as a kid on an old typewriter that I taught myself to type with—of course, the ribbon was always getting twisted. I was in 5th or 6th grade and determined to write a novel. My mother hid her really good novels under her side of the bed, so I was rather well-versed with romance. I knew at an early age that eventually I would write full-time.


Q: Best way to relax after a hard day hitting the page?


A: My terrier, Reilly is very curious and loves to walk to new places and discover new friends. We take walks together in fields, along the beach and in the mountains. The fresh air and nature cleanses my head for awhile, so when I get back to work, I'm rejuvenated.


Q: Your secret little guilty pleasure...


A: I have sugar-free chocolates and red licorice in my drawer next to my comfy chair. I pop candy in my mouth when I need to push on during a chapter.


Q: What's your favorite book to read in the bathtub?


A: Ah, I'm a shower girl, but I do consider lying in the hammock near the pool as my bathtub experience. I have a Kindle e-book reader and enjoy reading Noble author books and other author friends when I have some down time. Noble Romance has the best talent in the industry and great editors that really tighten up a story to make it shine. I never worry if the book will be "meh", they are always the highest caliber!

Hungry for more? Here's a smoking excerpt from Cherie's latest Noble release...



"No one will bother us tonight. We'll make our way up the mountain tomorrow and maybe run into other hikers with a cell phone. Something will shake loose for us, I'm sure."

Sara lifted a brow. "You're an optimist. I didn't see that coming." She laughed a little, feeling nervous again about being in such close quarters with a man she barely knew but desperately wanted. The room warmed quickly and she peeled out of her flannel shirt.



Neol's gaze caressed her and her heart raced, hoping he'd touch her, kiss her. She blushed as she walked to the dresser for water and a granola bar. The attraction made thinking difficult.



He stood and ate up the distance between them. She turned into him; his breath fanned across her face.



"Hungry?" She whispered.



Sara looked up into feral eyes. His hunger claimed her with a powerful and direct gaze. Her lips parted. Animal heat sizzled between them like a hot wire.



With quick reflexes, Neol pulled her into him, tugging her hair back to seek her mouth. Her arms slid around his neck, taking fistfuls of black hair as his passion surrounded her. She nibbled his lip and slid her tongue sensually against his in response as he pulled her closer.



Neol's body bucked against her when she bit down on his lip and his possessive growl made Sara quiver with need. He moved under her snug t-shirt and filled his hand with her breast, rolling his thumb across the sensitive nipple.


She moaned with the sensation as he brought his fingers under her bra to touch the sensitive skin underneath.


She rubbed against his hard body like a cat in heat, desperately wanting to feel what she'd seen in the moonlight. Neol backed her toward the bed as his hands loosened the bra. With a quick tug, Sara became naked from the waist up.

He laid her gently onto the soft flannel and quickly took his shirt off over his head. His gaze feasted on her in the glow of the fire. His hands went for the zipper on his jeans.
 Her eyes couldn't get enough of him as the fabric slid down and he revealed himself to her. Neol stood fully aroused then moved toward her like a predator. She quivered with pleasure. His muscles rippled as he leaned over her body and licked at the exposed flesh on her stomach and inhaled deeply.


"I can smell your scent, your heat." Neol's rough voice mixed with a guttural purr of desire as he leaned up, piercing her soul with golden eyes. "You would have me? Knowing what I am?"


Cherie, thank you for guest starring today on Indigo Skye: Ink and Art! Readers, comment on this post for a chance to win some fabulous author swag and prizes. Don't forget your email address- we want to get in touch if you win! This is your last day to be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $200 Eden Fantasys gift card!

Comment and win... then click the button to hop to the next stop on our Noble Authors' Blog Tour, The House of Elyot!



Author Bio:

Chérie De Sues is a "critically acclaimed" and "award winning" author of thrillers, paranormal and contemporary suspense romances from sensual to sizzling heat levels. When Chérie takes a break from writing novels, you can find her at book signings, online, or traveling to research her next novel. She shares her home in San Diego, California, with her Irish terrier, Reilly.


Cherie's Links:









Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Guest Starring...Mindy MacKay!







Indigo Skye: Ink and Art
Welcomes Author Mindy MacKay

Q: If you could have a hot one-night stand with any fictional character you've created, who would you choose, and why?


A: If it's a one-night stand, then probably Michael from Soulgame. If we were talking an actual relationship, it would be a different matter entirely, but out of all my characters, I'd get the most out of Michael in one night, what with the obligatory after-event chess game. (If that sounds ridiculous, I'm being totally serious.)


Q: Tell me your sizzling secrets for turning readers on...


A: For me, the greatest delight is in novelty, so I try to apply the same principle to pleasing my readers. Hit 'em with something they've never seen or heard of before, and add a whole new topic to their repertoire of "internet research".


Q: I'd love to know about your writing life... Do you follow a set schedule every day, or just write when inspiration strikes?


A: I try to squeeze writing into the spare moments, but quite frankly, between school and a social life, it's a miracle to even me how I manage to churn out a book.


Q: Where do you do most of your writing?


A: In moving vehicles when I'm not the driver. I'm one of the only people I know who can read in a car, let alone write, and there's something about just rolling along the highway that creates the perfect relaxing atmosphere for writing.

Q: Do you have any writing rituals, quirks or tricks to help you get started and stay excited about a project?


A: My mentality is, if I lose excitement about a project, it's not worth continuing, simple as that. Good idea or not, if I'm not interested, I'm not going to force myself through it. That said, I've got a few quirks about my writing, like my habit of creating a playlist for each project, but that's more for my own personal enjoyment than a productivity booster.


Q: Your best strategy for beating writer's block...


A: I don't beat it. I set my work aside and do other things. The most important thing to realize about writer's block is it's a temporary ailment, like the common cold or good old Aunt Flo. When it hits, I take advantage of the break my subconscious is giving me and unwind for a bit, and eventually, inspiration returns to tie me to the desk again.






Q: Tell our readers about your sexy new release from Noble Romance...


A: If you mixed Cain and Abel with Crime and Punishment with The 120 Days of Sodom and dropped the whole thing into modern-day New York, you'd have an approximation of Fallen from Disgrace. It's as much about mind games as love, and started out as a character study about human choice versus societal pressure.


And if that sounds too preachy, just skip it all and leave here with the knowledge that the book is about an ex criminal genius who gets it on with her delicious boss, who at one point tapes her to a desk.

Q: Any advice for new writers hoping to break into the business?

A: I don't know what my advice is worth--I'm still so new to the business myself--but besides the integral and standard consejos of "never give up, be true to yourself, etc", it's important to build a strong social network. Writing is as much about interacting with people as actual craft and sales. Get to know your fellow authors, give away free things, take things that are free, read and post reviews, and get immersed in the scene. Not only does it get you known as the fresh new voice on the block, but it can be hella fun.


Q: Upcoming projects you can't wait to dish about...


A: If you've been following me for this long, you'll probably know all about Godspeed, my yet-to-be-submitted-but-complete manuscript about the troubled dictator and his runaway refugee inamorata. I won't go on too much of a spiel about that, but I'm really excited to be jumping right from that project into another one--it's yet untitled, but what I can tell you now is it's a tragedy about a gorgeous but self-loathing guitarist who's determined to end his life and pay for his sins until he meets a rebellious store clerk who introduces him to the subtle art of creating chaos after hours. Hilarity and eventual devastation ensue.


Q: What's the interview question no one ever asks, that you'd like to answer right now for our readers?


A: No one ever really asks what's the hardest part of the writing craft? And right off the bat, it's worldbuilding. I've tried to create a unique fantasy world, I really have, but in the end, I can only see myself identifying with our own beautiful little planet.


Q: Best way to relax after a hard day hitting the page?


A: Soda, chips, and an animated comedy on Netflix with a bunch of friends on somebody's couch.


Q: Your secret little guilty pleasure...

A: Shark Week.

Q: What's your favorite book to read in the bathtub?


A: The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. I think it's one of the most convincing love stories of our time, and a lot of the parts take a moment or two of contemplation to let the ideas seep in…which is opportune for bathroom reading.




Author Bio:



Mindy MacKay is a native of Canada but currently lives and studies in Texas. She is a poet of ten years, a novelist of four, and has been a literature nerd for as long as she can remember. Her novels include Peacebreakers and Soulgame, the first two installments of the Puppetmasters series, and Fallen From Disgrace, a single-title mystery. Her short fiction has been published by Pill Hill Press and 69 Flavors of Paranoia. She blogs at http://theylikemehere.blogspot.com/.


Friday, April 22, 2011

Congratulations!

This post is a shout out to this week's lucky winners... Dawn and Tracey will be enjoying Red Roses & Shattered Glass, as well as my first novel, Her Captive Muse. Ladies, thank you for your comments on the Noble Romance Authors Blog Tour.

Looking forward to week four. Along with my usual prizes, I'll be giving away a $20 All Romance E-Books gift card to one lucky commenter on my guest posts.

Yesterday, I was featured on Kay Dee Royal's blog. L.K. Below commented on my interview and excerpt, and won a copy of my book, Her Captive Muse.  Everyone who commented on my post there will receive a copy of my short story, "Cherry-Boy."

Congrats to all the lucky winners. I'll be in touch over the weekend to distribute prizes!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

A Revealing Interview with Kay Dee Royal!

Cheers! Today, I'm being featured as a guest author on Kay Dee Royal's site. Pop a cork and celebrate with me, readers!



We dished the dirt in a very revealing interview, and she's also featuring a smoking-hot excerpt from my novel, Her Captive Muse.


Want to win a copy? Comment on my Interview with Kay Dee Royal! One lucky winner will be selected, and I'll be announcing the giveaway results right here tomorrow!

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Guest Starring... H.C. Brown!




Indigo Skye: Ink and Art
Welcomes Author H.C. Brown!

Q: If you could have a hot one-night stand with any fictional character you've created, who would you choose, and why?


A: Nox, the seven–foot tall King of the Faerie. A dream lover who could make you forget you've been naughty.


Q: What's the most unusual place you've ever had sex?


A: In the hall cupboard- while SO's aunt and uncle were in the sitting room!


Q: Tell me your sizzling secrets for turning readers on...


A: I like to get inside my characters’ heads, so my readers can experience every luscious detail.




Q: I'd love to know about your writing life... Do you follow a set schedule every day, or just write when inspiration strikes?

A: On a schedule- I write seven days a week from noon each day.


Q: Where do you do most of your writing?


A: I have a bad back so I write in a very comfortable chair.


Q: Do you have any writing rituals, quirks or tricks to help you get started and stay excited about a project?


A: I'm excited about every project. I live in a fantasy world 95% of the time so writing is easy for me.


Q: Your best strategy for beating writer's block...


A: I have a lot of works in progress, so if one stalls I read another and go on with that one until the Muse comes up with the next chapter. Planning stories is the killer for me, I can't work to a plan, my stories are like life, changing and weaving their way to a conclusion.




Q: Tell our readers about your sexy new release from Noble Romance...


A: Hawke's Purr-fect Mate is the fourth story in the Pride Brothers series and answers the questions about Hawke's life I set up in the free read A Taste of Nox.


Here's a Blurb To Tempt You:


Deliciously handsome, insatiable alpha male Hawke of Knight Watch's reputation, for a voracious and varied sex life, is well earned. However, his ability to attract streams of men and women to his bed comes into question when he meets the mysterious, Ice Princess, Lydia.


Lydia born of both Fae and Pride has a secret. Unable to chance the man of her dreams discovering the truth about her, she publically refuses the handsome Prince Hawke as her life mate.


Disillusioned and heart sore, Hawke must fight the battle of his life against the dogs that invade his realm, and for the love of his true mate.

Q: Any advice for new writers hoping to break into the business?


A: Read books by current authors. This is because styles change over the years. Audio books are great. You need to understand that each writer has a voice. Listening to an audio book helps to understand the melody of writing. That is why reading your own story aloud or better still letting someone read it to you will help you to find your own voice.


Learn your craft, showing not telling. Join a critique group that contains published writers.


Submit to publishers/agents that are interested in the genre you write.


Follow submission guidelines to the letter.


Keep writing through all the rejections because there will be many and most of all NEVER GIVE UP.




Q: Upcoming projects you can't wait to dish about...


A: I'm writing a gay historical BDSM Romance. I love immersing myself in the time when homosexuality was a hanging offence. The brush of a hand or shoulder becomes so damn sexy.


Q: What's the interview question no one ever asks, that you'd like to answer right now for our readers?


A: How do I feel about people stealing eBooks and those comments that hurt authors?


* Climbs onto soap box*


Firstly, those people who put my books up on free download sites or share them are stealing. Hey, I make less than $1 on some of my books, so the hundred you steal makes a big difference. EBooks are cheap, one of mine, Hot Damn sells for .99c and yet it appears on free download sites !!!!!! .99c is obviously too much to pay for some people. I work hard writing stories for you, so if you want to continue to enjoy my books, how about doing the right thing and buying one instead of stealing from me.


Secondly, I take my reviews very seriously. I must say the reviewers from the review sites are honest in their opinions and I value what they say.


Then there are the people who make hurtful comments, without thought, on authors' pages on Amazon and the like. Many authors of bestselling books have been targeted. This is becoming widespread, like an evil virus. Why do they do this? Isn't it enough to say they did not like a book without denigrating the author? I often wonder about the mentality of these people.


Q: Best way to relax after a hard day hitting the page?


A: Sleeping.


Q: Your secret little guilty pleasure...


A: Baileys on ice . . . no, in truth a lot of Baileys on ice!


Q: What's your favorite book to read in the bathtub?


A: Anything by Diana Gabaldon.






Author Bio:
H.C. Brown is a multi-published author of many genres and lives in Australia. She welcomes feedback from her readers and answers all emails. She believes every story should have a happy ending.

Author Links:

Join H.C. Brown's Yahoo Group for up to date information of new releases and contests.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hcbrownfangroup/

Visit her blog:

http://www.hcbrownauthoroferoticromance.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Guest Starring: Sarah Ballance!




Indigo Skye: Ink and Art
Welcomes Sarah Ballance!

Q: If you could have a hot one-night stand with any fictional character you've created, who would you choose, and why?


A: Oh, wow. I think I'd have to go with Wyatt from RUN TO YOU, but ONLY (are you reading this, dear?) because he IS my hubby. Not in the literal sense – there are differences, of course – but everything I love about Wyatt's character came right from my H.

 Q: What's the most unusual place you've ever had sex?


A: Um … I can't answer that. Second most unusual? In a national park in the middle of the day … on a sand dune. Probably in front of tourists.


Q: Tell me your sizzling secrets for turning readers on...


A: I know I'm in the minority, but I don't write graphic sex. I prefer instead to create the more sensual scenes with emotional tie-ins. That build up of sexual tension is foreplay in itself, and when it simmers to the point of explosion … YUM.


Q: I'd love to know about your writing life... Do you follow a set schedule every day, or just write when inspiration strikes?


A: In theory (ahem), I write each morning until about 9am then I start the day with the kids. (There are six of them – 12 yrs down to 9 mos – and we homeschool). I usually have an hour or two in the late afternoon, and after dinner is all mine. But in reality there are constant interruptions, so it's darn near miraculous for me to write anything. But I love the kids to pieces, interruptions and all. (Did I manage to say that last part with a straight face?)


Q: Where do you do most of your writing?


A: Most of it happens at night when I'm in bed with my little netbook (greatest writing investment EVER, by the way). The H accuses me of using it to take notes and makes threats about the webcam, but I think he likes me using him for research. ;c)


Q: Do you have any writing rituals, quirks or tricks to help you get started and stay excited about a project?


A: I use music to get in my zone. I have a few well-worn CDs, but pretty much anything to match my mood will work wonders because, truth be told, I really only need to drown out the noise from the kids. As for maintaining enthusiasm, well, I don’t always. I save my crits and look over all of the good comments or read "fan mail," and if that doesn’t take care of the doldrums I share my feelings with my crit partner. She listens graciously, then smacks me around a little. (Not literally. She probably wants to, but she's halfway across the country.)

 Q: Your best strategy for beating writer's block...


A: I write ahead. I pick a scene later in the book and tap it out. When I get it out of my system, I can almost settle into the part I balked over. Then when I get the scene I wrote out of order, I get a boost from "fast progress" (LOL) over a few simple edits. Double win!


Q: Tell our readers about your sexy new release from Noble Romance...


A: After a breakup with her fiancé makes the front page of the newspaper, Mattie James allows her ex-lover and current BFF to drag her away from the fray to a remote beachfront cottage. He wants to ignite that old flame, but she's intent on drowning in the arms of a certain gray-eyed stranger. Then a woman is found murdered, then another, and suddenly Mattie's carefree vacation becomes a fight for her life.


Q: Any advice for new writers hoping to break into the business?


A: Find a crit partner who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Seriously, if your CP doesn't find anything wrong with your work, your CP is not working. Better hear it from one person now in private than from a whole slew of readers later, so find one who will push you into bettering yourself.

Q: Upcoming projects you can't wait to dish about...

A: I am GIDDY about my new romantic suspense, UNFORGIVEN. My voice developed so much between my first and second novels, and I can see similar upgrades all over the place with this third work. The story begins with the hero holding the heroine at gunpoint, and things get interesting from there. I can't wait to see this one published!


Q: What's the interview question no one ever asks, that you'd like to answer right now for our readers?


A: I'm mulling it over, and I don't think I have one of these – especially not in terms of writing. In general, people ask me all the time if I'm crazy (for having so many kids on purpose) so I'll go ahead and say yes, absolutely, my life is nothing short of circus-like and I am SO not the ringmaster. (I think I'm the guy carrying the shovel behind the elephants). And you wonder why I write myself into other worlds? LOL.


Q: Best way to relax after a hard day hitting the page?


A: Reading! What else? LOL. But I'm always up for a ride in the boat with the family or hanging out with the H. He's my best friend, and I love every minute we have together.


Q: Your secret little guilty pleasure...


A: I don't know how much of a secret it is, but a chocolate cream pie milkshake from Sonic is the kind of guilty pleasure that'll make a girl blush. I tend to research nutritional info on any fast food I have often, but I refuse to look that one up. I'm just going to ENJOY, thank you very much.


Q: What's your favorite book to read in the bathtub?


A: I'm more of a shower person, and showers don't mesh with books at all. But I'm gonna pretend I have a big ol' hot tub Jacuzzi kind of thing and admit to anything suspenseful – the more horrifying, the better.

Readers, to follow the Noble Authors Blog Tour and be eligible for some amazing prizes, please head over to The House of Elyot to check out a hot new interview with author Gianna Simone. Thanks so much!



Author links:

Website: http://www.sarahballance.com/

Blog: http://sarahballance.wordpress.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SarahBallance

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Ballance-author/125956520788499

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4103362.Sarah_Ballance



Author Bio:

Sarah lives a charmed life as the mother of six incredible homeschooled children, all of whom are completely adorable when they're asleep. Her husband of many years (long, long years, he calls them) is the kind of guy who could teach those heroes from the books a thing or two about romance, not that he'd readily admit it. Completely supportive of her addiction for writing fiction, he's generously offered to help with any necessary research for "the good parts." She's never had to ask twice.





Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Guest Starring... Bianca Sommerland!


Indigo Skye: Ink and Art
Welcomes Author Bianca Sommerland!


Q: If you could have a hot one-night stand with any fictional character you've created, who would you choose, and why?

A:  Oh, that’s a tough question. I write ménage, so shouldn’t I get to choose more than one? If I really had to choose, I’d probably pick Joe from Deadly Captive. He’s dominant, caring when it counts, but so tough he can be downright mean. A hot one-night-stand would be more than enough for me.
Q:  What's the most unusual place you've ever had sex?


A:  Outside while it was snowing in an empty parking lot. My sex life isn’t nearly as exciting as my characters.


Q:  Tell me your sizzling secrets for turning readers on...

A:  Hell, no! LOL! I’m taking those secrets to the grave.
What I will tell you is that if I can edit the scene without taking a little break to cool off, the scene’s not good enough.


Q: I'd love to know about your writing life... Do you follow a set schedule every day, or just write when inspiration strikes?


A:  I’d love to be able to write just when inspiration strikes, but since I’m lucky enough to write full time, I have to take a bit of a business-like approach. Every day there’s time for promotion or my blog—depending on what’s scheduled—and then I try to reach my daily word quota on my WIP. Bit of an ass-in-chair approach.


Q:  Where do you do most of your writing?


A:  During the summer, outside on my porch. In the winter, wherever I’m less likely to get run over by rugrats! LOL!


Q: Do you have any writing rituals, quirks or tricks to help you get started and stay excited about a project?


A:  Actually I use YouTube a lot. Music videos often inspire me and the music itself is often enough to kick-start my muse.


Q: Your best strategy for beating writer's block...


A: I have a few things I try, but what I find works best is setting aside the project I’m stuck on and spending some time on another. If that doesn’t work I read, or take a walk.




Q: Tell our readers about  Deadly Captive, your sexy new release from Noble Romance...


A: Oh I love this story! It’s actually my first erotic novel, a big challenge because I had to teach myself to ignore the limits set on all the other genres I write. And since that wasn’t tough enough (insert sarcasm), I decided to throw two people together that would probably have hated each other if they’d met in a conventional way.


Lydia wakes, bound and blind, to the whispered urgings of a man who has his hands on her. His words confuse her at first, but she soon understands that they are both in the middle of a performance which will decide whether she remains in captivity, or dies. The crowd must be entertained and her cellmate makes sure they are.


Forced submission is not the only horror she endures. She has no memories of life before her imprisonment and 'Joe', the man she is used to torment, is her only comfort as she is tortured and debased by the powerful creatures that hold them captive. Together they cling to the will to survive long enough to break free and seek revenge. Their desire to sustain one another triumphs over their warden's efforts to destroy them. There is no pain, no suffering, that can tear them apart. Beyond the cell, their love is tested. Can they hold strong with the challenge of the newfound powers they gain in the name of freedom? Is their love something born of desperation?


Q: Any advice for new writers hoping to break into the business?


A: Don’t do it! Run for your life!


Okay, seriously, find yourself a beta-reader, a crit-group, or both. Not only is it good for your writing, but you will eventually need the support. Friends and family are nice—and if they encourage you to go further and work harder, great. But only another author can truly understand what you’re going through at whatever stage you find yourself at in the writers life.


Good thing is, joining the community of authors isn’t like high school. It’s pretty easy to make friends and even the cool crowd is nice.


Q: Upcoming projects you can't wait to dish about...


A: Another big ménage—Hockey players! *swoon*-- and a story that delves more into BDSM than anything I’ve worked on so far. I’m really excited to share both with my readers. I’ve been working a lot with my fabulous crit group, ERA, and I can see how much stronger the books will be. Sexier too. Nothing like having erotic authors pick apart your sex scenes and point out that he got ‘that’ in ‘there’ a little too fast. :D


Q: What's the interview question no one ever asks, that you'd like to answer right now for our readers?


A: Not sure if it’s never asked, but let’s try...


If you could pick any actor to do an up close and personal character study with, who would it be?


That’s a tough one! There’s so many amazing actors, just let me think—Vin Diesel, hands down.


Q: Best way to relax after a hard day hitting the page?


A: A glass of CC and coke (CC=Canadian Club Whisky), and a sexy book that I didn’t write!


Q: Your secret little guilty pleasure...


A: Darn, can’t answer this one. I don’t feel guilty about any of my pleasures. I just like what I like. No excuses ;)

 Q: What's your favorite book to read in the bathtub?


A: Anything by Johanna Lindsey. She’s always been one of my favourite writers. Exciting stories, lots of alpha males, constant movement. Silver Angel has always been my favourite. I got my hands on it when I was in my early teens, a few years after it was published. Probably not age appropriate, but the whole concept of a harem fascinated me. Probably explains Rosemary Entwined and my fascination with ménage.




Get in touch with Bianca Sommerland online here...


Author Blog: http://imnoangelauthorsblog.wordpress.com/


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Bianca-Sommerland/100001208606061


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


Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/bianca_sommerland


Amazon Author's Page: http://www.amazon.com/Bianca-Sommerland/e/B004R7VTUM



Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Guest Starring...Justine Elyot!


Today on Indigo Skye: Ink and Art, the Noble Authors Blog Tour continues with an exclusive interview with author Justine Elyot. She's also sharing a sizzling excerpt from her Noble Romance release, The Choirmaster.


An Exclusive Interview with Author Justine Elyot 

Q: If you could have a hot one-night stand with any fictional character you've created, who would you choose and why?


A: For a one-night stand, I would have to choose Mr. Collins and Mr. Bryant, the shadowy characters behind the mysterious fantasy-fulfilment agency in my novel The Business of Pleasure. Believe me, these gentlemen know what I like!



Q: What's the most unusual place you've ever done the deed?

A: On a croquet lawn.


Q: Tell me your sizzling secrets for turning readers on...


A: Well, they aren't secrets then, are they? I write what turns me on, and hope for the best.


Q: My readers would love to know more about the way you structure your writing time...do you follow a set schedule every day, or just write when inspiration strikes?


A: I follow a fairly rigid schedule that I set out a few months in advance. I try and factor in a bit of leeway for unexpected interruptions, but in general, it works well for me and keeps me from falling into introspection and self-doubt.


Q: Where do you do most of your writing?


A: In my living room.


Q: I know music is a very important element in your work. Do you have any writing rituals, or a special song to help you get started or stay excited about a project?


A: I usually have a playlist for each story, as well as a gallery of images (usually of favourite crushed-on actors) to provide that extra spark of inspiration.


Q: Your best strategies for beating writers block...

A:  I haven't had writers block since I started writing (touch wood). The more I write, the more I want to write, and the more new ideas flow. I don't think I'll live long enough to get all the ideas down on paper.




Q: Tell our readers about The Choirmaster, your sexy new release from Noble Romance.

A: The Choirmaster was a dream to write because it contained all my favourite elements - music, London, fairytale romance and lots of spanking. It's the story of a girl called Loveday whose life has drifted away from her. Her future looks grim until she bumps into choirmaster Matthew while busking in the London Underground. They turn out to have common interests in more than music...

Q: Any advice for new writers hoping to break into the business?

A: Keep writing and don't assume rejection means your story won't sell. There are so many markets for romance and erotica now, and the publishing world is wider open than ever, with the growing popularity of e-books and self-publishing. The traditional route isn't the only one, not by a long shot.

Q: Hot works-in-progress and projects you can't wait to dish about...

A: I'm writing my first ever series at the moment, which I'm excited about! Again, there is a musical theme, and all sorts of romantic entanglement. But I can't say too much...



Q: My lips are sealed! I'd hate to spoil the surprise for your fans. Just keep us posted! What's the interview question no one asks, that you'd like to answer right now for our readers?

A: I don't get interviewed that much, so there are probably lots! But nobody ever asks me where they can send the flowers and champagne. To which the answer is, my house!





Q: What's your favorite way to unwind after a hard day hitting the page?
 
A: With flowers and champagne, and a really good BBC costume drama.



Q: Your secret little guilty pleasure...

A: All my pleasures are guilty.

Q: What's your favourite book to read in the bathtub?

A: I've only ever read one book in the bath. It was The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I'd bought it that day at a bookshop in Bristol, read it all the way home on the train, all the way from the railway station to the bus stop to my house and just couldn't put it down even to take a bath. I did regret it though, because I hate soggy paper.

The Bell Jar is one of my favorites, too. I read it again every year or so. Plath was an amazing writer, and much missed.

Justine, thank you for an amazing interview! And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. A red-hot excerpt from Justine Elyot's new novel, The Choirmaster!



“You’re serious then? You’re a submissive? You want me to do dreadfully wicked and depraved things to you?”

Loveday’s eyelids fluttered with rapture. “Oh God, yes.”

“And they will be, Loveday. Dreadfully wicked and seriously depraved.” His teeth bared in a grin and he grabbed her wrists across the table top.

“Oh my!”

“Right then. Let’s see what you’re made of.” His fingers were tight around her narrow wrists, the pressure almost too much. “Let’s test this theory. Name me a name. A word. Anything.”

Loveday, remembering how to breathe, blinked a few times. “Wolfgang,” she said, finding that tomorrow’s choir rehearsal was the first irrelevant thing to spring to mind.

“Perfect. Wolfgang it shall be.”

“Shall be what?”

“Your safeword. We’ll take small steps, Loveday, don’t worry about that, but if I ever go too far for you, just say the word and I shall stop immediately.”

“The word Wolfgang? Sorry if this is a silly question – but won’t ‘stop’ do?”

“If you really do relish the submissive role, you may find that you want to pretend you aren’t enjoying yourself. Most submissives do. ‘Oh, please stop, you awful man, you’re hurting me!’ But you won’t really want me to stop.”

“Oh!” Loveday flushed crimson. “I do see! Oh, hang on.” Her breaths were deep and fast. This was real. Really real. She had to remember that. “This is just so…”

“Scary?”

“Well, yeah. But in a good way. The best way. Wow.”

He smiled and released her wrists, his fingerprints marked in red like a primitive adornment. “Push your chair back from the table, Loveday,” he ordered quietly, opening the case.

She responded without even thinking of questioning his tone of absolute authority, scraping it back over the granite tiles, lucky that the open portion of the suitcase hid his resulting grimace. “Without ruining the floor,” he muttered, rummaging.

She clasped her hands in her lap, twiddling her thumbs compulsively, almost afraid to look up and see whatever devilish device he might have extracted from his stores. The suitcase lid closed with a snap and Matthew stood, holding the cuffs. The jinking of the chain struck a chord of pure excitement in her heart and she raised her head eagerly, looking at him as if to say Bring it on!

“Put your hands behind the chair,” he said, behind her now, taking each wrist in turn and enclosing them in the stiff leather. The cuffs clicked shut and she was helpless now, her arms folded behind her back, any attempt to stand rendered useless by the wooden chair struts. She could tug, wrench, struggle as much as she liked, but her arms and hands were no use to her now. She had no choice but to sit and submit to whatever Matthew might choose to do to her.

“There,” he said, stepping back. “That looks pretty. But it could be prettier.”

He lifted her thin jersey top up so that her breasts were uncovered, unclipping her bra at the same time and shoving its cups up beneath the bunched clothing. Now she hung free, nipples tight in the cool air and throbbing with arousal.

“Helplessly exposed,” he said, smiling. “I think I might like a picture of that.” He took his mobile phone from a pocket and Loveday squinted into the flash, biting her lip just as a kidnapped wench might do.

“But I mustn’t leave the job half-done,” he said, almost to himself, darting forward and snatching an ankle so swiftly that her reflexes did not have time to kick out. Her legs, comparatively free, could have been used in her defence, if she had wanted them to. But she did not want to defend herself, oh no. This was all much too close to the fantasy loop that played in her head at bedtime. No power on earth was going to make her sabotage this.

She worked hard at hiding her delight as Matthew wrenched off a sock, then repeated the process with the other leg.

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed cornily when he came to unbutton and roughly divest her of her jeans. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” was the gruff reply. “Stripping you down.” Her legs denuded, he went to work on her knickers, sliding them down her thighs until her naked bottom rested on the sleek chill wood of the seat, causing tiny goosebumps to form all over her body. “There,” he said, putting the knickers on top of the neatly-folded jeans. “Now you can’t hide anything from me, can you?”

To celebrate our Noble Romance Authors Blog Tour, Justine Elyot will be giving away one copy of The Choirmaster to a random commenter on this blog. To enter, simply comment on this interview. Don't forget to include your email!




Want a chance to win more author swag? Follow our Blog Tour. Prizes change every day! Next stop... The House of Elyot.


Author Bio:

Justine Elyot has been writing erotica for publication since 2009 when her first full-length book, On Demand, was the last title to be published by iconic label Black Lace. Since then she has written much more, with her work appearing in titles from Xcite Books, Total E-Bound, Cleis Press and, of course, Noble Romance. Her third full-length book, Erotic Amusements, is due out from Carina Press later this year.

Website, blog and social media links:

Author Website:
http://www.justineelyot.com/

The House of Elyot:
http://justineelyot.wordpress.com/

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000057776729

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/JustineElyot