Quick Six PRO with Selena Kitt

Quick Six interviews are now in their 3rd incarnation here at Donuts & Desires, with the newest installation, Quick Six Professional Edition. I figure, no matter your "product," you've got to come out with a PRO edition sooner or later. LOL So these questions focus on writing and industry. This time, I decided to ask questions I as an author was curious to hear answered.

As always, my first respondent was Selena Kitt, and so her interview starts off a new season of Quick Sixes:

Quick Six PRO with Selena Kitt

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

In erotica and erotic romance, paranormal is still going strong, in spite of predictions by many that it would wane. BDSM, M/M and Menage are also at the top sellers for us at Excessica.

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

Marketing and promo. And you're usually doing it while you should be writing. My suggestion? Write FIRST. Without books, there's nothing to market. Save your promo for your down time, and do it from your phone while you're waiting at the doctor's office or at night while you're chilling and watching The Daily Show. Make WRITING your priority, because marketing and promo is a time-suck you can't afford without a plethora of books in the market.

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

Neither. I'll send take-down notices if I find someone pirating my work, if I have the time. But I don't hunt them down anymore. And believe me, I used to. It made me furious to see people trading my work as if it had no value whatsoever. But what I came to realize is that people who steal are always going to be thieves. Their moral compass is just broken. Most of them never would have purchased a book anyway. On a personal level, I think worrying about hunting them all down yourself causes far too much stress and takes way too much time away from what you should be doing - writing. Instead, I'd suggest supporting fighting piracy at a larger level - get involved in passing more stringent laws against it instead of trying to do it all on your own.

Q: How do you handle a bad review?

I thank the reviewer for their opinion. That's all a review is, in the end. You can't please everyone all of the time - but you sure can please yourself. ;)

Q: Have you ever encountered any unprofessional behaviors from editors, publishers or other writers, that they might not even realize are damaging?

Far too many to count. I've read plenty of cringe-worthy train wrecks on blogs and forums where writers can't seem to help "expressing themselves" into a hole they can't climb out of. Every writer seems to have to learn their lesson. Hopefully, they learn it early in their career and they move on. I know I learned mine. My current motto is NO DRAMA. I just don't have the time and energy for it. I don't get into arguments or debates on the Internet. I don't respond to reviews publicly, unless it's to make a factual clarification (and even that, I do very sparingly!) I don't publicly bad-mouth other writers or publishers, and I don't publicly gossip. I certainly will express my personal opinion, but I make sure to own it, and when I'm wrong or I cross a line, I apologize. As far as I'm concerned, the best thing a writer can do is remember to remain friendly, but professional, and avoid the drama at all costs.

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

Since Amazon began banning "certain books," yes, I've started writing for the market and self-censoring in that way. There are things I won't publish anymore, incest being one of them. But for the most part, I write what I like. In erotica, I usually write what turns me on. Sometimes, I'll do something just to push myself, to try out something I haven't written before. For example, my first (and so far, only) gay male romance was an experiment, and Second Chance ended up winning an Epic Award. So the market has a little bit of say in what I'll write - or what I won't - but for the most part, I just try to please myself. And I admit, I do like pleasing myself. :)

Ty has been hurt by life and has sworn off relationships, but his curiosity is piqued by a motorcycle-riding hunk who comes through his Wal-Mart line and buys the same thing day after day: two Slim Jims, a sixty-four count box of crayons and Cracker Jacks. Ty’s curiosity gets the better of him and he goes out with Jonah, but Ty’s best friend, Lucky, is sure Jonah is bad news, and it does seem that both mens’ pasts threaten their future together. Will they find a second chance with one another?

-------------
Selena Kitt
eXcessica publishing

www.excessica.com
www.selenakitt.com

Authors: I Think I Need/Want/Love You

So, I just spent 4 hours updating my website (I should REALLY do that more often!) and noticed that my "links" page is pretty lame-o. Here it is if you want to see how craptacular it's looking these days:

http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica#!__links

Notice how it says "friends of giselle renarde" and then there are, like, 7 names on the list? Yeah, so I feel like a big loser. That's why I need YOU! I've got to add some names to that list of romance, erotica, and adult fiction authors.

If you write erotica, erotic romance, or the like, kindly leave your name and url in the comments below and I'll add you to my links page.

I would love a little reciprocity (hehehe) if you don't mind. And if you do mind, that's your prerogative, Mr. Bumble. (Huh?) Sorry, my sense of humour is really off after all that fiddling with my...website...

Anyway, long story short (well, shorter than Oliver Twist, at least), my links are here:

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

http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

If you want to join the ranks of those 7 proud authors I've already linked to, just leave your "informations" (as my aunt in Quebec says) in the comments and I'll put them up the next time I'm updating my website...which should be some time in the next 6-8 months. (HA! Joking...hopefully)

Thanks Everybody!

Hugs,

Giselle

Spend Someone Else's Money with Kiva FREE Trial

You may recall me talking about Kiva, a microlending organization that supports small business all over the world--especially in third world countries. It's a great program, because it's a hand up, not a hand out. Proceeds from my Coming Together: Neat Edition of TANGLED ROOTS are all loaned to small business owners across the world. With my last Kiva gift card, I supported a collective of female farmers in Mali.

Well, for a very limited time, YOU have the chance to do the same...with someone else's money! Join Kiva using the link below and you get to lend $25 to the Kiva client of your choice. You're lending the money, but the money's not yours. It's absolutely free for you to do this. Isn't that awesome?

What is Kiva?

Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.

Join today and lend for FREE by clicking this link:

http://kiva.org/invitedby/giselle2684

Thanks for being awesome!

Hugs,

Giselle

Call For Submissions: Whipped Cream Shorts

Howdy Authors,

You know I like to let you know about call for submissions and promo opportunities as I come across them. This one's a bit of both:

*****PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED*****

Special Call Out: We are always in need of stories for upcoming holidays and seasons! Do you have a fall or Thanksgiving story? Winter themed or Christmas? New Years? Valentines Day? Spring or Easter? Send 'em in!(NOTE: Please submit your holiday stories AT LEAST two months in advance of the holiday)

The Long and the Short of It and Whipped Cream are looking for short , romantic fiction for our Thrifty Thursdays, where readers can come and read for free. Stories must be 1300 - 1500 words long. NOTE: Stories not meeting the word count guideline will be returned to you unread, with a request to adjust the word count accordingly.

In exchange for your short romance story, we offer $5 (payable on acceptance and via Pay Pal only) and a free ONE MONTH book cover or banner ad (a $10 value). The author may also choose to substitute a TWO MONTH cover/banner ad (a $20 value) in lieu of monetary payment. The author will also receive a link on our website to their personal webpage and/or blog.

We ask that all stories submitted for our non-erotic site be rated PG or lower, as we have all ages reading. Special criteria for erotic short stories can be found here.

All genres are welcome as long as the story has strong romantic elements. Additionally, all the stories accepted at The Long and the Short of It MUST have love and romance as central. A “Happy Ever After” (or at least "Hopefully Ever After") is also a required, fundamental part of all the stories we publish. If your story does not conform with these guidelines, please seek an alternate home for it.

In addition to offering our readers quality fiction, we wish to offer authors an opportunity to place their work where readers, publishers, and editors can see it.

Our editorial standards are high and we do not publish every submission we receive. If necessary, editors will work with authors of successful submissions before the story is placed on the site. As we publish only one new story per week, space is limited and will be reserved for only the best submissions we receive.

The story will appear on the Thrifty Thursday page for one week, after which it will be archived. Six months after the story appears on our website, full rights may revert back to the author upon request. If the author doesn't request rights, the story will remain archived indefinitely.

In consideration of the author allowing The Long and the Short of It to publish the short story, links to the author’s website and/or blog may be presented on the story page.

1. All submissions must be the original work of the author.
2. No submission may be published anywhere else (including blogs or websites) at the time of submission.
3. Submissions must be sent in the body of an email with “short story submission” and the title in the subject line. Please single space and use readable fonts like Times New Roman or Courier. Attachments will not be opened. Failure to put the correct heading in the subject line may result in your submission being deleted as spam.
4. Include the word count, title of the story, your name, pen name (if desired), and email address, along with link to your website or blog, if available and a short (50 words or less) author bio.
5. All short stories, regardless of genre, must have strong romance elements included.
6. Please allow thirty days before inquiring about the status of your submission.

The Long and the Short of It is an open submissions site and we enjoy finding new writers and giving them a voice in a very busy marketplace. We read every submission we receive and judge them on the quality of writing, without regard to the author’s previous publication experience. However, the standard is extremely high and all submissions will be up against authors who take their writing and their growth in the craft seriously. We reserve the right to edit all material submitted for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity. However, this is not an excuse to submit poorly executed stories.

Proofread your story, make it the best it can be and send a professional submission to us.

More information, including how to submit your story, may be found here: http://tinyurl. com/29p5gba

Marianne and Judy

Six Sentence Sunday - Gigglepuss

All week (okay, except yesterday when I announced a new release from another publisher), I've had the spotlight on Xcite Books here at Donuts & Desires, so it's only fitting that this Six Sentence Sunday I showcase 6 from my Xcite lesbian ebook Gigglepuss. Probably my favourite title of all my books, by the way. I love the cover, too.

I kissed her on Tuesday, and she giggled.

I kissed her on Wednesday, and she giggled.
Thursday I vowed not to take another chance. I wasn’t used to being laughed at. Other girls didn’t titter when I pulled them close, took their soft cheeks firmly between my palms, and pressed their luscious lips to mine. Other girls understood the seriousness of my intent, but other girls were not Mitsuki.

Have we all been there, or what? The first time I kissed my girlfriend, she said it made her feel "uncomfortable." *sighs* Oh well, at least she didn't giggle.

Hugs,

Giselle

Wonderful PROMO from Untreed Reads

If you've ever worked with Jay Hartman at Untreed Reads, you obviously know he's awesome and so, so supportive of his authors. I'm incredibly lucky to be one of them.

As soon as Jay heard about the release of my latest lesbian erotic e-book, ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR KATHRYN, he generated the following promotion to save you wonderful people some money (and inspire you to purchase some of my lit fic). Thank you Jay!

If you haven't read Giselle's brilliant short story UGLY NAKED PEOPLE, it's now only $0.99. She's also written a brilliant straight romantic short story titled LOVE AGAIN that's only $1.50. You can find both books in The Untreed Reads Store at http://bit.ly/qLZWEl or at any ebook retailer around the world.

To celebrate the launch of Giselle's new release, we're offering 25% off her titles with Untreed Reads through August 15th. Just send your proof of purchase of ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR KATHRYN to general@untreedreads.com with GISELLE RENARDE in your subject line, and we'll email you a coupon code to use in our store. This discount can only be used in The Untreed Reads Store.

Best,

Jay Hartman
Editor-In-Chief
Untreed Reads Publishing

http://www.untreedreads.com

Xcite Week: Six of the Best Spanking Stories 2

If one anthology of spanking stories isn't enough, then you might need Six of the Best Spanking Stories 2!

Six spanking new stories by your favourite authors...


Hired Hand by KD Grace

Pretty city boy, Tim Harris, is the last man Suzie Sheridan would have hired to help her on the farm had he not been the only one who applied for the job. But with strict discipline generously applied in all the right places, even Suzie is amazed at just how good a hired hand Tim turns out to be.


Just the Ticket by Elizabeth Coldwell

All Laura had to do was deliver a Cup Final ticket to her husband's best friend, but she seems to have lost it on the way. So she shouldn't be surprised when Jason decides to give her a suitable punishment to make sure she isn't so careless in future.


In Tooth and Claw by Giselle Renard

Dotschy's reached that point in life where she never wants to bring another man into her home. It's one thing to fuck a co-worker in an underground parking lot, quite another to have him in her own bed. Connor, the sweet and sensitive cross-dresser, understands her apprehensions and assuages her fears. Good thing! Had she not invited him home, Dotschy would never have discovered how delicious a good dose of pain can be.


Hot for Teacher by Renee

For Darren, the first time was supposed to have been the only time but Courtney has other ideas. With his fiancée sitting in the audience at one of his wrestling matches, a nineteen year old Courtney lures Darren into a deserted classroom for some hot and heavy away from the ring action. A not so innocent smack on her bare ass leads to a spanking that ends with her wet and ready to be taken right there on the teacher's desk.


Making It Happen by Fulani

Lisa has a dead end job in a petrol station. But she reads. A new self-improvement book tells her about the law of attraction. If you want something to happen, and believe it will happen, you can make it happen. Lisa doesn’t know exactly what she wants, but has faith that she’ll find something wonderful and exciting. And she gets it, in the shape of the leather-clad biker and an afternoon motorcycle ride into the country.


The Naked Truth by Dee Jay

Private eye Lucy is booked to follow a wife who is suspected of having an affair. She is led to a night club where she gets to know the suspect. They attend a party where she is trapped by the wife who tells her she knows what she's up to. Lucy is punished, after which the pair have passionate sex. Lucy now knows what to tell the client who booked her services.

Xcite Week: Six of the Best Spanking Stories

For readers who enjoy spanking erotica, Six of the Best Spanking Stories is a must-have!

Corrections by C. Margery Kempe

Simon had worked for Dr. Kettering for six months and he still couldn’t quite figure her out. It wasn't that she was cold or withdrawn; quite the opposite, in fact. She was also gorgeous, tall with curly auburn hair and striking green eyes. Every move had grace and poise, even if she was a trifle distant. Safely at home, he had fantasies of her exposing a vulnerability to him. But he couldn’t have been more surprised on that rainy Friday afternoon when she asked, "Can I share a secret with you, Simon?" because her fantasy, was also his.


La Petite Mort by Shashauna P Thomas

Despite the possible repercussions to her career, Camille agrees to meet her best friend at Onyx, a well known BDSM club in New Orlean’s French Quarter. While searching for her friend she catches the attention of a sexy, mysterious stranger with intense eyes who makes sure her evening spent at the Onyx is one she’ll never forget.


The Credit Crunch By Congressio

‘If ever the estate makes a loss, I will punish you severely, darling!’ That’s what his wife had threatened and he had no doubt she would carry out her threat. The question is not, can he withstand the punishment she deems fitting, but does she have another motive for spanking him?


Who’s The Boss? By Simon Asquith

Despite being a smart career girl with a good head on her shoulders, Rachel has always found job interviews to be something of an ordeal. This time however, she may get more than she bargained for. Behind closed doors, authority is everything, and a degree of role-playing can be a fun and revealing experience. But executive power games can go too far between a man who’s used to being obeyed, and a woman who knows exactly what she wants. In the end, strict disciplinary procedures are brought into play. But will the tables be turned before everyone is fully satisfied?


Bum Steer by Landon Dixon

It was the kind of set-up a butt-loving PI just couldn’t resist: a big-bootied babe lounging poolside, bottoms-up. So, he took the bait, sinking everything he had into the plush richness of the woman’s rear end. But temporary ecstasy soon turned into a royal pain in the derriere, when he received a blackmail note the following morning. Then, it was his ass on the line; spank or be spanked.


Black Lace and Wood by Giselle Renarde

It was months ago that Rebecca cheated on her husband with his younger brother. Navin still won't look at her, even when she dresses up for him in black lace, stockings, garters and heels. There's only one way to salve the old wound, Navin must discipline her like a naughty child. A wooden spoon against her bottom should do the trick.

Xcite Week: Partner Swap

I'm going to be a tease and tell you about a kick-ass antho that hasn't hit the market yet, though you can pre-order the paperback. I just finished proofing the two stories I've signed to Partner Swap, a collection of swinging and swapping stories, and oh I just can't wait for you to be able to read them!

The Couple with the Dragon Tattoo is a story about Marva and Gerry, a couple who consider themselves very boring until they befriend a lesbian couple...polyamorous pansexual, actually. Marva and Gerry are fascinated by the pair and they hope the friendship will turn into something more. I'm sure you can guess what happens, right?

The other story not predictable at all. Deeds of Mercy is story two in a series about Mercedes and Simon, who used to date long ago. He's older and married, and now she's engaged and happily so, but when they meet again by chance and Simon offers to pay Mercedes for sexual favours...well, she kind of can't resist. You can read the first story in this series, Secret Mercy, for FREE at Oysters & Chocolate. Readers asked for more, so I've been writing more!

Have you ever looked at another couple and wondered, what if... From polygamy virgins to seasoned swingers, these stories turn the spotlight on to partner swapping. Whether it's a straight husband/wife exchange, a same-sex switch or a full-on foursome, this book has something for you, your lover, and perhaps a couple of your closest friends. Open your mind to a world where one partner is never enough.

Xcite Week: The Bad Girl's Sweet Kiss

I can't recommend this oral sex anthology strongly enough. What sets it apart? It's full of TRUE confessions from a wide variety of erotica writers. The full title is The Bad Girl's Sweet Kiss: A blow-by-blow anthology of first-time fellatio and other oral delights.

This anthology, edited by Chrissie Bentley and Miranda Forbes, was actually years in the making. It started with a call for true recollections of authors' first experiences giving a blow job, and expanded to include first times eating pussy too. There is such honesty in this book. It's a rare thing.

My story "I Sucked A Married Man's Cock" is absolutely true, naivety and youthful folly coming strongly through the confession narrative. Real life events don't always go the way you think they will, or turn out how you'd like, and this blow job was not perfect, but...hell, I've improved since then, so I don't mind telling you about my young love. That said, no other published story has left me feeling quite so exposed. I'm naked in this one.

The Bad Girl's Sweet Kiss: A blow-by-blow anthology of first-time fellatio and other oral delights

A blow-by-blow anthology of first-time fellatio and other oral delights. Chrissie Bentley is a woman on a mission - to raise the profile of oral sex. In 'The Bad Girl's Sweet Kiss' she has brought together her own experiences as well as those of many other erotic writers from all over the world. From some of the most well-known voices in erotica to more recent newcomers to the field, everybody's first time is different. In this diverse collection of blow-by-blow accounts exploring an oft-overlooked act of intimacy, you'll find something to shock, titillate, amuse as well as trigger memories of your own oral initiation.