Diablo Blanco Club

The Neighbor's Are Back!!

2012-01-04T16:14:00.000-05:00

After nearly four months without, I have finally gone through and updated Meeting A Neighbor's Needs. I had originally intended to write it in 3rd person, but as I went through it, I liked the 1st person perspective, I just added a few bits from George's perspective.

A Neighbor's Ultimatum didn't need much work, other than formatting and such, so there are no changes in that story.

And last, but not least, I put all three books (Meeting A Neighbor's Needs, A Neighbor's Ultimatum, and Teach Me, Master) into one big Neighbor's volume! Now people can read all three books in one spot!

I just finished uploading them to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and ARe (All Romance eBooks). Only ARe has them available for purchase.

Now, I'm off to chat with Chelsea before I dig in to fix a few issues with Unfair Advantage. Goal is to have Mattie & Bryce's story up and selling again by the 15th (with a new epilogue a few readers had asked for!)

Have a great day!!

Qwillia

Revisions Done, Book Formatted, Santa's Elf Is Back!

2011-12-28T18:23:00.001-05:00

I probably should have been faster getting this information up, but I'm still recovering from the long hours it took to revise, edit and format my updated version of Santa's Elf.

It is the 5th book in the Diablo Blanco Club series...and yes, the 4th book is still in the works, so ...

Please be patient with me.

In the revisions I learned a lot about the different characters and there are peeks at some of the other members of the Diablo Blanco Club.

You can buy Santa's Elf at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and All Romance eBooks

Here's Wishing You All...

2011-11-24T11:18:00.002-05:00

A very Happy Thanksgiving

image courtesy of theworldwidegourmet.com

Guest Blogging November 15th -- and Giving Away A Book!

2011-11-14T23:34:00.001-05:00

Just popping on to let everyone know I'll be guest blogging on Fierce Romance tomorrow. I'm talking about pitching and willing to work with anyone interested in polishing a pitch or blurb.

I'll also be giving away a free copy of my latest novel, In A Lover's Silence to one lucky commentor on the Fierce Romance blog.

Feel free to stop by and chat!

Thanks,
Qwillia

New Books

2011-11-13T13:20:00.002-05:00

Yes, Yes, I know, I've been gone for a while...but I do have news...

And before anyone asks, no, I don't have a new Diablo Blanco Club book. Not yet.

But I do have a new book.

Way back in 2009 I was a finalist in the American Title V contest, but my romantic suspense novel, In A Lover's Silence, was eliminated in the first round. Well, I've gone through and rewritten the book, edited and re-edited it and now I've self-published it.

I've been told that my book, In A Lover's Silence, may turn off romance readers and that it shouldn't really be considered a romantic suspense because of what my serial killer does.

He kills kids.

I know, it's a taboo subject, especially in romance, but it's something my character will not change. And I can't ignore the fact that in real life, kids are often the easiest victims of killers.

In the story I never show the killer hurting a child, but I do have him arrange the body and explain why and how he kills. So, if that may turn a reader away, I'm sorry...but there's a reason why he does what he does. Besides, it makes a person really want the bastard to get caught. LOL, at least my mom wanted him beaten to a bloody pulp.

Other things I've been up to include uploading my books to All Romance eBooks. So, if you don't want to purchase your books from Amazon or Barnes and Noble, you now have another avenue for getting the book.

I hope, if you read In A Lover's Silence, you'll let me know what you think of the story.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Didn't Make the Deadline, But I Did Make the Goal!!

2011-11-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

So, I didn't make my goal of publishing my romantic suspense novel, In A Lover's Silence, by October 31st, but that was because as I was getting the different versions formatted, I discovered typos. Of course that meant I had to delete all the versions I had formatted, then go back through the whole book to make sure I fixed all typos. Since I was in the middle of the Emerald City Writer's Conference in Seattle, Washington, I didn't get it done as quickly as I'd hoped.

After factoring in conference time and travel time, I was able to complete the editing by yesterday (November 1st). I used late last night and all morning today to finish the formatting and got the book uploaded to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance eBooks.

As of 6 pm tonight, the book is live on all three sites.

Anyone who reads the book, I'd love to hear what you think of it. It's my first adventure in writing romantic suspense, so I'd love constructive feedback on what was liked and disliked.

Oh the Places I'll Be!

2011-09-22T10:32:00.001-04:00

So, it looks like October is going to be a very busy month for me. And the end of September as well.

Currently, I'm working through the revisions on a romantic suspense manuscript that has been gathering dust for about 6 years. Although it finaled in American Title V a few years ago, it seems my serial killer is just a bit too much from some publishers because he includes children as his victims. I don't have him kill any kids "on stage" but it is mentioned...so, this is going to be self-published. I even have the coolest cover for the book.

coming soon

Isn't it great!? Lindsay Breen did the cover and I'm really liking it.

Anyway, I hope to have it finished with edits and ready for publication by late October.

Another book I'm working on, which I'm sure fans of the Diablo Blanco Club will enjoy hearing, is Richard and Becka's story. The title for it is: Rogue Master. Ohh, gives me shivers. And my oh my, Richard is sooo not what you think. I've finally figured out the blurb for it (you know that bit on the back of the cover). Check it out:

Richard Bennett has spent his life working toward one goal -- killing the man who murdered his parents. He's mastered the art of Domination, but his only chance to exact his revenge is about to slip through his fingers because he needs the one thing he's never owned before.

A sexual slave.

When the last woman he'd ever expected to see is left handcuffed to his bed, he's determined to use her to his advantage. Making her into the perfect submissive will gain him access to the man he's after, but place her squarely in the line of fire should his mission go awry.

He's thought of every contingency, but he never factored an unknown enemy or an unexpected possessiveness into his plans.

Now he has to choose between the life of the woman he loves or the man he's sworn to kill.

Does that sound cool or what? Please tell me what you think of it.

Of course, I will be around the web, on Facebook and at the Kinky Ever After blog, as well as Midnight Seductions Authors. But tomorrow, September 23rd, I'm guest blogging at Romance Books R Us. Seems Triss Long, my erotica author from Teach Me, Master, wanted to have a discussion about her books. Check it out and feel free to comment -- http://romancebooksrus.blogspot.com I'll try to respond by Friday evening, but I'll be in Greensboro, NC attending the Writer's Police Academy at Guilford Community College. I had so much fun last year, I had to do it again!

That's where the wild schedule comes in. I'll be in Greensboro until Sunday morning. Then the following weekend, I fly down to Atlanta for the Georgia Romance Writer's Moonlight and Magnolias conference. The weekend after that, Cherry Adair will be in Raleigh, NC presenting an all day workshop at the Sheraton on Page Rd, hosted by the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. I'll get two whole weekends home before I'm off to Seattle at the end of October to attend the Greater Seattle Romance Writers' Emerald City Conference.

So, you can see I have a busy month and a half ahead of me. Plus I have my goal of getting In A Lover's Silence completed, as well as Rogue Master, the second in my Construction Zone erotica series done, and start work on my YA time-travel Through the Dollhouse.

If you happen to be attending any of these conferences please feel free to say hi! I like talking with readers and authors about writing and books (not just my own, I assure you)

Chatting on Facebook Today! 3pm EST

2011-09-17T16:09:00.002-04:00

I'm chatting on Facebook if you'd like to chime in.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/152402674805954/

Trying Something New

2011-09-14T06:26:00.000-04:00

Erotica.

Triss and Vince's Story

I know, I know. Erotica is just about the sex, but a few months back I posted that I had some characters who only wanted sex, they weren't ready for a relationship. So, when Triss Long, my heroine from Teach Me, Master turned out to be an erotica author, I thought, "Well, isn't that interesting..."

Now, not only do I have Triss and Vince's story on sale at Amazon and B&N,

Chelsea's Story

but I've got Triss's story about Chelsea up there too. And boy does Chelsea love the construction workers around her apartment. There's more in store for this character. Construction Zone: Charlie is just the first in a group of short stories connected to Chelsea or the construction company renovating/rebuilding the apartment complex where Chelsea lives.

Feel free to let me know what you think of the new story. I'm still trying to get work done on my Diablo Blanco Club series as well as get the romantic suspense and young adult novel I'm working on written, but sometimes other characters get distracting. Which means I have to get them out of the way, before I can move on to something else.

Another note, I happen to be very proud of the cover of Chelsea's book--I did it myself.

Woo Hooo I Get To Travel!

2011-08-12T05:49:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, August 20th, I'll be on the road to Wilkesboro, NC.

Meeting with two other authors to do a Meet & Greet, read from one of my books, and sell a few copies.

If you'd like to go, make sure you RSVP Beth Wylde!

See the details below:

Literary Foreplay

Hosted by Beth Wylde with guest authors Qwillia Rain & TBA

Saturday August 20th 3PM-4:30PM

Wilkesboro, NC

Red Carpet Inn Conference room

RSVP for the event with Beth at b.wylde@yahoo.com

Seats are limited. Room for 50 people only.

The authors will each read a short selection, then there will be time for Q&A. After that there will be a chance to talk one on one with the authors and purchase autographed copies of their books. Remember space is limited so RVSP right away!!

At 4:30 a seperate event hosted by Beth will begin and run until 6PM. Everyone is welcome to stay for that as well. For details you can email Beth atb.wylde@yahoo.com

Since some of the excerpts may contain adult material guests must be 18+

Weekly Update

2011-08-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

Sucky week, but hey, it works....

Weighed in... down half a pound (yup 0.5) but hey, that's better than being up the 2 pounds I thought I'd be after I went off the plan and hit McDonald's for lunch and Wendy's for dinner on Thursday. Then there were the cookies....yeah, not gonna go there...

Anyway, getting back on plan. Focusing on Richard and Becka. If I can get something written I may post a sneak peek next Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed. Richard is turning out to be more stubborn than them Halseys...**sigh**

Have a great day all.

Updates

2011-08-04T06:09:00.000-04:00

I've had a check in with my diet consultant since I last posted.... down 1.2 pounds (yay! me!) Should be checking in with her again on Saturday.

Temp job has picked up a bit, interesting assignments, but a nasty migraine had me returning home by noon yesterday. A little rest in quiet before I forced myself to go back out for the massage I had scheduled. That helped with the migraine and the knots in my muscles...

So, sales on Teach Me, Master are doing okay and I've started work on Rogue Master, the next Diablo Blanco Club and the first Operation Zulu Team (OZT) book. May actually be able to finish it before the end of the year (see me crossing my fingers and sending up a quiet prayer...LOL)

Need to get to the day job. Have a great day, and don't forget, Mercury is in retrograde (or at least it was the last time I checked) so think seriously before you act, and don't expect things to go off easily for the next few days or so.

Dieting and Writing ... Or is it Writing and Dieting?

2011-07-24T14:58:00.000-04:00

The life of a writer is both solitary and sedentary. Meaning, I am alone and sit on my ass for the majority of the day. LOL

Not that I don't enjoy doing both, but these behaviors tend to result in surly attitude and widening hips. The first, I have to admit, I've always had, but the second ... I hate. As a teen I thought I had a weight problem. Now, as a grown up, I realize the weight problem was only physical development -- **shudder** boobs, butt, and hormones! Nothing feels worse than to go from a Size 10 in the childen's department to a Size 14, then Size 16 in the women's section in one summer, simply because "melons" develop on your chest and your waist gets smaller than your hips.

Thirty-two years ago I went from 85 pounds to 135 pounds in one summer. Yes, part of it was reaction to the emotional issues facing me (in the form of my parents' divorce) but the other part was puberty. I hated my body and all the icky changes taking place in it. As a grown up, I've tried to put it all in perspective. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But what I have learned is being healthy is more important than being skinny.

I write about women with full figures because I have that. I may not like the big boobs and 'child-bearing' hips, but nature gave them to me and I'm dealing. Unfortunately, my full-figure has gotten a bit out of hand. I know this not because of the mirror, or the pictures of me, or even the plethora of stick figure advertisements bombarding me with what NY ad agencies consider my 'short-comings', but because my asthma has been out of control.

I'm not new to lung problems...I was born with asthma and have spent countless hours of my life in emergency rooms and doctors' offices over the last four and a half decades trying to treat and manage my asthma. One factor that makes it worsen: excess weight. And, I freely admit, I have a lot of that. About 70 pounds worth.

I have tried numerous methods to manage my weight over the years. As a teen I tried diets and diet pills. No bulimia -- so don't do the barfing thing -- and starvation wasn't my schtick -- I love food too much. In my late 20s I did okay bringing the weight down, but when I moved to Alaska and grew too comfortable, the pounds started piling on again. By the time I moved to North Carolina I'd topped 180. When I tipped the scale at 210 this past Christmas, I was depending on rescue inhalers at least three times a day, if not more, just to get around my apartment and climb up and down the stairs to get to my car.

I decided to get serious. As a self-employed author I don't have medical insurance. Yet. And I'm definitely not into surgery (my weight isn't that out of range) so I went to a diet program offered by a reputable international corporation. If anyone wants to know, I'll tell them which program I'm on. I signed up on June 23, 2011. I weighed 204 pounds.

I visit my consultant once a week, buy my meals, and try to follow the plan as closely as possible. For me that can be difficult since I'm used to not eating. Not because I was starving myself, but because I would forget to eat and my body got used to it. Now, I set an alarm on my cell phone to remind me when to eat my meals and snacks. Eventually I know that I'll have myself trained to eat when I'm supposed to, but until then, the alarms work.

Currently I've lost six pounds in four weeks, better than I've ever done on my own. And I've decided that posting to my blog at least three times a week will keep me more accountable. And I'll also be sharing some of my recipes and home 'remedies' for stuff. Someone I shared information with about growing and hardening fingernails suggested I share the 'remedies' in my blog.

Please feel free to comment.

Vince Finally Has A Last Name

2011-06-16T15:58:00.002-04:00

And George, Gina, and Garrick finally have last names. LOL

It wasn't until I was rereading Meeting A Neighbor's Needs and A Neighbor's Ultimatum, that I realized I had completely ignored giving any of my characters a last name. Not that it was really all that important. The threesome and friends didn't need last names to burn up the sheets and explore all kinds of kinky fun.

But this time, I needed last names. For Vince's story -- if you read ANU (A Neighbor's Ultimatum) you may recall he was the friend who helped Gina decide what to do with her husbands -- I couldn't continue calling him just Vince. And the same went for the three Gs (George, Gina, and Garrick).

My heroine for Vince though, is a regular mixed bag of tricks. Triss Long loves sex -- but only on the pages of her novels. She's a spunky erotic romance writer who **gasp** has never had sex! But Vince is more than happy to change all that.

And so much more.

This book, even if it's only 32,290 words and 112 pages long is a big road marker for me.

It's the first book I have completed, start to finish, in a year. Actually in over a year. In the last nine months, since completing the final draft and most of the edits on Rite of First Claim, my writing well has been empty. Without water or inspiration.

I've had ideas, but nothing panned out. Now, I feel like a success again. I feel energized and ready to take on another project.

Maybe something.... paranormal?

All that matters is THE END has been typed and I'm ready to turn the page to something new. (At least until the edits arrive. LOL **insert smiley face here!!**)

When You Know You're Taking Yourself Seriously As A Writer

2011-05-22T13:40:00.002-04:00

I've recently had discussions with people about my writing and the fact that I gave up a day job with insurance benefits and a 401K to write full time. It isn't a decision I made lightly or without understanding the issues that could arise. I've lived on tight budgets before and considering I'm single with no children (neither two legged, four legged, nor fanged, furry, or feathered) tight to me was fine. Been there, done that and all...

What I hadn't realized until just yesterday, was that I hadn't really started thinking of my writing as a business and a career until a certain, leggy, African-American dynamo opened her big mouth and nailed my ass to the wall. Oh yeah, I'm talking about you Tivi. Uh huh. That's right, it's all your fault and I'm telling everyone about it!

Ms. Tivi Jones , the owner and founder of Creativity Loft, sat my ass down about a month ago and started talking to me about branding...about marketing myself as an author...about color schemes. Me! Color Schemes....Girl, I mix blue-based black slacks with green-based black shirts (I only know this because of a graphic artist friend of mine) and green socks! I dress up in purple pirate shirts and pink box pleated mini skirts with rose colored leather and suede boots!!! I don't do color schemes.

But I guess I do realize I am a business and I better get started thinking that way. How do I know her lessons got through my thick, Tauran skull? Vista Print.

Yup.

They were having a sale on business cards. Now, me, I've used my own software to create my own business cards in the past. Very nice, simple, clean fonts with just a hint of decoration. And they're sitting gathering dust on my bookshelves, because I always forget to take them with me when I go to conferences. (Probably because they don't say "me" is what I'm guessing now that I've dealt with Ms. Jones.) So I was thinking, hey, if I get one of those snazzy colorful type of cards, maybe I'll be more inclined to pass them around.

Wrong.

Not to say Vista Print didn't have some awesome cards. They did. I was looking through the different ones in the various themes. And every single time I picked one and looked at it closely, I heard Tivi. "Is this your color scheme? Does this reflect your work? Does this reflect you? Is this representative of what your readers expect from you? How would this translate into a Website? Could it work on your MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter pages? Is this the only brand/image you want associated with your work?"

On and on she yammered until there was no fun left in looking at the pictures. Only a litany of "I need to..."s rolling through my head. Oh, what do I mean by the "I need to...."s? Here's part of the list:

1. I need to figure out which color best represent me as an author

2. I need to decide if I'm going to establish a brand based on my Clubs series (oh yeah, readers, I've got more than the Diablo Blanco Club spinning around in my brain--and yes, there are more Halseys out there...damn it!)

3. I need to decide if my author brand is going to be separate or part of my series brand(s)

4. I need to decide which font best suits me (the author) and my series

You get the picture, right? Even worse...it isn't isolated to the business cards. Oh no! Her little lessons kept popping up as I was looking at t-shirts and key chains and other swag I've been considering purchasing for give aways and such.

And you know what? I'm grateful for every irritating thought. I have a feeling, my tight budget isn't going to be tight for long. Not with Tivi helping me out and guiding me toward a successful marketing plan.

By the way, I'm willing to share the pain... Ms. Jones will be presenting an online class/workshop for Heart of Carolina Romance Writers (HCRW) June 15th through July 1st. The workshop is on Integrated Digital Marketing. You can still sign up for it -- only $15 for non-HCRW/Carolina Romance Writers members and $10 for HCRW/Carolina Romance Writers members.

You can also work with her directly by checking out her Creativity Loft website and contacting her. (Oops, guess she's in the process of moving, but hey, check her out on Facebook or Twitter) She's in the process of establishing prices for the various service packages she offers. Check her out. I swear you won't be sorry.

Rant over, I'm off to get Vince and Triss back into bed and off to Happily Ever After--For Now Land.

Have a great weekend.

Qwillia

So Many Plans, So Little Time

2011-05-10T16:05:00.001-04:00

So, I had intended to put together a little contest for my readers in order to celebrate my birthday this Friday, but I may have to put that off until next week. I'm pressing to get a novella finished by tomorrow, Friday at the latest and coordinating a contest is so not gonna work right now. LOL

I do have some great prizes though -- a sweet sterling silver pixie necklace, a maroon, gold, and brown tote bag I made, and a print copy of An Invitation: Ariel's Pet. Once I get the deadlines out of the way, I promise to get the contest up and running. A girl's gotta celebrate her birthday with more than just a vodka-mango smoothie and chocolate chip cookies, right?

Don't forget... The Night Owl Spring Fling Web Hunt is still on until May 15th. Lots of prizes to win.

There's also the items I donated along with my friend and fellow author, Jennifer Cole, to the Brenda Novak Online Auction to Cure Diabetes.

here's the link to the gift set we're offering:

http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2116663

Here's to a great summer and lots of reading!!

I'm On Another Blog Today

2011-04-29T06:23:00.002-04:00

I was very nicely asked to join a group of ladies on their blog, Kinky Ever After.

The subject matter is -- you guessed it -- focused on Kink and BDSM, since that's what all of us write.

Please come check out my inaugural post today. Leave a comment if you'd like.

Here's the link: http://kinkyeverafter.blogspot.com/2011/04/good-morning-everyone.html

Have a great day!!

Another Peek at My Prize for Spring Fling Web Hunt

2011-04-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

I promised to share another excerpt from one of the books I've contributed to the Night Owl Reviews Spring Fling Web Hunt.

This is one of my personal favorites, which is understandable since I've been carrying it around in my head and my files for over thirty years. Mattie Lawrence and Bryce Halsey were introduced in my first published novel, Santa's Elf.

I hope you enjoy it.

Qwillia

(PS-- word of warning this excerpt is Rated NC-17!!)

*****************

“After the binding comes the toys. Not just because I like using them on my lovers, but it'll be necessary.” One hand slipped away from the soft stroking of her nipple to cup first one butt cheek, then the other. “Although you've read the books” -- his grin was wry -- “I'm not seeing you let one of your boyfriends drill your ass, so I'm sure your tight little rose will need a bit of stretching.”

Involuntarily, the muscles in her backside tightened, and Bryce's chuckle grew throaty and raw as he pressed a finger into the crease, rubbing against the strap of her thong, with the soft silk of her dress the only barrier between her flesh and his hand.

“You like that idea, don't you?”

Mattie didn't know how to respond. Yes, she had to admit to liking the sting of the small plug she'd purchased for herself a few years earlier, but to actually allow him to enter her body there…her fingers became difficult to control. She clenched them into fists to keep from reaching for him.

“Then you'll enjoy the next step. After I've stretched you and spent some time enjoying your new territory, Richard will join us on occasion.”

Swallowing, Mattie forced away the new images bombarding her. “You act as if I've agreed to these things already.”

His hand stroked over her bottom before slipping under her skirt to slide over her wet underwear. “Your body seems to find the idea arousing.”

“That I won't deny, but what my mind and my body decide are often two different things.” She wasn't sure she could make herself step away from Bryce, so she was relieved when he chose to do it himself. The temptation to groan at the loss of his touch was stifled, barely.

“If you aren't interested in submission, then why bring it up?” He didn't sound annoyed or angry at her halting of his teasing -- more curious than anything.

“Because I need to know if I can take on the role of a submissive.” She stopped herself from adding, and if you can accept me as one.

Arms crossed over his chest, Bryce watched her. “I assure you, our marriage won't suffer if I don't indulge in the lifestyle.”

Mattie matched his stance. “And I think it would. It's hard enough when two people love each other and they marry. We're going into this without that connection. If we have to spend the next few years together, we should at least agree that keeping each other content will go a long way toward making sure the marriage lasts.” With a shrug, she added, “And it'll go a long way in convincing the board that you have settled.”

“So what are you suggesting?”

“To give you two weeks to show me what it would be like to be your sub.”

“And then what?” His hands settled on his hips.

“We can begin making the wedding plans.”

The light of battle darkened his green eyes to emerald. Ignoring the unnerving flutters building in her lower belly, she waited for his response.

It wasn't long in coming. “Too long. Dad's retirement party is in just over a month. I want to be married by that time. Giving you two weeks would delay things, and I don't trust the board not to act, especially once the Makepeaces learn we're engaged.”

“Twelve days, then.”

“Three.”

Again, Mattie shook her head. “You've implied that you won't have any problem doing without the BDSM lifestyle, but you've had years to understand it. Three days doesn't give me enough time to figure out what it could represent in our marriage, let alone the rest of my life. What about ten days?”

It was Bryce's turn to shake his head. “Still too long. Five days.”

“Let's split the difference and make it a week,” Mattie offered.

Bryce thought about it and began to nod, but Mattie continued, knowing her next words would either piss him off or amuse him. “And no sex.”

Can You Learn Too Much?

2011-04-16T06:00:00.006-04:00

I spent eight years gaining both a Bachelors Degree of Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Technology, so you can safely assume I am a true advocate of educating one's self. In my nearly eight years as a teacher I have repeatedly stressed to my students that knowing as much as possible about various subjects is a good thing. That immersing themselves in knowledge can improve their lifelong success, and better prepare them to identify potential obstacles and the means by which to eliminate them.

In this vein, I have practiced what I preached. I allowed my curiosity to guide my investigations into any number of areas from neurology, brain chemistry, Feng Shui, and cooking, to those elements related to writing and publishing. Numerous books, blogs, classes, and discussions have been used by me to figure out how to improve my writing; to increase my promotional efficacy; to build a website; to identify the agents, editors, and publishers with whom I'd like to work. I admit this information afforded me insight into both myself, my writing, and the path I want to carve out for myself in this industry.

With increased knowledge, a person is able to do so much more in his/her life. Teachers who develop new methods of reaching their students and accommodating the individual needs within the classroom, utilize their newfound techniques to achieve success as soon as possible. Educational research suggests it takes a minimum of eight repetitions for a new technique/method to be assimilated by a student. With this in mind, practicing new writing techniques will allow writers to add more tools to their toolbox in order to create their stories; to sculpt characters that seem to leap off the page.

I believe that this is true -- for some writers. But not all.

Case in point -- me.

As much as I love to learn new things, I've begun to realize that, for me, it is possible to learn too much. All this new knowledge I've gained has been both boon and bane for me. It has allowed me to see the things I do well and the things I need to improve. Unfortunately, it has also created a barrier between myself and my creativity. It has built a wall blocking me from the stories waiting to be released. It has established, within me, doubt in my natural ability to develop compelling characters with intricate tales. It has made me hesitate, often to the point of shutting down, when new ideas come to mind. With each stumble, I pull away from my natural inclinations to apply my newfound skills, mistrusting myself more and more, doubting the voice within me that tries to inspire my stories.

This in turn makes the voice within me grow ever more reluctant to talk, to offer suggestions, to open the lines of communication between my characters and my conscious. Which has left me floundering about trying to figure out what is wrong. If I have all these newly acquired skills, it would suggest that my writing should flourish, bloom, expand into the venues I'm aiming for with my career, right?

Wrong.

So, now I'm not back to Square One, but Square Negative One Hundred (in my estimation). I am stuck trying to climb out of the pit all my learning has dug for me, and re-establish a level of trust with my intuition and creativity. All those wonderful new tricks will eventually be used, but not until I've assured myself, my voice, and my characters that I trust them to communicate their stories without my attempting to shut them down because they don't "fit" with my new tools.

Here is my caution to anyone out there working on learning the craft of writing: Be careful how much you take as "gospel" and how you apply it.

Qwillia

**This was also published on my Quintessentially Qwillia blog on Savvy Authors**

Night Owl Reviews Web Hunt Prize Peek!

2011-04-15T00:37:00.002-04:00

As part of my contribution to the Night Owl Reviews Spring Fling Web Hunt, I put up a print copy of An Invitation: Ariel's Pet and Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage.

Then I got to thinking, if you've never read my books before, why would you even want to win them, so.... I decided I'd post a short excerpt from Ariel's Pet today, and another short excerpt Unfair Advantage on Monday, April 18th.

Oh, and keep your eyes out -- May 13th is my birthday and I'm thinking I'll be giving away a prize or two on my blog...more details later, after I get them all ironed out. (This year is extra special to me since my b-day falls on a Friday!!)

So, here you go, a quick look at Ariel Valerian and Dane Reese, my heroine and hero of An Invitation: Ariel's Pet.

Enjoy!

Qwillia

****************************

Ariel's body went stiff, her chin came up, and her arms folded over her chest. Every particle of her being seemed to vibrate with displeasure. She looked up at him, bright blue eyebrows arched. “Who's the chef around here?”

“You are, I'm—”

“Just because you wormed your way into handling some of my sister's duties, don't get ideas about horning in on my territory,” she warned as she fidgeted, shifted her feet, and settled her hands on her hips.

I knew it wouldn't last. Dane resisted the temptation to roll his eyes at her pugnacious attitude. “I'm not. I merely thought sea-salt-and-black-pepper chips would add an extra kick to that sauce you made,” he suggested and kept his tone cool and reasonable.

“As long as you remember who's in charge here.”

“In the kitchen, yes.” He crowded closer to her. There didn't appear to be any rationale behind her animosity. It could be her determination to avoid any kind of change. It could stem from the resentment he knew she carried because he was the one to coax her sister away from the café for a month. No matter what the cause of her anger, he'd be damned if he would back down now.

Her gaze narrowed. “And out of it.”

Dane shook his head. “Sorry, doll, but only in the kitchen. I run the rest of this place until your sister gets back.” The fire that flared in her eyes probably matched the one in his gaze.

“You are not in charge.”

“If you have any complaints, talk to your sister,” Dane offered, his arms crossed over his chest. “I have no doubt she'll side with me when it comes to who should run the financial side of your café.”

“Why do you think that? Because you've played on her interest in sexual submission?” The flash of varied emotions in her gaze disappeared, replaced by icy disdain. “And I would contact her, but you seem to have forgotten the rule about no communication with the outside.”

“Ah, so Alayna did discuss the rules with you.”

“Rules?” Ariel scoffed. “Prison sentence is more like it. Thirty days trapped at your mansion with no way to contact anyone.”

Dane shook his head, marveled at Ariel's dogged misinterpretation of the facts. “Not trapped or without a way to contact anyone. Alayna chose to accept the rules for her training, as a submissive is expected to do—”

“Without the right to think for herself, without being allowed to—”

“Again you show your ignorance of the D/s life.” The deepened pitch of his voice silenced Ariel. “Negotiation is key between a Dominant and a submissive. Nothing happens until both parties agree and expectations, limitations, and safe words are in place. You have this fanciful notion that Alayna languishes under a whip, bound and helpless beneath the control of some faceless, nameless man.” Dane leaned forward, and his tone dropped to a whisper as he held her gaze. “Maybe because that's a particular fantasy of yours? Fostered by a lover who tempted you to push the boundaries you desperately cling to?”

Resolved to make the little shrew see the errors in her thinking, he continued. “There is a difference between BDSM and D/s, Ariel. Dominance and submission do not require bondage and discipline practices. They are an exercise in trust and control. Leather, whips, ropes to tie a partner up—those can be part of the play, but at its core, a D/s relationship is about an equal exchange of power.”

Dane was sure Ariel didn't realize her expression was a mixture of disappointment and envy. He knew she would heatedly deny any desire to be in her sister's place, to experience the training Alayna was undergoing, but her gaze and the tone of her voice betrayed her curiosity about it all. Or perhaps his increased interest in controlling her was coloring his analysis. “What has you so angry, Ariel? That your sister asked me for help to navigate a new world? Or that she's doing something for herself for the first time in ten years but didn't include you?”

She blanched at the observation, and Dane cursed his impulsive comment. Retracting it would be useless; he watched the cool mask Ariel consistently adopted around him slip into place. It reflected her refusal to listen to reason. At least from him. This only seemed to exacerbate the fact that his ability to maintain a professional attitude toward Ariel was a facade. One that crumbled easily when she pushed him.

“You have some sauce on your face.” She pointed toward his chin.

He reached up to wipe away the gooey spread, wary of the keen look she gave him. It made him wonder what form of retribution she might concoct.

His suspicions grew when she stepped in close and gripped the tie he'd loosened earlier. “You may have my sister thinking you're needed here, Master Reese”—she tugged his face closer to hers—“but we both know it isn't true.”

Taking her time, she smoothed the tip of her tongue along his chin and licked away the smear of sauce before swiping upward to his cheek.

The damp track of her mouth removed any of the spread. “Be careful who you try to push. I'm not Al. And I have no intention of ever calling you my master.”

And that's where his problem lay, Dane admitted as he watched Ariel scoop up one of the covered containers on the prep station and carry it to the walk-in cooler. In that moment he realized those were the words he wanted to hear. My master. His imagination readily conjured images of Ariel kneeling before him, her bright green eyes ablaze with desire, her naked body dewed with sweat as she trembled at the cusp of orgasm, requiring only his touch, his words, to slip over the edge.

Night Owl Reviews Spring Fling Web Hunt Is About To Start!!

2011-04-01T06:00:00.004-04:00

From April 1st through May 15th you can gather the clues and enter to win some of the over 100 prizes up for grabs,

including autographed copies of two of my books: Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage and

An Invitation: Ariel's Pet

Go to www.nightowlreviews.com

Click on Web Hunts for rules and how to enter.

Come join the Spring Fling!!

Core Stories

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am an author of erotic romances and I tend to incorporate elements of the Dominant/submissive lifestyle into my stories. The choice isn't one based on popular trends, marketing, or monetary goals. It's organic to my characters and how they live.

I also spiral around a story. You know those cool shots in movies -- the kind that almost make you dizzy -- where the image is far away and the camera slowly zooms in as it circles around the person or spot. From all those angles and distances you can get a pretty good idea of where the person is standing, what direction they're headed for, and, if the shot is meant to foreshadow coming events, what obstacles the character is bound to face. That's how I work through problems. How I get to a story or an idea. I spiral in -- sometimes I spiral out -- but this often results in lots and lots of talking AROUND the problem instead of addressing it head on.

With that in mind I was discussing some issues I've run into with my writing with a friend of mine the other night. The subject of core stories came up. And when I say core I'm not talking the plot or genre, I'm talking about the type of story that is at the center of an author's work. Some examples -- and please keep in mind, I'm not touting myself as any expert of specific writing genres, this is merely my observation and opinion: If you look at the works of Shakespeare -- his tragedies are often about secrets and revenge; his comedies about mistaken or hidden identities and secret plans. Which means, at the core, his plays were focused around secrets. JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood primary focus (in my mind) is family and keeping it alive. Many of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories and poems were focused on death but deeper down you could say (again, my opinion) that he related in his stories the impact of death and grieving upon those around the victim and his/her killer (a lot of the stories I've read by him dealt with murders).

Keeping this in mind, I examined my own writing. At the core I write about relationships. It doesn't matter if the characters indulge in the D/s lifestyle or not, their behaviors towards one another will tend to take on that mannerism based on who and what they are at their essence. I also discovered and accepted (and that was the hardest part -- the accepting) that I will always write erotic (unless I'm writing Young Adult) since the sex is a key communication device between my characters. By doing this, I've empowered myself to write what I want the way I want without feeling like I have to chase some elusive "style" or "subgenre" to gain an audience. If I stick with my core story and put on the page the story my characters tell me, I'm being true to the writer I am. And that's the most important thing, at least in my eyes.

Finally Feeling Better

2011-03-24T20:46:00.002-04:00

And part of that return to health required I finish the handbag I cut out 2 weeks ago and never got around to. LOL

Same design as the last one but a little taller and I've added interior pockets on the main panels.

Let me know what you think.

I'm chatting Live tonight at Night Owl Reviews 8pm EST

2011-03-21T09:47:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm off to be a chatty person tonight. I'll be participating with other Midnight Seductions Authors at the Night Owl Live Chat tonight at 8 pm EST.

I'd love to see some readers--there's quite a few who show up and NOR (Night Owl Reviews) usually gives away books and other prizes just for attending.

Come ask questions about characters, stories, research, and have some fun!

See you there!

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Pages/Chat.aspx

So, What Do You Do When You're Bored?

2011-03-13T22:58:00.001-04:00

I have to wonder, sometimes, what other people do when they're bored or find themselves with time on their hands?

Bag created for this year's
Brenda Novak Auction

Me, I do all kinds of things when the characters go quiet or are trying to figure out what to tell me next. I clean. I iron (I also do this when I'm stressed or trying to relax.) I take pictures. I do research. But of all the things I like to do when I'm waiting for the characters to talk, I like to sew.

Side One of the
newest bag

This has actually helped me in the past, because I ended up in a work-study program while I was studying for my Bachelor's Degree in the university's theater costume shop. That's where my addiction began. It's a good addiction -- of a sort. For the two years I helped out in the costume shop, I learned how to create some of the coolest costumes.

Side Two of the
newest bag

That's where my problem finds its roots. I love -- I mean LOVE -- to sew costumes. And not just any old costumes. Nuh uh. I like period costumes. Medieval, Renaissance, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Western, Native American...all of the costumes I can get my hot little hands on.

My dress dummy had to be left behind when I moved from Alaska to the Lower 48 and I haven't replaced it. At least not yet. But I have a feeling it'll be replaced very soon.

Side view--ribbon
holds pocket closed

For right now, I'm focusing on little things. Like a neat pattern I have for handbags.

A lady I know traded me some fabric for a few boxes of romance novels I gave her. Which put in my hands the perfect material for purses.

It will be very interesting to see what happens when I finish getting through this box of fabric. LOL. I figure, if the writing career takes a dive, I may be able to make a living making handbags and purses.

Next on the agenda... Corsets!

News and Fun Stuff

2011-03-07T06:25:00.000-05:00

Well, this is becoming an interesting Monday morning.

First up, fellow Midnight Seductions Author, Kissa Starling posted this morning on the MSA blog. Fetishes, Perverts, and eBooks, Oh My and the fact that this is Read an eBook week seem fated since the development and sale of eBooks came about because of the rising demand for erotic writings. Swing by the blog and leave a comment, just like me, Kissa likes to hear from readers about what types of books they're attracted to and why. Here's the link:
http://midnightseductionsauthors.blogspot.com/?zx=63517e3c4655afdd

Next is the very cool news that my latest book, Rite of First Claim has been nominated at The Romance Reviews for Best Erotic Romance (Non-Traditional Lifestyle) in 2010! I've got some stiff competition, but I have to admit, it's nice to have been included with the other nominees. Voting concludes on March 31st. Here's the link http://www.theromancereviews.com/bookvote.php if you'd like to vote.

Have a happy and wonderful Monday. I know I will.

Qwillia

And Here's the New Me!

2011-03-05T17:32:00.001-05:00

So, here it is....
Me without hair.

Post-St. Baldricks Day!

LOL

(Told you I'd look like Groot's evil twin sister.)

And yes, that is a stuffed dragon behind me as well as a sewing machine. I am a woman of many talents.

And many curiosities...Here's a picture of the tattoo I have on the back of my neck and head. Now that the hair isn't hiding it.

Hope you have a wonderful Weekend.

Today is the Day!!

2011-03-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

I'll be attending the St. Baldricks party in downtown Raleigh this afternoon. Along with over 150 participants, I'll be sitting in a chair and having my head shaved to show my support of children engaged in the fight for their life with childhood cancer.

I'm listed as a participant and am hoping to make my donation goal of $1000. I"m at $560 now, just $440 to go.

Here's the link if you are inclined to donate: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/participantid/426532

I'll make sure to post a picture of myself, post-shaving, for now, this is what I look like. (My hair hangs just below my shoulder blades so I'm having about 11 or 12 inches shaved off.)

I'm thinking when it's all over, I'll look a bit like Groot's (from Despicable Me) evil twin sister. LOL.

Have a great day.

Qwillia

PS: if you're interested in the location of the party, the one I'll be at is the Hibernian Pub, 311 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC. It'll start at noon, today (3/5/11)

A Little Bit About Me

2011-03-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

I've been a bit productive this morning on my Author Qwillia Rain blog/website. For those who might be interested, I changed my Find Me page to About Me.

I gave a little bit about my background and where I grew up as well as opened the floor to any questions my readers might have. As I stated on the page, I retain the right to refuse to answer any questions I deem too personal. Although, some people would say I'm pretty much an open book. LOL

Feel free to post questions here in the comments and I'll see about adding the information to the page.

Now I'm off to work on getting the rest of my books listed on the "Other Books" page and maybe adding a references page with a list of books I've read and enjoyed using in my research on BDSM and Dominant/submissive lifestyles.

Have a great day!!

Qwillia

Happily Ever After Or Not?

2011-02-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

If all I was focused on was sex, I could produce page after page after page of hot bodies and slick sheets. But I can't. My characters want more than a physical release of pent up tension. The emotional connection is key to their satisfaction.

And that is where the problem lies. Delving into the psyche of a person can really take it out of you. With each of my books, I became as emotionally invested in the situations and progress of the relationships on the page as my characters. Which meant, I was as amped or drained as the heroes and heroines I wrote about. But I do enjoy it.

Harking back to the beginning of this post...see, I always have an ulterior motive (remember that -- ulterior motive)...While the majority of the people populating my imagination are looking for the love of their life and a happily every after, I do have a few who haven't reached the point in their life where they want a relationship. Happily Ever After (HEA) and sometimes even Happily For Now (HFN) aren't even on their radar. All they want is sex. Wild, kinky, wicked sex. A smorgasbord of physical gratification with as many people as possible as often as possible.

This, of course, creates a dilemma of sorts for me -- do I focus only on creating a happy ending for ALL of my characters, thereby forcing the ones who only want sex to accept the HEA/HFN to make myself happy? Or, do I cave and pen the sexual romps and get it out of my...I mean, their systems?

The reason I ask this question is: I'm thinking of taking a few of my scribblings and self-publishing them. It would only be a short or two -- 10,000 to 15,000 words, but I wonder and worry about the readers perception of a story that essentially has no resolution. It would simply be a story of fucking. I'm curious to know readers' opinions on this.

To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, I'm including a snippet from a story:

Living in a construction zone can give a woman ideas best left not acted upon. All those sweating male bodies, taut muscled forms, and snug denims. Is it any wonder a normal, red-blooded woman wouldn’t indulge in a fantasy or four?

Unfortunately, I’m not one of those women who listens to her saner self. I like the thrill of the forbidden, the taste of temptation, and the satiation of desires others tuck away into corners of their minds and only bring out in the darkest of nights.

I make no excuses about enjoying sex. Why should I? Fucking is like breathing for me. Invigorating, stimulating, rejuvenating are all words which come close to describing the sensations, but don’t quite say enough. To be blunt, I love the feel of a hard cock stretching my pussy; the sound of wet flesh sliding in and out, over and against more wet flesh; the scent of sweat and sex that lingers after climax. All of these, to paraphrase Julie Andrews, are my favorite things. Society can go take a hike if it can’t accept me for who and what I am—a woman unafraid to ask for what I want and satisfy needs when I like.

Admittedly, I’ll never be any competition for the women who think thin is in. I like my food just like I like my men—full of flavor, plenty of it, and enough left over for later. I don’t worry about how others view me. When I look in the mirror, I’m happy with my full-figured self. I’ll never wear a size ten again, or a size twelve, but the clothes I wear suit my 38C breasts, full hips and round thighs. While at work I wear my honey blonde, shoulder-length hair in a braid or rolled up and clipped with one of those big alligator type clips. It’s easier that way and tends not to distract me from the records I have to input. Once I get home, though, I let it down. I love the feel of it swishing across the back of my neck, caressing the curve of my shoulders.

Charlie, Travis and Harry are my little secrets. Encounters repeated and enjoyed over the long summer when the apartment building I lived in was being repaired after a frightening fire destroyed half of it. Memories I often relive on those nights when I settle beneath my sheets, sometimes alone, but never lonely.

So, as a reader would a story like this interest you? Knowing there was no HEA/HFN at the end, would you shy away from buying it? Heck, I'm even curious to know if I should change it from first person to third. Let me know. Please.

How it all got started?

2011-02-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

Have you ever sat down and seriously thought about why a book got started? Books are forms of entertainment. They're there to make us think and imagine a world different from our own. Sometimes the world is extremely different and sometimes it's the same as our everyday world, but altered slightly because it's presented to us from the perspective of a totally different person.

That's how I think of my stories. They are a glimpse into a world occupied by ordinary people in an ordinary situation. Things just tend to get flipped around a bit. Especially if I have anything to say about it. LOL

Ironically, almost all of my books have begun with a simple question or a comment from one of the characters. In the seven books I have out, here are the simple questions or comments that started them:

Meeting A Neighbor's Needs -- Teasing can sometimes go too far. Are you ready for the consequences?

A Neighbor's Ultimatum -- Denying what you want can do more harm than good sometimes.

An Invitation: Ariel's Pet -- Little sisters are hell on interlopers-- she'll give him a run for his money.

Santa's Elf -- What if Santa had a naughty side and there was one specific elf he was interested in playing with?

Unfair Advantage -- "You damned pillaging pirate!" (seriously that was the first line I remember when I wrote the original story in 1982)

Under Control -- "I've become the monster I've fought to destroy"

Rite of First Claim -- "I want a baby. I want his baby."

Kinda hard to keep the ideas from flowing when they start with such interesting information. Don't you think?

I am being interviewed

2011-02-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

My fellow Loose Id, LLC author, Jianne Carlo, was gracious enough to invite me to her blog for an interview.

If you had any questions about me or my writing, feel free to comment and ask. Tomorrow she'll be posting an excerpt from my latest novel, Diablo Blanco Club: Rite of First Claim.

Here's the link if you'd like to visit:
http://www.jiannecarlo.com/index.aspx

Have a great day!!

Qwillia

New Release from A Good Friend ~~ Tess MacKall

2011-02-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

One of my fellow Midnight Seductions Authors, Tess MacKall, released her newest book with Ellora's Cave on Friday, February 11th.

She was kind enough to let me post the cover, blurb, and a short excerpt here on my blog today.

Enjoy!

Qwillia

Title: Twelve Days of Love

Author: Tess MacKall

Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

ISBN: 9781419931017

MSRP/List Price: $10.40

Our Cover Price: $5.20

BLURB:

Eden Riley left her high school geek days far behind. Or so she thought. But when she returns to her hometown and comes face to face with the local heartthrob, sparks ignite like a chemistry set on crack. Super-smooth Nick Lancaster sets her nerves jangling and thrusts her libido into overdrive. But can the former geeky girl overcome her insecurities and jump his sexy bones?

Nothing suits former jock and debate team star Nick more than sparring with the one-time nerd. He’s just itching to get up close and personal with her high-velocity curves and tangle with her on the nearest bed.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, all bets are off when Cupid draws back his bow and Nick has only twelve days to convince Eden she belongs with him, in his heart and in his bed.

EXCERPT:

Jingling bells mounted above the flower shop door alerted Eden that a customer had entered the store. She pushed the stem of a pink sweetheart rose into the small wedding bouquet she had just started and wiped her hands on her green wraparound smock. As she turned, she caught a man’s reflection in the glass doors of the refrigerated case.

She couldn’t help but pause and stare. His tall, lean silhouette appeared to be standing there among all those leggy gladiolas and giant spider mums perched in their vases. He reached up to the service counter with one hand and touched the small African violet sitting near the edge. For a moment it looked as though he’d brushed his hand over the big snowy-white spider mum in the cooler.

Eden moaned slightly, his touch so obviously tender. Warm tendrils of longing tiptoed over her skin. She shuddered with the sensation, mentally chiding herself for giving him even a second thought, much less allowing him to affect her physically.

But Nick Lancaster had always worked his way under her skin, even in high school.

He was wet panties and get-naked-quick in one fine-looking package. Bottled sin. A walking aphrodisiac. And all that with just a “hello”. Why did she torture herself with this insane crush? She wasn’t exactly his type, was she? Eden patted her tummy to remind herself of the paunch that sometimes forced her to unbutton her jeans after she’d eaten. Yeah, it hadn’t disappeared, still there.

Nick tilted his head to the side as if to peek into the back of the shop where she stood watching, his mirrored reflection in the glass doors so damn lifelike she took a step back. An exaggerated sigh blew through the workroom’s open doorway, a sure-fire sign his patience had grown thin. He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and glanced up at the ceiling.

Eden squared her shoulders, inhaled a deep, cleansing breath and stepped into the showroom. Both Nick’s eyebrows quirked when she appeared and he grinned. She nodded, smiled and planted herself on the opposite side of the counter. He looked too damn delicious today in his dark green Polo shirt and navy blazer. Why did he have to be so handsome?

“Hi, Nick. I might have known I’d be seeing you. The countdown has begun, hasn’t it?”

A distinct V formed between his brows, his grin fading into a frown.

“Countdown?”

“Yeah, countdown.” Eden gestured toward the large, heart-shaped day calendar on the wall behind her.

Emblazoned in sparkling gold against the bright red background over the heart’s two humps were the words “Valentine’s Day Countdown”. The number twelve was displayed in bright red and centered inside a pale blue and white wisp of a cloud with Cupid sitting on top, his bow drawn.

Nick focused over her head. “Oh!” Then he frowned even harder. “Well, what was that crack about ’might have known I’d be seeing you’ all about?”

“Nothing. Forget it.”

He pursed his luscious lips and squinted his gorgeous green eyes. “You don’t like me very much, do you?”

“Where the hell did you get that idea?”

It never failed. Every time he came into the shop, they ended up arguing. She always managed to make some snarky comment, and of course, he picked up on it. They’d been at odds since their freshman year of high school. Both had joined the debate team and had never seen eye-to-eye on a single subject.

Slowly but surely they’d gravitated to different ends of the spectrum in popularity too, which hadn’t made things any easier. He, with his Adonis good looks and nothing-but-net shooting ability, naturally floated to the top; she, with her wide hips, pimply face, geeky glasses and penchant for all things artistic, sank to the bottom.

Now here they were, all these years later, no further from that high-school type of relationship than when they’d started. Except Nick had taken over his father’s string of Chevy dealerships and she had moved back home last year, forsaking her managerial position at an up-and-coming art gallery in New York to take over her ailing mother’s flower shop.

Times and situations changed but evidently people didn’t.

“If you don’t want me as a customer, Eden, why don’t you just say so?” He leaned forward, folding his arms over one another on the counter’s faux granite surface, watching her intently.

Lemon drops. He always smelled of lemon drops—and some expensive cologne she couldn’t remember the name of. God, she wanted to reach over and ruffle that thick, wavy black hair of his. Oh shit. Wet panties alert! He managed to do it to her every time without even trying.

And oh how she wished he would. Fat chance.

“I do want you as a customer,” she said succinctly, trying to put an end to the verbal scuffle.

“So? What was that crack all about?”

“Nothing. Just pointing out the countdown is all. I’m a florist. Valentine’s Day is important to me.” Actually, her remark had been a direct jibe regarding his frequent flower-buying miles. He constantly had arrangements delivered locally and wired over a three-state area with each card signed, “Yours, Nick”.

“Your mother is a florist. You’re a stand-in.” He grinned, wet his index finger with his tongue and painted the air with an imaginary mark. “Score one for me.”

Her mouth dropped open. She had a damned art degree in her back pocket. He, on the other hand, had dropped out of college after year two thanks to a bum knee and the fact he’d no longer be able to pump up his already over-inflated ego with the roar of the fans. How dare he call her a stand-in!

“I’ll have you know that I started working in this shop when I was twelve years old. Every day after school, weekends, all summer long too. I’m the one who made those sweet little corsages for all your high-school dance dates. So don’t say I’m not up to the job.”

He jabbed the rigid fingers of his left hand into his right palm—time out. “Chill, girl. Damn. You’re gonna pop a blood vessel one of these days.” He shook his head. “I was joking, messing with you. But I really meant that as soon as your mother was feeling better, you’re gonna be out of here and back to that fancy New York art career of yours.”

Did she detect a note of jealousy? Impossible. Nick Lancaster had it all. Well, except for his divorce, that is. Her mother had told her all about it right after Eden had taken over the shop. Nick had shown up on Eden’s third day to place an order and their customary enmity from high school had picked up right where it had left off.

Eden had related the entire scene to her mother at home that night and was shocked to learn that Nick and his wife, Jenna, had called it quits. He’d caught her dead-to-rights with her masseuse.

The vision of Jenna’s toothy white smile, platinum pony-tail and deep cleavage bouncing up and down right along with the whimsical sashay of blue-and-white pompoms rollicked in Eden’s mind. The cheerleader prom queen sure had screwed up her life. How the hell could she ever want anyone but Nick?

Eden tucked her fingernails into her palms and squeezed, jolting herself back to the present. Who was she to talk? Her judgment where love was concerned wasn’t so great either.

She picked up the order book and scratched out Nick’s name on the appropriate line. “I won’t be going back to New York.”

“What do you mean?” He leaned in closer.

The lemony scent became downright heady. Have mercy. Her nipples poked at her thin cotton sports bra. Tingles of lust wound their way straight to her pussy. Maybe she should start keeping a supply of clean panties on hand.

He rapped his knuckles on the counter. “Are you listening to me?”

“Yes.”

“You looked like you spaced out for a few seconds.”

“Just thinking. Now what would you like to order today?”

He shook his head. “Not so fast. Why aren’t you going back to New York?”

“Mom’s not going to be able to return to work. She’s now on dialysis.”

He glanced down at the floor then back up at her. His usually devilish eyes had softened. “I’m sorry to hear that, Eden. Your mom is a nice lady. I hope her condition improves.”

Eden averted her gaze. He was being nice. And Nick Lancaster’s “nice” wasn’t something she could take. As long as he played the fool with her, she could handle him, but this side? No.

She pressed the pen against the paper. “Thank you. So how many dozen roses? One for each of the Twelve Days of Love? A dozen different women or just one special lady this time?”

He choked with laughter, sputtering, “The Twelve Days of Love?”

She rolled her eyes. “Florist marketing. If you can have the Twelve Days of Christmas, why not the Twelve—”

“Days of Love,” he finished in a sarcastic tone.

Eden perched her hand on her hip and stared at him.

He licked his lips. Lusty butterflies fluttered in her lower abdomen, sending a delicious pleasure-pain to body parts she didn’t even know she had. Her stomach somersaulted. She wondered what it would feel like to kiss him. Damn. She had to stop doing this. They didn’t even like each other. She wasn’t his type—no pompoms. He’d laugh his ass off if he knew how I felt. As long as she didn’t see him, she was fine. But if she had to talk to him, be near him…

He came around to her side of the counter. “How long have we been rubbing each other the wrong way?”

Eden skirted past him and walked over to the display window. She twisted a pot of heavily leaved philodendron so its back side faced the sun. “Forever. I’ve got a wedding tomorrow, Nick. I hate to rush you, but…”

I know, I'm mean, but hey, if you want to find out what happens, check out the website and pick up Twelve Days of Love by Tess MacKall!

Have a great day.

Valentine's Day Blog Tour Stop Number 5!

2011-02-11T08:18:00.000-05:00

You should have reached my site via Sara York's blog. Welcome to stop number 5 on the Sensual N Secret Valentine's Day Blog Tour.

Valentine's Day is a day of feast for the senses. Think about it. Each of the five senses are stimulated to a quivering, giddy level on February 14th.

Through sight a bombardment of hearts and flowers printed on cards; plastered on billboards; splashed across television and computer screens; inundate our eyes with inducements to purchase sparkling diamond or ruby encrusted jewelry.

With smell, there are the yummy aromas of chocolate or the luscious scent of roses as sweethearts send boxes and bouquets of each to their lovers and loved ones throughout the day.

Which leads to taste. The flavors of a home cooked meal or the offerings of a five star restaurant shared with the person you love seated across from you. The end of the meal bringing a succulent dessert or liqueur laced coffee....mmmm

Of course there is the walk home, and the sense of touch. Holding hands as you stroll along the streets, the chill in the late winter air necessitating you hold him, or her, closer as you head toward home. Hands entwined, shoulders rubbing against each other.

And the evening concludes with sound. The soft whisper of "I love you" accompanying the caress of lips along the throat, followed by the sexy nip of teeth on the earlobe. Perhaps the murmured suggestion of what will happen when the lovers reach the bedroom.

Taken individually they might make a person curious, but folded together and brushed with the fairy dust from a romance author's imagination, it might look like this:

The flames flickered, winking out as first one taper then the next burned out, the red wax pooling in the bases of the candlesticks. The Irish Creme laced coffee had gone cold in the ivory cups along side the catered meal only half eaten on the fine china.

From the bed, the harsh breathing of the occupants had begun to slow, returning to normal after the vigorous bout of lovemaking.

Leaning on his side, he smoothed the tangled strands of hair from her brow and watched the rise and fall of her breasts beneath the silk sheets. Smears of pink and brown were visible just above the ribbon trimmed edge of the sheet. He traced his finger along her jaw, then down her throat as he made his way to the covering and tugged the silk down, baring her body.

"Mmmm." The rumble of appreciation vibrated against her skin as he nibbled at the streaks of flavored paint. "Remind me to pick some more strawberry up on the way home."

She rolled toward him, dipping her head so her lips nibbled at his shoulder. "Only if you get the chocolate body paint as well."

Have a great Valentine's Day. Don't forget to proceed to your next stop: Lily Harlem's blog

If you get lost, you can find the order of the tour at the Sensual N Secret blog.

Enjoy!

Author Qwillia Rain: The Things We Do For Luv!

2011-02-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

Author Qwillia Rain: The Things We Do For Luv!: "I've always known that people can ban together to help those in need. And who better to help than those people who write romance novels. The..."

What Makes Me Blush

2011-01-28T10:22:00.004-05:00

Although I've posted two other blogs this morning -- one at Sensual N Secrets and the other at Midnight Seductions Authors, I thought I'd add another blog here. Get into the habit of trying to stay visible on the internet. LOL

If you didn't get a chance to read my post at MSA on the 25th, here it is again:

What Makes Me Blush

You would think, as an author of highly erotic romance novels, it would be difficult to make me blush. Not true. If anyone turns their attention toward me, I go red. And not a becoming pink flush to the cheeks -- oh no -- I go beet red and it only gets worse when someone points out that I'm red.

I have no problem discussing the most intimate information with others. I've done my research and investigated all kinds of fun and kinky things, but don't expect me to talk about htem without coloring up.

This can prove a bit distracting, especially when I discuss my philosophy behind Dominant/submissive relationships and the inclusion of BDSM in novels. I mean really, just how serious are you going to take a presentation about Power Exchanges, when the lady talking is bright red from the top of her head to the tips of her toes? Heck, even my scalp goes neon!

It's not that I'm ashames or uneasy about the subject -- far from that. I love analyzing D/s and BDSM information. I just don't like to be the center of attention.

And it isn't just sex that makes me blush. Even when I taught, I had issues with blushing. The kids would focus on me when I was giving instructions and, inevitably, one voice would pipe up with, "Wow, you're red! Are you angry?" and I'd have to say, no, I'm not angry, I just blush easily.

I don't think it's going to change any time soon, so I've resigned myself to keeping my discussion about kink centered to online. LOL, at least this way, the people reading the emails or chats, can't see how red I am.

Qwillia

It's That Little Bar On the Left

2011-01-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

Blinkers. Turn signals. Indicators. I don't care what you call them, after several harrowing encounters and years as a defensive driver I have determined that there can only be two reasons why people fail to use them.

1-- No matter what their age, once a driver slides behind the wheel of his car, truck, or SUV; or a rider straddles her motorcycle or scooter, that person channels the memories of the drivers/riders of the late 19th Century. What better explanation is there than that when you consider it was only in the early days of the automobile that the concept of turn signals were foreign and unheard of. Heck, there weren't even windshields, side view mirrors, headlights, or roofs on the original cars.

2-- Drivers believe a hive mentality, very much like the Borg from STNG, engages and every other driver is psychically connected to each other so signalling changes or turns is irrelevant.

That's all I can think is happening when some MORON decides to slide into my lane as if all the laws of physics are suspended just for him the moment he twists the key in the ignition. I mean really, is it impossible to push that little bar on the left up or down to give a warning about where you're going? Is it?

Am I alone in this frustrating observation? Apparently so, based on the evidence I've collected in my travels throughout this country.

**Sigh**

Research And A Writer's Life

2011-01-15T23:51:00.005-05:00

(Notice: this blog was originally posted 1/14/11 at http://sensualnsecret.blogspot.com)

I love writing what I write, but the research... my that can be interesting as well. Even more interesting is that I find some of my research has leaked into my everyday life. Main example being: In communications within Dominant/submissive relationships, at least those I've learned about while I was researching, it happens that the Dominant's name is written to begin

with a capital letter. This is common in the vanilla world as well through the application of proper grammar and spelling rules. Proper names always begin with a capital letter. But in the D/s lifestyle, when communicating through snail mail or email, submissives often do not begin their names with a capital letter. Even references to self, such as the use of the word "I", are kept in lower case.

This practice has made me very conscious of how I sign emails. If I accidently miskey an i or the q on my name, I make sure to correct it before hitting the send button. Not because I identify with any specific role in the Lifestyle (although if push came to shove I would probably consider myself a switch), but because my research has made me aware of the differences between communication styles based in D/s or vanilla worlds.

That being said, in my research I have learned there are as many reasons and philosophies of Dominant/submissive lifestyles as there are people who participate in it. There are books that discuss these varied philosophies, and --in my opinion-- the good ones usually caution readers interested in D/s to do as much research as possible before stepping into a situation they might not be ready for.

As with any relationship, each one is unique. How one partner relates to the other is based on the established levels of trust and pre-established rules. Fantasy is healthy if approached with an open mind and mutual consent. My writing takes into consideration a fantasized rendition of the D/s lifestyle. I don't advise anyone participate in "scene play" without establishing a relationship of trust with a partner with whom a firm foundation of respect exists.

In fiction, Dominants are often portrayed as powerful, all-knowing men or women who can easily identify a submissive simply by looking at the person (male or female). While submissives seem to take on the role of someone eager to please and willing to do as they're told by anyone in order to gain their own satisfaction, whether emotional or sexual. I freely admit I have been guilty of these same portrayals of characters with my own writing. At least I did before I began paying closer attention to details and did more research.

I try to reflect this understanding in my writing and often times I discover comments and snippets of conversations in my stories border on lessons for the uninitiated. Whether its the establishment of rules or a piece of "play" equipment, the teacher in me takes center stage in an effort to allow full comprehension within the reader (or even another character) to take place. In some cases, I think it almost detracts from the story. I try to incorporate enough character reaction or influence to keep from pulling the reader out of the story, but I worry that I'm not as successful as I'd hope.

As an author or reader, have you ever experienced a passage or dialogue that "taught" something? I have and, in many instances, I've been removed from the story enough that I've either stopped reading the book for a few days, or I've actually gone off to check the facts before returning to the story. If you have run across or written a similar scene, did it pull you out of the story or did it enhance the personality of the character doing the teaching?

I'm blogging today

2011-01-14T10:04:00.002-05:00

At Sensual and Secret and talking about little things in research that have made their way into my everyday life.

Check it out and feel free to comment! http://sensualnsecret.blogspot.com

Qwillia

Come Join the Party on Sunday, Dec. 12th!!

2010-12-11T16:55:00.003-05:00

Midnight Seduction Authors will be celebrating its third birthday tomorrow. There will be contests, visiting authors, recipes, and lots and lots of chatter.

I posted on another blog!

2010-12-10T00:45:00.002-05:00

It was my day to post on Sensual N Secret blog today! I'd love to see what you have to say about my subject: Holiday Gift Giving.

I'll be posting again on Christmas Eve day!

Here's the link: http://sensualnsecret.blogspot.com

I'm looking forward to your comments.

Qwillia

Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!!

2010-12-09T17:45:00.003-05:00

I have to admit I love the holiday season. Because of all the baking.
This year I'm going to be ambitious and do something I haven't done in almost a decade -- bake Christmas cookies. In mass quantities, that is. I make chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies all the time, but I haven't actually taken the time to make the Christmas cookies that have been a family tradition.
My grandmother's sugar cookies as well as her gingerbread. The last time I made them I burned out the motors to two hand held mixers. Yup, they're wickedly thick. Heck the recipe is from the early 1900s, just like the gingerbread recipe.
Even better is the candy --Dog Food.
It only has four ingredients, powdered sugar, condensed milk, food coloring, and peanut butter.

Wish me luck, it's been a while. I'll post the chocolate chip recipe when I get done.

Qwillia

I have a new Review!

2010-12-06T22:23:00.003-05:00

Night Owl Reviews recently reviewed my new book Diablo Blanco Club: Rite of First Claim. The reviewer, Terri, gave it 4.75 out of 5 Stars and a Reviewers Top Pick.

If you're interested in reading the full review click here or got to www.nightowlreviews.com and check the reviews in the Erotica section.

And don't forget to check out the Winter Wonderland webhunt with Night Owl Reviews!

Have a great night.
Qwillia

Winter Wonderland Contest!!

2010-12-02T16:30:00.004-05:00

I'm very excited to announce that I'm part of the Winter Wonderland Web Hunt at Night Owl Reviews!!

I've donated two of my print titles, Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage and An Invitation: Ariel's Pet, to the other prizes available for winning.

Please feel free to check out this fabulous holiday contest. Simply go to Night Owl Reviews and read the rules and instructions, hunt through the numerous talented authors' webpages and get your answers in before the January 15, 2011 deadline.

Hope to see you there!! Happy Web Hunting!!

Qwillia

Another Blog about NaNoWriMo

2010-12-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

Hey there!

I posted this morning at The Book Boost Lounge Blog about my lessons in learning control while working with ten students during November on the Young Writers Program of NaNoWriMo!!

Here's the Link: http://thebookboost.blogspot.com/2010/12/nanowrinot-with-guest-blogger-qwillia.html

Please feel free to read and leave a comment. I left a PG13 rated excerpt of my newest book, Diablo Blanco Club: Rite of First Claim, that released on November 16th!

Enjoy! I can't wait to hear what you think of the blog as well as the excerpt.

Qwillia

Come check out another blog!!

2010-11-26T13:05:00.003-05:00

I posted an excerpt from my new book, Diablo Blanco Club: Rite of First Claim, on the Sensual N Secret blog today.
http://sensualnsecret.blogspot.com

Feel free to leave a comment to tell me what you think!
Warning!! Sensual 'N' Secret is for adults only!! 18 and up!!

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving.
Qwillia

I Blogged Yesterday!!

2010-11-21T13:30:00.002-05:00

I was a guest on the Three Wicked Writers Plus Two blog yesterday.

Feel free to pop in and leave a comment. I was talking about the students I'm working with during the Young Writer's Program for National Novel Writing Month. (YWP NaNoWriMo)

http://threewickedwriters.blogspot.com/2010/11/inspiring-future-through-writing.html

Come on over and let me know what you think!

Qwillia

New Release Now Available!!

2010-11-16T15:50:00.005-05:00

After a long, hard edit, Mike Halsey and Lyssa Lawrence's story was released this morning at 12 AM EST.

Diablo Blanco Club: Rite of First Claim is the third book in my Diablo Blanco Club series and answers the question: Will Lyssa Lawrence accept younger man, Mike Halsey, as both her Master and mate?

Here's a quick blurb and the cover for my new book:

Diablo Blanco Club's Midnight Masquerade puts a skittish sub in a determined dom's hands. Refusal won't be an option for Lyssa -- not when Mike invokes Rite of First Claim.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here to purchase it from Loose Id, LLC

Live Chat at Night Owl Reviews

2010-11-14T19:39:00.003-05:00

Please feel free to join me Monday, November 15th at 8pm EST at the author live chat at Night Owl Reviews. You must be 18 or older to participate!!

Here's the link:
www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Pages/Chat.aspx

I'll be discussing my upcoming release -- Diablo Blanco Club: Rite of First Claim -- due out November 16th from Loose Id, LLC.

Hope to see you there!!

Qwillia

Just a little update

2010-10-28T04:05:00.002-04:00

Mike and Lyssa are almost done and as soon as I have confirmation, I'll let everyone know when to look for them. The title of their novel is: Diablo Blanco Club: Rite of First Claim

Right now we have a tentative release date of November 16th from Loose Id, LLC.

And, a little while ago, I posted a blog on character interviews -- which I will eventually do with Mike once he stops cackling like a maniac and chasing Lyssa around their house. LOL

Until then, feel free to check out my blog on the Midnight Seductions Authors blog:
http://midnightseductionsauthors.blogspot.com/

A Bit Off Topic

2010-10-08T12:28:00.002-04:00

I posted on another blog today about copyright infringement. It was only a tiny post, but I thought I'd repeat it here since it impacts my Diablo Blanco Club books.

As much as I love writing, I also have to accept that I need to make money from that writing or I won't be able to continue my dream career.

How does that impact the reader? No more DBC. No more Halseys. No more books.

I know I'm no Lora Leigh or Shiloh Walker, but I am an author with powerful characters that make my readers happy (at least that's what I assume based on the emails I've gotten from readers.)

So, here you go, my mini-rant on copyright on Sensual 'N' Secret Blog:

I've been occupied dealing with something that impacts me directly.

What you might ask? Copyright Infringement.

Yeah, not so sexy, but when I consider my main income now is my writing, and I write erotic romance novels, it makes me realize I'm never going to be able to get into the 'mood' if I'm broke and unemployed. Internet piracy has cost me sales and it's impacted what I want to do in my life.

The United States government is acting on the infringement issues that are impacting so many artists, authors, and programmers, and I'm sure it's going to be a hot button for so many people. What I do appreciate, is the fact that they are requesting responses from those impacted in determining consequences and penalties.

I promise next time to discuss something a little more sexy, but right now, thinking about my future is taking all the 'heat' out of me.

If you're interested in learning more, or commenting yourself, here's the link to the information.
Commerce Seeks Comments

Qwillia

Night Owl Reviews Halloween Web Hunt

2010-10-06T06:00:00.002-04:00

I'm participating in the Night Owl Reviews Halloween Web Hunt this month and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to go check it out!!

Revisiting an Old Friend

2010-08-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

It was this week last year that I learned that my book, Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage was going to print. I think in honor of the anniversary of its print debut, I'd reintroduce everyone to the hero of the book -- C. Brysson "Bryce" Halsey.
Enjoy!
Qwillia

An Interview with C. Brysson "Bryce" Halsey
With the release of Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage on January 20, 2009, I felt it would be interesting to provide a sneak peak at one of the book's most interesting characters. Collas Brysson Halsey--Bryce--is the Master Dom and part owner of the Diablo Blanco Club. I'm hoping you will find the interview as interesting as I found conducting it.

If the office didn’t intimidate a visitor, the man behind the broad mahogany desk would. The wall of windows would probably turn him into a dark, looming shadow at sunset, but at high noon, the combined illumination from the sun and the overhead lights merely accented his pale blond hair and the ice-green of his eyes in his sun-darkened face. Leaning back in his leather executive chair, the fact that Bryce Halsey had discarded his suit coat and rolled the sleeves of his gray silk shirt to his elbows didn’t soften the impression of a man ready for battle.

BH: I don’t usually conduct interviews, Ms. Rain, but considering your connection to the Diablo Blanco Club, I decided to make an exception.

A faint Southern accent whispered through his voice.

QR: I appreciate it, Mr. Halsey.

BH: Bryce, please. He motioned to one of the two chairs facing his desk. Take a seat. A quick glance at his watch, then he turned his attention to me again. I’ve only got a few minutes before I have to leave for an important meeting.

QR: I’ll make it quick. Besides a few of my own questions, there are some readers who had questions as well. He nodded, but didn’t say anything. Coffee or tea?

BH: Coffee, lightly sweetened.

QR: Do you wake to an alarm? How do you stay in shape? Gym or physical exercise?

BH: His smile seemed indulgent. I tend to wake without an alarm. As for keeping myself in shape, I use different methods. I use the gym we have here in the building, I also work with the Arabian horses I breed and train, swim, and when Lawrence can talk me into taking time off, I’ve been teaching her and our children how to surf and sail.

QR: It sounds like you like to stay active.

BH: “A Master controls no one if he cannot control himself.” It’s a belief I feel is important to remember and keeping your physical body in shape is merely another method of maintaining control.

QR: Consulting my notes I tried to remember just why it had been so important to beard this particular lion in his den. You know that your book is coming out in January, right?

BH: Yes. Lawrence has been very excited about your finally finishing it.

QR: Thank you. I’m very excited to have it published. How do you feel about the release of Unfair Advantage? His expression didn’t give anything away, but the look in his eyes was enough to make me shift in my seat.

BH: I’m proud to see your stories so well received.

I could feel my face flush and his smile only made the embarrassment worse. Clearing my throat I looked back at my notes.

QR: I have to wonder how you feel about the Diablo Blanco Club garnering interest.

BH: It’s nothing new. The Club has been a place of interest since it was originally founded.

QR: By your great-great-grandfather, correct?

BH: Yes, Cole Halsey founded the Club.

QR: If you grew up in South Carolina, how did you end up in San Diablo? How did you end up with part ownership of the Club?

BH: I came to attend university. As for the Club, I inherited my ownership from my grandfather’s brother.

QR: And your training as a Dom? When did that begin?

BH: I began reading about Dominant/submissive relationships when I was a teenager. When I expressed my interest to my father, he directed me to people who could provide guidance. After I came here, my great uncle was able to assist in my training. He also provided journals written by Cole Halsey and his wife Margaretta.

QR: Considering the reasons for your marriage to Mattie, one of the readers wondered about fidelity. I rushed to clarify myself at the distinctly cold glare facing me. Based on your history of past partners, what sets your wife apart from all the other women you’ve been involved with? Did you always imagine Mattie would be a good submissive?

BH: Lawrence is Lawrence. You don’t second guess what your soul recognizes. You just accept it and do everything possible to make sure you never lose it. As for her aptitude as a submissive, there was never any doubt.

QR: Do you have any other vices?

BH: That would be giving away secrets.

QR: Please?

BH: He moved from behind his desk and leaned against it while rolling his sleeves down, the expression in his pale green eyes dangerous. What do you consider vices?

QR: I guess you could say they’re naughty little needs that others think you shouldn’t give into.

BH: He seemed to carefully consider the description. Sweet tea, but that doesn’t quite fit your description, does it?

I shook my head.

BH: Okay. Needs that others think you shouldn’t give into? Hmmm. The feel of my wife climaxing. The scent of her skin after hours of making love, the expression in her eyes when she nurses our children. Hmm, but those aren’t really naughty, are they?

I must have shaken my head because he nodded before continuing.

BH: I find the sight of leather wrapped around my wife’s wrists and ankles arousing. The heat radiating from her ass after a careful application of a flogger can turn me on. Pressing her to reach beyond what she considers her limits and reaping the benefits of the excitement it engenders in her, is my air.

I had a hard time breathing as his accent thickened and the color of his eyes darkened. If this was how he coaxed Mattie into the different games they played, I now understood her inability to deny him anything.

QR: Well—I—yes, I think those would count. Unsure what to ask next, I was actually relieved when the intercom buzzed and Bryce’s next appointment was announced.

BH: I'm sorry we have to cut this short.

QR: Thank you for speaking to me today.

BH: Any time. His smile carried more of a challenge than humor. Perhaps this year, you'll accept one of the invitations to the Midnight Masquerade.

QR: I--uh--I'll think about it. I thanked Bryce again for his time and made a hasty retreat.

A Visit to a Dungeon!

2010-07-25T11:23:00.000-04:00

Floggers and Whips and Wands, Oh My!

I am sending out a HUGE thank you to Beth Wylde today! Yesterday was an experience I cannot wait to repeat.

For those of you who didn't know, Beth Wylde set up Literary Foreplay, a group reading from nine authors of erotic and speculative fiction, at a dungeon here in North Carolina. I was lucky enough to be one of the authors invited and, oh my, Sekr had some nice toys!

It was an interesting experience. The reading, as well as the dungeon. I was able to hear authors' works that I don't think I would normally read. The central theme for all the stories was the BDSM and Dominant/submissive elements within them. Since my own stories carry that theme, it made the experience even more intriguing. If you get an opportunity to participate or attend any other readings Beth sets up, I would encourage you to do so!!

When I arrived I was lucky enough to sneak in on a little lesson our hostess was giving Yvette Hines, one of the other authors, about floggers. And the collection Sekr had was amazing. Fur, patent leather, braided, and even one made of tinsel. Yes, I said tinsel. When I saw the room and the closet of toys, I wished I'd left earlier than I had so there would have been more time for me to explore.

Today I'm running around getting ready for RWA's National conference in Orlando, Florida. But my mind keeps going back to the things I saw and heard last night. I'm kinda thinking now that I should have stayed to watch the scene play, but edits were calling me home.

I'm off to work on the edits that kept me from playing last night. Have yourselves a great day!!

Qwillia
(Cross posted with Midnight Seductions)

My First Reading is This Saturday!!

2010-07-20T15:52:00.001-04:00

This Saturday, July 24th, I'll be attending my first reading with nine other authors. I'm really looking forward to it, not only because it's my first reading, but the location is just perfect-- An adult club that supports the kink community, La Fortress, in North Carolina.

Just the name of the club has me thinking of interesting stories. LOL.

Literary Foreplay:
An afternoon of HOT erotica - July 24th 2010 2PM-6PM

Summer is here and the temperatures are steaming but we've found a way to get you even hotter. Want to turn up the heat? Ready to sweat? If so, we've got the event for you!
Join local erotica writers for an afternoon of literary foreplay in Gibsonville, NC on July 24th 2010 from 2pm - 6pm as they read from some of their yummiest and naughtiest stories. Join hostess Beth Wylde and LF owner Adventureseker with readings scheduled by:
Beth Wylde
Nobilis Reed
Oceania Monroe
Jhada Rogue Addams
Helen Madden
Qwillia Rain
Yvette Hines
I. B. Cuffman
and possibly more..........

$5 cover charge at the door gets you into the erotica reading session plus the author Q&A as well as time afterwards to purchase autographed copies of some of the hottest erotic books you'll ever get your hands on. The $5 cover charge goes to benefit La Fortress, the club that has graciously supported the kink community for so many years. It's time to give back. Seker does so much! To add to the atmosphere the readings will be done in the dungeon. Afterwards there will be the regular Saturday night play party at 8PM - (which is a seperate event and a seperate cost)
Hope to see you all there.
The first 20 people that bring a friend with them will receive a free book courtesy of Bold Strokes Books or Torquere Press.Their choice as long as supplies last. Beth will also have her goodie basket with her full of free swag bags for everyone and special treats for those who purchase a book from her.

Please RSVP for a seat and directions with Adventureseker at:
Adventureseker@aol.com

I'm hoping it'll be fun, and I'll have not only paperback copies of my book, Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage, but I'll also have my newest paperback release, An Invitation: Ariel's Pet.

If you're interested in attending, please feel free to email the address above. I'll see about bringing a few goodies with me to go along with the books I sell. I'll also have some sampler CDs with excerpts from my other books.

Hope to see you there!!

Qwillia

(Cross posted)

It's finally finished!!

2010-06-06T17:03:00.003-04:00

It is done and off to my editor. Mike and Lyssa's story has been revised and reworked and I'm thinking this was the last version. LOL

There are a few things that arose in this story that I never expected to run across and my oh my the secrets those Halsey's keep from their family.

Keep your fingers crossed. I'll let everyone know if there's any news.

Oh no, not another club!

2010-04-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

An Invitation: Ariel's Pet
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-60737-561-6
Cover Artist: April Martinez
Price: $7.99

Yes, I have a new book. No, it is not another Diablo Blanco Club book. But it is related to a "training" facility. LOL.

My author friend, Jennifer Cole, chatted me up one day. She told me about this great story she'd started about a cafe owner, a Dominant, and a little white invitation. It sounded really good the more she talked about it. Then, she said them. Seven little words that got my imagination spinning and the ideas rolling. Yup, Jen said, "Qwillia, there's this friend of the hero..."

I was hooked and there was no turning back. The friend of the Dominant (who just happened to be a Dominant himself) and the cafe's other owner (the little sister of the woman) exploded across the page. They fought, and they sniped, and they one-upped each other until the only thing left for them to do was fall in love and have lots of hot, steamy sex.

Last month, Jen's book, An Invitation: Alayna's Training came out. Today, my book releases and it shows what happened and was hinted at in Jen's story whenever Ariel or Dane were mentioned. With luck the readers will enjoy it.

Please let me know what you think.

For those of you waiting for the next Diablo Blanco Club story, I promise I'm working on it. In fact I've got two going simultaneously, so be patient. And yes, before you ask, one of the books is Mike and Lyssa.

Have a great day!! I'll be playing on the loops off and on today, when the characters aren't talking to me about getting the stories written.

Take care,
Qwillia

Come Check out where the Loose Id Authors are!

2010-03-03T07:16:00.001-05:00

Loose Id's Readers' Retreat at Coffee Time Romance Starts Monday!

Some exciting events and activities have been planned! Here is just a sampling:

Lissa Matthews and Suzanne Rock will be interviewing each other on 1 March and 18 March.
On 7 March, Ali Katz will give away a copy of her book, The Highwayman. Also, anyone who visits her guestbook and signs on that day will be entered into Passion in Spades Monthly Drawing for March. She will also announce a monthly drawing on 9 March, so look for that.
On 8 March, G.G. Royale will post the humorous article "Everything I Needed to Know about Treating Other People I Learned on a Kittenplay Forum."
S.W. Vaughn will give a title away on 10 March. The reader will get to chose from three different titles.
Look for exciting theme days, when many authors may be poking their heads in to share and chat. Saturday, 6 March covers contemporary erotic romance, mystery, and suspense. On 7 March, we'll have historical, westerns, and action/ adventure. For those of you that like to let your mind explore far-off worlds, come to the forum on 13 March for science fiction, fantasy, and time travel. If you're not tied up on 14 March, stop in for BDSM and all the deliciousness that comes with that. 20 March is our last day in the forum, and that will be given over to the darker side, to the vampires, shape-shifters, and paranormal stories.

So mark your calendars and your browser's bookmarks and make sure to join us throughout the month of March.

What Happens When the Characters Don't Talk

2010-01-25T06:30:00.002-05:00

I've had a few people ask me what about Mike and Lyssa. Considering Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage came out a year ago on the twentieth of this month, I guess it's about time I got Mike and Lyssa's story going, huh?

Well, here's the scoop. I did write their story. And Mike didn't like it. He refused to talk for the longest time and then when I did get something written he got all pouty on me---

I did not get all pouty!

scuffle, slap, plop!

Sorry about that, Qwillia had to ... step away for a few minutes. I told her I'd get the information posted to the blog this morning. For those who haven't been introduced to me, I'm Mike. Michael Halsey.

As for Qwillia's accusations of my not liking the story, that isn't the case at all. I just ...

**thump, thump--"Mike, you little brat, open this door. Damn it, why can't you just behave?"**

As I was saying, I just mentioned a few discrepancies in the information regarding Lys and my courtship. Qwillia is being difficult in making the changes. Authors. A character just can't direct them the way we used to. But it's okay. She and I have discussed it....

**"Hah! I knew it, you're trying to garner sympathy from the readers. Give me that keyboard." Scrape, slap, flop**

Okay, it's me, Qwillia. Mike has ... gone back to his studio for a photo shoot he forgot about. As for Midnight Masquerade I promise it's in the works and I'll keep you posted as soon as I find out when I can get it sold. Otherwise, keep your eyes out here. I'm thinking I'll need a little blackmail---er, uh umm, I mean incentive to keep Mike on the straight and narrow and I'm inclined to conjure up a scene or two.

Hope you all have a great day.

Qwillia

Happy New Year From the Diablo Blanco Club

2009-12-31T13:09:00.002-05:00

Sending holiday greetings from the Diablo Blanco Club!

Here's hoping your holidays were wonderful. That you received all the gifts you needed and you're looking forward to a bright and prosperous New Year!

(A resolution from Qwillia--more blog posts for 2010!)

Halloween at the Diablo Blanco Club

2009-10-31T23:02:00.002-04:00

**Please remember all postings about the Diablo Blanco Club are works of fiction. Any similarity to persons or places, living or dead, is purely coincidental.**

Every year, the Diablo Blanco Club throws a party that has Doms and subs eager to participate. It's a night to dress up and explore the endless possibilities available to them at the Midnight Masquerade. It's a tradition that began in the late 1800s and continued for several decades until prying eyes and greedy politicians attempted to manipulate the owner of the Club into participating in activities against the rules and nature of the Club and its members. Despite threats of sanctions and legal action, it kept its door open to those members willing to risk exposure of their lifestyle.

As society matured and acceptance grew, the Club came under the ownership of Bryce Halsey and Richard Bennett. With the power they wielded both in business and politics, the Club again began hosting a Midnight Masquerade. A Halloween party established exclusively to allow Doms and subs to mingle and meet with potential partners. The atmosphere is relaxed and the guests are by invitation only.

Throughout the evening guests drift between the dining room of the Club restaurant and the open lounge area. Only after agreements are made between parties are any of the guests allowed upstairs and only those guests who've made arrangements for a room in advance. With the popularity of the Masquerade it is rare to find an available reservation on Halloween night with less than two months notice.

Costumes are worn only by the submissives and each one's intent for the night is indicated by a bracelet given to them upon entering the Club. Dominants who attend dress in formal wear. It isn't uncommon to find couples in committed relationships attending--it is a party after all. Alcohol is available but excessive consumption is prohibited.

All of these elements aide both Dominants and submissives in their quest to find a partner to match their needs. It's only when someone new enters the premises that things can go awry. Even knowing what the Masquerade is in place for, there have been visitors who have been surprised when a prospective partner has approached them as the evening winds to a close. It's a tradition that midnight marks the end of the Masquerade. The party-goers without a reserved room dissipate and return to their homes or any private meeting spots interested couples have arranged with one another.

It may sound like a staid, boring party, but the entertainment makes it well worth attending. Though a small band plays, providing dance music to those interested, the primary "shows" are the various scenes played out by members. Especially the scenes enacted in the Haunted Dungeon. A trip into the lower rooms of the Club have brought many a guest together, if only to play out their own version of the "tortures" revealed in the temporary maze.

Only rumors have ever been whispered about the Midnight Masquerade. Whispers that titillate and intrigue Lyssa Lawrence into accepting an invitation to the Masquerade. An invitation presented in challenge by the one man she couldn't have, but longed to submit to--Michael Halsey. Perhaps this Halloween she'll give in to the curiosity and use the invitation.

We'll see...

Have a very happy Halloween!!
Qwillia

Have you ever wondered?

2009-09-24T05:50:00.002-04:00

Have you ever wondered just what you'd be doing if you didn't read? I've done that and discovered that if it weren't for my reading habit I wouldn't have a writing habit. LOL.

Everytime I turn around I'm coming up with ideas and "what ifs" and "who says" that just have to be put on paper. Even better I'm discovering these fascinating characters that are coming to life and I wish they were real.

Just so you know I didn't drop off the face of the earth. I thought I'd just post a note and let you all know what's happening in the world of Qwillia Rain.

I'm in the middle of edits on A Neighbor's Ultimatum (the sequel to Meeting A Neighbor's Needs). I just received a contract from Loose Id for my next book, Ariel's Pet, which I wrote in conjunction with my friend and fellow Loose Id author Jennifer Cole (her book is Alayna's Training).

And for those readers who are still waiting for Mike and Lyssa's story, you're going to have to be patient with me just a little longer. Mike didn't like the way I portrayed him in the story (those damned Doms and their need to be in control) so I have to practically rewrite all 200 pages all over again. If you're going to through something, aim at him, not me!

As for other ventures, my time-travel/vampire story is on the shelf for the moment, and I'm still working on my high school reunion story.

Hope all of you have a great day. I have to get ready for the day job.

Qwillia

It's In Print!!

2009-09-03T06:08:00.002-04:00

Okay just have to shout it out!! Mattie and Bryce's story is IN PRINT!

Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage is now available in print through Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Books A Million finally has it on their site now! I'd been looking for the last five days and just found it this morning.

For those of you wondering--yes, I'm working on Mike and Lyssa's story, but the original story I wrote needs heavy editing so don't expect to see it any time soon--sorry.

As for what I have in the works: Meeting A Neighbor's Needs is going to get a sequel, A Neighbor's Ultimatum, hopefully by the end of this year (tentative release date is November 10th--if I can get my butt moving on the edits!)

Work on the time travel/vampire story has stalled, but I'll make sure to get it revved up once I'm done with the edits on A Neighbor's Ultimatum and a joint project I'm working on with Jen Cole.
(Hey, watch the throwing of the mice--your computer doesn't appreciate it! I'm not forgetting Mike and Lyssa--they're tucked in the schedule too! Sheesh--readers are soooo demanding, LOL!)

Anyway, just wanted to give you all a heads up about the writing schedule. Take care and have a great day! Dayjob is hollering for attention. Peace!

Update for June Writing

2009-06-18T08:54:00.002-04:00

I'm finding my progress is going well. Even though I have to spend some time at the day job getting the last of my computers cleaned up, I have been able to get some work done on at least one of my projects.

Here's my newest update:

A Neighbor's Ultimatum:
Started 6/14 at : 10,502
End on 6/18 at: 19,915

got 3,201 on 6/15 and 6,212 yesterday!!

let's just hope I can keep up the progress!
LOL

Writing Update

2009-06-15T23:10:00.003-04:00

Well, I have been able to get some work done.

I decided to list the latest word counts for my stories here.

Here you go:

Beginning on Monday, June 8th my time-travel vampire story (At the Claiming Moon) was at 6,112 words; my latest Diablo Blanco Club story (Mike Halsey and Lyssa Lawrence's romance) Midnight Masquerade was being edited and was at 41,691 words; last in the group I'm currently working on is a m/m/f novella A Neighbor's Ultimatum, which was at 8,251 words.

Friday word counts were:
At the Claiming Moon: 6,325 (gained 213 words)
DBC: Midnight Masquerade: 43,998 (gained 2, 307 words)
A Neighbor's Ultimatum: 10, 502 (gained 2, 251 words)

Making a grand total, last week of: 4,771 words or approximately 19 pages

Since my focus this week is on A Neighbor's Ultimatum I'm happy to report, today I was able to take the story from:
10, 502 words to 13, 703 (gained 3, 201 words)

My goal with ANU (A Neighbor's Ultimatum) is to reach 25,000 words by the end of the week. Just 12, 000 words more to go, and completely doable if I can continue at the pace I began today.

Yay me!

(I know, boring blog post, but hey, I have to be proud of making an effort to get more books out there for the readers!)

Hope all of you have a great day!

Qwillia

Setting Goals

2009-06-04T17:44:00.004-04:00

Summer vacation is about to begin, but there won't be any time off for my writing. At last count I have a novella that needs 20,000 more words added to it; another novella that needs 40 pages of it removed and the beginning rewritten; a third novella that needs about 15-20,000 words added to it; and at least 3 novels outlined.

Can you tell I over schedule myself? Heck, if I'm not overcommitting , then I never know what to do with myself during the summer. In fact, last year was the first time I actually took the summer off. I think it was the greatest thing I could have ever done for myself. Kinda scary that I haven't actually thought about how to take care of myself until my first book sold in 2007.

This summer I'm hoping to get more stuff done this summer. Even more important about this summer, I've joined up with a bunch of great authors to challenge each other to keep a steady production of pages for projects.

So, I'm here to list some of the books I'm working on and the word count. I'm hoping to make a daily update, but I'm more likely to update weekly. (I know me, I'm a bad, BAD, procrastinator)

Here's the list:
Diablo Blanco Club: Midnight Masquerade (rewrite first 40 pages)
A Neighbor's Ultimatum (needs approximately 20,000 words)
Diablo Blanco Club: (TBD) --Jodi and Case's story
At the Claiming Moon -- 6,215 words (needs approximately 20,000 words)

There's some more, but I figured that's enough for now.

Hope you all have a great day, I'll try to get some other character interviews set up soon.

Qwillia

What Is She Thinking!?

2009-05-21T03:34:00.004-04:00

Hey there,

I've hijacked Qwillia's blog for a day--longer if she stays away from it as long as she has recently. It really isn't her fault, she's been having to deal with some issues with the story Ben and I had to tell her. Have to admit, she's done a pretty good job putting it all down on paper.

Man, I didn't realize I was that bad when I first got back home. Ben assured me it was okay, but when I look at what Qwillia wrote, the things I was thinking, it makes me appreciate all the more the man I love.

Let me introduce myself--before Ben comes to drag me away--I'm Vance Justiss. If you read Ms. Rain's book, Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage, you may have noticed Mike mentioned me briefly. My partner is Ben Murphy, he works part-time (really just an on-call basis) at the Club as a bartender.

A few months back, Qwillia was kind enough to sit down and listen to me bitch about some things. That she decided to write about it should have been obvious to me. She is a writer after all and any and all experiences are fodder for her imagination. What I am proud of is how well she portrayed Ben. He's a great man, understanding and kind, but he doesn't take crap from anyone.

If you'd like to read our story (shameless plug for Qwillia's book!!!) you'll be able to find it at Loose Id, LLC on May 26th.
Here's the link:
http://www.loose-id.com/prod-Diablo_Blanco_Club__Under_Control-909.aspx

Now, I'd better get back to work before she finds me messing with her stuff. Ben may love me and put up with me, but Qwillia's a bear when her things are misappropriated.

Musings from the Directionally Challenged

2009-04-25T07:54:00.001-04:00

You know how some people say, "Just go north about forty miles before heading east" when they're giving you directions? I hate that--not because they're detailed, but because I wouldn't know north from Timbuktu in any city unless I had a compass in my car (which I don't!)Give me, "turn left, turn right" I'm okay with that. Don't give me cardinal ordinates! (I think that's what they're called)

Why am I going off on this little rant? Because I am Directionally Challenged. See, I said it. I freely admit this, and still, I make insane decisions to drive places besides work and home. Like Easter weekend. I decided to drive nine hours up to Pittsburgh, PA from Raleigh, NC to visit friends. Could I get there without getting lost? No. This time was better than the last two times I tried it. At least I made it within five miles of their home before I got lost. The last time it took me an hour to find my way back onto the highway --in the right direction-- then I needed step-by-step directions from my friend on the phone to get to their house.

Now, you might say, "Well, you know, Pittsburgh does have some busy highways and wild clover-leaf structures"--Not at three in the morning! I assure you. I learned my lesson watching my friends drive in Pittsburgh when I visit. Don't go on the highway at peak driving times! Not a good Idea!

Besides that, you're talking to a person who got lost in Bakesfield, CA in the 90s when it was still small! There were only two ramps--one going east, one going west--I'd only gone about three miles from the highway--heck I could still see it, I just couldn't navigate my way to it.

All this drama over directions, right? Well, here's the kicker. I received one of those GPS thingamajiggies as a promotional item at an event the weekend after getting lost driving to and FROM (see, I don't do things in half-measures at all) Pittsburgh. And proceeded to accidently delete the maps from it.

What can I say, I'm talented --and not in a good way! Anyway, I made a phone call and was able to get the maps back, but it was a three hour download. I made it through the first hour or so, then got bored. I knew there was a bookstore just down the street, so I thought, "Okay, while this loads, I'll go get the book." No problem, right?

Wrong!

Me, being the "adventurous spirit" that I am decided, "Hey, let me see if this road goes all the way out to the store?"

You're sitting there laughing, I know you are. Either that or shaking your head in dismay. And I would be doing the same. I should have learned my lesson when I first arrived in North Carolina and I ended up 70 miles from Raleigh when heading to the only mall I knew in the area. I should have taken the extra hour-long side trip of my return drive from Pittsburgh as a warning not to check out streeets I do not know.

But I didn't. No, me being the stubburn, directionally challenged git that I am, I decided to see "what if". And....

You guessed it. I got lost. FOR 90 MINUTES! An hour and a half of driving around taking left turns and right turns! (I couldn't even call my friend because I'd left my cell phone at home!) But, I did get my book and I did get home to find the download was complete. And I have vowed never to stray from my home without my GPS.

The good thing about this whole mess--I have another story idea. It involves a directionally challenged woman, her GPS, and a unique set of directions.

Have a great weekend.
Q

New Diablo Blanco Club Book Coming

2009-03-31T06:27:00.002-04:00

I'm very happy to say that there is just over a month to go before my next Diablo Blanco Club Book will be released. This one is my first m/m romance and I'm kinda nervous about it. The guys in it are great characters and I really like the way the story shaped up.

It's currently at line edits and with luck won't need much editing. Keeping my fingers crossed that the readers will enjoy it.

Just wanted to give a shout out about it today--not much else going on.

Come on Spring Break!!!

Take care all!
Qwillia

Those Pesky Secondary Characters

2009-02-25T00:30:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered what authors do with those pesky characters that just won't stay in the background? You know the ones I mean--the best friend that has an opinion on everything, the buddy who is always there to back the hero or heroine up (and give them crap when they screw up), the couple who steal the attention in the one or two scenes they have in the whole book?

Well, I have to tell you, it's difficult to figure out what to do with them. On one hand, they grab the readers' attention and get them asking questions. On the other hand, they distract and annoy a writer when they'd really rather keep the story centered on someone else.

I know, I sound crazy, spouting off as if these figments of the imagination were actual people. Flesh and blood members of society that you could run into if you walked around the right corner. I have to tell you, to me they are real. I argue with them--reasoning is usually out of the question, especially when they're refusing to follow the plot outlined--LOL. I try to cajole them into staying on the path I've created, but they rarely listen. And boy, can they be stubborn!

When a friend and I were working on a book, years ago, we had one character who was downright rude about trying to steal the scenes he was in. Add to that his adamant requests for us to write his story had my friend and I so frustrated, we finally gave up and had him shot. We left him bleeding on a warehouse floor for about three months while we completed the other scenes necessary. Unfortunately, the pesky little bugger threatened to die on us if we didn't at least get him off the floor. Begrudgingly, we did. But, he did stop bugging us for attention after that.

Right now, I'm dealing with an even worse kind of secondary/extra character. The quiet one. This guy just will not give me any information. No matter how I ask, cajole, or try to tease the information out of him, he just relaxes into his chair at the Diablo Blanco Club and smiles at me. I only know a few things about him (and no, I won't tell you all--that would spoil the fun!), but I do know that he will eventually get his own book. But not yet.

So, here's my question for you all (don't I always have one for you?) Who were some of your favorite secondary characters in the books you've read? You know the ones you really, really want to know more about and hope they get their own book some day.

Mine are too many to count, but here are a few:
Cat from Laura London's Windflower
Andrew from Laura London's The Bad Baron's Daughter
Nicki from Linda Howard's Mackenzie series
Alex Stone from Cherry Adair's The Mercenary (whose story was finally released last year--yay!)

Woo Hoo! I Sold Another One!

2009-02-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

Okay,

I have to just do my little happy dance! On Friday, I sent off my fourth contract with Loose Id, LLC! Yup, I said fourth. And this one is my first M/M erotic romance--so I'm a little nervous about it's acceptance by the readers.

I am so stoked that my stories have found a home at Loose Id. I'm even happier that there are readers pleased with the characters I've created. It's nice to know the wild voices in my head are being accepted by others. (And no one is rushing off to get the men in the white coats to take me away!) LOL. I've received the nicest emails from readers and reviewers who say the coolest things about my books and ask about other characters in them.

I keep hoping this will be the year for me to produce and sell more books. I'm off to an okay start with one contract and a new release out in January, I just need to keep the momentum going. Many times, I worry that I don't write enough or that the length of what I do write is too long and I should try writing shorter stories. (Santa's Elf, my first book, was 68K words. Unfair Advantage is 85K words. Meeting A Neighbor's Needs and my fourth book, Diablo Blanco Club: Under Control are 28K and 23K words respectively.)

I already have a bit of a schedule going. I get up around 4 or 5 AM to post promotions and excerpts to different loops. Then I try to write on my stories for about an hour before getting ready for work. Once I return from work, I go through my emails, participate in various loop chats, continue posting excerpts on the loops until I get ready for bed.

With the talented authors out there, I'd love to learn some of your secrets. Do any of you have a specific schedule you adhere to in order to produce your books? Should I start aiming for shorter books or should I let the story determine its length?

Please, let me know. I'd love any kind of input.

Characters

2008-12-17T06:45:00.004-05:00

Characters are what make a reader keep going. Keep turning that page to see just what the story is all about. They take us out of ourselves and into a world through the eyes and emotions of someone else.

When you find amazing characters, it's hard to step away from them after you've put the book down. Your mind wanders back to them and asks questions about what's going on? Are they still living their HEA?

With the Diablo Blanco Club in the forefront of my mind, I've been thinking of introducing the reader to the different figures frequenting the Club. Beginning Saturday, December 20th, I will try to post at least one character interview a week. What I'm going to need help with are questions for them.

That's where the reader comes in. Please post in the comments a question you would like asked of the different characters. You can even suggest which characters I should interview.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Qwillia Rain

The First Round is Over

2008-11-25T00:30:00.005-05:00

Well, it's over. The first round of voting I mean. The American Title V contest closed the votes on the 23rd of November so now it's sit and wait. I want to thank everyone who voted, not only for my book, In A Lover's Silence, but for all the first lines of the books in the American Title V contest.

The life of a writer is an interesting one. We listen to voices in our head tell us stories that fascinate and intrigue us. Once we have it on paper, it's our internal drive to share what we've created that makes us risk humiliation, insult, and ridicule time after time in an effort to get our work before the readers.

Like any craft, the practice of writing takes time to master, hour upon hour of putting word to page, rewriting, and rewriting, until the original hodge podge of terms and letters is nothing like it's final draft. And it always amazes me when someone who's never tried to write a book decides "it's not that hard--I could write something better..." Ironically, that is how I started (with a little nudge from a friend who challenged me to do just that) but there aren't that many who stick with it.

When you take the time to read through the next round of entries in the American Title V contest, the character descriptions, remember, each of the seven remaining authors sweated blood over the people they created. The next voting session begins in December.

Keep that in mind and when you sit down and read a book or wander through the blogs and post responses, take a moment to consider the time and effort your favorite authors have gone to to get that finished product into your hand.

American Title V Contest

2008-11-10T06:58:00.004-05:00

Well, it's begun.
Today Romantic Times will be posting the first round of the American Title V contest and I'm freaking out!
My book, In A Lover's Silence, is one of the finalists and I'm desperately hoping I don't get knocked out in the first round. The other 7 ladies in the contest are great gals and I appreciate all the work and effort they've put in to their own books, but this is my baby we're talking about here.
I mean, I've slaved and cried and worried over this manuscript for six years. Yup, that's right, SIX YEARS. It's been re-written at least four times and this last time of the 412 original pages I kept about ten. Yes, I said ten. I scrapped the entire manuscript, started nearly from scratch and created, what my critique partners called, a hot, character driven story. The bad guy is creepy and you really want him dead and the good guy is sooo yummy you can't blame the heroine for jumping his bones every opportunity she gets.
Okay, enough about me.
If you get the opportunity today, please run by www.romantictimes.com and check in their News section for the latest update on American Title V (AT-V). You can cast your votes via email at:
votes@romantictimes.com you just enter the title of the book in the subject line, nothing needs to go in the body of the email.
Thanks for listening to me rant. Post a comment if you feel like it. I'll make sure to get to them as quickly as possible.

Q

I'm Back With Some Weird Thoughts

2008-10-25T09:35:00.001-04:00

For me that is the ULTIMATE question. Ask anyone who has edited my stories or listened to me complain about my characters. Today I was able to do a quick Fall Flasher (508 words) on another blogsite to which I contribute. Here's the link if you're interested in checking it out--heck, it may just end up a story somewhere down the line: http://midnightseductionsauthors.blogspot.com/

Anyway, the delete key is my friend. It hovers there in the upper right hand corner of my keyboard, winking at me when my characters are refusing to behave. Or, more noticably, when my Muse is PMSing and tells me everything I write is crap! On those days (the PMSing Muse ones, not the difficult characters ones) I waddle off to whine at my friends (thank you Jen and Cary and all the Georgia's Crew) and beg them to help me through--my Muse refuses Midol and I don't trust her with alcohol (heck, I don't trust myself with alcohol--I worry for the planet if my Muse gets hold of a 25 year-old Lagavulin)

I digress, a habit of mine I'm constantly fighting. Back to the delete key. I swear it talks to me. It must be in cahoots with my Muse (what that little minx is using as a bribe, I don't want to know...or maybe I do, hmmm) because on my lowest days--and her loudest--my temptation to hit the CTRL+A then the Del key is right up there with a chocolate festival. I have to go back through the story and recognize the good stuff and know that there is more good than bad in the mix and get past the doubts.
Note: Delete and Doubts begin with the same letter and have the same number of letters in them. Perhaps its a subliminal thing.

After this long, rambling (insert disjointed here) monologue, I'm wondering if there are others who are tempted by The Golden Delete Key (my nickname for it). Tell me, am I alone in my strange little world (I don't doubt that I am, but it would be nice if I weren't) where the Delete key whispers and motions me toward eliminating all my writing? (I promise, I'm not a crazy as I sound--I don't think, hmmmm)

Feel free to leave a comment.
Qwillia

Check out this contest!

2008-09-30T18:32:00.000-04:00

Come over and visit with me this afternoon

2008-08-28T06:44:00.003-04:00

Hey there,
I'm going to be chatting with Lena Matthews and her yahoo group this afternoon (day job has me bound to it until 4:30 pm EST today) but I'm hoping to have some company this evening.

It'll be fun and there will be excerpts posted on the group.

Here's the addy:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lenamatthews/

Hope to see you there!

Qwillia

Day Job and Writing

2008-08-25T05:46:00.000-04:00

Have a dilemma, ladies and gentlemen.

Seems my day job boss thinks I am not taking my position seriously enough and that my writing is the reason for my lack of "sacrifice." In his estimation, I should view my job as a teacher similar to that of a doctor or lawyer, i.e. some personal time is required to do the job well. I'm not to complain about my lack of pay, nor am I supposed to cite my need for promotion and writing time when asked to stay after school to participate in a discipline program I don't use nor agree with.

Now, here's a quick description of my job duties: not only am I to teach computers and library skills to 600 Kindergarten through 8th grade students, but I'm also supposed to coordinate and teach training sessions for the teachers on how to use computers and technology in their classrooms, repair any faulty or non-working technology tools (computers, LCD projectors, TVs, DVD/VCR machines, printers, fax machines, copiers, etc.), set up and break down 50-72 computers for testing sessions 3 times a year, schedule, and monitor those testing sessions for 3-4 weeks. Of course as the monitor/proctor of the testing, I have to make sure all 600 students are in the test roster, develop and maintain a spreadsheet to record all of their test scores in 3-4 tests and make sure teachers know how to access, read, understand, and implement the information on the test results.

I'm supposed to do all this in the course of the day, while teaching classes, writing lesson plans, and keeping a smile on my face.

I freely admit, my problems are extremely minor in comparison to those people who don't have jobs, are homeless, ill, etc. but in the six weeks leading up to the start of school, my ambivalent feelings about my day job have kept me from really doing any kind of writing.

And that isn't acceptable to me.

Here's the dilemma--how do I keep from telling my principal just where to shove his job expectations for me, especially since I'm, in essence, performing 2-3 jobs and barely getting paid for one?

I'd really like to know, because it took everything I had to just enter my school last Monday and not tell the PTB to go F themselves.

Meeting a Neighbor's Needs--NC17 Rating!!

2008-08-04T15:42:00.003-04:00

Here's a little teaser from my next book, Meeting a Neighbor's Needs, coming 8/19/08 from Loose Id, LLC. None of the characters are part of the DBC group, but, they do know how to push the boundaries. LOL
Enjoy!
Qwillia

Meeting a Neighbor's Needs
Unedited Excerpt:

With a shaky nod, I allowed him to lead me, like his trusting pet, into the dimly lit living room. From my stereo, the haunting strains of Middle Eastern music wafted through the room. Upon our entrance, the little conversation drew to a close. There were five men, not including George, in various relaxed poses in my living room, none of whom I’d ever met before. Each man was dressed similar to my lover, in loose drawstring pants and bare chests. Each man matched George in height and fitness. Some were leaner while others were slightly huskier, but none was any less attractive than him.

As I stood there, George stepped away, leaving me in the center of the room, breasts swollen and bare, exposed from the waist down. Among the men I didn’t see Mike. Inwardly, I heaved a sigh of relief, until I noticed the familiar bottle of wine on the coffee table with six empty glasses scattered about the room. And the woven basket that usually held a collection of wrapped candies was filled with familiar, distinctive black plastic packets.

A gesture from George brought the first man forward. “This is Aaron,” George offered.

The man was handsome, lean face, dark brown eyes. Behind the fabric of his pants, his arousal pushed at the soft fabric. Leaning forward, he fastened his lips to mine, slipping his tongue into my mouth while one hand stroked my breast and the other tested the damp curls of my apex.

My eyes closed in appreciation at his skillful technique in kissing. Before I could return the caress, he slipped back and returned to his lounging position on the sofa, his fingers smoothing over the hard length of his penis.

“This is Vincent.”

A second man stepped forward, his hands slipping beneath my robe to cup my buttocks as his mouth dipped to suckle at a taut nipple. I gasped, burying my hand in his curly black hair. Still, he pulled away before I could enjoy more.

“Elkin.”

The third man stepped in front of me, took my trembling hand in his, and slipped it beneath his pants, cupping my hand over his thick erection. He withdrew my hand when I made to clasp him, and stepped away with a wry smile lifting his full lips and a twinkle in his storm-cloud-colored eyes.

“Terry.”

This man approached slowly, measuring every inch of me with sharp blue eyes as he walked around my shaking form, his blunt fingertips trailing from an aroused nipple to my shoulder, down my back, around to my other shoulder, then down to my other straining nipple.

“And last, Garrick.”

Garrick merely nodded toward me from his position in the nearest easy chair, lids lowered over keen amber eyes. He looked as sexy clothed in the loose pants, as he had in jeans and a tee-shirt that day I’d spotted him outside George’s apartment. The heat in those golden eyes sent a twist through my belly rivaling my first reaction upon meeting George.

Join Me and the Midnight Seduction Authors today

2008-08-02T11:31:00.001-04:00

Summer Bash Events

2008-07-28T13:17:00.000-04:00

Breaking the Rules

2008-06-10T14:21:00.002-04:00

There are always rules to get used to. Don't do this, you can't do that. No, no, no. So what happens when the a woman who's spent her whole life following the rules runs into the one guy not interested in them?
I'll tell you--chaos! That's right, chaos. I don't know if it was because I teased my friend into going after her boss (not that he wasn't one hot Santa) or because my curiosity got the best of me, but now I'm paying for it and all I can say is--Wow! If I had known breaking the rules was so fun, I woulda done it ages ago!
Well, no, let's be honest, until Case came along I didn't know a rule I wanted to break, but how can a woman say no to a man that makes her melt? Now all we have to do is figure out why my boss is so set on killing me, find Case's detective friend Vance, and get back home before Valentine's Day!
Yeah, right! Wish me luck.

Jodi

Greetings and Welcome to the Diablo Blanco

2008-06-04T23:09:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my world!
The Diablo Blanco Club came to life while I wrote my erotic romance novel, Santa's Elf. You can check out my book at http://www.loose-id.com/detail.aspx?ID=640
Be prepared, this is a book with BDSM elements. This blog is for the over 18 crowd so if you aren't over 18, bye-bye!

The DBC is a fun little place populated by some interesting characters. There are the descendants of the original founder of the club--Jacob, Bryce, and Mike Halsey. Another partner in the club is Richard Bennett, a long time friend and college roommate to Bryce.

DBC allows new visitors a glimpse of the Bondage, Discipline, Slave, Master (BDSM) lifestyle as practiced by different members. I'm hoping some of the members and owners will drop in from time to time to chat or give an update on their lives.

Currently, Santa's Elf is still available for purchase on www.loose-id.com and the story of Bryce Halsey's courtship of his wife, Mattie Lawrence, (a prequel to Santa's Elf) will be coming out later this summer--depending upon the extent of the edits.

I hope you feel free to stop by and chat some with us.

Qwillia Rain