Reader’s Corner: My Play List

Hi, and welcome back to the Reader’s Corner.  A couple of weeks ago I gave you my TBR list, so today I thought I’d give you another list to  enjoy–my play list.

My play list is probably used a little differently than a lot of writers.  I don’t listen to music when I write.  I need lots of quiet when I write.  But when I’m thinking about the WIP away from the computer–especially driving in the car–music plays a big role in my writing. 

Certain songs have inspired particular works, some just seem to fit very well with the ideas in a piece I’m writing.  So when I need time to think about plot, characters, incidents and how they should play out, language or wording, I pop in whichever CD makes me think of that specific work and just drive (luckily I live near an interstate LOL).

Here are some of the songs that I listen to when I need to create:

Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.  This song was connected to my novel Only Scandal Will Do.  I played it so much my teenagers hated it and me when I turned it on.  It was the one song I had on my cell phone before that phone died.

As Long As You’re Mine from Wicked.  This is where I got the title for my Victorian WIP As Long As You’re Mine.  A haunting love song.

Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood and the Destroyers.  This was my inspiration for the character Lula in Hog Wild.  And I worked the title into the story as the ringtone for one of the “hogs.”

Teenage Dream by Katy Perry.  This is a play/think song for Only Marriage Will Do, the second novel in my House of Pleasure series.

A Little Fall of Rain from Les Miserables.  This song inspired a “to be written” novel set during the Napoleonic wars  about a man who is changed forever when a woman who loves him dies in his arms.

It’s Raining Men by The Weather Girls.  Inspired my WIP The Widow’s Club.  The song made me wonder how women of the Regency period would respond to the freedom to have a variety of men in their beds.

Last Friday Night by Katy Perry and Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga.  Last Friday Night flat-out inspired my WIP Seven Days of Seduction, and when I heard Edge of Glory it fit my H/H’s characters so well it now makes me think about them as well.  And with LFN being in the top 1 or 2 slots on the radio for the past weeks, I’ve been itching to get back to work on Seven Days.  Soon, very soon. 🙂

Below is the Katy Perry video for Last Friday Night, which is just how I imagined my heroine’s party to be!  Hope you enjoy it and my play list!

Posted in Reader's Corner, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Tell Me A Story…”

A fit of whimsy hit me this evening.  I wanted to do something creative on the blog but after my first day back at school, I’m too tired to create something for you.  So I’m going to ask you writers and readers, in the spirit of that great storyteller Scheherazade, “Tell me a story.”

I’m going to give you the first line of a story and let you run with it.  Whoever picks up the thread needs to start at the end of my sentence and take the story in whatever direction your fancy dictates.  It can reflect your chosen genre (paranormal, historical, fantasy, erotic, mystery, etc.) and you can give me a line or two or twenty.  You are bound only by your imagination, creativity and the time you are willing to give.  The next person to comment then takes up where the other one left off and so on.  And you can come back multiple times if you so desire.  I think this could be pretty cool.

So…

Winifred slammed the door of her 1966 red Thunderbird convertible and ran toward the pool house, her high heels crunching on the gravel driveway.  He’s going to kill me if I’m late again.

Tag, you’re all IT!  (Thanks in advance for playing!)

 

Posted in On Writing, On Writing Romance | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Reviewed by Jenna: A Truly Satisfying Sweet–“Through the Rabbit Hole” by Lisa Kumar

Have you ever awakened from a dream, not sure what was real and what was not?  But what if you couldn’t wake up—if the dream was reality?  I believe you’d immediately think of Alice in Wonderland.

Though she doesn’t have to contend with white rabbits or murderous queens, Natalie Danvers has her own share of mind-blowing problems when she falls Through the Rabbit Hole into a mystical land and onto the lap of a mythical creature, the fey lord Lorh.  This very sweet romance from Lisa Kumar is a joy to read as we experience Natalie’s confusion about her surroundings, her frustration when no one will tell her anything, and her inexplicable and disturbing attraction to Lorh. 

A single piece of information that the handsome, compelling fey lord will divulge is that Natalie has three weeks to decide whether or not she will return to the human world.  And although Natalie is certain in the beginning that she does not belong there, the land of TirAnn holds charm and peace for her, making her decision to return home a struggle she didn’t expect.  By the time the mystery begins to unravel, the reader is so immersed in this world that they can only hope Natalie is led by her heart to make the right decision.

The characters of Natalie and Lorh are excellently drawn.  Their bittersweet relationship grows despite misgivings and impatience—neither is willing to give in easily, so they experience all the frustration of getting to know each other while constantly being on guard.  Though the secrets of the fey land threaten to keep them apart, both find the strength to move slowly from the darkness of despair into the light of realization.

As far as sweet romance is concerned, Through The Rabbit Hole is as satisfying as they come.  Natalie and Lorh’s story unfolds at a pace designed to coax the reader along, just as Lorh coaxes Natalie towards her ultimate decision. The book’s final revelation dazzles, bringing the reader to the realization they have been launched into a world from which they do not wish to return.

Through The Rabbit Hole is available at Astraea Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.  You can find out more about Lisa Kumar’s works by visiting her website, Escape into Fantasy or blog site.

UPDATE TO POST:

Lisa has decided to do a two-for-one giveaway for those commenting on this post today.  Leave a comment below and be entered to win a copy of both Through The Rabbit Hole and her new Halloween short story Fey Marked.  So keep those comments coming!

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday 8/28–As Long As You’re Mine

Welcome back once more for Six Sentence Sunday.  Thank you all so much for visiting my blog each week and leaving comments.  Last week was a bit hinky because of Irene, but no hurricanes in sight this week, than God!  I’m ready to have some fun again, how about you? 

This week’s six is the very next six from the scene from As Long As You’re Mine, with Rafe and Samantha under the copper beech. 

           Rafael smiled, a slow, dangerous smile.  “Let us revisit what you dared last night, Lady Samantha, before either of us becomes indignant.  Let us remember that I was awakened by a most insistent hand on my shoulder and then. . . .”

            “Don’t you continue, sir!”

            “We certainly continued last night.”  Rafael’s mind burned with the memory of her hot mouth, her smooth, silken body, the tight, moist sheath.            

Where might a memory like that lead Rafe, do you think? LOL

Hope you’re still enjoying the six each week from As Long As You’re Mine. Next week perhaps another six?

For more great snippets please go to Six Sentence Sunday.  Or join in the fun next week with six of your own.  

And if you liked my six, perhaps you’d like some of my published work as well.  Heart of Deception, is available for purchase from Books To Go Now!, and Hog Wild from New Dawning International Bookfair.  Both are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.  I’ve also included the cover for my latest erotic contemporary, Almost Perfect, due out this fall/winter from Decadent Publishing.  Enjoy!

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Works in Progress, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , | 22 Comments

Sweet Saturday Sample–9/03 Heart of Deception

Time for your weekly sweet treat.  Time for another Sweet Saturday Sample.  Many thanks to all who’ve come by each week.  I appreciate your comments very much.  Thank you also to first-time visitors.  I appreciate everyone’s comments. 

This week I’m posting from my Victorian historical short story Heart of Deception.   This was my first story to be accepted for publication, so it is very near and dear to my heart. :)Please enjoy the sample!

 

 

Celinda had known from the very start that Andrew was something out of the ordinary.  She met Lord Hurston two months earlier, at the Hamptons’ gala ball opening the London social season.  Her heart began to beat a bizarre, staccato rhythm at the sight of the tall, dark-haired stranger, dressed in the elegance of a black swallowtail coat, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He walked towards her, deep in conversation with Lady Hampton, who smiled and nodded at him while shooting speculative glances at Celinda.

“Lady Celinda Graham, may I present Andrew Finley, Viscount Hurston?  My lord, Lady Celinda Graham.”  Lady Hampton’s presence melted away as Celinda curtsied to the handsome man, her eyes only for him.

“Lady Celinda, I am enchanted.” His deep voice sent shivers through her.   “I am just returned from America and so have not had the honor of making your acquaintance.  A devastation of which I am now acutely aware. ”   Celinda blushed at the compliment and tried not to smile.  “May I hope, Lady Celinda, that you will allow me to lead you out for the first dance?” 

Without even checking her dance card, Celinda nodded and gave him her hand.  Smiling broadly, the viscount swept her into the first waltz where she was caught in the depths of his fascinating crystal blue eyes.   The heat of his hand penetrated through her long white gloves as he guided her into the dizzying whirl of the dance.  Crisp linen and faint, spicy cologne wafted over her, setting her pulse into a frantic beat.  By the end of the waltz she was convinced this was the man she was destined to marry.

But is he?  Sometimes what we want and what is good for us are two different things.

Thanks again for sampling my sweets.  Come back next week for another “Sweet Sample” or join in the fun with your own.  Follow this link to Sweet Saturday Sample to find more “sweet” offerings.

If you liked the above sample, and you’d like to purchase Heart of Deception, it’s available at Books to Go Now.  Or if your tastes run to erotic contemporary, Hog Wild, from New Dawning Bookfair, might suit you.  Check them out on my Published Works page.  And coming soon from Decadent Publishing is Almost Perfect.

 

Posted in On Heart of Deception, On Sweet Saturday Sample | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

Reader’s Corner: Sexy or Sweet? How Do You Like Your Love Scenes?

One of my groups on Goodreads is having a great discussion about love scenes.  How far do you want your love scenes to go?  Are you satisfied with a sweet scene that shows where the couple is headed, but discretely closes the door before anything more than a kiss happens?  Or do you want every steamy moment in all their graphic details? 

Until about three years ago I hadn’t read a romance for probably twenty years.  I cut my teeth on Kathleen Woodiwiss, whose love scenes by today’s standards are pretty mild.  When I picked up Lisa Kleypas’ Mine ‘Til Midnight I was astonished–and more than a little heated–by the sensually graphic nature of her love scenes.  But the fantasy/reality factor (it’s the way sex should be, with all the unsavory bits taken out) really appealed to me, so now Kleypas pretty much sets the standard for me.  And it’s that heat level and sensuality that I attempt to capture in my own writing.

So how graphic is too graphic?  Where should the romance writer draw the line? 

And while we’re thinking about it, what is the line between romance and erotic romance as far as how you describe these scenes?  We all know that erotic romance has more sex than a regular romance, or is it rather in the way that sex is described?  Can erotic romance have only one sex scene and still be judged to be erotic?

As a writer of both erotic and non-erotic romance I find the line blurs sometimes.  I’m finishing an historical that has a lot of sex scenes described in a very graphic way.  However, I would not classify it as erotic romance.  I also have an erotic romance with only one (rather lengthy) sex scene.  Yet I’ve been told it is should be listed as erotic.  How and who judges these categories?  Publishers?  Readers?

I have lots of questions, but I’d really like your opinions on this.  Feedback from both readers and writers is vital to making our work the very best it can be.  So share your thoughts on these and other questions you may have regarding how you like your sex scenes!

Posted in On Writing, On Writing Erotic Romance, On Writing Historical Romance, On Writing Romance, Reader's Corner | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Back to School

I started back to school yesterday, after a summer mostly dedicated to writing.  If you asked me that question, “Are You Ready?”  I’d probably have said “No” two weeks ago.  I wanted to clear the decks, get one last full week of writing under my belt before going back to having to fit my writing around my day job.

But that last week didn’t turn out the way I’d planned.  I was called away by kids, husband, family, a hurricane!  All kinds of things intervened until I had one of the least productive weeks of the summer.  Which made me think about when I work best.  I really think I work best under pressure.

When I think “I have all the time in the world to write,” I let other things encroach on my writing time.  Because I’ve got time to waste.

But when time to write becomes a precious commodity, something that has to be sandwiched between classes, or snatched as I’m eating lunch before a meeting, or stolen after everyone else has gone to bed, I value it more and make sure I take the time to do it.  Therefore, strange as it may seem, the less time I have to write, the more productive I become.

About.com’s article “Make Time to Write,” gives you six tips on how to do just that.  The first one says to pinpoint the underlying issues behind failure to write and cites a tendency to procrastinate as one such issue.  The article also encourages you to “just say no,” schedule time to write, and find other resources to help you.  Check out this article to help with these and other things we can do to help us find the time to write.

It takes organization and the drive to want to write as much as you want to do anything else.  Suite 101’s suggestions on carving time out of a busy schedule in Scheduling Time to Write, range from telling you how to take advantage of spare moments to changing habits to make extra time.

But for me, it is a need that I have to find time to do.  If not, I end up thinking about what I want to write instead of doing what I’m supposed to be doing.  I suspect this is true of many writers.

So, am I ready for school?  Oh, yes!  Ready to get back into the routine where stolen moments for writing are very, very sweet.

How do you get your writing time in when a routine changes?  Or even when you’re just experiencing your normal life?  Share those tips with us please!  They could make the difference to any number of writers!  Thanks. 🙂

Posted in On Writing, On Writing Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

AND THE WINNERS ARE: SULTRY SUMMER NIGHTS AND SHERRY GLOAG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Happy Tuesday and Congratulations to the winners of my Sultry Summer Nights Blog Tour Giveaway and to the winner of my guest blogger’s, Sherry Gloag, giveaway.

And without further ado, the Grand Prize Winner of the Amazon gift card and copies of Heart of Deception and Hog Wild is:

Brandy Umphreys-Blake

First Prize Winner of copies of both Heart of Deception and Hog Wild is:

Robin Daily

Second Prize Winners of Your Choice of either Heart of Deception or Hog Wild are:

Shadow Kohler

Wyndwhisper

Amanda Wimer

Dawn Hagan

Loretta Lynn

Ladies, please email me at jenna.jaxon@yahoo.com with your selection of story.

AND

The winner of Sherry Gloag’s giveaway is

Neena Wagnon

Thank you to all who hopped by on the blog tour or who commented on my guest blogger’s post.  Please stay tuned for additional giveaways or contests–I like to do that at least once a month. 🙂

Posted in Blog Tours, Contests | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

LAST CHANCE FOR THE SULTRY SUMMER NIGHTS: IGNITE YOUR PASSIONS BLOG HOP TOUR

What makes you sizzle on a sultry summer night?

Hi, I’m Jenna Jaxon, author of historical and erotic contemporary romance and I’m re-posting the Blog Tour because today, August 29th, is the LAST CHANCE to do the Blog Hop and I wanted to remind you to enter for a chance to win all the yummy giveaways and contests.  If you haven’t gone to the 28 tour stops, you’ve still got time.  Be sure to enter to win my giveaways:  a $10 Amazon givt card and copies of my two published books, Heart of Deception and Hog Wild.  You can stat the tour here and at the end of my post is a link to take you to the list of other tour stops.  So give it a whirl and have a great time!

BUT FIRST…THE BLOG TOUR RULES:

 TOUR RULES:

1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, August 22, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, August 29, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

Winners will be drawn and posted August 30th! ***

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS AND BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW PARTY DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR AND BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERYONE SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 ***Authors have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***

I’ve got a few suggestions below to help you “ignite your passions”  on a sultry summer night. Plus, at the end, learn how you can win copies of my published works and a $10.00 Amazon gift card!

THINGS THAT CAN MAKE YOU SIZZLE:

A HOT MAN YOU CAN’T HAVE

Suggestion #1:  Visit an English manor where passions blaze no matter the season in Heart of Deception, available now at Books to Go Now and other e-book vendors.

Celinda Graham—young, naïve, passionate—is head-over-heels in love with Andrew Finley, Viscount Hurston and insists on marrying him. Unfortunately, Andrew’s family has been feuding with Celinda’s for generations.  When her father refuses to allow the marriage, Andrew proposes a scandalous way to get his approval.  But Andrew has a secret that may spell disaster to his plans if Celinda finds out he is not what he seems.

A RIDE ON YOUR DREAM MACHINE

Suggestion #2:  Hop on a Harley behind seductress Lula Wolfendale and take a ride to find the perfect motorcycle and mate in Hog Wild, available now at New Dawning Bookfair and other e-book vendors.

When Lula Wolfendale’s motorcycle breaks down on her way to a Harley rally, she detours into tiny Shoshone, CA to find a new ride.  Seducing bikers Beau and Rob Hogue and commandeering their Harleys is easy; finding sexual satisfaction is a “hog” of a different color.  A Blue Phantom, to be exact, owned by the pair’s older brother, Jesse.  After brief, unsatisfying encounters with the first two Hogues, Lula approaches Jesse with a proposition:  a sexual contest for his Phantom, where Lula will emerge with either a bike to die for or the climax of her dreams.  Or can she possibly obtain both?

A ROMANTIC NIGHT ON AN ISLAND PARADISE

Suggestion #3:  Escape with Pam Kimball to an almost deserted island where you’ll find romance in the most unexpected places in Almost Perfect, coming soon from Decadent Publishing.

 Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night Stand adventure, is supposed to help her jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and help her forget her ex.  Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy goes wrong when she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island with ex-husband Roger Ware.  When Pam is forced to accept Roger’s offer of dinner,  she recognizes that he’s  changed since their divorce and his newfound sensuality re-kindles an old fire.  When he challenges her to find out how much his amorous skills have improved, Pam is torn between self-preservation and desire.  With time running out before they’re rescued, Pam has to decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.

A GORGEOUS HUNK IN A STEAMY SHOWER

Suggestion #4:  Join the hottest party in town! Ashley Thompson’s wild Friday night bash attracts a bold stranger who’s confident of seducing her in Seven Days of Seduction.  A Work in Progress with a life of its own!

Ashley is known for her outrageous parties and last Friday night was no exception.  Only this time she wakes to find a video of her in the middle of a menage a trois with her ex-boyfriend and a gorgeous stranger.  Unable to remember anything about the night, other than the hot sex she sees on the computer screen, Ashley begins a search for Mr. Hunk.  She has no luck until he unexpectedly shows up–in her shower.

Hunter Hopewell would love to initiate Ash into a variety of sexual experiences he finds exciting, but fears his tastes are too wild even for her.  As the week of escalating sexual encounters intensifies, Ashley must choose to let go of her final inhibitions if she is to join Hunter in the promise of a truly unforgettable Friday night.

A SENSUOUS KISS FROM A DARK STRANGER

Suggestion #5:  Wish for adventure and feel the heat of a stranger’s kiss, be swept away by your passions.  But wait!  Beware what you wish for, for you just may get it in Only Scandal Will Do, coming soon from Lyrical Press.

Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam—kidnapped, sold at auction inLondon’s notorious House of Pleasure—must pit her wits against the masked stranger who purchased her.  Although overwhelmed by her attraction to the man, Kat returns to her senses before he causes her utter ruin, bashes him over the head and escapes.

Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury—rake and master swordsman—is one scandal away from social ruin when he discovers his latest romp has compromised a lady.  He seeks out the fiery Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal and gain the wife he needs to carry on his family line.  Instead he finds his heart ensnared by the beauty who wields a sword as well as he.  Determined to marry her, Duncan uses desperate measures to convince Katarina that what began in scandal can become the marriage of her dreams.

Now, as promised!

THE SULTRY SUMMER SIZZLER CONTEST!

1) Subscribe to Jenna’s Journal–so you can check out my blogs, find out about other cool contests, and be the first to know when my newest works are coming out.

2) Leave me a question or a comment here at my blog below. Please also leave your email address so I can notify you in case you are a winner!

3) Go to my author page at FACEBOOK and say hello. If you like what you see, become a fan by “Liking” my page and adding me to your favorites.

PRIZES FOR THIS CONTEST:

1) Grand Prize: A $10.00 Amazon Gift Card and a .pdf copy of both Heart of Deception and Hog Wild!!!
2) First Place Prize: One winner will be chosen to receive a .pdf e-book Heart of Deception and Hog Wild!!!
3) Second Place Prizes: Multiple winners will be chosen to receive their choice of .pdf e-book Heart of Deception or Hog Wild!!!
4) Third Place Prizes: Multiple winners will be chosen to receive a gift from my romance hope chest!!!

Now continue your Sultry Summer Night at one of the other Tour stops below!  REMEMBER:  HAVE FUN!

IN CASE YOU’RE LOST
AND NEED TO GET BACK
TO THE BLOG HOP LINKY LIST,
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

Thanks so much for visiting Jenna’s Journal.
Hope your summer night continues to sizzle!
Posted in Blog Tours, Contests, On Almost Perfect, On Heart of Deception, On Hog Wild, On Only Scandal Will Do, On Seven Days of Seduction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Six Sentence Sunday 8/28–As Long As You’re Mine

We’re back once more for Six Sentence Sunday.  I truly appreciate everyone’s comments each week.  Thank you to all who choose to visit my blog.  I hope you’re having as much fun as I am.

This week, again we see the scene from As Long As You’re Mine, with Rafe and Samantha under the copper beech, escalate.

             “No, I do not wish to marry you, but after the trick you pulled last night, I have no choice.  You are ruined in the eyes of society and I will be also if I don’t marry you,” Rafael said, trying not to sound harsh, though bitterness at the situation stole into his tone.

            She began to pace wildly, gesturing with those expressive hands.  “I cannot believe you are so weak-willed that you will take a stranger to wife because it is what ‘honor’ calls for.”

            “From what I hear you’d like me if I were that weak-willed.”

            She whirled on him, gasping,  “How dare you, sir!”

I think the gloves are coming off. LOL  Get ready for sparks to fly.

Hope you’re still enjoying the six each week from As Long As You’re Mine. Next week we’ll see where we can go from here.

For more great snippets please go to Six Sentence Sunday.  Or join in the fun next week with six of your own.

And if you liked my six, perhaps you’d like some of my published work as well.  Heart of Deception, is available for purchase from Books To Go Now!, and Hog Wild from New Dawning International Bookfair.  Both are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance Ebooks.  I’ve also included the cover for my latest erotic contemporary, Almost Perfect, due out this fall/winter from Decadent Publishing!

Posted in On As Long As You're Mine, On Six Sentence Sunday, On Works in Progress, On Writing Historical Romance | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments