Cyn

Created by OnePlusYou - Online Dating

Okay, so I have a fighting chance....can you do better? I hope so!

Cyn

These simple instructions for making your own book thongs come from my good friend, Lena Austin.

 Please remember simple safety rules such as keeping small objects from children and keeping a lit candle on a flat surface away from flamable materials.

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A handmade version is easy to make. This thong is a loop of elastic thread with some large beads and/or charms. Here's the instructions:

1) Purchase from any craft store:
    1 large spool of elastic thread (your choice on colors)
    Several packets of beads and charms appropriate to the       books

2) Set up the beads in individual bowls or coffee cups. Set a lit candle aside.

3) Measure about 12" of elastic thread, and cut as many as you need ahead of time.

4) String a few beads and/or charms on a thread in a pleasing pattern. Tie both ends together, and use the strongest knot you can.

5) Burn the knot until it melts and fuses. Be careful! It's hot and melted. You can get burned easily.

6) Allow all the thongs to cool. Bag them in individual ziploc bags with your business card inside.

Alternate: If you remember the child's toy Shrinky Dinks, those shrinkable plastic sheets are still available. You could write your name and website, shrink 'em, and have very unique charms for your thongs.

I've been making book thongs for years. The loop version slips over the book to mark the page, but doesn't fall out.

The authors of Romancing the Blog have made some interesting points regarding the latest fiction scandal, the plagarism accusations surrounding Cassie Edwards.

As I've written elsewhere, the accusations are disturbing on several levels.  At this point all one can really do is vote with their finances either pro or con, and make sure they (if they write) don't fall into the same trap.

Many, many books tell us over and again there are truly only a few plots.  Many, many books tell us it is the way we present those plots that make them unique.  How many times have we been instructed using The Wizard of Oz movie as a template?  And how many books have we read that use The Wizard of Oz as a template that we don't even recognize the book as following that pattern because the author has done an excellent job of altering that pattern into something that fits his/her personality and writing style? 

Does it take effort to take a dress pattern and create a new gown, different from all the others out there, even if you are using the Vogue pattern?  Of course it does.  On a basic level, you change the material, change the notions, the color, maybe combine the sleeve of this pattern with the bodice of that (there are usually several patterns in a pattern envelope).  The more experienced you get, the less you may rely on the pattern, perhaps only using the most basic shape to get the sizing right, and using more to complete the project from your experience and imagination. 

As the authors of Romancing the Blog mentioned, it is getting easier all the time to use technology to verify information, search books, find examples of plagarism.  It is up to authors to be as ethical as possible and to create their own stories with a clear conscience, knowing they've tweaked, adjusted, accessorized in a way unique to themselves.

Collette glanced behind her.  Nothing.  She was sure she heard footsteps, but if someone had been following, she couldn't see them now.  Walking back to her apartment, after the restuarant closed was the worst thing about being a business owner. More than once she wished that Harlan Hamilton would offer to escort her the four blocks to her apartment, but not once in the eighteen months he'd been security for La Roca had he done so.

Around her the cold night air acted as a cloak.  How many times had she seen a scene like this in a movie?  A lone woman walking down a nearly deserted street without near enough streetlights.  Fog rolls in, blanketing everything with an air of mystery.  The quiet of the night gets quieter.  Then, the eerie tap, tap, tap of footsteps.  Footsteps that increase thier speed when she picks up hers; footsteps that decrease in speed when she slows.

Just like tonight.

She pulled her spring jacket a little closer and picked up her pace. Two blocks to go, and then she could bolt herself behind her apartment door, turn on all the lights and chase the fear away once more.  The reassuring thought did nothing to calm the eratic pounding of her heart or the raised hairs on her arms. 

She picked up her pace.

The tapping footsteps behind her sped as well.

Swiveling, Collette was sure she'd see who stalked her, who filled her with fear.  But, as before, nothing.

She turned her attention back to getting home.  Not far at all.

A figure loomed in the dark. 

Collette screamed, dodged to the right and ran.

Footsteps followed.

Not one pair, but now she could hear two.  Two distinctive pairs of pounding soles coming closer in the dark night.

I was thinking today that although I love writing, writing is also work.  Just like a job, you have to prioritize different components of the work. 

The biggest priority I see is time.  If you were working a traditional job, you would work set hours.  We need to do this with our writing as well.  It is too easy for other things to steal into our writing time so we must make it an unshakeable priority.  No excuses.

With a lot of jobs, you need to prepare as well.  Sometimes this is taking refresher classes, or getting certifications, maybe meeting a new educational requirement.  In writing, we need to prepare also.  We need to prepare our characters, knowing them inside out, as well, if not better than we know ourselves.  We also need to seek out further education regarding our craft.  There is always something to learn, someone to read or study to find out more about how we can be better writers.  Right now I am reading Story by Robert McKee and am learning, or perhaps relearning some basic tenets that belong in the concept of story.

We also need to know when to quit for the day.  Just like punching out, quiting at 5 to go home, writers need to learn to set some limits on their time so they can get away from the computer, refill their wells of creativity and relax.  As writers we need to read and we need to keep expanding our experiences.  Can't do that fastened into the desk chair.

As writers we are lucky.  We are lucky because we love our jobs.  We love sharing in our particular way our own truths through the vehicle of story.  We have one of the best jobs in the world.

Nicole Harvey, a reviewer at Paranormal Romance, had awesome things to say about my time travel book, This Time Forever.  This Time Forever is book 7 in a series that has been in the making for nearly two years by erotic romance writers affliated with Loose Id (see page 8 of listings under books by tie-in, series to see the collection).  Authors include Mechele Armstrong, Emily Veinglory,  A.J. Matthews, Ally Blue, Jeanne Barrack, Kai Anderson, Jade Rivers and Diane Charles Linford.

Here is a little excerpt from: The Collector 7: This Time Forever

Rand reached forward and yanked the material from beneath the slim fingers.

A whoosh escaped his lungs, half sigh, half gasp. Dropping his sword arm, he could do nothing but stare. “You’re dead.”

“Oh, please,” the vision implored. “I’m not quite ready to die yet.”

The husky voice was the same, but the trespasser before him looked different than his beloved. Small of stature and with short brown hair, piercing green eyes, and full, ripe lips, this person had the appearance of a young man. Yet, dressed differently, would this person look like Emma? The pale skin and vibrant eyes along with her voice drew forth the loneliness he’d buried deep when she passed. “Who are you?”

He sounded weak to his own ears. He forced himself to resume the stature and poise of a commander, to dam the well of memory that had gushed forth. “I’ll thank you not to keep me waiting as long as you did before.”

“Well, that couldn’t be helped.”

“Why is that?”

“I…I…was afraid.”

“As well you should be, lad-”

“What? I am not a boy!”

Rand’s forehead furrowed as he studied the person before him. “Step away from the curtain.”

He studied the figure before him. If this was a woman, he could see no evidence to her claim. “You wear the clothing of a man.”

Those green eyes narrowed and filled with anger. “Well, I don’t have a fucking dick!”

“No lady of my acquaintance would speak thus.”

“Bingo! Captain Queeg. I don’t know you from Adam, and I’m sure a real lady wouldn’t associate with you.” She sniffed the air. “You haven’t had a bath in ages.”

How dare this slip of a…whatever speak to him so! “I’ll have you prove your claim. But I warn you, should you be other than that which you state, I will run you through without a moment’s hesitation.”

For emphasis, he pressed the point of his sword against the lad’s throat, praying the memories evoked would subside. “Do not tarry. I lack patience.”

“So it seems,” came the saucy reply.

CAPA Nominated, EPPIE Finalist BLIND DEVOTION is the story of a woman living in jeopardy and a man chosen to protect her. Can a fighting priest save a woman once she's wakened, not one, but two mythical monsters?

Reviewers say:

A beautifully written tale of love, magic and faith, Ms. Storey has created a rich fantasy world that appeals to all of her reader's senses and tugs at the heartstrings. The conflict between Azari and Tor's feelings and the restrictions placed on them by society creates a gripping story that is sure to please anyone who loves a little magic mixed with their romance. Jennie, Enchanted Ramblings


Azari is a great character. She is confident and unwilling to sacrifice her strong will just to have a man. She would rather just remain a virgin until she finds a man who accepts her as she is. Tor is a strong man but he is unwilling to open himself to love since that would be sacrilegious towards his Goddess. Plus he has seen the suffering love can cause. When they first meet they are like oil and vinegar but Azari piques Tor’s interest because she doesn’t bow down and kiss his feet. Julie Esparza, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Ms. Lucynda Storey has written an exciting story with all the romance, danger, and suspense you could ask for. I admired Azari for her hard-headed determination to stand by her man against impossible odds. Tor’s inner struggles between his growing love for Azari and his vows as a priest will keep every reader second guessing the ending.        Kathy, Coffeetime Romance

'Blind Devotion,' is appropriately named because of Tor's love of the goddess. The setting is a world where magic exists…. The story tells how people can misinterpret ideas, changing the original beliefs. Tor is dedicated and willing to sacrifice what he desires for his beliefs. Azari understands Tor and although she would like to be with him, loves him enough to let go. The romance is passionate and beautifully expressed. Anita, The Romance Studio



Blurb:

When Azari runs from a wild animal, she has no idea her life is about to change irrevocably. Unwittingly, she has awakened two mythical beings intent on possessing her. Escaping to an isolated cabin, Azari meets an unlikely protector, Tor, the High Priest of Eiliki. Together, Azari and Tor face the greatest challenges of their lives – survival. Will Tor’s blind devotion to the Goddess prevent him from accepting the greatest gift he’s ever been given, or will the dogma of his religion and his own past keep him from making the right decision?


Excerpt:

Dear Goddess, when had his needs ever overtaken his senses before? Anger with himself propelled him through the trees along the rough trail he chose. Long ago, he’d made a vow that he would not develop an attachment to any woman yet here he was lusting after Azari like some sort of proprietary animal. A beast led by carnal desire.

He’d have her to her home soon. They’d warn the village of the impending danger and then he’d be done with her. Despite the visions he’d seen in the globe, Tor would walk away from her. Before his emotions followed his rod. Before he buried himself in her sweet, hot wetness again. And again. And again.

Dear Goddess. No. This was not happening. Abruptly he stopped and leaned against a siasma tree. The stringy bark peeled easily beneath his fingers. How could he serve the Goddess when his thoughts continually returned to making love to Azari?

“Are you alright?”

Her voice blanketed him with softness. He stared at the hand that touched his arm. The longing he’d been trying to bank leapt to full flame again. He snapped, “How can I be when you touch me?”

At that, she dropped her hand and resumed her trek through the woods. It was only when Tor saw her run that he realized the wound he’d dealt.

Tor gave chase. Pain lanced his heart when he caught her and saw the tears on her face. “Azari. I’m not worthy of your tears. I cannot give you what you desire.”

Defiantly, she lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. “What do I desire?”

Wiping away a tear with the pad of his thumb, he answered. “I know what you think. A home, family, love. I can give you none of those.”

“Don’t you want them?”

“I cannot want them.”

“Tor, the man, or Tor, the High Priest?”

“It’s not that simple, Azari. To want you for more than a vessel to spill my seed is sacrilege.”

“It didn’t stop you earlier.”

Around them, the sounds of the forest diminished, as if the animals prepared for a coming storm. “You used me, Azari. I willingly allowed it. Even after I told you the loss of your virginity would not alter, for reasons I don’t comprehend, the course of the dragon and cevere. Even after you saw for yourself the truth in the crystal.”

“And what if I want more?”

The truth tore through him. She did, indeed, want more. She wanted his love, something he’d given no other human since Salmond’s death. Her innocence and trust in him called to him, but he couldn’t allow himself to fall into dream she created. “It changes nothing.”

“I don’t care about the High Priest.”

“You must,” he replied, agony in his simple words.

She stroked her hand down his chest, down to his inner thigh. “I want Tor the man.”

If she fell in love with him, it would make it too easy to love her back, and that he would not do to either of them. He grabbed her wrist and wrenched her hand away. He had to stop this madness. “You have Tor, the High Priest. It’s time you remembered that.”

“You don’t think that way, I know it.”

Through lips held tight, he ground out, “You know nothing, Azari. The Goddess is my companion, not you.” He had to make her see that a relationship with him was not possible. He belonged to another, and his burgeoning feelings for the spitfire had to be dampened. He had to drive her emotionally away from him if either of them would live. “You are nothing but a vessel to be used for the conception of my child.”

The ramifications of their relationship were agonizingly simple. He had to make her see what loving him would do to her.

With deliberate coldness in his voice he continued, “A child that will be taken from you at birth and raised by another. An infant you will not be allowed to see once you’ve given birth. This is what you will receive for your union with me.”

He grabbed her shoulder and forced himself to look her directly in the eyes. He enunciated each word. “Nothing more.”

He watched her face. The confidence of a moment ago disappeared, replaced by a fresh injury.

“I do not believe this,” she whispered.

Neither do I, his heart ached to confess. In one short day, Azari had shown him the possibility of life with a real flesh and blood woman.

Tears glistened in her green eyes. His heart twisted, but he had to be as hard as the rocks that weakened the bottom of the canoe they’d left behind. The pain she’d endure now would be nothing compared to what she’d suffer if she persisted in the delusion of a mutual love they’d never share.

“It matters not what you believe. My life is what it is, given in service to Eiliki.” He delivered his final blow. “Don’t touch me, Azari, ever again, without my leave.”

www.lucyndastorey.com

BLIND DEVOTION available TODAY

What's happening in the world of erotic romance writer Lucynda Storey?  Well, I'm pretty excited to announce that my time travel, blazingly hot romance, This Time Forever, is about to be released from Loose Id.  The story centers on Skylar Creighton a contemporary woman diagnosed with terminal cancer and Captian Rand Edward Jamison, a pirate from the early 18th century.

Rand believes Sklyar is the reincarnation of his deceased wife...almost.  Skylar knows Rand to be the pirate she's fallen in love with through the pages of an old book.  Is there a way for these two to merge their different eras and find a way to be together? This Time Forever?

The research I did for this story was absolutely intense.  Of course, during the intense searching I discovered a lot of misinformation in the movies based on Pirates of the Caribbean.  Of course, that is the liberty one can take when basing a story off an amusement park ride.  And, surprisingly, the movie did get a few things right.  The Endeavor and the Black Pearl bore a remarkable resemblance to vessels of the 18th and 19th centuries (although I'm sure the real seafarers amongs us will discover the inaccuracies onboard); a navigator was of surpreme importance to any ship; and as noted in the lastest release, pirates, some quite notable, existed world-wide.

There are several excellent works I referenced from children's activity books to scholarly tomes.  My favorite was released in 1995 by David Cordingly, a Harcourt, Brace and Company release entitled Under the Black Flag (The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates).

During my research one of the more surprising finds was the discovery of the destruction of Port Royal in the early 1690's by a devastating earthquake and the ensuing tidal wave.  Long a pirate haven until this act of nature, Port Royal finally resurfaced under the British flag to prosecute pirates in the early 1700's.  In fact, the heyday of pirates came to an end with the appointment of Woodes Rogers as a governor of the Bahamas and the man determined to cleanse the Bahamas of pirates.  While he didn't succeed one hundred percent, his activities eradicated many of the pirates.  Port Royal once a sanctuary for pirates now was a place where they were hung as the movie depicts.

Another surprising discovery was what pirates valued.  Always looking for the next bag of gold, their most precious commodity was not booty but rather the tools by which they navigated.  Chief among these were their navigational charts.  Often when another vessel was attacked, it was to the captain's stateroom that the pirates sought this precious treasure.  Jack Sparrow's compass; the maps andcharts were what led these adventurers to what they considered the next best thing.

In writing This Time Forever, I hoped to give the reader a little taste of what life was like for a pirate but more importantly, I wanted to let readers experience what it might be like to love one of these seadogs.  I hope the erotic romance delivers what we all look for when we fantasize what it might be like to fall for a pirate like Jack Sparrow.

Our dear encourager, Emma, from the UK, asked about writers and traveling.  Her questions were as follows:

Have you done much travelling at all, if so where was the

a) best place you've ever been to and why?

b) the worst place and why?

c) the weirdest place and why?

d) did you incorporate any of your experiences with travelling in your books at all?

To answer Emma's question I would have to say that Ireland was one of the most awesome places I've visited.  I loved the countryside, loved the ocean, the green, the castles, the people.  Wasn't too fond of the food, but I suspect if you lived there you'd find a way to adjust!

I've also traveled to several of the former Eastern Bloc countries.  I loved Prague, but I truly thought the area around Warsaw, Poland was stunning.

The weirdest place I've been?  I'd have to say the Dublin, Ireland airport where I "witnessed" an armed robbery.  That might be tied, though, with the taxi I was in when I visited New York City that backed up on the highway to get off on an exit!

The worst place?  I can't say there was really a "worst" place although I have no overwhelming desire to return to Berlin.  It just didn't impress me all that much.

So, do I use the places I visit in my novels?  Absolutely!  Watchtowers Water was set in western Ireland and so was Reynardine.