Who’s your favorite female author? Can you pick just one?

Do you tend to read more books written by men or women? If you’re reading this romance-themed blog, it’s likely women–and probably romance.  But among all genres this simply isn’t the case.

Last year British author Joanna Walsh coined the hashtag #ReadWomen2014 and designed this postcard featuring her favorite female authors.

Walsh wrote “…although women read more than men, and books by female authors are published in roughly the same numbers, they are more easily overlooked.” She said female authors are marginalized “by top literary journals, both as reviewers and the reviewed.”

A recent Goodreads survey indicated readers prefer books written by their own sex, but that readers of female-penned books were 80% female, while for male writers it was 50/50. In essence, far fewer men read books written by both women and men.

These statements may come as no surprise to you.  Certainly, female authors (and readers) dominate the romance genre. But it’s a good reminder this holiday book buying season to support other women, and women writers

Believe me, we appreciate the support!

*~*~*

Jen Crane recently released the first two books in the scorching new Descended of Dragons series. Book two, Origin Exposed, was selected by iTunes/iBooks as “Our Pick” in Fantasy/Sci-Fi.

Rare Form
Descended of Dragons, Book 1
Amazon: https://bit.ly/RFAmazonBuylink
B&N: https://bit.ly/RFBNBuylink
iTunes: https://bit.ly/RFiBooksBuylink
Kobo: https://bit.ly/RFKoboBuylink

A Secret Past

Fiery redhead Stella Stonewall can’t decide between a margarita and a manhattan.
The rest of her life? Please. Stella has never really fit in, and her pretty world comes crashing down when she learns it was never her world at all.

Rowan Gresham is domineering, brooding, and as sexy as chocolate-dipped sin. When he transports Stella to the magical realm of her parents she recognizes her rightful place immediately. Gresham’s motivations are less clear.

A Scorching Chemistry

The enigmatic Gresham aids in Stella’s metamorphosis and their chemistry ignites, though a long-time girlfriend and a significant age difference stand in the way.

A Battle for the Rest of Her Life

Stella’s life fast-tracks to extraordinary when she enrolls at Radix Citadel for Supernatural Learning, an enchanted college whose students turn furry on the regular. As Stella learns to navigate the magical new world of Thayer she must also find her animal form, a task as elusive as her ancestry. Stella soon faces an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn to manipulate an animal form she never knew she possessed.

Origin Exposed
Descended of Dragons, Book 2
Amazon: https://bit.ly/OEAmazonBuylink
B&N: https://bit.ly/OEBNBuylink
iTunes: https://bit.ly/OEiBooksBuylink
Kobo: https://bit.ly/OEKoboBuylink

A Dangerous Secret

In fiery redhead Stella Stonewall’s new world magic and shape-shifters are everyday life. Scales, sorcery, shifters—no big. Stella has learned she’s not only descended of dragons, but of powerful skin changers. She struggles to keep this rare form a secret, even from her closest friends.

A Bitter Betrayal

Stella turns to her mentor Rowan Gresham for help. The charming but enigmatic Gresham forms a plan to improve her troublesome public image. The problem? The plan revolves around betraying the only family she has left.

A Potential for Something Real

When Gresham’s motives come into question Stella must rely on the new friends she’s made at a college for magical shifters. The feral bunch helps set Stella’s inner beast free. As these friendships flourish, so does the magnetism she’s always felt toward fierce and noble Ewan Bristol. But it’s so strong it threatens to overwhelm her.

Can Stella afford to open her heart now, when her entire future’s at stake, or is it bolted shut for eternity?

About the Author

Though she grew up on a working cattle ranch, Jen Crane has been into fantasy and sci-fi since seeing a bootleg tape of Quantum Leap.

She has a master’s degree, and solid work histories in government and non-profit administration. She’s been published in reputable newspapers and magazines. But just in the nick of time she pronounced life too real for nonfiction. She now creates alternate realms filled with adventure, magic, and love.

Jen is happily living out her dream in The South with her husband and three children, striking that delicate balance between inspiration and frustration.

Find Jen Crane online
Website: www.JenCraneBooks.com
FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr: JenCraneBooks

As you can tell, I’m a big fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I’ve seen the Johnny Depp version, but it’s the classic that keeps me coming back.

But, the title says it all. I have so much to do and such little time. I have a new release coming out on the 14th called Strained, which I’m Snoopy-dancing about. At the same time, I’m working on a trilogy, though all of the books are novella-length. I’m also releasing another book later this month under my other pen name. My world is filled with books and I love it. Speaking of which, I need to write up a review for a really cool anthology I read recently.

On top of that, there’s also the lovely holidays and preparation for that. I have to order the kiddo’s presents and make like they came from Santa. I have gifts to order for my nieces and nephews, too. I also have to figure out what kind of dish we’re bringing to my grandmother’s house for Christmas, in addition to what she wants under her tree other than a tree skirt. There are also the bills that will never go away, the possibility that we’ll have to look for a new house come February, and making sure there’s enough money in the budget for everything.

Now as for my desires, more time in the day to do everything I want. I know that’s not going to happen, so I might as well settle for a cup of delicious French Vanilla Cappuccino and let the chips fall where they may. At the same time, I’m going to pick up a good book and snuggle in front of a fireplace somewhere. If the house burns down around me, oh well. At least I’ll be happy and warm.

So I’m curious, despite everything hectic going on in your life right now (or not), how are you planning to enjoy yourself, more so than the holidays?

Thanks for stopping by. Always feel free to hangout in my cozy corner of the Internet at www.marciacolette.com or my blog at marciacolette.wordpress.com.

The secret to a healthy marriage: shoot first and ask question later.

Alexa is keeping a secret from her husband and being half werewolf isn’t it. After all, he’s a full-blood and doesn’t care that there are those who think their union is an abomination. Despite their abnormalities, the Yorks have settled into suburbia and gone out of their way to look like the couple next door.

Their rouse may have fooled an entire community, but not the Georgia Pack. The Yorks have encroached on their territory. Most interlopers end up dead, especially when the bounties on their heads invite stalkers, killers, and psychos to collect. Despite the trouble the Yorks have brought with them, the domestic suburbanites have intrigued the pack.

Alexa’s less domestic than she seems. Eight months ago, her bounty hunting club disbanded after several team members lost their lives in an ambush. Since then, the club has reemerged and is expecting Alexa to take her rightful place among the ranks.

Keeping the truth from her husband about her extracurricular activities will strain the Yorks’ marriage and risk everything they’ve worked hard for. But, that’s the price Alexa pays when her deception becomes deadlier than her aim. A deception that also keeps her alive.

I’ve written six series so far, plus a collection of books that takes place in my fictional town of Lanville, Texas, and another collection that is set at fictional North Texas Highland Hospital. I love revisiting my characters to let my readers know what those characters are doing ever since they received a happy ending in their own books.

My latest series—Anything Goes, about a sex club on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas—currently has five books in it. The idea for the first book—Anything Goes—literally popped into my head as I approached my birthday. I thought, what about a woman who’s recently gone through a divorce and wants to do something wild and crazy on her birthday? That idea turned into my heroine visiting Anything Goes, where she discovers the man she’s secretly cared about for years is one of the owners.

The 5th book—Three’s Perfect—is about two men who have gone through bad relationships, so are reluctant to get involved again. But love can find you when you least expect it.

Here’s a little taste of Three’s Perfect. I hope you enjoy it.

Sean sat back in his chair, at a loss as to what to say next. His friend had gotten married at a sex club. Sean had been out of town visiting his parents in Seattle when Gabe and Debra married. He’d hated missing their wedding, but his mother would’ve hurt him severely if he hadn’t gone home for Christmas and New Year’s.

He’d assumed the couple got married at a church or special wedding venue. Finding out his friend’s wedding had been at Anything Goes made him doubly sorry he’d missed the ceremony.

Sean cleared his throat so he could speak clearly again. “You and Debra had your wedding at a sex club?”

Gabe nodded. “Lisa Cline, one of the owners, works with Debra at the hospital. She offered the club as the venue, which included all the food, decorations, and a three-tier cake. We couldn’t say no to such generosity.”

“So, what’s it like in there?” He propped one elbow on the island, rested his temple against his fist. “I’ve heard it really is anything goes.”

“Like I said, I’ve never been a customer, but Lisa has told Debra about the club. If you can think of a sex act you want, you can do it there. Including bondage.”

Sean’s cock gave an interested leap at the mention of bondage. He’d never done that with a lover, but it had always been in the back of his mind as interesting to try.

“Want to go?” Gabe asked.

“I’ve heard it’s a closed membership.”

“I can get you an invitation as a guest.”

“Do you know if there will be other gays there?”

Gabe nodded again. “Lisa told Debra and me that several of the attendants are bi or willing to play with the same sex. Plus, a lot of the members like same-gender sex. There’s a huge play area where anyone can play with anyone. Or if you meet a member or guest you want to be with, there are private rooms available. You won’t leave unsatisfied.”

The thought tempted Sean. An evening of sex with someone—or someones—he’d never have to see again. No danger of having his heart trampled. Nothing but pleasure without any expectations of starting a relationship. “You really can get me an invitation?”

“Sure. Lisa is a good friend. So is her brother, Alex. They own the club together. Either of them would give you an invitation in a second. The club is open Friday and Saturday nights. I can get you an invitation for either day this week. As your doctor, I can verify that you don’t have any nasty STDs.”

Gabe held up one hand, stopping Sean before he spoke again. “Before you ask, everyone is tested yearly. All attendants, members, and guests have to supply a medical report proving they’re clean. The club provides condoms, and all the men are required to wear them.”

After five years with Mason, it would be weird to use condoms again. Sean loved the feeling of a guy’s cock sliding into his ass without any kind of barrier between them. However, he knew that could never happen with someone he barely knew. Common sense had to prevail over hormones.

“Do you want to go this weekend?” Gabe asked.

Why not? Maybe an evening of hot sex will wake up my muse. “Yeah. Set me up for Friday night.”

* * * * *

Lynn

Find out more about my series and connected books by visiting the special page on my website:
https://lynnlafleur.com/home/series-connected-books/

Update: The winner of the free download is…Kristin Arpin!

* * * * *

I wrapped up Bad Moon Rising yesterday, and it’s in my editor’s hands. This time next week, it will be available at Amazon! This story was one I wrote and offered free, by the chapter, until life caught up with me and I had to scurry to keep up. For those of you who read through chapter five, I will send you chapters six and seven for free. Otherwise, it will be just $0.99 for exactly one week before I jump it up to $2.99 where it belongs—just so you have a chance to read the rest if you’d like to read the final, edited version!

Today, I have bits to catch up on, two stories to put down some notes on, because I have to begin writing them right away.

And did I mention I’m in the midst of teaching the Rose’s Write 50 Books a Year class? It’s a freebie and lasts all this week. If you need help planning, or just need a kick in the butt to get ‘er done, come join us. It’s not too late!

So, for the question…

For my next SEAL book, do you have any celebrity
recommendations for a light-haired hottie?
Answer for a chance to win one of these recent releases. 

For many of us, the holidays are a time to reconnect with family, particularly if we don’t live near one another.  Our family is no exception to this, with folks scattered all over the States.  We were fortunate enough to be able to gather this Thanksgiving in Philadelphia and I couldn’t be happier.  It’s been a couple of holidays since I got to see everyone, and that made it even better.

It’s funny how moving and job churn can affect family time, isn’t it?

Well, okay, “funny” isn’t really the word, but I digress.

I got to connect with my sister-in-law, the lovely L…  She and I decided that we needed to make some cocktails and talked her husband into taking us to the grocery store.

On Black Friday.

Side note – I am not, in any way, shape, or form, a “shopper.”  In fact, I loathe the entire process and have been known to have anxiety attacks in front of the cucumber display.

Here, then, are some tips on surviving the market on days when every shopper, whether they like shopping or not, seems to decide simultaneously that they absolutely must try to disprove the law of physics that says two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time.

First, know what you want.  Wandering around the aisles to browse means that you will probably get run over by people like me who are panickedatthethoughtofbeinginthestorewithyouandjustwanttheirstuffthankx.

Second, leave the family confab at home.  Now is not the time to clog the aisle of the Bloody Mary Mix and try to work out the solution to Life, the Universe, and Everything.

Third, I love my brother-in-law.  But one bottle of Bloody Mary Mix isn’t enough for ME, let alone several of us.  Be prepared, Boy Scout.  Buy more than one.

Fourth, you put celery salt in Bloody Marys, according to the lovely L…  And yes.  It’s as good as it sounds.

Fifth, when you leave the grocery store parking lot, getting your mini-van turned perpendicularly to everyone else, and the flow of traffic, is dumb.  Don’t do that.  Any more.

Yes, lady, I’m looking at you.  You know who you are.

And sixth, if you absolutely must head out on Black Friday, take an awesome sister-in-law with you and come home with vodka to which you add stuff.  It’ll make you a whole lot calmer about this whole thing called shopping.

Now.  Where did I put the celery salt?

Question for you, Dear Reader:  what do you like in your Bloody Mary?  Or, if that’s not your poison, what’s your favorite cocktail?

Thank you Delilah for hosting me today.

First I wanted to say my thoughts go to those who have lost their lives and been injured over these last few weeks. It really re-enforces the live every day to the fullest.

When I wrote under the name Violet Summers with a partner, I didn’t expect to sell much, or that anyone would be that interested in what I had to say. Lucky for me I was wrong and experienced some great years meeting wonderful readers as well as some of my favorite authors—blog Host included.

Then life happened and the bottom fell out of my writing. I fell ill, finally started healing and then bought a bookstore. My muse had taken off and I hated anything I attempted to write.

It’s taken me over a year to begin writing again but I’ve started.

I’m calling 2016 the year of the Reboot. The year of a new approach to my career as a solo writer. To finishing what I’ve started and to remember that everyone has to deal with something. It’s how we come out of it at the end that counts and you know you’re over the worst when you can see the good again.

To that positive end, I’m excited to announce a new series I’m working on—Tarnished Knights.

Dragon Shifters, motorcycles, tattoo parlors and dive bars all nestled in the small town of Wayne, Mi. Blue collar, gritty and ready to kill to protect what they love, the dragons will stop at nothing.

Cyn is the law in the dragon community and his life is getting way too complicated. First he has to deal with the Metallic clans trying to wipe his people out and then there is Ruby. A feisty barkeep who keeps everyone at arm’s length.

She’s hiding a secret behind her big brown eyes and the further she backs away, the more Cyn’s determined to discover what she’s hiding from. Add on top of that a case of serious dragon mating hormones shooting through his body every time Ruby smiles and you have a man ready to blow or worse a dragon willing to bring the whole world down.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season,

Sierra Summers
Books by Sierra

Cinephile:  a devotee of motion pictures ~ Merriam Webster

I’ll make an admission that most writers won’t. I don’t read very much for pleasure. Between my own writing and editing jobs, I don’t want to spend more time looking at the written word for pleasure. But I consider movies a legitimate alternative to reading.

They really do help me fill my writer’s well. Last night’s movie night with my daughter is a case in point. We watched the movie Mud—not because we wanted so much to see a gritty depiction of life on the Arkansas river. We watched because it was filmed in Arkansas and a friend of ours sold a pickup truck to the film crew that was used by one of the film’s characters. 🙂

The acting was very, very good. Especially that of Matthew McConaughey, who played a man hiding on a tiny sandbar of an island in the middle of a river while he waited for his girlfriend (Reese Witherspoon) to join him on the run. He was wanted for murder. And even though he stole every scene he appeared in, he wasn’t the protagonist, the main character, of the story. This was a boy’s coming of age story, and the boy who was at the center of the story shared many parallels with MC’s character. Both characters had strong arcs, both had problems to work through and events to overcome before the end of the movie, and that’s what makes for good fiction.

I’ll admit this kind of realism isn’t my usual cup of tea, but I recently watched another truly amazing movie—also about “real” folk from my region of the country. In Winter’s Bone, Jennifer Lawrence plays an Ozark Mountain girl who hunts for her drug-dealing dad to make sure he shows up for his trial in order to save her home. I never appreciated her as an actress before this film. But she was so real, so dead-on in her performance as the girl who had so many hurdles to overcome in her quest, I now count myself as a fan.

The point is, I watched those movies, but used the same eye I would have reading a book to dissect the story/craft elements. I studied the director’s transitions from one scene to the next. In Mud, I noted the symbolism of Mud’s lucky shirt—that he wore it until it was rags, that he discarded it when he gave up on himself, and that he tore it into strips to save the boy’s life. I paid attention to their dialogue, their voices. There can be poetry in “real” dialogue. And I find that when I need to “hear” a Cajun voice in my ear, I reach for movies like The Big Easy and Little Chenier. When I want gritty and real for a K&R rescue for a book, and a hero who has issues but needs to reawaken his heart, I reach for Proof of Life. Not to imitate, but to climb into that world and pull the rich, visual and aural details around me.

And if I need to wind down and want straight entertainment, which is mostly why I watch movies, I want the latest Star Trek or Fast and Furious. I love the cheap thrills like anyone else. And those are mostly what fill my DVD rack.

Have any movies inspired you lately?
Answer for a chance to win one of these recent releases.