Donuts and Desires

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Writing Made Me A Better Person

2012-01-26T14:14:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I look back on the person I was before I became a writer and I shake me head. If I met that person today, I wouldn't want to hang out with her. I would think she was mean and bitchy and tremendously callous. I wouldn't want to be her friend.

Of course, me being me, I have access to all my memories and experiences. I can psychoanalyze myself and explain away certain tendencies and behaviours. But part of my establishment of Self involved getting a job in business... in downtown Toronto... right out of university. As other Canadians will freely tell you, a lot of people in business in downtown Toronto are not so nice. Maybe we're talking on a Canadian scale here, but nevertheless, working in business plunked me right up against some crazy fucks.

I figure there are only two directions you can go when your clients are assholes. No, I just changed my mind. There are three:

1) You can become meek and submissive, just hoping if you keep your head down low enough and don't stop apologizing, they might not yell at you today. 2) You can have a complete emotional shut-down, so that you just don't care if you're being chewed out every day. 3) You can become an asshole too.

For me, it was a combination of 2 and 3, I think. Maybe I'm being a touch hard on myself, and of course there are always other factors at play, but before I started writing, I just wasn't a very nice person.

Let's skip ahead a few years to the days when I've just started writing and submitting my work to publishers. No, let's skip even further forward to the days when my work has been accepted for publication and I'm started to get those "join our author yahoo group" links.

I came into publishing quite naively, but I distinctly remember thinking, "Everybody's going to be ruthless. Everybody's out to get me. Everybody wants their book to sell and mine to fail."

I don't believe that anymore. Sure, I'm aware of those few and far between authors who will trash competitors' books on Amazon, but from what I've encountered, authors in the romance/erotic fiction genres are the absolute best and most giving people... ever!

When I was a novice, just coming into writing professionally, I had no idea what to expect. What I found, at every turn, were other authors willing to help. No, WANTING to help. Because we all remember what it felt like to know nothing and feel insignificant. I couldn't believe how at home I felt with other writers. I thought they'd be mean, because I was used to people being mean to me. Instead, I found I'd stumbled upon the most giving, loving, generous, and caring people I'd ever encountered.

And other authors' generosity encouraged me to be generous too. As soon as I'd established a blog I opened it up for interviews and granted authors lots of free promo opportunities. So many people in this industry went above and beyond for me. When you're not used to "nice," "nice" can be a thing of inspiration.

My change in attitude has extended out into other aspects of my life too. As an author, you're bound to get some bad reviews along the way, and god knows I've had my fair share. I know how it impacts me when somebody out there in the world, somebody who doesn't know me and maybe doesn't even realize I'm a real person, says something scathing or cruel or just plain... mean.

That hurts. As a result, I'm now very careful how I talk about other people, even if they are celebrities to some degree. Twitter makes it very easy to hear what others are saying about us, and I would never, never want to make another human being feel as down as I have felt at times.

I think about other people now. I really didn't do that before I started writing professionally. I care about people I've never met. I want other authors to succeed. I want other people to feel happy and proud of their accomplishments, not depressed or ashamed.

I care about other people. I'm excited about other authors' projects. I want them to have great sales and great reviews. That's how writing made me a better person.

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Call for Submissions: Sex: Unknown, A Digital Zine By and For Intersex Folks

2012-01-25T14:55:00.001-05:00

Today, a call for subs for those of you who identify as intersex. Get writing!

Call for Submissions! Deadline April 1, 2012

SEX: UNKNOWN
A Digital Zine By and For Intersex Folks

Call for Submissions! Deadline: April 1, 2012
*Please forward widely*

As intersex people, we often feel alienated from queer and trans communities, our identities invisibilized within the discourse of “LGBT.” Because our experiences are portrayed as highly medicalized conditions in most forms of popular media, we want to give voice to our personal experiences and create a more complete picture of our emotional and social lives as intersex folks.

Our purpose is to create a digital zine in which to share our stories and our struggles, build a network of community support and foster transformative healing. We want to show a broad spectrum of our backgrounds with regards to race, ethnicity, class, sex, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation and nationality. This is about who we are and how we feel. We are not alone.

We invite self-identified intersex folks to send us stories, poems, narratives and visual art pieces on the feelings, experiences and struggles of living in our sexes/genders. What does intersex mean to you? How does being intersex affect your relationships with family, friends and partners? What is your experience to coming out? How do you connect to your sex and/or gender?

Send us your poems, stories, memoir/autobiography/non-fiction or other writings (limit 1,500 words, as .DOC attachments) and visual art (as .JPG attachments) to intersex.zine [at] gmail [dot] com. Please submit no more than 5 pieces total. Include your preferred name, location, age and email address. Anonymous submissions are acceptable. Let us know if your pieces have been previously published. We look forward to connecting with you!

DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2012

The Editors:
This project is put together with love by a group of queer POC writers and activists living in Oakland and Berkeley, California. Chi Mei Tam is an intersex genderqueer Chinese American immigrant who grew up in Oakland. She is a passionate organizer for social and economic justice, specifically for immigrant and queer communities. Dylan Casama is a tomboyish boy Pinoy. He writes intersex love and ghost stories. See him published at http://www.theintersection.org/iwl/2011. Jai Arun Ravine is a trans-identified mixed race Thai American artist and ally to the intersex community. They are excited to support Chi Mei and Dylan in the production and design of this zine.

Justine Elyot Guest Post: Anything But Vanilla

2012-01-24T01:27:00.000-05:00

Guess who's here? It's Justine Elyot, with a guest post called 'Anything But Vanilla.' I'm handing it over. Here I go. Here she is:

Vanilla was just a flavour of ice-cream when I first took an interest in BDSM. And
BDSM wasn't called BDSM then, either. It was the sexier, but more misleading,
S&M. How it delighted me that this was an inversion of my mother's favourite shop,
M&S. In a way, it still does. (Though her favourite shop is John Lewis now – not
much perversion potential there.)

But S&M wasn't right – I'm not and never will be a masochist. I don't find pain
sexually arousing. But I do like BDSM. From my late teens onward I got my hands on
a variety of kinky classics and devoured them like ripe melons in the desert, though I
made sure nobody else saw me at the feast. From The Story of O to its more modern
counterpart, Carrie's Story, I lapped it up.

But then the internet happened, and I started to wonder if I really liked BDSM as
much as I thought. I found a site with stories on, but they were, in the main, far more
extreme than anything I fantasised about. I wasn't interested in being suffocated with
polythene, for instance, or undergoing extreme torture. I read a number of things that
disturbed me at the time, though I'd never question the writers' right to publish them.
All the same, I retreated a bit and looked for tamer pastures.

Then it struck me. I could just write my own stuff, to cater to my own tastes. Maybe
too mild for some, too extreme for others – as with pretty much everything, kink has
a spectrum. You are where you are on it and it's nothing to feel inadequate about.
Unless you get off on feeling inadequate, of course, in which case – go for your life.

My quandary with finding good BDSM reading material is mirrored by the dilemma
of my heroine, Cherry, in Meeting Her Match. But she isn't looking for a dirty book –
she's looking for a dom. Of course, just like the stories, doms come in varying degrees
of strength. Some of the dynamics she experiments with are not to her taste, some of
them decidedly are. But she gives it a go, and she learns in the process.

Here's an excerpt:

In the hotel room, we dressed again, this time surrounded by luxury and history
instead of cheap felt carpeting and plasterboard walls. Justin had bought a new
martinet at Shepherds Bush Market and was swishing it to and fro while Maz rubbed
gold-flecked lotion all over my bare flesh, which took some time.

"So you're feeling brave?" Maz asked gently, reaching deep down into my cleavage
and working the ointment in. "You want to go through with what we talked about?"

"I think so. Dressed like this makes me want to even more. Funny how just changing
clothes can get you into a mindset."

"It's good, isn't it?" Justin grinned, wrapping the leather fronds of the whip around
one of the bedposts with a flick of the wrist. "How something as simple as showing a
lot of skin can make a person feel submissive. And when you add collars and cuffs to
that…"

"It's a bit like magic," I agreed. "Before a word's been said, I want to kiss somebody's
feet."

"Kiss mine if you like," offered Maz, giggling.

They were cute feet, toes wriggling in gladiator sandals, but I decided to pass for the
moment.

"Maybe later. You look great too, by the way."

In her abbreviated silk toga and richly-jewelled cloak, she looked imperious and
impish at the same time. I supposed that was the trick of switching. The opulent
cloths were mistressy enough, but the teeny toga hem was perfect for flipping up and
delivering an impromptu spanking. She could go either way tonight.

"Right then, you two," said Justin, bored of practising his whip hand on the
bedposts. "Bend over the end of the bed and let's give this a proper trial run."

"Both of us?" squealed Maz.

"Of course. Bottoms bared, please. I want you both going downstairs with noticeable
markings. Besides, I think a little warm-up is a sensible idea, don't you?"

Yes, I do! And if you want more than a warm-up, here are some more details:

In the internet age, it should be easy for like-minded fetishists
to find and connect with each other. Or so Cherry thought. Her
decision to enter the wild and wonderful world of BDSM leads her
to some interesting and unexpected places. She soon finds herself
on 'the scene' and her insatiable curiosity takes her to orgies, slave
auctions and mansion houses full of trainee submissives, but where
will she find her perfect dom? Will Cherry ever meet her match?

Available in paperback: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meeting-Her-Match-Justine-
Elyot/dp/1908086157/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

And for Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Meeting-Her-Match-ebook/dp/
B006C4C3SK/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325881785&sr=1-11

Justine Elyot is the UK bestselling author of On Demand, The Business of Pleasure
and Erotic Amusements. When she isn't buried under a pile of new projects, you can
find her waving at the world from her website http://justineelyot.com/ or gassing
about trivialities on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/JustineElyot

Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Giselle for letting me blether on here today – and
thanks for reading.

New Option for Authors: Advertise with Donuts and Desires

2012-01-23T19:38:00.008-05:00

I've been toying with the idea of offering ad space here at Donuts and Desires for years, and every time I've thought about it I've ended up talking myself out of it. Why? Well, when I was a "young" author ("new" author might be a better way of putting it) I was always on the lookout for free promotional opportunities. Heck, I still am. That's why I've been committed to providing free promo ops to other authors for as long as I've had this blog.

Here's the thing: I've been listening in on a lot of back room chats among authors like myself, and what I've gleaned in recent months is that authors are looking for affordable ad space at blogs readers AND other authors frequent (like this one).

Promo opportunities, like my Quick Six interviews, my holiday "Festive Frenzy" and the various LGBTQ-oriented promotional possibilities I make available throughout the year are fun, BUT... authors want more--banner ads, static cover ads, image-oriented advertising that stays up on a blog for months at a time.

So this time when I rolled the idea of offering ad space at Donuts and Desires around in my brain, I decided not to talk myself out of it.

That's right, starting now I'm opening up AFFORDABLE ad space at Donuts and Desires.

What's available?

At the moment, we've got 3 options:

Cover Ads

Your cover ad will appear on the sidebar at Donuts and Desires--ABOVE my own book covers on the first row and ABOVE my antho covers on the second! (You're just that special!) The ad will consist of your book cover linked to a destination url of your choice as well as the title spelled out above and a descriptor of 8 words or fewer below, if desired.

Cover Ads Pricing:

One Month: $5 US or Canadian Currency or £3.25 GBP (yes, I can accept payment in 3 currencies--awesome, right?)

Six Months: $25 US or Canadian Currency or £16 GBP

Bottom Banner Ads

Look down... look waaaaay down! Donuts and Desires now offers the option of placing your banner, whether it be for your book, your website, your blog, your llama farm (actually, let's just stick to books and related services LOL) at the base of all site pages. You can send me the html or the image with a destination url--whatever works for you.

Banner Ads Pricing:

Twelve Months (a.k.a One Year): $25 US or Canadian Currency or £16 GBP (That's an amazing deal!)

Ad placements may be limited and prices are subject to change, so act fast to secure your spot. Payments can be accepted via PayPal only.

Quick Six Interviews

You know I've got to offer up a freebie, right? Quick Six interviews are featured on Mondays at D&D. Just answer six of the following questions (I repeat, SIX, not five, not ten, but SIX) and send 'em IN THE BODY OF YOUR EMAIL to the address below. At the bottom of the post I will also feature your author blurb and websites--so you'll have to send those along as well. No attachments, please.

It's free, so take advantage!

Quick Six PRO

Interview with _______________

Q: What's hot on the market these days?

Q: What's the most time-consuming part of a writer's life?

Q: On the topic of ebook piracy, hunter or head in the sand?

Q: What should a writer's priority be?

Q: How do you handle a bad review?

Q: Have you ever encountered any unprofessional behaviours from editors,

publishers or other writers, that they might not even realize are damaging?

Q: What advice do you give aspiring authors?

Q: What do you look for in a publisher?

Q: What makes an editor great or...not so great?

Q: Do you have a preference for short stories of longer works?

Q: If you've ventured into self-publishing, what are the pros and cons?

Q: Do you find yourself writing for the market and not for YOU, or self-censoring in any way?

Q: How have the people in your life reacted to your career as a writer?

Q: Any promo tips for fellow authors?

Contact Info

Questions? Want to book ad space? Cool! Email me at:

DonutsandDesires@gmail.com

(please use only the above address for inquiries~thanks)

Ok, that's it for now. If I've left out any pertinent information please let me know.

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online

http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com

http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica

Six Sentence Sunday - Wonderful Wing Boys

2012-01-22T03:12:00.004-05:00

In Wonderful Wing Boys, Deb from the world of Only Angels is back with a story of her own. Well, it's not just hers. She shares it with two hot young guys from the Only Angels cougar club.

Six Sentences from Wonderful Wing Boys by Giselle Renarde:

Avoiding the bar, Deb squeezed past working hunks and their huge white wings to get to the booths. Most of the white curtains were shut, which meant an angel was inside entertaining a client. When she arrived at booth six, the one she’d been advised to meet her boys at, she found the ceiling-to-floor curtain closed. Her angels must have shut it so the boss wouldn’t think they were slacking off, she figured, and pulled the thing wide open.
Deb gasped at what she saw. She told herself to pull the curtain closed again, but couldn’t manage it.

Wonderful Wing Boys is now available from Secret Cravings Publishing. The best part is it's only $0.99!

Hugs,

Giselle

Gather 'Round the Projector. It's Time for Travel Slides!

2012-01-20T13:49:00.002-05:00

Not quite, but almost.

As I may or may not have mentioned, Sweet and I enjoyed a romantic little getaway to Niagara Falls last week. I've always thought of NF as touristy and tacky, but Sweet thinks it's romance up the wazoo, so I figured I'd go with an open mind this time and you know what? I caught the fever. I guess no matter where you are, the romance is there if that's what you want to see.

So I bought my girl a dozen red roses, booked us a jacuzzi room, and treated her to a just-because mini-vacation. And now YOU have to look at pictures. Mwahahaha! My evil plan is complete.

First off, I took Sweet to Niagara Parks' Floral Showhouse. I love that place. It's free, it's open every day except Christmas, and for an avid photographer like my girlfriend, it's an opportunity to get shots of brightly-coloured things. January in Canada tends not to be overly colourful, at least not outside. Oh, and there are birds in there:

When in Niagara Falls with your sweetie, it's really worth getting a hotel room with a jacuzzi tub big enough for two. I bought us a romance package at the Hilton Fallsview, and I gotta hand it to Hilton staff--they didn't seem even momentarily fazed about two women checking in with a romance package.

As you can see below, our room looked out on the Fallsview casino and both sets of falls. You can kind of see the America falls in the casino pic but the Horseshoe falls are out of shot. Sometimes all you can see of them are mist anyway.

Maybe you've heard of the lights by the falls? Well, most of them are Disney characters and I don't really feel like being sued so I won't post them. But here are some mounties and the coolest fountain I've ever seen (with a ferris wheel in the background):

The 9 o'clock fireworks over the falls were really something special--totally worth freezing your buns off after dark to hug your sweetie and watch (even if your sweetie is watching through a camera lens LOL):

Okay, I'll stop boring you now. Anyway, those are some highlights of our Niagara getaway.

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Call for Submissions: Chicken Soup/Positive Thinking

2012-01-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

Hey writing people,
Here's another Chicken Soup for the Soul call that found its way to my inbox. I'm really looking forward to receiving my (10!) contributor's copies of Tough Times for Teens. If I'm not mistaken, the very first Chicken Soup for the Soul edition was published when I was a teenager, and at that stage of my life I derived a lot of strength from it. If you've got a story around "The Power of Positive" that might help others, why not submit?

Hugs,

Giselle

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive
101 Inspirational Stories about Changing Your Life through Positive Thinking

After the success of our book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, we are ready to make another book full of stories about how you changed your life, solved a problem, or overcame a challenge through a positive attitude, counting your blessings, or an epiphany of some kind. Tell us your success story about using the power of positive!

Topics could include:

Attitude! It does make a difference

The unexpected benefits of challenges

Putting things in perspective

Turning negative into positive

How you spread the message of gratitude to others

Lighten up and laugh!

What made you realize that your life is good and that you are grateful

Silver linings that you have discovered

Appreciating the simple pleasures

... Anything else that you think that is interesting and inspirational

Your stories or poems need to be nonfiction and about your personal experiences or those of someone close to you. No "creative writing" please. We prefer stories written in the first person and no more than 1,200 words. If you ghost-write a story for someone else, that person, not you, will be listed as the author of the story. We are no longer running "as told to" stories. Stories should not have been previously published by Chicken Soup for the Soul or other major print publications.

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for US $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoup.com
Select the Submit Your Story link on the left tool bar and follow the directions.

DEADLINE FOR STORY SUBMISSIONS IS APRIL 30, 2012.

Giselle Renarde's SCP Blog Hop Stop

2012-01-16T00:20:00.000-05:00

If you've been participating in Secret Cravings Publishing's first anniversary blog hop, you know why you've come.

If you just happened to have popped into Donuts & Desires today, you might be wondering what's going on. You can find out more here.

I joined Secret Cravings with my multicultural MMF menage story Callie and the Hipster, which is a part of their "hot flash" line:

When Callie’s husband leaves her for a younger woman, she drives all the way out to the summerhouse only to find it's been taken over by hipsters--twenty-somethings who wear plaid and listen to indie rock and eat nothing but raw broccoli. They're friends of her son, Dante, all queer and quirky students at the nearby university.

At first, Callie's irritated that her son has thrown a party in her haven of relaxation, but when she and a bottle of Kahlua stumble upon two young men gettin' it on in her bed her annoyance morphs into arousal. The drink and the day's multitude of disappointments encourage her to join Vish and Evan, pansexual and polyamorous young men who are more than happy to welcome a vibrant older woman into their bed. How will they feel about inviting Callie into their lives?

It's a funny story, and heartfelt as well, with lots of hot sex. You can find out more here: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=12&products_id=126

My newest addition to the SCP lineup is another MMF cougar story called Wonderful Wing Boys:

Deb has nothing in common with the other women at Only Angels. They're mutton dressed as lamb in their gold miniskirts and sequin tops. Deb's all business. Her life’s work is her only interest...until The Big Guy hooks her up with Andreas and Zander, two of the club’s incredibly hot young angels.

Yeppers, this one is urban fantasy and then some. Since it's a THREEsome story I'll be giving away THREE copies of Wonderful Wing Boys. Yay!!!

To enter the Wonderful Wing Boys contest, as well as SCP's grand prize contest as outlined at their blog, all you have to do is leave a comment in the comments. Remember to include your name and email address.

Good luck everybody!

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Six Sentence Sunday - Naughty: Full to Bursting, lesbian strap-on erotica

2012-01-15T01:58:00.000-05:00

I don't think I managed to feature Naughty: Full to Bursting during the holiday season, even though it is a bit of a holiday story. A strap-on makes a damn fine Christmas gift, and lesbian erotica is the gift you can give yourself any day of the year.

Here are my six, from Naughty: Full to Bursting from Torquere Press~

Janelle sat up in the middle of the mattress, cradling the covers in both hands. Her back was bare, chilled not by the temperature of Wanda’s cozy home, but by her apprehension. The house was too quiet.

“Wanda?”

There was a squeak on the stairs and then a creak on the landing before Wanda appeared in the doorway. Janelle struggled with where to look first: she glanced at her woman’s face, but she couldn’t glean any emotion from that stony expression before her gaze shot down between Wanda’s thighs.

If you want to know more (I think there's a dildo in the next sentence), read the blurb, read an excerpt or buy a copy, visit Torquere Press here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=3475

Hugs

Giselle

http://oxfam.ca/stampoutpoverty

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

The Cheapest and Easiest Way to "Stamp Out Poverty"

2012-01-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

If I'd been thinking, I would have posted info about this program in December, when everyone was getting cards in the post. Oh well, better late than never.

Most people I talk to have never heard of Oxfam's "Stamp out Poverty" program (actually, most people in Canada have never heard of Oxfam), but I think it's brilliant. The program collects postage stamps from volunteers across Canada to sell them to collectors and raise money for Oxfam projects.

I've participated for years, and it's as easy as cutting the cancelled stamps off envelopes I receive in the mail. Really! I just save them up until I have a whole bunch, then send them in. It's unbelievably easy.

The stamp program needs volunteers to collect stamps, or even donate valuable stamp collections, which they sell to philatelists (stamp collectors--there's a word of the day for 'ya LOL). Here's some info I pulled from Oxfam Canada's website:

How the money is raised

Those used stamps and envelopes can add up. Oxfam Canada volunteers raise about $10,000 annually by sorting and selling stamps to collectors. Nearly $250,000 has been given to Oxfam from the Stamp Program since it started in 1980.

What you should save

Everything!
- foreign stamps
- Canadian stamps
- commemorative stamps
Keep the entire envelope if there are:
- clearly identifiable town/village postmarks
- registered/special delivery postmarks

Where should I send the stamps?

Once you've collected the stamps and envelopes they can be delivered to any Oxfam Canada office or sent directly to either:

Stamp Programme
Oxfam Canada
39 McArthur Ave
Ottawa, Ontario
K1L 8L7

FREE READ: Underhanded, Lesbian Erotica

2012-01-11T18:00:00.003-05:00

I hesitate to admit when a story I write is pretty much 100% true...

That said, I have some new lesbian erotica up at Oysters and Chocolate today. I love the O&C site--always great visuals there as well as great reads.

My new story's called Underhanded, and you can read it for FREE right here: http://www.oystersandchocolate.com/Stories/2342/Underhanded.aspx

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

2012 Toronto Star Short Story Contest

2012-01-10T14:47:00.002-05:00

If you're an Ontario writer, you just might be eligible to enter this year's Toronto Star Short Story Contest. First prize is $5,000 and then some. Here's a lot of reading:

2012 TORONTO STAR SHORT STORY CONTEST RULES

Agreement: These rules govern the Toronto Star Short Story Contest ("Contest"). The act of entering the Contest constitutes acceptance of the Contest rules and the decisions of the Contest judges, which decisions shall be final and binding upon all entrants.

Sponsor: The Contest sponsors are Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, the Toronto Public Library and The Humber School for Writers ("Sponsors").

Eligibility: The Contest is open to all residents of Ontario who have attained the age of 16, except for employees, their immediate families and anyone living with any employee of the Sponsor or its corporate affiliates, advertising or promotional agencies. There is a limit of one entry per person.

Contest and Judging Criteria:

• Contest begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012 and ends at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, February 26, 2012.
• Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, February 26, 2012.
• By entering this Contest you acknowledge that all entries become the property of the Contest Sponsors and will not be returned or acknowledged.
• To enter the Contest, submit your entry by the contest deadline in its own envelope. Stories submitted by fax machine and e-mail will not be accepted. Illegible entries will be disqualified.
• Stories must be written in English, original and unpublished up to the time the winners are declared on Thursday, April 12, 2012.
• Stories must be written on a computer or typewriter, be double-spaced and no longer than 2,500 words.
• Total word count must be printed on the front page of the story.
• No changes to a story are allowed once Toronto Star Newspapers Limited receives your entry.
• Manuscripts will not be returned.
• To ensure that the stories have reached Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, entrants may wish to enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard with their entries.
• Information is not available by email or telephone. Pseudonyms are not permitted.
• By entering the Contest, entrants agree to allow Toronto Star Newspapers Limited to publish their stories, names and biographical information in all media, including but not limited to its newspapers and thestar.com without compensation. Entrants also agree to allow the Toronto Public Library and The Humber School for Writers to publish their stories, names and biographical information in all media. Do not send photographs with entries. Winners will be contacted about a photograph at a later date and must agree to publication of his/her photograph.
• In connection with your submission, you affirm, represent and/or warrant that (i) you own or have the necessary licenses, rights, consents and permissions to use and authorize Sponsors to use all copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights in and to your submission to enable inclusion and use of the submission in the manner contemplated by these Contest rules; and (ii) you have the written consent, release and/or permission of each and every identifiable individual person in the submission to use the name or likeness of each and every such identifiable individual person to enable inclusion and use of the submission in the matter contemplated by these Contest rules.
• Sponsor reserves the right to reject and disqualify any submissions that could be offensive or inappropriate or that do not meet the terms and conditions of these rules.

How to enter:
• The author’s name, address, telephone number, email address and a 25-50 word biographical sketch must be included with each entry on a separate sheet of paper.
• The name of the author should not appear on the story itself.
• Mail or drop off your submission to: Short Story Contest, Toronto Star, One Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1E6. Entries may also be dropped off in the Short Story contest box in the main lobby of the Toronto Star building, One Yonge Street.
• NO ENTRY FEE REQUIRED

Judging and notification:
• Members of the faculty of The Humber School for Writers will complete the first round of judging starting on or about Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
• The finalists’ entries will then be judged by the 2012 Toronto Star Short Story Contest judging panel, who will select the First, Second and Third prizewinners on or about Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received and the caliber of the entries. The decisions of the contest judges are final in respect of any matter relating to this Contest.
• The potential winners will be contacted by telephone or email between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2012 by a representative of the Sponsor, and must reply within 48 hours to maintain eligibility. If the potential winner(s) cannot be contacted within this time period or fail(s) to respond to any attempted contact, such potential winner(s) will be disqualified, his/her entry will be declared null and void and the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to select another potential winner based on the judging criteria, in which event these provisions shall apply to such other eligible entry.

Ownership/Use Rights:
Entrants retain the copyright to their stories. However, by entering the contest, you hereby grant the Sponsors a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicenseable and transferable license to print, publish, use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, and display your full name, short story and photograph in connection with Sponsors’ (and its successors’) business, including without limitation in any media formats and through any media channels.

Prizes:
• Three prizes will be awarded:

-- First Prize: $5,000, plus the tuition fee for The Humber School for Writers 2012 Correspondence Program in Creative Writing. Approximate retail value: $3,000.00.
-- Second Prize: $2,000.00
-- Third Prize: $1,000.00

• If the winner does not claim the prize within 48 hours of notification, the next eligible entry selected by the judging criteria set out in these rules will be contacted, and the first potential winner will have no further claim to the prize. Sponsor will not mail or courier the prize and is not responsible for unclaimed prizes.

• Winners must attend a prize presentation event at the Toronto Public Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4W 2G8 on or around Monday, April 23, 2012 to collect the prize won.

• The winners’ stories will appear in the Sunday Star as follows: The Third place story will appear on Sunday, April 29, 2012; the Second place story will appear on Sunday, May 6, 2012; the First place story will appear on Sunday, May 13, 2012. Should any of the above-mentioned dates become unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, the stories will run, in the order listed above, on the next available Sunday edition of the Toronto Star.

Release:
Prior to receiving the prize, the potential winner will be required to show valid photo ID and to sign a declaration of eligibility and release form releasing the Sponsor and its related parties from any and all liability in connection with the Contest and/or the prize, confirming compliance with the rules and consenting to the use of his or her name and short story in any and all forms of media, without further compensation, in any publicity carried out by the Sponsor and/or its advertising and promotional agencies. If a potential winner is under the age of majority, his/her parent or legal guardian must also sign and return the declaration of eligibility and release form. The signed form must be received within 48 hours of notification or the prize may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate entrant.

Indemnity:
By participating in this Contest, you agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsors, and their parent, subsidiaries, affiliates and/or related companies and each of their officers, directors, shareholders, employees, advisors, assignees, agents, licensees, representatives, advertising, media buyers and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of action, or losses of any kind (including but not limited to lawyers’ fees) arising from your participation in the Contest, your violation of any term of these Contest rules, your violation of any third party right, including without limitation any copyright, property, or privacy right; or any claim that your submission caused damage to a third party.

Privacy:
We use your personal contact information to administer contests, including contacting, announcing and promoting prizewinners. In addition, we may use this information to send you offers or information from us, our affiliates and from selected Sponsor or advertisers ("Marketing Offers"). If you do not wish to receive Marketing Offers, you may opt-out at any time by: following the instructions at the bottom of any email Marketing Offer you receive, informing your telemarketer at the time you are called with a Marketing Offer, by calling 1.800.279.0181 and requesting that your personal information not be used for Marketing Offers, or emailing privacy @thestar.ca and requesting that your personal information not be used for Marketing Offers. The Contest is run in compliance with the Toronto Star privacy code, which may be found in full at www.thestar.com/privacy.

Banning:
The Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, prohibit any person from entering the Contest whom it believes to be abusing the rules. Such abuse includes entering false information and entering more than once.

Other:
This Contest is governed by the laws of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein and is void where prohibited by law. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify the Contest or the Contest rules at any time without notice. All prizes must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and are not convertible to cash. The Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any prize or portion of the prize with a prize of equal or greater value. All prizes are awarded as-is. Sponsor is not liable for any lost, late, misdirected or stolen entries or inability to process entries, or any errors, damage or negligence that may arise in connection with this Contest, including human error. Sponsor is not responsible for any errors or omissions in printing or advertising this Contest.

For more information visit The Star's website

Here's the Answer to the Question "How Do I Vote in LRC's Best of 2011 Contest?"

2012-01-09T12:59:00.000-05:00

This came through my email (from Dawn Roberto, owner of Love Romances Cafe), and I thought we all might be interested:

LRC's `Best of 2011' Voting Information

Any questions email Dawn at dawn_roberto@yahoo.com with "Voting Questions" in subject line please.

**~~**

The voting will take place on my blog, Dawn's Reading Nook, starting January 16^th, 2012 beginning at 8 am est (USA Time). No Early voting will be allowed. Anyone caught trying to vote before 8 am est will have their vote deleted and not counted.

Link to my blog is: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com

I will list the complete links to the all the nominee categories on the 16^th of January.

Voting will take place from January 16^th to 24^th, 2012. Announcement of winners will be on January 26^th, 2012 at 10 am-noon est (USA Time) on the LR Café Loop. All winners are final.

ONE VOTE PER PERSON. No multiple comments under different names, etc. Granted I can't keep tabs on all the names but I can make it harder for you not to cheat.

Comment moderation is put `on' for the blog at this time. Do not worry if you do not see your comment right away. I will see it and it will be counted in the voting. There will be no anonymous comments allowed.

DO NOT bother to count comments in each category. The staff at LR&M Reviews will be doing their voting privately and just because so & so is in the lead DOES NOT mean they won. All Winners are final when I say so, not any Tom, Dick or Harry on the web.

Anyone, and I do mean ANYONE, caught announcing they won before I formally announce the winners are automatically disqualified. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Until I tally all the votes, no one has won until I formally announce it. So put a muzzle on it people.

Winners and runner up winners will get cute buttons like the nominee button. Honorable mentions do not get a button.

Good luck nominees.

Six Sentence Sunday - Bobbing for Peaches, a lesbian erotic anthology

2012-01-08T04:09:00.005-05:00

It feels like forever since I've participated in Six Sentence Sunday, but realistically I doubt if it's been a full month. What new releases have come out in that time?

Well, the first that springs to mind is lesbian mini-anthology from Xcite. It's named after my contribution, a milky messy food fetish story called Bobbing for Peaches.

Here are today's 6. They are very... sensual.

Jocelyn gazed down as Melanie looked up, an expression of sheer supplication glinting in her eyes. ‘You’re getting me so wet, baby. Finger-fuck me, OK?’

‘OK.’ Melanie traced her fingernails through Jocelyn’s sopping pubic hair, zeroing her thumb in on her lover’s erect clit.

Jocelyn jumped when Melanie touched it.

Bobbing for Peaches is available now from Xcite and a bunch of other e-tailers.

Happy Sunday!

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica

To Answer A Question Nobody Asked...

2012-01-07T15:20:00.005-05:00

Pretty much every year since I started writing professionally, I've been donating 4th quarter royalties to a queer helpline called LGBT Youthline. I love what this organization does--queer youth helping queer youth--and it's been a joy to attempt to raise money for them.

But the key word there is "attempt." In 2010 I let readers vote on which of my titles I should donate money from and I had great feedback. Unfortunately, sales didn't pan out. To be blatant about it, after all the promotion I did (with the help of wonderful people like Kiki Howell and Sally at Bibrary) I managed to raise under $5.

Yeah.

So this year I decided to go a different route. One of my publishers, Torquere Press, organized a charity Sip line to raise funds for It Gets Better. I wrote a transgender lesbian erotic short called Eclipse the Stars, a story about Jody's jealousy of her girlfriend Renata's beauty and confidence after surgery. It's a long-term couple story. It's a love story. With sex.

Here's the best part: Eclipse the Stars is available from Torquere Press and Rainbow ebooks, and neither the publisher nor the e-store (nor anybody--cover artist, author (me), editor, proofreader) is taking any percentage of the purchase price. It all goes to charity.

One of the hurdles I encountered in fundraising was trying to go it alone. In 2010, the wonderful Jay Hartman at Untreed Reads went above and beyond to help me and Youthline by contacting Rainbow Ebooks. For one weekend, the entire purchase price of my lesbian eating disorder short UGLY NAKED PEOPLE was donated to Youthline and we raised just under $50 if memory serves. That's amazing for one little short at one ebook retailer in one weekend! It worked because author, publisher, and e-seller were all on board and all willing to work together to support a queer organization.

That's what needs to happen to fundraise effectively.

So Eclipse the Stars is available from September 2011-September 2012, with all proceeds going to It Gets Better. Everybody's working together, and already (actually, in the first 2 months it was available) this trans lesbian story raised like 600% more than I raised on my own the last year I tried any solitary fundraising.

It takes a village to raise money.

Hugs,

Giselle

p.s. Thank you to everyone who has supported any of the above-mentioned fundraising efforts. Huge Hugs!

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica

Available from Torquere Press

Sapphic Signs: Having it All and More

2012-01-06T19:22:00.003-05:00

My internet's being a bastard tonight, but I wanted to post the final Sapphic Signs promo before I forgot altogether. After spending way too much time browsing Waddington's and then Sotheby's auction sites, Dalia Craig's contribution to the line has me intrigued:

Having it All and More

by Dalia Craig

Two very different women brought together by one set of jewelry.

Josslyn Harper and Paige Railton are bidding for the same antique ensemble at a New York auction. Each has her own pressing reason for wanting to win the bidding war. With neither woman prepared to give way to the other, the bids rocket to almost two million dollars, forcing Josslyn to admit defeat.

A triumphant Paige is delighted with her purchase, despite its high price. However, she hasn’t bargained on encountering a major obstacle in the shape of a very determined Josslyn Harper. Josslyn vows to fight Paige to get the family heirloom back but she hasn’t reckoned with Paige’s tenacity. Paige and Josslyn find themselves growing closer and soon discover they have a lot in common when the power of love overtakes their battle for ownership of the jewels.

Sample

Paige placed her first bid at one million and thereafter Josslyn threw all caution to the wind, matching each bid with a steely determination to win the bidding war. By one point four million, just the two of them remained, with the bids now advancing by one hundred thousand dollars each time.

Where is this going to end?

Josslyn hesitated when it came to her turn, almost choking on the tension. Could she really afford one and a half million to own the collection? No contest. She nodded, then watched Paige signal her next bid. They exchanged two more bids then, sickened, Joss called a halt. There was no way she could find one point nine million without a total realignment of her assets. She had ample funds, but most of it tied up in the company or in long-term bonds; she had nothing of that magnitude realizable at short notice. A momentary stab of despair brought her close to tears. She regretted not being better prepared, but who would have reckoned on Ms. Railton pushing the price up to...

“All done?”

The auctioneer fixed his gaze upon Joss, giving her an extra moment to reflect before his gavel fell with a loud bang. The sound wounded Joss like a bullet through her heart.

“Sold to Ms. Railton for one point eight million dollars." The room erupted in applause and a buzz of excited chatter.

Gone! The jewels are gone!

Thankful for the dark spectacles that hid the tears forming in her eyes, Joss looked away, unable to stomach Paige’s triumphant grin without throwing up. Her only consolation was that she had forced Paige Railton into paying way over the odds for her prize and that might prove an advantage in the long run if this current recession forced her to make some financial adjustments to keep afloat. Time to retreat gracefully, to take stock, sell some bonds, realize some other assets, and develop a plan of campaign. She certainly hadn’t given up hope. It might just take a little longer to achieve her aim, her lifelong dream, and have the jewels back where they belonged, but she’d get there in the end. Now, to show there were no hard feelings, Joss steeled herself to go through the ritual of being a good loser -- at least in public. She took a deep breath and waited until Paige had finished consulting with the auctioneer before she approached, cutting out several eager journalist in the process.

“Hey, honey!” Joss performed a double air-kiss, accompanied by exaggerated mwahs for the benefit of the onlookers rather than Paige. “Congratulations. You won that one fair and square.”

“Thank you.” Paige looked more than a little taken aback by this approach.

“You deserve it, honey.” Joss plastered the false sincerity on with a trowel, acutely conscious of the flash photography going on all around them. Effusive exhibitions were her stock in trade; she loved to attract attention to herself in this way, and this occasion gave her the perfect opportunity to go for something big. Something that would make a big splash in the society columns and give Ms. I-like-to-guard-my-privacy Railton cause to remember this day for a long time to come. “What say we go someplace and celebrate in style? My treat.” She linked arms with Paige, intending to give the assembled audience the impression they were indeed old friends, and edged Paige around to face the cameras, using enough pressure to make refusal difficult.

Paige shook her head. “Sorry, I’m expected somewhere.” She tried to free herself.

“Nonsense.” Joss tightened her grip, forestalling all attempts by Paige to edge away. A smile played on her lips and she leaned closer so Paige would hear her above the voices firing a barrage of questions in their direction. “You owe me. I want to hear all about your growing collection. I’m sure you can spare an hour or two for champagne cocktails with an old friend.” Paige’s shudder transferred itself to Joss, sending a rush of erotic heat cascading through her body. Oh my God! She clenched her thighs to trap the raging fire. No more shilly-shallying around, she’d waited too long to feel this amazing surge of pure lust, she had to get this delightful creature into her bed and soon, preferably tonight. A few potent cocktails together with a heavy dose of her now famous seduction routine and Paige would, hopefully, be putty in her hands.

It's Time to Vote: Preditors & Editors Poll Up Now!

2012-01-05T01:26:00.002-05:00

Big favour to ask--could you possibly vote for me in this year's Preditors & Editors poll? Yes, it's on now, closing January 10th, 2012. Even if you don't want to vote for me, consider voting for someone. We authors REALLY appreciate it!

And if you do want to vote for me, here are some of the categories I'm nominated in:

Author: (Giselle Renarde) http://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml

Erotica Novels: (Anonymous & Stacy's Dad...Going On) http://critters.org/predpoll/novelerot.shtml

Romance Short Stories: (Narcissist Seeks Narcissist) http://critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryr.shtml

All Other Short Stories: (Elementary, My Dear Kathryn) http://critters.org/predpoll/shortstory.shtml

Anthologies: (My Mistress' Thighs & The Red Satin Collection) http://critters.org/predpoll/antho.shtml

Thanks for your vote, if you choose to vote for me. And if you vote for other works by other authors, thank you for that as well. As I said, we appreciate it so much.

Hugs,

Giselle

New Release: Bobbing for Peaches, A New Lesbian Collection

2012-01-04T01:50:00.003-05:00

Actually, Bobbing for Peaches was released in December, but I didn't get a chance to blog about. Or did I? Crap... now I'm second-guessing myself. Okay, I have absolutely no recollection of what I did last year. Sorry if this is a repeat. I don't think it is.

Anyhoo, Xcite ebooks has put out this new mini-antho of lesbian erotica. Anyone who loved the eternally popular Lesbian Love will love this baby too. And it's named after my food fetish story, so I'm all blushes over here.

Bobbing for Peaches contains:

A collection of six erotic lesbian stories

Bobbing for Peaches by Giselle Renarde

Melanie’s been busy in the kitchen, and when Jocelyn gets home from work she’s in the mood to play with her food. Melanie’s prepared a warm concoction of milk and peaches with a dash of cinnamon and a hint of Jocelyn’s pricey Tahitian vanilla. It’s time to get naked and get messy!

First Love, Great Love by Olivia London

Is there anything more intoxicating than that first sweet kiss from a special lady love? Claire and her lover thrive in Atlanta’s gay scene until a trip to San Francisco broadens their horizons. From the moment Claire mounts her new girlfriend’s motorcycle, she finds she’s in for the ride of her life.

Time for a Change by Jacey Kavenagh

A disappointing sex life seemed to indicate that a change of image was in order if I were ever to attract the right sort of partner to fulfil my needs. Looking for inspiration in an upmarket dress shop I found myself watching a very attractive shop assistant. I was willing to bet that, unlike me, she wouldn’t put up with guys who had absolutely no idea how to turn a woman on. She seemed vaguely familiar, and I found myself recalling exciting memories of an experience from my youthful past – waking in me a desire I had thought long forgotten.

Making Sweet Music by Courtney James

Joanne wants to eat her lunch in peace, but the buskers make that impossible – until the day she hears the girl with the sweet voice who writes her own songs. Overcoming her resistance to asking a complete stranger out on a date, Joanne is about to discover that Kayleigh’s talents extend to the bedroom too.

The Joy of Seduction by Penelope Friday

Young debutante Charlotte is flattered when older lady Miss Abbott – Lucia – takes a friendly interest in her. But she knows that the feelings she has for Lucia in return are wrong. Nevertheless, she can’t stop dreaming of her. But what would Lucia say if she knew how Charlotte felt about her?

Excerpt: (from my story!)

‘You are so smooth,’ Melly gushed, licking a path up Jocelyn’s leg. She didn’t stop at the dark hair dripping with milk. No, no, no – she traced her soft tongue up Jocelyn’s stomach. Jocelyn’s belly leapt in response. A warm mouth settled on her nipple, sucking vanilla-rich milk from her skin.

Oh, that sensation … Jocelyn was lost in Tahitian vanilla heaven. A warm mouth against her tender pink nipple, suckling in wet, straining pulses? It was beyond heaven. Her pussy responded big time, clenching for something, anything to hold on to.

‘Oh Melly, baby, that feels amazing.’

Jocelyn sent a loving hand through Melly’s hair, releasing it from its tie. Her golden locks seemed to fly as she shook her head side to side. She sucked one tit, and then licked between Jocelyn’s breasts before sucking the other. Even as the milk dripped from her skin, Jocelyn felt wetter and wetter. Each time Melanie’s luscious lips met Jocelyn’s breasts, a surge like lightning coursed straight to her cunt.

‘Finger me, Melly.’ Jocelyn gazed down as Melanie looked up, an expression of sheer supplication glinting in her eyes. ‘You’re getting me so wet, baby. Finger-fuck me, OK?’

‘OK.’ Melanie traced her fingernails through Jocelyn’s sopping pubic hair, zeroing her thumb in on her lover’s erect clit.

Jocelyn jumped when Melanie touched it. God, her clit was sensitive. It hadn’t been touched, not by Jocelyn, not by Melanie, not by anyone, in a couple weeks at least.

‘Oh God,’ Jocelyn said in a pant. ‘God, Melly, that feels good.’

Melanie traced firm circles around it with the pad of her thumb. Her skin was incredibly soft from the milk and the peaches, and suddenly Jocelyn craved the taste of it. With Melanie crouched in front, her pink lips hovering over Jocelyn’s waiting nipple, the position didn’t work for reciprocity. Jocelyn would just have to wait.

‘You want my fingers in your pussy?’ Melanie asked, a divine little tease.

‘God, yes.’

Without removing her thumb from Jocelyn’s engorged clit, Melanie pressed two fingers into the welcoming warmth of Jocelyn’s pussy. When was the last time she’d been this wet? Maybe never. She could have sworn pussy juice was streaming down her thighs, but it could have been milk. Hard to say.

‘Oh, that feels incredible, Melly.’ Jocelyn’s knees buckled with the intense pleasure of being filled, being slowly fucked by two languid fingers. ‘Give me another one, baby.’

Melanie gurgled with delight, pressing a third finger inside Jocelyn’s pussy. ‘It’s so hot in here. And wet. Like your body’s on fire and it’s trying to put itself out.’

That thought had never occurred to Jocelyn before, and it made her laugh. Melanie’s mind worked differently than most people’s – always entertaining. The giggles subsided, though, when Melanie picked up her pace, reaming Jocelyn with that thick bundle of fingers.

The wet squelching sound those fingers made as they raced in and out of Jocelyn’s pussy resonated in the shower stall with a hollow echo.

‘I love your pussy,’ Melly said, her breath hot on Jocelyn’s nipple.

You can get this book from Xcite's website, from Amazon, All Romance... the list goes on.

Enjoy!

Giselle

LRC Best Ménage Book Nomination for Painting With Brushes

2012-01-02T17:14:00.005-05:00

Wow! So, here's a surprise... my multicultural MMF e-book Painting With Brushes has been nominated for Best Ménage Book at LoveRomancesCafe. Totally unexpected, especially since Painting With Brushes is only a short story. Wow again, and thank you for the nomination!

Here's the list of nominees in this category:

Best Ménage Book

(any combination as long as it's three or more people in the relationship)

Imari Jade-Rhapsody

Wendy Zwadiuk-Savin' Me

Cari Quinn-Unwrapped

Berengaria Brown-Untamable

Tonya Ramagos-Running from Angel

Gale Stanley-Spitfire

Lila Munro-Three to Keep

Caitlyn Willows-Cataphilia

Giselle Renarde-Painting with Brushes

Lillith Grey-At His Throat, A Promise

Jennifer Labelle-Spice It Up

Sandy Sullivan- Love Me Once, Love me Twice

And here's some info about the book itself:

Claudia detests Mark. Mark detests Claudia. But they both love Jason Paul...

Two years after Claudia’s bisexual husband Jason Paul leaves her to live with Mark, she finds herself unemployed but desperate to stay in the city. As she sees it, the only solution is to move in with her ex and his lover Mark, whom she despises.

When she comes to prep her new bedroom with a fresh coat of paint, Mark immediately criticizes her work. Of course, she won’t hand over her brush to him, but concedes to let him help. Before she knows what’s happening, however, sparks ignite, and Claudia begins to recognize the romantic and erotic possibilities of having two men in her bed and in her life...

Genres: Contemporary / Romantic Comedy / Interracial / Multicultural / Ménage (M/M/F) / Group Sex / Bisexual Activity (M/M)
Available from Amber Quill Press, Amazon, and many other retailers.

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica

Secret Cravings Publishing's New "Cravings Club"

2012-01-02T03:03:00.002-05:00

Hi Everybody,

Secret Cravings Publishing has brought you my Cougar MMF story "Callie and the Hipsters" as well as my erotic romance short "The Finer Things" and now they've got a Harlequin-style club you can join. I've pasted the info below, but you can also find it here.

Cravings Club

Good morning Lover of Reading and Romance,

We invite you to become a Charter Member of the Cravings eBook Club and receive Taming The Cougar* by Sandy Sullivan and Hunting Jaguar** by D. McEntire absolutely FREE! As a club member, you’ll receive 4 BRAND-NEW EBOOKS, specially selected by our Editorial Director, every month for a total price of only $9.99 for all 4. This comes out to barely $2.50 per book, much less than the retail price and you’ll be able to enjoy your books even before they hit Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

*Taming the Cougar, a western, erotic romance: Marla isn't looking for love or anything else from a man. Can Marla put aside her distrust of men for a younger man? Can Chris convince her he's not like other guys?

**Hunting Jaguar, paranormal erotic romance: Rachel Hayes' Father set out to prove the existence of the Miloni temple and the Jaguar people. Tumi is a descendant of the Miloni race and is sworn to protect their secret with his life. Will he be forced to uphold his vow at the cost of his heart and Rachel's life?

As a club member, you will also receive: 1. Our monthly newsletter 2. Sneak previews of new books 3. Exclusive interviews with your favorite authors 4 Special offers not available to the general public

You will be charged, automatically, through PayPal, only $9.99 every month. Your books will be shipped within one day after PayPal payment has cleared. You may cancel at any time by clicking on the “unsubscribe” button located on the Cravings Club tab at the bottom of our website and keep the FREE BOOKS as our gift.

1 Easy Step to Join

Click http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=subscription to get started today!

Prices will not be subject to change without prior notification. We hope our Secret Cravings books will delight you each and every month.

Best wishes,

Beth Walker

Keeping It Clean This New Year

2012-01-01T14:55:00.004-05:00

Well, I took a vacation from pretty much everything, and I'm feeling good.

Over the holidays, I went to my mother's house, spent time with family, and hardly accomplished anything at all. I watched movies with my sisters, did a lot of knitting, and I... ate turkey? Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

So that's why I haven't been blogging or tweeting much this past week. I spend every day in front of a computer. Finally I gave myself an opportunity to NOT sit in front of a computer, and it was wonderfully relaxing.

But I love writing and I love YOU, so I'm back and eagerly looking forward to 2012.

I'm not much of a resolutions person, but this year I'd like to live cleaner. Wait... no, that's not what I mean. I don't smoke or drink, and my drug of choice is caffeine, so I'm not sure I could live much cleaner if I tried.

No, what I meant to say is I want to live in a cleaner apartment. When I look back on 2011, all I see is clutter. I've become one of those artists types who can't pull herself away from her writing to eat, let alone vacuum. That's going to be a hard habit to break, because writing can be like a drug in itself, but I don't want to live in disarray anymore.

I want clean.

So that's my semi-resolution. I'm going to keep it clean this year.

Oh, but not my work. That'll stay dirty. In fact, I have some work planned for 2012 that stands to be the dirtiest smut I've ever written. It's going to be so much fun....

Are you the resolution type? Even if you're not, have you got any life-plans for the new year?

Hugs,

Giselle

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-narcissistseeksnarcissist-627444-150.html

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Call for Submissions: Chicken Soup for the Soul/Hockey

2011-12-29T01:25:00.004-05:00

Here's one that'll be of special interest to my fellow Canadians: Chicken Soup for the Soul is looking for hockey stories! Got one? Write it up and submit:

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Hooked on Hockey
101 Stories about the Greatest Game and the Families that Love to Play It

If you love hockey, we are looking for stories from you! This book, scheduled for publication October 2, 2012, will be written by and for hockey fans and families. The book will include stories from everyday hockey players and fans like you, as well as revealing personal stories from some of your favorite NHLers and hockey insiders.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:
Early mornings
Family bonding around hockey
Finding a way to play
Playing hockey as a kid
Playing hockey as an adult
Learning to love hockey
Hockey traditions
Being a hockey parent
Arranging your life for hockey
Encounters with hockey stars
Stories about watching your country's teams play in the Olympics
Stories about great sportsmanship... and not so great!
What hockey means to you
Backyard rinks
Pick-up shinny games
The exhilaration of playing outdoors
Being part of a team
Any other great Chicken Soup for the Soul story that involves hockey
Your stories or poems need to be nonfiction and about your personal experiences or those of someone close to you. No "creative writing" please. We prefer stories written in the first person and no more than 1,200 words. If you ghost-write a story for someone else, that person, not you, will be listed as the author of the story. Stories should not have been previously published by Chicken Soup for the Soul or other major print publications.

If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for US $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoup.com
Select the Submit Your Story link on the left tool bar and follow the directions.

DEADLINE FOR STORY

SUBMISSIONS IS JANUARY 30, 2012.

Festive Frenzy: The Red Satin Collection

2011-12-25T09:28:00.000-05:00

For Christmas, I thought I'd showcase The Red Satin Collection one more time. Hope you're not sick of seeing this cover yet. ;-) Dawné Dominique did all the Red Satin series covers, and my goodness they are beautiful.

Merry Merry Merry Christmas!

Title: The Red Satin Collection

By: Giselle Renarde

Genre: Trans Lesbian Erotic Romance

Blurb:

The Red Satin Collection brings together all three transgender lesbian romance stories in Giselle Renarde’s erotic holiday trilogy. Red Satin, The Night Before Red Satin Christmas, and Red Satin Christmas, all previously published as individual eBooks by loveyoudivine Alterotica.

In Red Satin, mall magic inspires love and soon lust in the hearts of Regan and her transgender friend Maisie. Maisie’s family hasn’t seen her since she began her transition from male to female—not until she and Regan head home for the holidays in The Night Before Red Satin Christmas.

Regan figures she’s just along for the ride, lending her girlfriend support, until Maisie’s mother surprises her with a special dinner guest in Red Satin Christmas. Regan hasn’t spoken to her hard-drinking Cree father in years. Can she finally trust the man who’s once again claimed to have changed for good?

Together, Regan and Maisie face drama only Christmas can create. How will their well-meaning families impact their blossoming relationship?

Buy ebook: http://www.loveyoudivine.com/index.php?main_page=document_product_info&cPath=66&products_id=896

Buy in print: http://www.amazon.com/Red-Satin-Collection-Giselle-Renarde/dp/1600546382/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1324715462&sr=1-1

Festive Frenzy: The Best Kind of Prize

2011-12-24T16:19:00.001-05:00

Title:The Best Kind of Prize

Author:DC Juris

Genre: m/m holiday romance

Blurb: Alan takes the reins on planning a secret holiday getaway, but Jack isn't overly thrilled with being kept in the dark about their destination. Unbeknownst to Alan, Jack has plans of his own - plans to ask for Alan's hand in marriage. When an argument and Alan's disappearance get in the way of Jack's romantic intentions, is their holiday ruined, or can Alan make things up to Jack in time to still have a Merry Christmas?

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=2962

Festive Frenzy: Junk

2011-12-23T22:26:00.001-05:00

Title: Junk (Sequel to Vintage Toys for Lucky Boys)

Author: G.R. Richards

Genre: Gay Trans Holiday Romance

Blurb:

“Junk” is the term Randy uses to describe the contents of innumerable storage boxes strewn about his boyfriend Max’s living room, dining room, and even bedroom. All this “junk” is merchandise: Max and Randy deal in antiques and ephemera. The problem is that it's everywhere. Max is too emotionally attached to sell a lot of it, and Randy's starting to think material possessions mean more to Max than he does, just when he needs Max’s support the most: at the beginning of Randy’s transition from female to male.

Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2075

Festive Frenzy: Vintage Toys for Lucky Boys

2011-12-23T21:23:00.000-05:00

Title: Vintage Toys for Lucky Boys
Author: G.R. Richards
Genre: Gay Trans Holiday Romance

Blurb:
Max the firm and fit muscle-god doesn't fit Randy's mental picture of an antiques dealer. In fact, he's so smoking-hot, Randy can hardly breathe as Max appraises his shoebox full of vintage toys. The huge amount of money Max offers takes his breath away yet again. All Randy wants is to buy his supportive mom a really great Christmas gift, and this windfall will sure do it. There's only one catch, and it's a huge one: Randy's legal name is still Jennifer Ann. And despite how friendly Max is, Randy's afraid it will be a deal-breaker.

Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1625

Festive Frenzy: FREE READ! Chicken Soup for the Soul

2011-12-23T17:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays, and here's ANOTHER free read. If you're wondering why I'm posting Chicken Soup for the Soul stuff every so often, I guess I'll mini-announce now that I have a story in an upcoming book of theirs. I'll tell you more when it comes out, but my contribution is VERY queer (just like me--it's a true story, after all) so I'm overjoyed that it'll be read by so many people.

Anyway, that's for later. This is for now:

Available Now:
Download a FREE Chicken Soup for the Soul E-book

Dear Chicken Soup for the Soul readers,

Did you know that our books are available as e-books?

Now you can download a free Chicken Soup for the Soul e-book for your e-reader, smart phone, or computer! For a limited time, we are offering a free sampler of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, and other websites where e-books are sold. We want to make sure you get a chance to see our books in e-book form, since we have retained our beautiful interior design in them.

The free e-book works on all e-readers - Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo, iPod Touch, iPhone, and others, and all generations of them. Don't worry, though. If you don't have an e-reader (or receive one this holiday season) you can still enjoy this free book, full of heartwarming and inspirational stories, on your computer.

Happy Holidays,
Chicken Soup for the Soul

To download from Amazon: http://amzn.to/shsW6O
To download from Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/tYS2cB
To download from Apple iTunes: http://bit.ly/tYiaoD
To download from Kobo Books: http://bit.ly/uMSyrX

Festive Frenzy: Christmas Mistletoe

2011-12-23T16:14:00.002-05:00

Title: Christmas Mistletoe

Author: M. Durango

Genre: Contemporary

Blurb: Ben Warren’s year is ending on a down note: he dumped his two-timing boyfriend, got laid off from his job, and moved home with his parents. Not sure what to do next, he spends the Christmas season working at his family’s Christmas Tree lot, a job he thought he’d left behind years before. When Nick Paine, a former high school track buddy, shows up in search of the perfect tree, Ben thinks it’s just another business transaction. Once Nick makes it obvious his interest is more personal, Ben realizes his year might end on a positive note after all.

Sample:

The afternoon of Christmas Eve was their last time selling; anything unsold would be set out for free, and Ben was glad to see that wouldn't be very much. All of the wreaths and other accessories were gone, and there were only a few spindly trees left. Ben was just getting finished closing up when he caught sight of Nick's Jeep parked along the curb.

He smiled and waved Nick over. "I didn't expect to see you."

Nick sauntered over, hands shoved in the pockets of his coat. "I was in the neighborhood. I know you close early on Christmas Eve."

"In the neighborhood, huh?" Ben couldn't wipe the grin off his face. "I'm almost done here." He gestured to the lot behind him. "If you want to grab a bite to eat."

"Actually." Nick flicked his gaze away for a second before continuing. "I've got stew in the crock pot at home. I thought I'd see if you wanted to share."

Ben's smile grew. "I'd love to share. I need to finish closing up; why don't I come over when I'm done?"

Nick rocked forward on his toes. "Good deal. I'll leave the porch light on." He grinned and headed back to his car.

Ben wished Nick's coat wasn't covering his ass.

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=3438

Festive Frenzy: Haunting the Wolf

2011-12-23T11:14:00.000-05:00

Haunting the Wolf
Spellbound for Love series
By D. McEntire
Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

A ghost and a werewolf—two curses setting them apart from the rest of the world. Can they find peace together?

Buy link: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=63&zenid=ed54daff59b8c858d37030951bfdde1d

Festive Frenzy: Nobody Gets Lucky

2011-12-23T01:57:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm known primarily as an author of erotica, but I also write mainstream queer fiction every so often. This Christmas, I've got a brand new story of lesbian love and family drama on the market. It's called...

Nobody Gets Lucky

By Giselle Renarde

Genre: Mainstream Lesbian Fiction

Blurb:

Buy Link: http://store.untreedreads.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=238&products_id=270

Festive Frenzy: Tenacious Bea and the Bite of Destiny

2011-12-22T23:06:00.000-05:00

Title:Tenacious Bea and the Bite of Destiny

Author: DC Juris

Genre: f/f holiday

Blurb:It's Christmas time, and Jenny couldn't care less! But when her toothless dog Tenacious Bea is accused of biting her neighbor, Jenny discovers that love and happiness are lurking just around the corner in the form of Anne from the Health Department. Anne feels horrible when she learns of the childhood tragedy that robbed Jenny of her Christmas spirit. With a little shove from destiny, and Tenacious Bea, she helps Jenny find her holiday cheer.

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=2982

Festive Frenzy: FREE READ! Narcissist Seeks Narcissist

2011-12-22T08:12:00.000-05:00

It's not a holiday story, but for a limited time only it is FREE! Give yourself a gift--and a free one, at that.

Narcissist Seeks Narcissist is a lesbian erotic comedy (with the emphasis on comedy) and right now it's available to download FREE from All Romance Ebooks.

Szuszu the former model has survived on women and scotch since she was just a teenager. All these years, she's had her best friend Babette by her side, but now that Babette is married and setting off on a world tour, Szuszu feels utterly abandoned. As a pre-departure joke, Babette writes up a silly and snide little personal ad, which narcissistic Szuszu posts in hopes of attracting a woman who looks just like she did when she was young.

Naomi thinks Szuszu's post is hilarious -- what a great sense of humor! She can hardly believe the centrefold she stole from her dad's collection way back in the day is looking for love. It's not like her to answer a personal ad, but for the infamous Szuszu she'll make an exception. She thinks Szuszu looks fantastic, and Szuszu (who refuses to wear her glasses) thinks Naomi looks just like her. What could ensue but sex, love, and a whole lot of comedy?

I won't say any more, because I'm taking up valuable time you could spend hopping over to ARe to get your FREE copy. Enjoy!

Festive Frenzy: Winning In A Landslide

2011-12-22T04:08:00.000-05:00

Title: Winning In A Landslide
Author: JM Cartwright
Genre: M/M Contemporary

Blurb: Sheriff Grissom has just won re-election, but the campaign got nasty. Johnny and Grissom are at odds with each other, the reality of their world sinking in for both men. Johnny's frustrated and Grissom's patience is stretched to the limit.

Johnny's come to understand exactly what their relationship could cost Grissom, and he's having second thoughts. But the two men have established a family, and a life together -- a good life, despite their differences. Plus, it's almost Christmas, and they're breaking in a new housekeeper. How will she like working for two daddies?

Can they really make it work in small-town West Virginia? Join the boys from A Change of Tune and find out.

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3474

Festive Frenzy: Perfect Christmas

2011-12-21T23:03:00.002-05:00

Title:Perfect Christmas

Author: DC Juris

Genre:m/m/m holiday romance, light BDSM

Blurb:Depressed and lonely, Evan has nothing to look forward to on Christmas but his TV dinner and store-bought cookies, while his lover, Drake, spends the holiday traveling for business. But a special delivery changes everything, and Evan finds himself in the middle of a perfect Christmas. Worn out from his stocking stuffer, Evan’s not sure how he’s going to handle his present, but when Drake reveals that Evan’s gift is a threesome with none other than their hunky friend Mike, Evan summons the energy!

Buy Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/perfect-christmas

Festive Frenzy: Naughty: Full to Bursting (New Release!)

2011-12-21T15:14:00.003-05:00

If your holiday season is lacking in lesbian strap-on sex (and on a waterbed, no less!) then my new short ebook "Naughty: Full to Bursting" just might be for you. If it's lacking sex toy double penetration, then look out, sex ahead!

Naughty: Full to Bursting

By Giselle Renarde

Genre: Lesbian Erotica

Blurb:

After six months together, Wanda still hasn't told her children Janelle is more than just a friend. Janelle spends every evening at the house, helping with dinner and homework, but come 10 or 11 at night Wanda always sends her home. Their only chance for debauchery comes one weekend a month, when the kids visit their grandparents. With Christmas on the way, will tensions build too high for Janelle to handle, or will she be fully satisfied by Wanda's big, sexy gift?

Sample

“Wanda?”

Janelle sat up in the middle of the mattress, cradling the covers in both hands. Her back was bare, chilled not by the temperature of Wanda’s cozy home, but by her apprehension. The house was too quiet.

“Wanda?”

There was a squeak on the stairs and then a creak on the landing before Wanda appeared in the doorway. Janelle struggled with where to look first: she glanced at her woman’s face, but she couldn’t glean any emotion from that stony expression before her gaze shot down between Wanda’s thighs. Should she laugh or should she gasp? It was…wow, it was huge!

“Lost for words, little girl?” Wanda strutted into the bedroom, and that mammoth dildo bounced with every step. “Hey, you said you wanted more. I figured I'd give you part of your Christmas present a little early. Doubt you’ll be calling out for more after I fuck you with this monster.”

Janelle could feel saliva collecting under her tongue, and she forced herself to swallow. She couldn’t even remember what she’d been thinking about before. Now that she’d laid eyes on that big, veiny cock, she only wanted one thing.

“It’s new,” Janelle stammered, feeling like an idiot. Of course it was new, it was her Christmas gift!

The strap-on they usually used belonged to Janelle, but it was cheap, hard to wrangle, and the dildo that came with it was nothing to write home about. This new one was less a harness than a sleek pair of jockey shorts with a reinforced waistband and O-ring. Janelle had only ever seen them online, but that stretchy black fabric fit Wanda’s round ass like a wet dream.

Wanda crept up next to the bed, proud as punch, letting the new toy sway side to side. “Wanna touch it?”

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=3475

Festive Frenzy: Knowing it by Hart

2011-12-21T00:28:00.000-05:00

CB Conwy:

Knowing it by Hart

(genre: Feel-good Christmas short)

Blurb:
Brit's life is exactly how he wants it: neat, ordered, and disciplined, the way it needs to be if anybody is going to take a thirty-two year old CEO seriously. If that means being so discreet that you're basically in the closet, then so be it.

Then, at a charity dinner, he meets the good Mr. Hart. A very drunken Mr. Hart. Who gives Brit the kiss of his life. That's all that happens, of course; Brit has got a reputation to protect. Only, he can't get Mr. Hart out of his head, and he realizes that it might be time to make some changes.

Excerpt:
"It's all about sex."

The words carried very well through the lull in the conversation, and Brit couldn't help turning in his chair after the speaker's voice. It wasn't exactly what you expected at the annual contributor's Christmas dinner at the Symphony, after all.

The voice belonged to a man in his thirties, well dressed but with the subtly shoddy air of someone having had just one too many. The man's inebriation didn't do anything to diminish his good looks. Very good looks, in fact, the light brown hair was almost the same color as his eyes and he had the sweetest smile on his face.

And Brit was being entirely too obvious in his gawping. Discretion was more important to him than almost anything else.

He wasn't the only one being somewhat too open, though.

"Now, take the Rite of Spring. That's about a fertility ritual, and at the premiere, you couldn't even hear the music over the booing. If something's too sexy for Paris, then it's damn sexy." The last couple of words were a bit slurred, and the speaker was looming slightly to one side where his dinner partner, an elderly lady with an aristocratic air, had a hard time concealing the slightly uneasy look on her face.

"I must admit to being rather more interested in Haydn than Stravinsky, Mr. Hart." Her tone was polite. She must have incredibly good manners.

"Yes! Haydn." It didn't deter the inebriated speaker in the slightest to have his subject changed. "Do you know the Farewell Symphony, Mrs. Campbell?"

"Oh, yes." Poor Mrs. Campbell sounded relieved. "It's a charming piece of music; so very moving when the musicians leave one by one. The Symphony played it a couple of years back when the financial circumstances threatened a cut to the orchestra. But I believe that was before your time, Mr. Hart. How long have you been writing the program notes now?"

The valiant attempt at changing the subject was completely lost on Mr. Hart. "That symphony is about sex, too."

"Knowing it by Hart" is available at Torquere Press: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2952 or All Romance : http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-niceknowingitbyheart-523899-144.html

Festive Frenzy: Saved by the Sheriff

2011-12-20T20:53:00.000-05:00

Title: Saved by the Sheriff
Author: Carol Preflatish
Genre: romantic suspense

Blurb: When writer Jaime Wilson visits Indiana to investigate an unsolved mystery, she
finds herself becoming the next target and Sheriff Ben Hunter comes to her
rescue. She didn't count on falling in love with him and he didn't think he
would have to work so hard to keep her safe.

Buy Link: http://bit.ly/ScpPre

Festive Frenzy: Nice: The Joy of Christmas Shopping

2011-12-20T15:50:00.003-05:00

Title: ”Nice: The Joy of Christmas Shopping”
Author: Mara Ismine
Genre: Contemporary m/m

Blurb: Is visiting a sex shop with your best friend a good antidote to Christmas shopping? Or is it a good way to move the relationship to something more than just best friends? Keith and David are about to find out.

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=3431

Festive Frenzy: The Long Way Home

2011-12-20T10:45:00.000-05:00

Title: The Long Way Home

Author: G.R. Richards

Genre: Gay/Contemporary

Blurb:

Nothing grabs a guy's attention like the words, "We need to talk."

For months now, Jordan and Faro have been at each other's throats. Their long-term committed relationship is mired by petty arguments about anything and everything, but Jordan's convinced they can make it past the holidays. After all, how heartless would a man have to be to throw his partner out in the street three days before Christmas?

About as heartless as Faro, apparently, who packs Jordan's bags and puts him on the train to his mother's house.

But there's more love, more passion, and more compassion in their relationship than even Jordan had realized. What treasure awaits him when he arrives in his hometown for the holidays?

Buy Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/LongWayHome.html

Festive Frenzy: All The Way

2011-12-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

No sense hosting a holiday party if I don't get to showcase some of my own titles, right? This book actually sold well all summer, if you can believe it. I guess a lot of readers want a little Christmas in July.

Title: All The Way

Author: Giselle Renarde

Genre: Multicultural MMF Menage

Blurb:

When Josie invites her long-ago boyfriend Kaz to stay with her family over the holidays, there are a few things she doesn't anticipate. Kaz admitting he's still a virgin after all these years? That's a weird surprise. Her husband Rob's attempt to give Kaz a little relief in the hot tub? A weird and very sexy surprise. But what about the threesomes in the attic, bedroom, and living room, followed by Josie's jealousy when Kaz falls for her older sister? Nope, she didn't see that one coming.

Buy Link: http://www.excessica.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=340

Festive Frenzy: His Christmas Gift: Myrna's Submission

2011-12-20T03:03:00.002-05:00

Title: His Christmas Gift: Myrna's Submission
Author: Dakota Trace
Genre: BDSM
Blurb:Once active in the BDSM lifestyle, Myrna Doherty was betrayed by the very man who’d promised to love her and her submissive obedience forever: her husband and Master. When Grant leaves both her and Caelan behind Myrna vows to never allow herself to depend upon any Dom again. She never expects to go back on her vow, but then again she never expects her home to be invaded by Doms and subs for the holidays in the disguise of her family.

Panicked at the idea of alienating what little family she has left, she comes up with a plan. She turns to the one man left in the lifestyle she trusts: Amery Alastar, Caelan’s former mentor. She prays that he’ll agree to help ease her back into the now unfamiliar world of BDSM. After all it’s only temporary - until Christmas is over and she can return to her normal life. At least it’s what she tells herself, never realizing Amery has a completely different outcome in mind: he wants her submission and not just temporarily.

Buy Link: http://www.excessica.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=477&zenid=af93641767fec59cf7371033519b9a10

It's Festive Frenzy 2011

2011-12-20T02:51:00.004-05:00

Christmas really snuck up on me this year. Luckily I bought Sweet's gift months ago (it's jewellery!) and ordered Heart & Stroke lottery calendars for my family a while back, or I would be last-minute scrambling right now. In terms of gift-giving, I've really scaled down. No more buying people crap they have no use for.

As for Donuts & Desires' "Festive Frenzy"? Well, that's a bit more of a scramble. Totally my fault. But, of course, you'd never know it was a scramble if I hadn't just told you, so... that was sort of stupid. Oh well.

Thanks to all participating authors, we'll be showcasing lots of winter and holiday themed books over the next week or so.

Are you ready to get festive? Because once it starts, it ain't gonna stop.

Okay. Here goes.

Festive Frenzy is... ON!

Stuff Your Stockings with Red Satin!

2011-12-15T22:54:00.001-05:00

*UPDATE: Please note the contest is now closed and prizes have been distributed to all winners. Thanks for entering. See you at the V-day Blog Hop!*

You've reached Giselle Renarde's stop on the St uff Your Stockings Christmas Blog Hop!

What's up for grabs? Why, it's my latest major release, The Red Satin Collection.

This one's for all you fans of LGBTQ fiction. The Red Satin Collection is a compilation of all three stories in the Red Satin series. All in all, it's a transgender lesbian Christmas erotic romance. There aren't too many of those on the market, so enter my contest to win a PDF copy!

I'll also be giving away 3 secondary prizes of Red Satin, the first ebook in the Red Satin collection, and if more than 25 people enter this contest I'll add on tertiary prizes of other ebooks in loveyoudivine's TransFix line, like Secrets of the Solstice Sacrifice and Spring Fever.

Entering the contest is easy! Just click this link and fill in your email address:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZRP8VT5

(In case you're wondering, I use this method so that you don't have to post your email address in the comments. I know we're all getting more protective of our contact info these days.)

More about The Red Satin Collection:

Coming home means coming out.

The Red Satin Collection brings together all three transgender lesbian romance stories in Giselle Renarde’s erotic holiday trilogy. Red Satin, The Night Before Red Satin Christmas, and Red Satin Christmas, all previously published as individual eBooks by loveyoudivine Alterotica.

In Red Satin, mall magic inspires love and soon lust in the hearts of Regan and her transgender friend Maisie. Maisie’s family hasn’t seen her since she began her transition from male to female—not until she and Regan head home for the holidays in The Night Before Red Satin Christmas.

Regan figures she’s just along for the ride, lending her girlfriend support, until Maisie’s mother surprises her with a special dinner guest in Red Satin Christmas. Regan hasn’t spoken to her hard-drinking Cree father in years. Can she finally trust the man who’s once again claimed to have changed for good?

Together, Regan and Maisie face drama only Christmas can create. How will their well-meaning families impact their blossoming relationship?

Excerpt:
They sat in silence, Maisie's cheek nestled into Regan's chest. The shoppers downstairs generated a cacophony that surged to a peak before coming to a magical silence. A Salvation Army quintet took up their instruments. The muted sound of two silver trumpets, a trombone, a tuba, and a French horn filled the air with a melancholic rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Regan closed her eyes, transported from mall to concert hall. She imagined Maisie in that shimmering blue gown, diamonds around her neck, the epitome of feminine beauty. In her best suit, Regan would escort her new girlfriend to every big event. The whole city would see this gorgeous girl on her arm. When she took a deep breath, the scent of Maisie's cheerful perfume overwhelmed her senses. Regan floated on a cloud of citrus-and-lily.

"I do get frightened, you know," Maisie admitted, cuddling closer. "Of being called out, I mean. And of that looming threat of physical violence." She took a deep breath before asking, "How is my family going to react when I ring their doorbell? I wish I had a big strong girlfriend to protect me."

Opening her eyes, Regan found Maisie gazing up at her like a pulp fiction cover girl brimming with sweet desperation. Regan flexed the arm Maisie wasn't leaning against.

"Oh… you are strong," Maisie cooed. "You could protect me."

"I sure could," Regan began as Maisie wrapped a hand around her muscle. "If I were your girlfriend…"

Now the bashful Southern belle, Maisie released Regan's arm and looked demurely to the floor. With a hint of an anticipatory smile, she asked, "Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

Laughing over the quintet's Christmas Carol, Regan asked, "What did I say two minutes ago? Yes, I want to be your girlfriend!" Again, she breathed in the scent of sunny perfume. Maisie was beyond adorable, her dimpled cheeks plump with leftover baby fat. Her squeezable curves melted against Regan's body as she flicked brunette bangs away from her eyes.

Tracing the line of Maisie's jaw from ear to chin, Regan eased Maisie's expectant lips closer until their gloss grazed hers. For a moment, Maisie hesitated, her warm breath soaking Regan's moistened lips. She waited, her body throbbing, until Maisie placed a caring hand at the back of her head and pulled her into a heated kiss. Maisie's tongue was hot, pulsing against Regan's, their heads switching sides like rapid fire. Regan wrapped herself around Maisie's curves, digging her nails into the flesh at Maisie's sides, moaning into the depths of her luscious mouth.

Just as the flames of passion overwhelmed Regan's body, Maisie broke away with a startled look in her eye.

"What's wrong?" Regan asked.

Maisie chuckled nervously, touching fingertips to her engorged lips. She shook her head and giggled. "I just don't know what I want."

The Red Satin Collection is written by me, Giselle Renarde, published by loveyoudivine Alterotica, and available in print from Amazon and as an ebook from most reputable e-tailers.

But you could win your copy in this contest! Click here to enter!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZRP8VT5

And remember, there are tons of prizes to win in the Stuff Your Stockings Blog Hop, including gift certificates, ebooks, and lots of swag. To visit other participating sites, click here!

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Call for Submissions: JMS Shorts

2011-12-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Authors!
Came across another call for submissions I thought I'd pass along:

** PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED **

Do you have a short story no longer under contract? Maybe you've sent something to an anthology but it didn't get selected for that volume. Or maybe it was published in a collection by Alyson Books or Cleis Press and you'd like to see it re-released as a stand-alone e-book but don't know where to send it.

Here's an idea ... send it to us!

JMS Books LLC http://www.jms-books.com/ is a small queer press specializing in GLBT erotic romance. We release 3 e-books a week and 3 print titles a month. Authors receive 50% net on royalties from all sales. We're currently looking for GLBT short stories in all subgenres. Stories must be at least 5,000 words and no more than 20,000 words in length.

Full submission guidelines can be found on our site at http://www.jms-books.com . If you're responding to this particular submissions call, please send us the FULL MANUSCRIPT and don't worry about including a synopsis.

What are you waiting for? Show us your shorts!

J.M. Snyder

JMS Books LLC

A Queer Small Press

http://jms-books. com

Nobody Gets Lucky: Getting Inspired by Local Artists

2011-12-13T16:26:00.001-05:00

I have a new Christmas story on the market today. NOBODY GETS LUCKY is, as the title suggests, not my normal go-to of erotic fiction. Like my lesbian eating disorder short UGLY NAKED PEOPLE, this new release is queer fiction... with a holiday twist.

Before getting into the pitchy side of this post, I want to tell you more about the title. I think it's pretty inspired, and I can say that without feeling too full of myself, because it's actually inspired by a local artist named Lucky Jackson.

Now, just to be clear, none of the characters in this story were inspired by the artist in question. It's all a matter of names--and first names only, at that. See, I met Lucky last year at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, and I bought a few monstrously cool pieces from her. Right now her "thing" is embroidery art, and the stuff she produces is just... wow. Just cool beyond cool. Cooler than I could ever hope to be.

So, one day I was sitting at my computer trying to devise a title for a story I had in mind. The story was about a young lesbian, a single mother, spending Christmas with her girlfriend's family. They don't understand her. They don't like her. What could I call this story?

Nobody understands this girl...

I'm looking up at the works by Lucky Jackson hanging over my computer, contemplating.

Nobody gets her...

Hey, what if I named my character Lucky?

Nobody Gets Lucky

Perfect! The title was absolutely perfect, and I found it with the help of Lucky Jackson's art on my wall. If you're curious (and I'm sure you are) how about checking out her amazingly awesome embroidery? Like this portrait of Emilio Estevez (one of my faves) or Billy Idol (my girlfriend's fave) and more. Here's her website.

Now that you've heard the in-depth history of the title, want to know a little more about the story? Well, first off, it's available at 30% at the Untreed Reads store throughout December, and there's a buy one get another 40% off deal going on too!

Description:

When Justine brings Lucky home for Christmas, the family isn’t shy in expressing their dislike of the quirky, single mother. Even Grandma’s taking pot shots at Lucky all through dinner! Sure, Lucky’s tattoos and tight clothes make her an easy target in Mother’s prim and proper dining room, but there’s so much the family doesn’t understand about the woman Justine loves. When they do find out more about Lucky’s past, will they be willing to accept her at all, or will they be able to embrace Justine's new love?

A short story from our Nibs literary line.

Excerpt:

“Was that stuffing cooked inside the turkey?” Lucky had been bouncing the baby on her knee, but she stopped now to peer at the dish, making a face everyone else at the table would probably view as uncouth.

“That tray was, yes.” Justine’s mom plastered on a smile, but it was obviously fake. “But I baked another little dish of stuffing all by its lonesome.”

Lucky breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Oh, that’s good. I won’t eat anything that’s come in contact with meat.”

Justine knew that Lucky didn’t mean to be rude. She’d been looking forward to the tastes of Christmas dinner ever since Justine had invited her to this family gathering, and she obviously didn’t want to miss out on the best part. Thanksgiving and Christmas were the only times stuffing made an appearance on this table, and Justine’s mom’s cranberry-and-walnut was to die for.

Beaming that same irritated smile, her mother said, “Justine’s the same way. That’s why I made a special batch for the two vegetarians.”

“Three,” Lucky said. Her slick black hair tumbled over her shoulder as she gazed at the baby whose tiny feet rested on her thigh. With his fat little face tilted to one side, he looked like an old man asleep standing up. “Looks like Zadyn needs a nap before nom-noms. He’s vegetarian too.”

Justine’s brothers’ jaws dropped, and her cousin Andrea laughed unapologetically. Justine shot them a death glare, but they were focused on the woman they’d already labelled a freak.

“Your baby’s vegetarian?” Andrea let the laughter fade to a faint giggle instead of trying to talk over it.

Grandma Thornton didn’t seem half so amused. The tight purse of her lips broke to say, “Children need their protein. They need nutrients to grow. You must feed a growing child meat!”

Andrea’s titters continued as Justine’s youngest brother leaned forward. In an overstated show of mock-concern, he lisped, “I don’t mean to alarm you, but the stuffing was baked in the same oven as the meat products. Terribly sorry for the inconvenience.”

Insufferable little red-haired Andrea pulled the zipper on her hoodie up over her lips. She was laughing silently, but with such force her eyes teared up. Justine’s head buzzed. If these people weren’t family, she’d have taken them out back and taught them some manners.

Rising from the table, Lucky heaved tired baby Zadyn to her hip. One of the things Justine admired most about the girl was her deliberate obliviousness. She grabbed the side of Lucky’s chair and slid it out of the way so it wouldn’t tumble over. In her peripheral vision, she saw her mother’s scowl as the wooden feet screeched against the floor. God forbid the hardwood should suffer!

Justine tried not to stare at Lucky’s ass as she bent to ease Zadyn into his stroller, but it was hard not to ogle a girl she found so alluring. As far as the family was concerned, Lucky was just a friend who’d been invited along because she had nowhere else to go at Christmas. That much was true, at least—her mother had disowned her when she got pregnant with Zadyn. And selfish as it seemed, Zadyn’s existence was a nice little red herring for Justine. When most people saw a young mother with an itty bitty baby, they didn’t automatically think, lesbian.

Buy now from:

Untreed Reads
All Romance
Omnilit
Amazon
1PFR
and so many other retailers I can't hope to list them all!

Hope you enjoy my queer Christmas short!

Hugs,

Giselle

www.sablejordan.blogspot.com

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Quick Six PRO  with Sable Jordan

2011-12-12T20:22:00.004-05:00

With the final Quick Six of 2011, here's Sable Jordan!

Quick Six PRO 

Interview with Sable Jordan

Q: What's the most time-consuming part of a writer's life? 

Sable: Hands down marketing. Just like there’s no “I” in “team”, there’s no “market” in “writer”. ;) If you don’t have a strategy and set a time limit, you’ll find yourself running in circles trying to get your book “out there”, and that’ll eat away at your writing time. Or worse, you’ll write around your marketing time, which means your priorities have shifted.

Q: What should a writer's priority be? 

Sable: Writing, writing, and writing, and doing all three well. Develop your craft. There’s always something you can do to make your writing better, so take a little time each month to see where you can improve and expand your skill set. But don't. Stop. WRITING!

Q: How do you handle a bad review?  

Sable: I get chocolate wasted! I’m kidding—getting chocolate wasted doesn't require prompting. Everyone’s not going to like my writing; I get that. Like I always say, you’re entitled to your opinion, even if it’s wrong! LOL! I read a bad review and move on.

Q: What advice do you give aspiring authors?  

Sable: Small bites. Whatever it is you’re working on—outlining, character development, marketing—break it down into manageable pieces and you’ll find you’re more productive than if you try to tackle it all at once. Also, be patient, especially when it comes to sales. It takes a while to build a fan base, so just keep working your craft until the world finally recognizes your genius! :)

Q: What makes an editor great or...not so great?  

Sable: A great editor will tell you when you’re writing crap. Don’t take it personally, we all write crap sometimes. Crap happens. And after working on a book for months, we authors are imaginative enough to convince ourselves that we haven’t written crap at all. Smell? What smell? Enter your great editor, who takes that crap-bespeckled 300 pages of blood, sweat and tears and helps you make it a rose-scented diamond. And they’ll do it by telling you specifically what they like and don’t like, where your POV has changed, if you’ve got tense issues...etc.

A not so great editor is a “yes”-person. Hand them a check for their services and your manuscript—be honest, it’s crapaliscious in places—and they’ll tell you “It’s amazing! Don’t change a thing! If you look up fabulous in the dictionary, your story would be the definition!” If you want your ego stroked while you throw around money, I suggest a stripper...or a Doxy. Shameless plug :) Make it rain!

Q: If you've ventured into self-publishing, what are the pros and cons?  

Sable: I just started my company, Fresh Whet INK, and so far the biggest pro is controlling it all. Setting up my own release schedule means my work hits the stores when I want and I can track sales instantly. It also justifies my increased wine and chocolate consumption. Brain food's a tax write-off, right? Cons: controlling it all. LOL! It’s a lot of work, especially marketing and promo. Just means being more disciplined and making better use of my time. No more playing Diner Dash. *sigh*

The Doxy's Daybook: A Friday in Two Acts

Blurb: Call her Roz. All of her fans do.... Follow along with Rosalyn Hayes, a professional doxy. She's more than an actress, she's "a permanent affair." Every day, this southern-born beauty stars in a play she's also written and produced for an audience that doubles as co-star. It's a performance showing on a stage way off Broadway, the grandest stage of all—the hustle and bustle of life in New York. Told in 1st person, from the time the curtains go up until they go down you'll find yourself mesmerized by each deliciously naughty act.

Warning: 18+ Only! This title contains erotic scenes, graphic language, anal sex, M/M sex, M/F/M sex, Cowboy sex, F/F sex, (sheesh, there's a lot of sex) umm...sex on a desk, sex toys, some light bondage, interracial/international sex, and a doxy with a smart mouth. Yep, that should cover it.

Buy link: http://amzn.to/nk27qW

Sable Jordan
Stories so Whet, you'll want to lick my INK!

www.SableJordan.com

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Six Sentence Sunday - The Rococo Room

2011-12-11T01:53:00.003-05:00

The Rococo Room, my erotic paranormalish romance, happens to be available absolutely FREE at the moment (December 9-13, 2011) and it also happens that the first paragraph in The Rococo Room is six sentences long, so...

(The first) Six Sentences from The Rococo Room:

Delia scurried into the first empty room off the main hallway. Collapsing in the corner chair, she stole her new phone from the side pocket of her hideous black pants. Her heart clenched as she sent chasing glances in every direction. She wasn’t supposed to use her mobile in the gallery, and no good could come of getting caught. The coast was clear. Hunched over like the Virgin protecting her sacred Son, she flipped her phone open.

Kids today and their text messages! LOL

Obsessive love is strangely sad when it's as naive as Delia's. But she'll learn. The small town girl in the big city will learn fast.

Oh yeah, and get The Rococo Room for FREE--do it now!

Hugs,

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Authors: Holiday Excerpt Day Today at LRC!

2011-12-10T01:28:00.001-05:00

Writers, get your promo on. Readers, get ready to be excerpted at (oooh... that sounds so dirty). From the Love Romances Cafe:

**Permission to forward granted**

Join us Saturday December 10th as we celebrate the holidays with an open excerpt day.

All day Saturday I am opening the cafe up to some wonderful excerpts to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

PLEASE NOTE: You MUST be a member of the LRC Loop to participate

WHERE: LR Cafe Loop (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loveromancescafe)

TIME: Midnight-midnight EST (USA time)

What is allowed: Excerpts only. No promos for new contracts, reviews, where you are blogging/chatting, etc. Save those for Mondays.

Some things to remember for this day:

*You are allowed to put "Promo/Excerpt" in the subject line.

*All heat ratings, all genres are welcome. From sweet and nice to everything spice.

*It does not have to be a holiday book to join in the fun.

*If you posted an excerpt this day, you are welcome to post a contest announcement if you are involved in one, want to give something away at the LRC, etc. It's up to the author/publisher to select winner, etc.

If you have any questions, please email me before December 10th at dawn_roberto@ yahoo dot com.

Dawn
Owner-LRC

FREE BOOK, 5 Days Only: The Rococo Room

2011-12-09T14:28:00.003-05:00

The Rococo Room is an erotic romance about a small-town girl who follows the bad boy to the big city and ends up...well, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise! And for 5 days only, Dec. 9-13, 2011, The Rococo Room is available from Amazon absolutely FREE ! No catch, just FREE ! Don't you deserve a gift? (Sure you do! Click here! )

For the blurb and a supremely hot excerpt, read on:

When bad boy Matt leaves the small town of Port Canatangua, Delia follows him to the big city. Delia’s crazy about Matt, and refuses to believe the rumours surrounding his departure. As soon as he finds a good job, he’s sure to get in touch. Until then, Delia takes a dingy little apartment and a position as a security guard at the art gallery. When she falls asleep on the job and finds herself inside a painting alongside Jacob the handsome shepherd, she tells herself it’s just a crazy hallucination. What better place than a dream to find the man of her dreams?

Warnings: This title contains graphic language and explicit sex.

Word Count: 23,000

ADULT EXCERPT:

Matt was tall. She had to stand on her toes just to get his top over his head. Pulling it off, he threw it over the smallish bale behind her. His lean chest glowed pale blue as she traced her finger around the black lines of his killer tattoo. Skeleton. Rose. Broken heart.

“What's it about?” she asked.

His pink nipples drew into tight buds as she touched his skin. “Life,” he said.

She tried to understand for herself, but life just didn't seem that painful to her. Even when things got bad, she always had hope for the future. Like when Matt first came to town and wouldn't let her hang with the group. She was young, but she waited it out. It wasn't always easy, but she made it through and everything had worked out just the way she knew it would.

“It's nice,” she said. Lie.

“It's not nice,” he laughed, pressing his body against hers. Her back met the plastic wrapped around their hay bale. “It's melancholy.”

His cock was already hard. She could feel it through her clothes. Without thinking too much, she slipped her short shorts down to her ankles. She'd never done that before. She'd always kept her clothes on while digging into Matt's pants. Now she felt bare and proud. Her undies were baby blue and made of some kind of fine mesh. They cost more than she was used to paying for underwear, but they were pretty. When she bought them special in Sudbury, she knew they were the ones she'd wear when she asked Matt out to the fields.

Matt dropped his pants in three seconds flat. Though she'd seen his cock on many occasions, it seemed special this time. Something new was happening. As she reached for his tempting erection, Matt surprised her. Grabbing her wrists, he pressed them back against the bale. It

happened so fast her heart raced. He didn't usually touch her much, except to pat her head while she sucked him off. Now he held her back with a generous smile on his face.

“I didn't realize until now,” he said, “how much I've taken you for granted.” Easing forward, he bent to press his hard cock against her mesh bikinis. She'd never felt him against her like that before. It felt naughty and delicious. Instinctively, she pushed her pelvis at him. The base of his shaft brushed her surging clit while his tip pumped precum onto her belly. Pressing his whole self close to hers, he writhed slowly against the outside of her body.

Why hadn't she taken her top off before her shorts? She wished she could feel her bare breasts against his moist chest. Maybe best to leave it on, though, considering how sweaty the weather had gotten her. Now he had her by the wrists and all she could move was her mound against his

meat. Pressing herself against him, she helped his big cock stroke her clit. It felt so good she breathed heavy against his bare neck.

“It's in the back pocket of my shorts,” she whispered. “The condom.” She wanted to feel him on the inside.

He let go of her wrists, cradling his cock as he bent to sort through her pockets. While he fished around down there, she took the opportunity to tear off her sleeveless top. Her bra didn't match the panties, but in the dark there wasn't much difference between white and light blue. Thank god for the plastic wrap on the bale behind her, or she'd have hay poking into her back.

“Found it.” When Matt rose to his feet, a mesmerized smile spread across his lips. He stared into tits snuggled close together in clean lace, like they held the secrets of the ages. Reaching behind her back, she unclasped her bra. The straps fell from her shoulders as she curled them inwards. Her bra tumbled down, leaving her breasts bare to be kissed by the humid breeze. Pressing his cock against her belly, Matt cupped her pale tits in his hands. She knew he'd like them. When he squeezed, the condom packet in his left hand jabbed at her flesh. It felt good. Everything felt good. She gasped, throwing her head back against the curved hay bale. Her whole body went into spasm under his touch.

Warm precum trickled across her belly as his aroused cock pumped the creamy stuff all over her skin. “Maybe you should put on the condom now,” she suggested. She didn't want to seem pushy, but she knew it was time. Her pussy felt swollen and wet as she pressed her thighs together. When she imagined his cock coming in, a thrill ran through her.

The Rococo Room is available FREE for a limited time only from: http://www.amazon.com/The-Rococo-Room-ebook/dp/B0051I59QQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323421390&sr=1-1

Hugs,

Giselle Renarde

Canada just got hotter!

http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com

http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica

http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

2011 Rainbow Awards: Honourable Mention for My Mistress' Thighs

2011-12-07T15:08:00.009-05:00

I just found out my lyd anthology My Mistress' Thighs: Erotic Transgender Fiction and Poetry won an honorable mention (5th runner-up) in the Best Bisexual/Transgender Contemporary category of the 2011 Rainbow Awards!

Thank you to the Rainbow Awards, to my girl, and to loveyoudivine Alterotica and the TransFix line for daring to publish cutting edge fiction.

You can read more about the winners here: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1462137.html Congratulations to everyone who won or was nominated. Isn't nice when your hard work is recognized?

My Mistress' Thighs is available in print and as an ebook:

A cross-dressing cowboy, a post-war pin-up, and a wolf in grandmother’s clothing all find a special home in My Mistress’ Thighs. This collection of erotic transgender fiction and poetry by Giselle Renarde makes room for everyone. There’s a secret solstice sacrifice, a case of spring fever, an online romance, and a Wednesday night dinner routine that’s anything but dull. This anthology includes erotic favorites, new surprises, and never-before-seen poetry. From the timid closet dresser of “Love in the Time of Instant Messenger,” to the post-op rodeo queen of “Leslie Goosemoon Rides Again,” all who seek love find it in the world of Giselle Renarde Erotica.

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

A Rose for All Women: The Montreal Massacre, 22 Years Later

2011-12-06T16:31:00.005-05:00

Sometimes we fall into habits. I do a lot of volunteer work with women's organizations, particularly those helping women and children escape domestic violence, but I've been working with these charities for so many years now that I do it all by rote. It's on my calendar: go there, do that. I don't really think about the why anymore.

Today marks 22 years since the Montreal Massacre, when 14 female students were murdered by a gunman expressing his hatred of "feminists." This anniversary has since been named the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. From the government website:

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.

As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Today I watched news footage from that day in 1989, and it was every bit as devastating to me today as it was 22 years ago. The difference is that today I know I'm taking action in many forms against gender-based violence and discrimination. Of course, watching this made me think, 'I need to do more':

The government of Canada has produced some beautiful posters you can order for your classroom, organization, or for yourself. I'm guessing you have to live in Canada to order them, but I'm really not sure.

For details, see the Status of Women website here.

In an hour or so, I'll head out the door to put in some volunteer hours with an empowering, feminist, trans-friendly organization that's especially close to my heart. Usually, going there and doing the work is just an event on the calendar. Not so today. I've been thinking too much about violence and victimization. Today I give my whole heart.

Hugs,

Giselle

Quick Six PRO with Rob Preece

2011-12-05T16:36:00.002-05:00

And now for something completely different...

Today we're interviewing publisher Rob Preece of Books for a Buck. Sit up straight, eyes forward, because it's time for this week's insightful Quick Six PRO!

Quick Six PRO Interview with Rob Preece
Publisher, www.BooksForABuck.com

Q: What's hot on the market these days?
Rob Preece: Vampires and futuristic stories are always hot. Mysteries have been slow for me for a long time but seem to be picking up.

Q: What's the most time-consuming part of a writer's life?
Rob Preece: Writing. Writers write. It's easy to get obsessed with marketing, with research, with social networking. To a certain extent, all of these are valid and even essential. Ultimately, however, writers have to write. If you don't write the best book you can, with a message that's essential to you, you're wasting your time and the readers' time.

Q: On the topic of ebook piracy, hunter or head in the sand?
Rob Preece: This is a tough one. Spending a lot of time hunting for pirates has minimal payoff. On the other hand, those who argue that pirates aren't a problem or, worse, claim that pirates are doing us a favor by giving our books "exposure" are deluding themselves or worse. I think setting up a google alert for your book titles and watching this is essential. Getting more active is great, but there are fast-diminishing returns for your effort.

Q: What should a writer's priority be?
Rob Preece: Learning to become a better writer. Writing is hard. Too many writers think that they're perfect and that their errors are simply their "style." Sure, James Joyce wrote everlasting sentences and mangled English, but he's James Joyce and the number of people sitting down to read Finigan's Wake for beach reading is pretty small.

Q: How do you handle a bad review?
Rob Preece: Look at a bad review as an opportunity to improve your writing. Did they spot things you'd considered rewriting but decided it wasn't worth it? Then put it behind you--everyone is entitled to an opinion but if you're writing the best book you can, you're doing your job.

Q: Have you ever encountered any unprofessional behaviours from editors, publishers or other writers, that they might not even realize are damaging?
Rob Preece: I'm okay with multiple submissions but I feel cheated when I read an author's complete manuscript, only to learn that he/she contracted with another publisher. If you sell elsewhere, withdraw your submission.

Q: What do you look for in a publisher?
Rob Preece: One critical thing is to find a publisher who loves what you're doing. Being at the bottom of a major publisher's list is worse than being near the top of a much smaller publisher's. Obviously, look for reasonable contract terms, a clear way of reclaiming rights, royalty payments on a good schedule, and access to various channels.

Q: What makes an editor great or...not so great?
Rob Preece: A great editor takes your book and makes it more your book. He/she will find those passages you decided were good enough and ask you to fix them. He'll challenge your character motivation and make you clarify your character arcs. She'll spot those words you fall in love with and repeat, and repeat, and repeat. He'll help you cut the fluff so what's left is the polished diamond.

Q: Do you have a preference for short stories of longer works?
Rob Preece: I prefer novel-length fiction. I rarely purchase novel-length collections of related stories.

Q: If you've ventured into self-publishing, what are the pros and cons?
Rob Preece: Self-publishing offers a shortcut to publishing and lets the self-publisher have control over everything. Unfortunately, many self-published works lack professional editing--which is critical to making your book excellent.

Q: Do you find yourself writing for the market and not for YOU, or self-censoring in any way?
Rob Preece: This is one of the biggest mistakes an author can make. Even if you sell a book that you wrote 'to market,' you won't love it and you'll feel yourself trapped in writing more. Obviously, some restraint is appropriate (if you're writing inspirational fiction, for example, cursing is frowned on and few publishers are looking for illegal sexual activities), but you've got to love your basic theme or you're wasting your life.

Q: How have the people in your life reacted to your career as a writer?
Rob Preece: Writers need support groups. I'm lucky enough to be married to another writer, which means she understands my struggles. I doubt I would have been able to stay the course in my writing career without being involved with writer groups, attending occasional writer conferences, and hearing from fans who love what I do.

Q: Any promo tips for fellow authors?
Rob Preece: Write the best book you can. Ask your author friends who'd be willing to review it. Support other authors if you expect them to support you. Mix your promotion with information (e.g., review other books, give writing tips, give back) if you want people to subscribe to your twitter or facebook pages.

Rob Preece
Publisher, www.BooksForABuck.com

Six Sentence Sunday - The Red Satin Collection

2011-12-04T01:19:00.007-05:00

This week's Six Sentences come from my newest release, a collection of all three stories in my Red Satin series, aptly called The Red Satin Collection.

In case you're not familiar with my Red Satin series, it's Christmas-themed transgender lesbian erotic romance with a heaping spoonful of family drama. The following 6 are from Maisie and Regan's kinky Christmas morning sex:

With the most puckish grin Regan had ever seen, Maisie pulled away.

Regan’s breasts went instantly cold without Maisie’s caress. Her nipples drew up into buds so tight her sensitive flesh actually hurt. The pain felt so good it distracted her from her longing as Maisie’s fingers slipped away from her clit.

“What are you doing?” Regan asked as Maisie unscrewed the oak finial from the bedpost. The somewhat ornate, long and rather wide piece came off easily in her hands, gleaming like gold.

Can you say bedknobs and broomsticks? Yikes! No time-traveling bed in my stories, though. LOL Wow, I really want to watch that movie now...

The Red Satin Collection is available as an ebook and in print!

Want to buy a copy?

The ebook is available from:

1PlaceForRomance

All Romance

loveyoudivine Alterotica (the publisher)

Rainbow ebooks

The paperback is available from:

Call for Submissions: Every Night Erotica

2011-12-03T00:59:00.004-05:00

Hi Writers!

Today I'm calling your attention to a site that publishes a lot of my sex stories: Every Night Erotica. They post a work of erotic fiction under 2000 words EVERY NIGHT (hence the name) and, while the pay is low, I really like writing for them. These days I often find myself sitting at the computer at two in the morning, thinking, "Hey, why don't I pound one out for ENE before going to bed?" (Pound one out as in....write a short erotic story...ahem...)

Christmas/Holiday stories are particularly needed this month!

I've copied the "fine print" from ENE's site:

Writing Guidelines
Every Night Erotica is looking for your sexy fantasies, up to 2000 words. Use your adverbs and adjectives wisely and you are welcome to open the door to sex, raunch and explicit lovemaking in your erotic short fiction.

All genres of erotica will be accepted and while we’re well aware that reality stimulates creativity we are only looking for your fictional tales.

Also please note that Every Night Erotica will only accept consensual sex stories and is meant for a mature audience, 18years+. Under no circumstances will we accept stories featuring encounters including under-age characters in situations of rape, incest or any type of sexual abuse. If you have stories in these realms please submit them elsewhere.

Submissions Process
Please use our online form to submit your erotic tales as we do not accept submissions via email or post.

We here at Every Night Erotica will endeavour to respond to all submissions within two months. In that time you may expect an acceptance, a rejection, or in some cases if we are delayed an update on our timeframe for a final decision.

Multiple and Simultaneous Submissions
It would be untoward for Every Night Erotica not to accept multiple or simultaneous submissions. Hence we will accept up to three sexy stories from a single contributor at a time and we will accept previously published works. Please be sure when submitting your stories you upload one at a time.

Compensation
Although Every Night Erotica believes it is important to compensate you for your erotic writing, you may agree that promotion is even more so.

You will have the chance to link your story to your blog or website or even your book on Amazon, if you have one.

You will be paid $3 for each story published here on Every Night Erotica. This amount will be paid via PayPal with an option to donate it back if you would like to help us get started. As we get up and running, Every Night Erotica hopes to be able to increase compensation to pro or at least semi-pro rates.

Terms and Agreements
We have an aggressive publication schedule, so we ask you to agree to our terms as part of the submissions process. A dialog box containing our contract will pop up as part of the submissions process. We got it from SFWA.org so you will find it standard if not familiar; however, please read it carefully anyhow. Then you will be given the opportunity to accept or decline our terms; if you accept, you will then receive an email confirmation of submission received. If you decline the contract, your submission will be automatically deleted unread.

In a nutshell, Every Night Erotica asks for Publication Rights; specifically Internet Publication with an option on Anthology Rights for 18 months (which if applied will garner you another $3). After publication your story will remain in our archives unless you ask us to remove it.

You can check out Every Night Erotica at http://www.everynighterotica.com/

Or, to submit your story, http://www.everynighterotica.com/submit-story/

Nighty Night!

Giselle

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

New Release: The Red Satin Collection

2011-12-02T15:40:00.007-05:00

By popular demand, all 3 stories in the Red Satin series are now available together in one volume!

The Red Satin Collection is now available in print and as an ebook, and includes Red Satin, The Night Before Red Satin Christmas, and Red Satin Christmas, all previously published as individual ebooks by loveyoudivine Alterotica.

There isn't a heck of a lot of transgender lesbian erotic romance on the market, much less Christmas-themed transgender lesbian erotic romance, much less family drama... well, you get the point. We'll be here all day if I list all the specifics. :-)

Suffice to say, all stories in The Red Satin Collection have been well-received by reviewers and readers alike, and now they're all available together, and at a very reasonable price I might add. If you were to buy all three stories individually, you'd be paying $8.97. The Red Satin Collection is, I believe, $5.99 for the ebook and only $11 for the paperback! That's pretty awesome, if you're the type of person who (like me) prefers to put books on a physical shelf and look at their spines and their covers and feeeeeel the pages against your fingers.

Ahhh, yes, reading is a sensual experience.

Anyhoo, I sense that I'm getting silly now, so I'm going to cut myself off and post the blurb and excerpt from The Red Satin Collection. Whether you've been searching high and low for trans lesbian erotic romance, or you don't even really understand what a trans person is but you want to read a heartwarming Christmas story, The Red Satin Collection is an excellent starting point. I highly recommend it. (but of course I would--I wrote the damn thing, after all. LOL)

The Red Satin Collection by Giselle Renarde
Now Available!

Coming home means coming out.

The Red Satin Collection brings together all three transgender lesbian romance stories in Giselle Renarde’s erotic holiday trilogy. Red Satin, The Night Before Red Satin Christmas, and Red Satin Christmas, all previously published as individual eBooks by loveyoudivine Alterotica.

In Red Satin, mall magic inspires love and soon lust in the hearts of Regan and her transgender friend Maisie. Maisie’s family hasn’t seen her since she began her transition from male to female—not until she and Regan head home for the holidays in The Night Before Red Satin Christmas.

Regan figures she’s just along for the ride, lending her girlfriend support, until Maisie’s mother surprises her with a special dinner guest in Red Satin Christmas. Regan hasn’t spoken to her hard-drinking Cree father in years. Can she finally trust the man who’s once again claimed to have changed for good?

Together, Regan and Maisie face drama only Christmas can create. How will their well-meaning families impact their blossoming relationship?

Excerpt:

They sat in silence, Maisie's cheek nestled into Regan's chest. The shoppers downstairs generated a cacophony that surged to a peak before coming to a magical silence. A Salvation Army quintet took up their instruments. The muted sound of two silver trumpets, a trombone, a tuba, and a French horn filled the air with a melancholic rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Regan closed her eyes, transported from mall to concert hall. She imagined Maisie in that shimmering blue gown, diamonds around her neck, the epitome of feminine beauty. In her best suit, Regan would escort her new girlfriend to every big event. The whole city would see this gorgeous girl on her arm. When she took a deep breath, the scent of Maisie's cheerful perfume overwhelmed her senses. Regan floated on a cloud of citrus-and-lily.

"I do get frightened, you know," Maisie admitted, cuddling closer. "Of being called out, I mean. And of that looming threat of physical violence." She took a deep breath before asking, "How is my family going to react when I ring their doorbell? I wish I had a big strong girlfriend to protect me."

Opening her eyes, Regan found Maisie gazing up at her like a pulp fiction cover girl brimming with sweet desperation. Regan flexed the arm Maisie wasn't leaning against.

"Oh… you are strong," Maisie cooed. "You could protect me."

"I sure could," Regan began as Maisie wrapped a hand around her muscle. "If I were your girlfriend…"

Now the bashful Southern belle, Maisie released Regan's arm and looked demurely to the floor. With a hint of an anticipatory smile, she asked, "Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

Laughing over the quintet's Christmas Carol, Regan asked, "What did I say two minutes ago? Yes, I want to be your girlfriend!" Again, she breathed in the scent of sunny perfume. Maisie was beyond adorable, her dimpled cheeks plump with leftover baby fat. Her squeezable curves melted against Regan's body as she flicked brunette bangs away from her eyes.

Tracing the line of Maisie's jaw from ear to chin, Regan eased Maisie's expectant lips closer until their gloss grazed hers. For a moment, Maisie hesitated, her warm breath soaking Regan's moistened lips. She waited, her body throbbing, until Maisie placed a caring hand at the back of her head and pulled her into a heated kiss. Maisie's tongue was hot, pulsing against Regan's, their heads switching sides like rapid fire. Regan wrapped herself around Maisie's curves, digging her nails into the flesh at Maisie's sides, moaning into the depths of her luscious mouth.

Just as the flames of passion overwhelmed Regan's body, Maisie broke away with a startled look in her eye.

"What's wrong?" Regan asked.

Maisie chuckled nervously, touching fingertips to her engorged lips. She shook her head and giggled. "I just don't know what I want."

Want to buy a copy?

The ebook is available from:

1PlaceForRomance

All Romance

loveyoudivine Alterotica (the publisher)

Rainbow ebooks

The paperback is available from: