Romance with SASS

Love Erotic Vampire Romances? Come Chat!

Margie Church — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:21:50 GMT

Join me today at 3:00 CST (21:00 UK time) to meet members of VampireErotica. This group is serious about their vampires. Nothing playful and sparkly about their dark lovers. We'll be talking about my two books:

...and the characters that drive these books, and anything else they want to talk about. YOU are welcome to join us if you love this genre. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet other readers and have some fun, too. (Click on the cover images to find out more about these books. You can also read excerpts and reviews on my website.)

To participate, come back to this blog. On the upper right side of my banner, you'll see CHAT AVAILABLE. Click. It's that simple. My blog sometimes hates Mozilla as a browser. If you use it, like I do, be persistent. Come back a few times and it'll let you in. Otherwise, try a different browser like Explorer. We'll be around for an hour or two.

I hope you'll come by for a bloody good time, as Lia Carla always says.

Margie

Writing Duo - Brenda Woody & Steve Tindle

Margie Church — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:25:40 GMT

Please welcome Brenda and Steve to Romance with SASS. This writing duo also is married. Yes, you read that right...work together and married...in the same house...and they have a darn good time doing all of it, too. This prolific team released five books in the past 6 months. How do they do it? This fun-loving couple shares what makes them tick, and about their newest book, Rainie's Lake. You could win a copy!

What is your biggest joy as writers?

Brenda: Hi Margie! Thank you for having us on your blog. I’m Brenda Woody, better-half of and co-author with Steve Tindle. For me, it was a joy when the publisher reverted the rights for Best Lover in Town, our first novella. Steve and I re-edited and re-released with a new cover. The cover actually won 1st place for Hottest Cover in a contest with Book Nook on Facebook. We’ve sold more of BLT than we did with pub-house.

Steve: I’m Steve Tindle. My joy is writing with Brenda. I enjoy talking plots and building characters, and the sex scene research is always fun. *grins*

What are your biggest challenges as writers?

Brenda: Meeting our own deadlines. I know we need to market our books and that takes up a lot of our time, when we really should be writing. And staying off Twitter and Facebook – LOL yes, we’re addicted.

Steve: Getting the story on the computer. We talk about the storyline for weeks, and even write notes on the computer, but getting from notes to complete story is a challenge.

Tell me about the craziest plot you never wrote.

Brenda: Steve had this idea for a story for characters kind of like Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head. Instead of ears, eyes and arms, there would be sexual organs of all shape and sizes. LOL I said, “No Way!”

Steve: I've had many storylines that have been shot down by Brenda as featured works. Gnat & Flo (Temptation Triggers) was a story Brenda couldn't see work until I wrote up the draft. Anyone who feels unseen things on their skin can relate to this cute story. Come on readers, tell Brenda in the comments you want the Potato story to be written. LOL

Do your characters speak to you?

Brenda: Yes! Even when I’m supposed to be in a deep slumber, they are acting out scenes in my head. This is why I keep a pen and notepad on my nightstand.

Steve: I wouldn't say they talk to me, but Brenda and I talk about them all the time. Sometimes while watching TV shows or listening to music a phrase we hear will spark a conversation about a character. We also have discussions with friends and fans about scenes to see where their thoughts take us.

Plotter or a pantser and why?

Brenda: We outline each story: beginning, middle and end. But then when it’s getting toward release time we are pantsers!

Steve: Once the outline is complete, we write the sex scenes and add the fluff to make the story smooth.

Do you have to get in the mood to write a love scene?

Brenda: Love scenes come very natural to Steve and me. We have a very close relationship and openly discuss sex.

Steve: We're always in the mood for a good sex scene. Since we openly discuss sex we feed each other with point of views. Research is continuously interesting with Brenda. We add interesting sex scenes to be part of the story. Like in Rainie's Lake, the artist uses body paint to set up the scene.

Describe your muse and your relationship with your muse.

Brenda: Our muse is a hot tub; which is not in operation right now. *frowns* Steve can answer the rest of the question.

Steve: We use the hot tub to get away from all the electronics around the house. We enjoy sitting in the tub talking about our works in progress and come up with new stories lines. We are working to get our muse operational so we can once again return to our normal routine.

What is your favorite time of day to write?

Brenda: We both are nocturnal so late evening is our best time to write.

Steve: It's great having someone who shares my schedule. I've always been a night owl; it's quite, and most people are sleeping so the cell doesn't ring.

Describe your writing year so far, and what's on the horizon.

Brenda: Since it’s only February, I’ll include last year. We released 5 books between June 2011 and January 2012; which includes re-release of BLT. Rainie’s Lake, our latest release, has already received two 5 star reviews. Our future projects include Scarlett’s Cowboy, Triangle of Secrets, Book 2 & 3.

Steve: Not just writing but we also interview other authors, post blogs, and have two websites we maintain that promotes other authors by creating banners, trailers, and bookmarks, etc. We stay busy.

What is your favorite movie?

Brenda: Twister! I missed my calling long ago. I should have been a storm chaser. LOL

Steve: I have several movies I enjoy, but the one I like the best would be The Big Chill. I like the music through out the movie and the story line, friends getting together after years being apart. Mmm, kinda sounds like my and Brenda's life.

And now for the new book! The cover grabbed my attention a few weeks ago, and I had to find out more about Rainie's Lake.

Taking a long over due vacation, Art Instructor, Dylan Bishop is eager to start his trip to the cabin in the mountains. When he saw the photo online with the rental ad, he knew this was his destination. Being drawn to the lake nestled behind the cabin with a private dock, Dylan hopes to regain his inspiration to paint.

His vacation takes an erotic turn when he meets Rainie Marks on a foggy morning by the dock. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. However, there is sadness and a mystery about her. Finding his inspiration, he sketches her one evening and unable to resist the passion that has sparked between them, Rainie and Dylan share a sensual night together.

When Rainie tells him the truth about her past and the lake, the mystery she hides unfolds. The key to everything is the lake. Will Dylan be able to help her put the past to rest?

Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Rainies-Lake-ebook/dp/B006YG7KH0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326821218&sr=1-1

Contest: I love books that are filled with angst and suspense. This sounds like a good one and one lucky winner can get a copy of Rainie's Lake! Tell Brenda and Steve about your favorite kind of mystery lover or mystery encounter and you could win.

Brenda & Steve: Margie, thank you for featuring us on your blog. It was fun! This is our backyard in beautiful Savannah, Georgia! Come by sometime.

Something tells me if that was my backyard, I wouldn't care about the hot tub. Thanks for visiting with all of us. Okay, people enter the contest and check out Brenda and Steve at these places. And don't forget to check out their back list, too.

Keep up with Brenda and Steve:

Facebook Fan page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Authors-Brenda-Woody-Steve-Tindle/155085384532803

Blogger http://brenda-steve.blogspot.com/

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

Website http://brendawoodyandstevetindle.webs.com/

Purchase their books on these sites:

Amazon http://tinyurl.com/3da3vkb
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/brendaandsteve
All Romance http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Brenda+Woody+and+Steve+Tindle
Xcite Books: http://tinyurl.com/6hxzrjg
Temptation Triggers on B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/temptation-triggers
TT on Fictionwise http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b123962/Temptation-Triggers/Steve-Tindle/?

Margie Church wins author, best book awards

Margie Church — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:44:00 GMT

It is with a huge smile on my face that I get the privilege of saying I WON!
Hard as Teak was chosen 2011 GLBT Book of the Year
and
I was chosen 2011 GLBT Author of the Year
in the recent contest held by Loves Romances Cafe.

This is such a thrill. I've never been nominated for these kinds of awards before, and to win in both categories is pretty darn amazing. The competition was very tough; all the books and other authors equally deserving.

If you haven't read this erotic m/m coming out story, I invite you to read the first few chapters on Amazon. Click the banner to get there fast. You also can read excerpts and see reviews on my website by clicking the CONTEMPORARY EROTICA tab.

Hard as Teak has brought me a lot of joy thanks to you. I hope you'll look for my next erotic gay romance, Krewe Daddy. This book features Drew from Hard as Teak and Kevin and Teak make several appearances, too. It'll be released February 27, from Noble Romance.

Thanks again for making 2012 start out so fantastic.

Until the next time,
Margie

Welcome Rebecca Besser - Zombie, Sci-Fi Author

Margie Church — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

I'm so pleased to have my friend, Rebecca Besser stop by for a visit today. This lovely woman writes the scariest horror, sci-fi and zombie books you'd want to read. The french maid on my banner took the day off - she's chicken like me. Please welcome my friend and enjoy her wonderful talent. I'll leave ALL the lights on.

Hi, I'm Rebecca Besser, author of the zombie novella, Undead Drive-Thru. I write fiction, nonfiction and poetry for a wide range of age groups and genres. I've been published over 140 times in various publication. To learn more about me feel free to visit my website: http://www.rebeccabesser.com or my blog: http://blog.rebeccabesser.com. You can also find me on Facebook under: Rebecca Besser or Author/Editor Rebecca Besser. I'm also on Twitter under: @BeccaBesser.

Now to answer the dreaded interview questions!

1. Do your characters speak to you?
Yes. I also have the ability to 'become' my characters while I'm writing them. I literally embody them and start thinking like they would, etc. It get pretty interesting sometimes. I'll often be at my keyboard crying or laughing hysterically because I'm journeying with the characters. I sincerely believe that if they're real to me, they'll be real to the reader.

2. What inspires your stories most often?
Random thoughts. I have an overactive brain and imagination. Heck, the other night I got an idea for a story just looking at my foot that had peeked out from under the blanket I was snuggling under. LOL

3. Describe your writing year so far and what's on the horizon.
This past year my zombie novella, “Undead Drive-Thru,” was released. I've also had a few stories published in various anthologies, and I've edited a novel and an anthology. I'm currently preparing a short story collection I hope to have published in 2012. My online serial, “Nurse Blood,” will be published in book form once it's run it's course, with “extras” included. There are collaboration projects and other things going on behind the scenes too. I'm always busy!

The anthology, “Earth's End,” which is a Scifi Apocalyptic anthology, is the one I edited this past year and it'll be release from Wicked East Press in January of 2012!

My story, “The Olden Gears,” is included in Earth's End. Here's an excerpt from my story:
"He drove faster, but everywhere he looked there was more destruction.

With numb fingers, he reached over and turned on the radio to see if there was any news about what was going on; it took him a couple of minutes before he could find a radio station that was still on the air.

“...Overnight the world has been bombarded with attacks by the elderly. On every continent, in almost every country, they’ve taken lives at will, showing no mercy...”

Looking out around him, he tried to decide how he was going to make it home. Almost every street was blocked off by accidents, and everywhere he looked, someone was being slaughtered; his attention focused back on the radio as they continued.

“...Medical experts are saying the cause of the outbreak and behavior in their elderly patients is linked to the chemical compound used in the ‘lubrication’ of the ReGen ‘parts’ surgically implanted; the chemical was supposed to act as synthetic blood. Once it leaks into the real blood system, it targets certain parts of the brain and triggers uncontrollable, aggressive behavior...”" ~ The Olden Gears by Rebecca Besser - Earth's End

4. Tell us something unexpected about yourself.
Despite my eccentric personality, I'm very serious at heart.

5. When I die, I want people to say this about me . . .
That I was real, honest, and loved with all my being.

6. Chick flicks or action/adventure?
Acton/Adventure all the way! I do like chick flicks one in awhile, but I love Action, Fantasy, Scifi, and Comedies!

7. The thing that makes me want to go postal.
Stupid and/or rude people. I want to beat them senseless!

CONTEST: Would you like to win a free copy of Earth's End???

On March 1^st I'll be having a drawing to give away a copy of Earth's End signed by me. Everyone who comments on my Earth's End post at one of the stops on my tour will be enter into the drawing (one entry per person, per blog), so you have a chance to win at every stop along the way. The very last post of the tour will be on my blog and will announce the winner (on March 1st). So, stop by as many blogs as you possibly can to increase your chances to win a copy of the book!

I will announce each posting/blog stop on Facebook and Twitter. So, if you aren't my friend or following me...you better start if you want to win.

Thanks for sharing your work and your wonderful humor with us, Rebecca. I recommend that you take her advice about the contest - she has tons of those zombie types just waiting to chomp on your ass if you don't. I'm just sayin....

Margie

P.S. Voting continues through 1/23 for Books of the Year and Author of the Year honors. Hard as Teak, my gay coming out story is nominated for GLBT Book of the Year and yours truly is nominated as GLBT Author of the Year. My book was on the Amazon top 100 bestselling gay/lesbian books for over 100 days. It still appears on the top 100 erotica novels. I'd love to win in both categories. Voting can be done here. One vote only. There's nothing to join. Thank you so much for your support.

Voting Info for Margie Church Book/Author of Year

Margie Church — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:10:03 GMT

I'm thrilled to be nominated in TWO Best Of Categories

GLBT Author of the Year
Hard as Teak, GLBT Book of the Year

The voting takes place on Dawn's Reading Nook, starting January 16, beginning at 8 a.m. EST (USA Time) until January 24, 2012. No early voting will be allowed.

Link to voting is: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com You vote by commenting on the blog. In other words, you comment that you are nominating me in GLBT Book of the Year. Then you go to GLBT Author of the Year segment and comment there.

ONE VOTE PER PERSON IN EACH CATEGORY. No multiple comments under different names, etc. No anonymous comments will be allowed. There is nothing to join in order to vote.

Hard as Teak was my first, but not my last, foray into the gay romance genre. It is very gratifying to have it nominated for GLBT Book of the Year at Loves Romances Cafe. It also was in the top 100 bestselling gay/lesbian erotic romances on Amazon for over 100 days. It was a Top Pick at Night Owl Reviews, Book of the Week at Whipped Cream Reviews and has received more than 60 reader reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. Authors dream of having a book like Hard as Teak and I am very grateful for my moments in the sun. Thank you readers; thank you Noble Romance Publishing, and Bryl Tyne, my editor.

Being nominated in the GLBT Author of the Year category is a tremendous honor. I guess I'm used to competing title against title every day, but this time, I see my friends and colleagues here. They inspire me and I'm honored to be chosen with them.

Nevertheless, I'd like your vote in these two categories. Tell everyone you know who knows me and loves books to vote. Please wish me luck. Thank you very much.

Margie

Hard as Teak 2011 GLBT Best Book Nominee

Margie Church — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:04:50 GMT

I am thrilled and honored to have my erotic m/m romance, Hard as Teak, be nominated as Best GLBT Book at Love Romances Cafe. I've had one adventure after another with this book. Hard as Teak was on Amazon's bestselling erotic gay/lesbian books for 100+ days. It's also a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick and Book of the Week at Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews.

In addition to this honor, I have been nominated as 2011 GLBT Author of the Year. The competition is deserving in these categories; many are my friends, yet I'm hopeful that when voting opens in a few weeks, you'll lend me your wonderful support as you have in the past.

Thanks to Noble Romance Publishing for contracting this book and to Bryl Tyne for being my editor on Hard as Teak.

What an amazing way to end 2011!

Best regards,
Margie Church

New Romances by Margie Church

Margie Church — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:20:47 GMT

my sister,
the river, tells me
of her past-
I then tell her
of my future...

My co-author for Nopeming Shores, J. Andrew Lockhart, gifted me with that tanka to help me set the tone for 2012. It's opening before me, full of adventures to share with my readers and friends.

In the first quarter –

RAZOR with K.B. Cutter

Blurb: Amy and Bryce don't live the D/s lifestyle, but Bryce is every bit the dominant in the bedroom. And Amy's had enough of it. She takes a drastic step to help Bryce see that being a switch can be a very good thing.

K.B. Cutter lends his wonderful talent for psychological and dark drama to this story. He also was instrumental in developing Bryce's character. Believe me, Bryce has an ego the size of Mount Rushmore in the bedroom, and he's not going to give in easily. K.B. makes sure every dark thought and snarl is felt when he's cornered, and reveals every bit of passion for his wife when he's near her.

I had the honor of developing the storyline arc for the first segment and writing the female characters. Yes, that's a plural. Amy may be a meek name, but this woman has surprising determination and secrets. When she makes her bold suggestion to Bryce, she does it with an open mind and a lot of confidence many women wouldn't have. I suppose it helps that she has more than one ulterior motive.

RAZOR is a very intense, explicit drama. The first installment comes as part of a BDSM anthology, Bound by Love, from Sizzler Editions. We expect the release the first week of February.

After that, K.B. and I will flesh out a full novel. RAZOR has way too many exciting possibilities to end at 9,000 words. The story will explore the D/s lifestyle and include aspects not commonly written about in typical romances. RAZOR will arouse and entice you in ways you won't expect.

Krewe Daddy by Margie Church

Blurb: Luis is the Daddy, a sought after lover, with an ego to match the mammoth-sized Mardi Gras floats he designs. His lifestyle and reputation are wearing him out, but Luis can't find a satisfying way to break the cycle and be happy, too.

Drew's insecurities pushed him to have a foolish affair six years ago. It destroyed his relationship with Luis and he's never been able to commit to anyone since. He's taken control of his life and changed his submissive personality by becoming a model for Kevin Marks, and a wildlife enforcement agent in New Orleans.

These men haven't forgotten each other or settled their differences. They accidentally meet in a gay bar, and the years of regret, anger, and pent-up emotions bubble to the surface. Their passion is as hot as ever, their mistrust just as potent. When Drew's future is in Luis' hands, will he choose love or his lifestyle?

Drew is a character you should remember from Hard as Teak. He is the one who got away and this is his story of redemption. Krewe Daddy is an erotic m/m romance that will be released February 27, from Noble Romance. With any luck, it'll be a bestseller the way Hard as Teak was!

Sequel to The 18^th Floor

Also promised for the first half of the year is this piece. If you enjoy erotic BDSM romance, check out the first book now, and watch for another featuring the delicious Alexa and her beloved, Dom, Sebastian.

One Night Stand

This short story is still vegging in the recesses of my brain. (Can't be that far back cuz I'm blond.) My pals Kate and Val have been waiting more than a year for me to fork one of these over. I'll get 'er done this year.

Conferences

I'm thinking about several – Romance Times, Erotic Authors Association, Gay Authors, and a couple of reader events. My goal is to get in front of more readers this year, so any opportunity to do that will be higher on my radar.

I hope you will enjoy these books and keep in touch. Watch for excerpts and snippets on my website very soon. Buy all my titles on Amazon.

Thanks for your friendship and for being a fan. Happy New Year.

Margie

Thanks for 2011

Margie Church — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:30:50 GMT

Silent nights let me reflect on the many gifts I've been given. This year has been filled with them and I can't let the day pass without saying thank you for:

Being a friend and a fan. Whether we pass each other on the sidewalk or only in cyber halls, you are important to me. It's gratifying to know that others appreciate my work, and I get a huge thrill out of hearing from readers. Please keep it up.

All the laughs. My day isn't complete unless I have a chance to take a naughty jab at someone or make someone bust out laughing. Thanks for being a good sport and sending some giggles my way, too. I love it when you post on my wall, Tweet to me, or comment on my blogs.

For opportunities. Hard as Teak hit the bestseller lists and stayed there for months. I made new friends and gained great insights at the Erotic Authors Association Convention. I had an amazing trip to New York City as a guest of the Obsessed Book Club Chicks. I loved meeting fellow authors and readers who have become friends. Two signings. Meeting readers face-to-face and autographing their books is something most authors dream of.

Top: With Sascha Illyvich Above: With J.S. Wayne at the EAA convention)

For your help. Several of you are beta readers and many of you have provided key information to me to help me craft believable and accurate plots and characters. Since I really hate research, you all make my job much more enjoyable.

(Love Bites and Dangerous Love required tremendous research.)

For new books and contracts. I'll keep writing the best books I can possibly write for you. Watch for two new titles in February - RAZOR with K.B. Cutter, and Krewe Daddy.

For dreams. What lies ahead is unknown, but I wish each of you a wonderful 2012 laced with love, laughter, and all the people and things that give you the greatest joy.

Love, Margie (Bryant Park, New York City)

Knocking Oaks - FREE Read

Margie Church — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:42:58 GMT

The huff of my dog's snorts broke the silence as she moved through snow-covered field. The fresh powder didn't even have enough light to glisten this morning. The sun was too sleepy to shove the clouds away. I trudged along a walking path near the Mississippi. Nearing its banks, I felt the bite of winter's wrath on my cheeks, which had been frostbitten years earlier.

I warned off my dog."You go on."

She'd gone after some geese two years ago and fell in. I'll never forget watching her wrestling with life and death while dragging herself onto an ice floe. I'd have been devastated to watch her die that way. Today, she shook the loose snow off her body and took off in a safer direction.

Overhead, bare tree branches moved by an invisible hand. The red oak leaves had fallen off months ago. The white oaks shivered in the breeze, making a crisp sound. The branches knocked against each other.

I froze in my tracks and waited to hear the sound again. "Are you here?" My voice sounded fearful, anxious.

In the rush of the wind, his words carried to my mind, speaking to me in a voice nearly forgotten. "I am."

My chin quivered. "It's been such a long time."

"I know. How are you?"

I looked at the gray-bark trees, gnarled with age and disease. I imagined he looked like them in some ways. "I'm okay."

"Show me."

I silently reminisced about the past year.

A moment later, his laugh, similar to mine, echoed in my conscience. "I hear the babbling brook." His pause was lengthy. "You had a lot of fun this year."

I nodded.

"The boys are growing. Each of them got a deer. I would have liked to see that."

"They're marksmen like their father. Like you were, though you never used a bow and arrow."

"The places you visited; the people you've met; the things you've done. You've become someone I never dreamed of."

I choked up. "Is that a good thing? You never told me whether you had any dreams for me."

"It's a good thing. What father wouldn't have good dreams for their child?"

"You never said, and you've been gone most of my life now." I shrugged, the direction of the conversation unlike any other we'd previously had.

"The brook is the laughter. Tell me about the rest."

His voice always held a tenor of authority. He never could be any other way, I guess.

My dog ran up and nuzzled my leg. I patted her head and she scampered off to sniff for things buried under the snow.

"Not today, okay? You were there. People and love died; the haters lived. Throw another log onto the pyre. It seems such a waste of time to try to care about anyone too much these days."

"Cynicism doesn't suit you. It's not your nature at all."

Tears welled in my eyes.

"I hear the babbling brook again."

I sniffled. "Tears are tears in joy or sorrow."

"And a brave smile is still a smile."

"I'm disappointed in humanity, dad."

"So you're going to get out the bricks and mortar and reinforce the walls?"

"I've thought about it—a lot." The ground blurred with tears as I looked at my boots and kicked the loose snow.

"I doubt you'll be happy with so much concrete around your heart. How will the boys and your husband even get in?"

I wiped my cheek with the back of my mitten-covered hand. "I'll give them a key." Looking at the branches swaying in a breeze I couldn't feel at ground level, I imagined them being his chest, moving in and out as he breathed.

"And?"

"When they get tired of me, I'll take the keys back, just like I did with the others."

"Aren't you the dramatic one! You won't be alone."

My anger rose. "I'm fine with my own company, just like you were."

"I was miserable."

I crooked an eyebrow. "Tell me about it. I lived with you."

"Break the cycle. Let them in, even if it hurts."

"Even if they abandon me?"

"They don't know what they missed. It's their loss. Be someone else's hero."

I could barely speak. "But it feels like my chest is being crushed every time I think about it." Tears dripped down my cheeks. "It shouldn't be this way. I'm an idiot for caring, and yet I keep doing it again and again." A humorless chuckle left my lips. "There must be some kind of treatment program for people like me."

"Naw, you're just trying to find your way, like everyone else."

"Is it ever lonely where you are?"

"No. There's a sense of peace and inclusion that I never had on Earth."

"That's good to know, because the haters rule here."

"Don't quit trying. Sometimes you win and sometimes—"

"You lose."

"I was going to say, you don't."

"The new year is coming, and it'll bring some huge endings and challenges."

"I know. Meet them with a smile and a strong heart. I'll be around."

Surprised, my mood brightened. "Really? When?"

"Whenever the oaks knock."