Sunday, December 10, 2006

Holiday Recipes

Hey y'all. I'm all owie >.< at the moment. I went grocery shopping in heels (yea, I'm a dumbass, apparently. I'm 5'9", it's not like I'm not tall enough already, right?) and took a bad step off the curb. Bleh. Anyway, my random bitchin' aside, I am hunting some good Holiday recipes. In that spirit, here's one of my own, that everyone raves about:


Parmesan Cream Cheese Ball

16 oz of cream cheese, softened
1/2 c of mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/3 c of grated parmesan cheese
10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 c sliced green onions
chopped parsley, optional

Beat cream cheese at medium speed with a mixer until smooth. Add mayonnaise and parmesan cheese; beat until blended. Stir in crumbled bacon and green onions; cover and chill at least three hours. Shape mixture into ball and garnish. Ball can be rolled in parsley for presentation.Serve with crackers or veggies. Yield: 2 3/4 cups.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Pop Culture Rantage

I take back everything I ever said about the dearth of funneh on SNL.



*wipes tears* Y'all are welcome. Oh, and this is gaked from Saradia on LJ.

Oh, and while I'm on the funneh, I'd like to take a moment to pimp An Evening With Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder. Yessssss.....I got it for the hubby for his b-day, and it's hysterical. I love a man who can be intelligent AND funny. Kev doesn't know it, but he was my sekrit boyfriend until he got married. *sigh* Of course, I married my own adorable fanboy, so I'm okay with his decision now. LOL!

ETA: I forgot to mention Mewes. He's actually kinda cute now that he's cleaned up and sober. OMG, did I say that??

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Update, at long last!

Hello my darlings!

I know I'm grossly overdue an update, but we had a sustained illness in the family and I was AWOL for most of October. I'm slowly getting back up to speed now. In the meantime, interviews and good reviews are coming in, both for me and all the Aphrodite's Apples gals!

Interviews!

The fabulous Dark Author Michele Lee interviewed me on her blog, and you can check it out here.

I'm also going to be spotlighted, along with Aphrodite's Apples in general this December in Pandora's Gate at Paper Dragon Ink.

Reviews!

EuroReviews has given Spellbound four and a half rings! Cathie of EuroReviews says of Spellbound:

"Spellbound-Tales Of Mischief & Mayhem is an anthology of stories by Candice Gilmer, H.S. Kinn, Sabrina Luna, Ivana Peters, AE Rought, Katrina Strauss from Aphrodite's Apples Press that are individually unique! Each story is a total surprise, never knowing where the story will move next. Within you'll find mostly stories of Horror or more like spooky, as well as some bits of romance and bittersweet stories. If looking for a taste of each of these authors writings, this anthology is the perfect book to give you a great glimpse of these authors works. Then too you'll want to see other books they have written at Aphrodite's Apple Press of a variety of genres."

And of Connacht the Immortal, my short in Spellbound she says, "Dearg, known as Connacht, plans his revenge for those who took his family and also becomes immortal as well as a revealing of his mate. This story has some open questions that tend to assume this may be part of a series or a start of one that will answer more questions of short story. The reader will want to look up more of H.S. Kinn's books as well as watch for upcoming releases! This short story has a fascinating glimpse into a unique world this author has developed with shapeshifters."

I'd like to make one last pimp, for my buddies Katrina Strauss and Sabrina Luna, who have a contest going on today at their blog, Sisters of the Dark Moon. Check it out for an opportunity to win a copy of Spellbound, which features all our stories!

Ta for now my lovelies, but I promise I won't stay away so long next time!

XoXoXo

--Heather

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Audiologically inclined peeps, help, pretty please?

Okay, y'all, I'm throwing this out here in the hopes that one of y'all will know how to get the audio rip off of this QT clip.



Mallrats isn't my ultimate fave Kevin Smith film (Chasing Amy or Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back would get that honor) but Mr. K and I have a running joke about this bit and I'd love love love anyone who can isolate the whole audio of Jay saying, "Son of Jor-El, kneel before Zod! Snootchie Bootchies!"

Monday, October 02, 2006

Halloween Giveaway!

Here at Aphrodite's Apples we have brewed a dark & spooky All Hallow's
giveaway!
Prizes include:


(click thumbnails to view larger images)



Double
double, toil and trouble...



 



Hematite
is known to heal body, mind, and soul.

Win & wear this beautiful jewelry handcrafted

by HS Kinn, author of Immortal
Reveries
!




<
Win
this beautiful Vampire Tarot deck along

with a pure silk tarot bag handsewn by

Katrina Strauss, author of
Lessons Learned
!





Hematite jewelry (handcrafted by HS Kinn!)

Silk Tarot bag (handsewn by Katrina Strauss!)

Vampire Tarot deck

5" Harvest Candle

Aphrodite's Apples swag bag

Halloween kitchen goodies

Spooky novelty socks

...and other assorted delicacies!


To
be eligible for the drawing, simply purchase one copy each of:

HS Kinn's Immortal Reveries

Katrina Strauss' Lessons Learned

between now and October 29th and then forward both receipts to:

contest@aphroditesapples.com

Monday, September 25, 2006

Candy and Contests!

Here at Chez Kinn, we are a bit nutty for all things Asian. I am happy to report that we've just received a shipment of Ten Ren Tea Candies.


I've also shipped out some goodies to Katrina Strauss. This October, we're running a promotion for Secrets Revealed/Immortal Reveries. I'll put up more details later once we have pics of the goodies, but I will say that the goody basket is going to include:



  • a trick or treat cauldron

  • hematite jewelry

  • a Vampire Tarot deck (Immortal Reveries has a scene where Lyssa reads the cards!)

  • a handmade black silk bag for the tarot deck
  • lots of other fun stuff!


Katrina's going to post pics of the goody basket soon, and I'll put them up here once I have them. *G*


To be eligible for the drawing, you must purchase Secrets Revealed & Immortal Reveries! Forward your receipts to contest@aphroditesapples.com and let the games begin!

New Releases are available at Aphrodite's Apples!

New releases are hot off the press from Aphrodite's Apples!


Kayleigh Jamison's Leading Her to Heaven


As the eldest daughter of an English earl, Lady Susanna Cavendish has led a sheltered life of privilege and leisure. She has been taught that her northern cousins, the Scots, are barbaric heathens with no regard for culture or civilization.


Notorious warrior Blair Ruthven is laird of the fiercest clan in Scotland Born into a society rife with blood feuds and an engrained hatred for the English, Blair learns at an early age that trust and love do little more than damn and disappoint. When he agrees to marry Susanna at the behest of his own sovereign, he never expects to be attracted to her, much less fall into a passionate love affair.


Forced into marriage by feuding kings in order to forge a political union between their countries, Blair and Susanna must learn to find peace between themselves as they battle ages-old prejudices—and vie for one another's hearts.


~~*~~


Katrina Strauss' Lessons Learned: Book Two of the Eldritch Legacy



Like many young women of her generation, Camille Rocheford struggles for recognition in a changing world. Her debut novel, published under her own name rather than a masculine pseudonym, stirs great controversy. Yet despite her modern views on equality, she is at odds with the carefree morals of her progressive peers.


When a childhood friend invites her to spend the summer with a well-known writer, Camille eagerly accepts. Little does she know, her surprise host is none other than the infamous Stefan Eldritch, a poet who shocks the public with provocative verse and scandalizes his family with wild soirees.


Though polar opposites, Stefan and Camille soon fall into creative collaboration--and unbridled romance. Stefan challenges Camille to explore both art and sensuality without constraint. In turn, Camille teaches Stefan that even a free spirit is capable of loyalty and love. Along the way they stumble upon the lost path of the Black Magi, once practiced by Stefan's ancestors.


When their mutual work lands the powerful Eldritch clan in political disfavor, Stefan takes blame and is sentenced to prison. Can Camille find the strength and the means to gain her lover's freedom?


Lessons Learned, Book Two of the Eldritch Legacy, explores the reckless abandon of unrestrained passion paired with the power of the pen and the timeless force of love.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

JERR gives Immortal Reveries 4 Stars!

Gratuitious squeeing post below:

Title: Immortal Reveries
Author: HS Kin
nPublisher: Aphrodite’s Apples
Publisher URL: www.aphroditesapples.com
ISBN: 0-9787404-4- 9
Reviewer: Stacey Landers
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Heat level: O

Lyssa Titus had the perfect life, or so she thought. She was a college professor, had plenty of friends, and was content with her life. That is until Alex Bristol came in the picture. Upon meeting him, her mind starts to conjure up images of the past-her past with Alex. Though she was Sidhe, and believed in the supernatural, she had a hard time believing Alex and his stories. Her body, however, knew that he was the man for her.

Alex has been looking for Elizabeth for centuries. When he finds Lyssa, he knows she is his lost Elizabeth. He gave up his immortality and lost Elizabeth in the process. Now he refuses to let Lyssa run away.

Immortal Reveries begins the first story in a new series by HS Kinn. Having never read her works, I was thrilled when I finished this story. This was more than an erotic tale, it was a love story that spanned centuries. I found Alex to be the utmost gentleman out of the bed. In the bed, he was wild and hot, with all the knowledge of how to pleasure a woman. And he did so with Lyssa quite frequently. I am most pleased to say that it did not take Lyssa long to recognize Alex, at least it didn’t take her body long. They took up where they left off in 1644 and didn’t look back. The writing had a very nice flow, taking us from past to present with ease. The secondary characters were as fascinating as Alex and Lyssa, and the camaraderie amongst them was exciting to read. Theirs was a love that started in youth and transcended through time, and though it took time for Lyssa’s mind to catch up, her heart knew her fate. Immortal Reveries is an absolutely wonderful story, I eagerly anticipate the next installment.

Stacey Landers, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/message/214

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Aphrodite's Apples is featured at PNR!

I'm pleased to announce that Aphrodite's Apples is featured this month at ParaNormal Romance! PNR features the finest in paranormal romance articles and reviews. Author HS Kinn is the featured interview. *coughs daintily*


Desiree Gentle, who conducted the interview, did a fabulous job of showing off all our authors, not just me. I am exceptionally pleased!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

New Site Layout

Well, I got bored and made myself a new site layout. Yep, I do my own code. I feel accomplished now, LOL! I also made a writing tips section. I am tempted to ask for guest columnists for the writing tips, maybe feature someone who's better at writing about writing than me. *eyes Bernita*

Well, lovelies, let me know what you think of the layout, and if you don't see me here, I am a mod at Louise Bohmer's board now! :D

Friday, September 01, 2006

Yippee! I have research!

Does that title make me a nerd? *adjusts glasses* I suppose so, but I thoroughly enjoy the research I do for my writing.

But before I go into that, I'd like to thank everyone who turned out for the chat last night. We had a lot of fun!

In other news, I am happy to report that my Palm Pilot is functional again, mostly. I still can't use my DataViz, but whatever, at least I can read subs on it. And oh Goddess, do I have subs to read! LOL! I am still gonna get it replaced, because the MS Word compatibility is a big part of why I even bought the E2. But I can read my Werewolf book now, hurray! This one is out of print, but it was recommended to me and I was very excited to find it out in eBook form. Too bad Manuela Dunn Mascetti's Vampire: The Complete Guide to the World of the Undead isn't available too. I have it in hardback, and it is faaabulous--full of Simon Marsden's photography of cemetery things. It's gorgeous and well-researched, and it's undoubtedly my fave research tome on the Undead. I've read a lot of them, and while this one isn't as comprehensive as say, Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead, it integrates the science, history and cultural aspects of vampirism very well. I'd rec both books though, if you're gonna write about Vamps.

Speaking of research and writing, I think I'd best get back to work. *mwah*

--HS

Thursday, August 31, 2006

When I became a writer...

Candice Gilmer tagged me, and I can't tell her no, so I'll play. *G*

I'm not sure if one really becomes a writer--the essense of good writing is storytelling, and you either like to do that or you don't. Pursuing it professionally, however, is another matter, and a great deal more complicated once you decide to enter the fray.

I suppose then that it's really more about who encouraged me to do just that--to figure out the maze of publishers, agents, manuscript formats, etc. I'll lay all of it at my mother's feet, 'cause she was the first person to say to me, "Heather, you should write children's books when you grow up. You have such a vivid imagination!" I was about seven or eight then.

Well... *considers what I write* I took at least part of her suggestion, eh? As a college student I became a poet of sorts, or least I thought I was (heh) and I read at many an open mic/slam night.

The next step on the bumpy road came with my crit group, many of whom are working with me at Aphrodite's Apples. Candice, Ang, Kelly, Nina, Kayleigh, Ivana, Katrina...you guys all helped me develop my voice, and I'm indebted to you for that.

When did I go pro? When I got married again, after eight years of single motherhood. My husband is a wonderful man, likes to write himself, and he encouraged me to give professional writing a try. I dedicated Immortal Reveries to him. Yeah, I know I'm a sap, but I'm a happy one.

I'm working on the followup to IR now, and if I have the time to write even half of the voices that are running around in my head, I'll be a happy gal.

Tag, Kayleigh, you're it. ;-P

Come chat with me tonight!

Hello, my lovelies! Yes, I've found the secret login that doesn't confuse my email and blogger handles! *crosses fingers* so I'm still back, LOL!

I'm pleased to announce that Aphrodite's Apples is chatting at Novelspot tonight! I'll be there, talking about my novel, Immortal Reveries.



Hope to see you there!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Yay, updated!

Since Blogger and Google merged I've had trouble logging in, and I am happy to report that I found a help group on Google, and I managed to get logged in. O.o

And I have to brag that I am author of the week at Candice Gilmer's blog! Yippee!

Well, lovelies in BlogLand, I am going to retreat now, and watch more weather (hurricane, aahhhhhh!), and work on Strange Days, the follow up to Immortal Reveries.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Come Chat with Me!

Come celebrate the release of the Masquerade,Volume One and chat with the authors of Aphrodite's Apples at the Pink Posse, on August 9th at 7 pm EST. We'll have prizes and giveaways,so don't miss out on the fun!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Immortal Reveries Contest Winner!

Congratulations, Rhonda! You won the free eBook copy of Immortal Reveries! I'll be posting a new contest later this week, so stay tuned! ;-)

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Win a copy of Immortal Reveries!

To celebrate the release of Immortal Reveries, I am doing an Aphrodite's Apples scavenger hunt. To be eligible to win, you need to go to Aphrodite's Apples and find me these three things:

1. One character name from Immortal Reveries
2. One other new release from Aphrodite's Apples
3. One coming soon release title

Email hskinn@hskinn.com with your answers by noon EST on Wednesday, August 2nd. Correct answers will be entered into a drawing and chosen at random. Good luck!

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Immortal Reveries is for sale!

Immortal Reveries is for sale now, at Aphrodite's Apples! Officially speaking, we're open on Friday, but I am offering y'all an early sale. ;-)

Call for Editors

Aphrodite's Apples is looking for junior editors to work on short story anthologies and longer works. If you are interested, please email hskinn@aphroditesapples.com or kjamison@aphroditesapples.com. Ms. Kinn is author liason and Kayleigh Jamison is Aphrodite's Editor-in-Chief.

I have more goodies to post from WriterCon, and I will get them up, but probably not until after our formal launch on Friday!

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Writerly thought of the Day

So I'm editing Immortal Reveries, and I'm thinking about dialogue. I have a dictionary of Slang & Euphemism, and the term "come" for sexual release is dated at the 1800's (ish). Does it put you off or otherwise distract you to read more modern terms for anatomy and other sexual matters in historicals, or would you rather hear it in more plain speech?

Thursday, June 29, 2006

On Editing

From the illustrious Savannah Jordan: "[Editor]Comments are are like the wind--they don't need to be seen to know that they're there."

Yes, editing is sucking out our brains, y'all...

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Gratuitous Glee over Immortal Reveries' Cover

Boooyah baby! Immortal Reveries' cover is finished and up on Aphrodite's Apples and my HS Kinn.com! Here's a lil' pic for y'all:



The photography is by the fabulous Katrina Strauss and digital artwork is by NV.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Pimpin' ain't easy

Well...it's not when you're getting ready to launch, anyway. But I thought I'd log on and show off some of the new artwork and previews that are up on the site anyway!

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Conventions and newsletters, oh my!

The Aphrodite's Apples newsletter for June is up, and it features me this time! *does Princess Di wave* But I didn't have to interview myself, thank goodness--our esteemed editor Kayleigh Jamison was kind enough to step in and write up some questions. She did so well, in fact, that I'm tempted to add it to her job!

I'd also like to announce that I'm going to be at WriterCon, July 21-23 in Atlanta, GA. I'll have more details for you guys as they are forthcoming, but I'm looking forward to seeing you all there!

Friday, May 26, 2006

S.E.X.

I was browsing the Smart Bitches' blog, when I came on At the Back Fence's post on the RITA awards and RWA.

As some of you gentle readers know, there's a debate brewing on erotica vs. romance, and how much sex is too much? Are romances getting too tawdry? Romance already gets a bad rep, does heating them up just lessen the profession?

OR...

Are some conservative elements simply refusing to recognize what women really want today?

If I may speak as a reader for a moment, I am not interested in sexless romance stories. When I go out to find a good romance, I pick up Sherrilyn Kenyon, Angela Knight, Kresley Cole, or Brenda Williamson. Are there exceptions to that? Yes--I adored Marjorie M. Liu's Shadow Touch, even though it was not as explicit as what I usually read and write. If you write a good story, you write a good story, regardless of the heat. What bothers me about this debate is that it cuts off perfectly good stories because we're still a little too afraid of S.E.X., and that's a shame.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Immortal Reveries promo goodies!

I've updated HS Kinn.com with the promo brochure for Immortal Reveries, and I also finished putting up the Diary of Elizabeth Sheffield. Have a look! :D

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Back from the RT Con

Daytona was lovely and the con was tons of fun--I only wish I could have stayed longer! But alas, family had to come first, so next year!

I went to the book fair Saturday, and had the opportunity to chat with several fab authors, among them Kresley Cole, Ann Jacobs, Marjorie M. Liu, and Angela Knight. They are all faaaabulous ladies! Kresley Cole was a sweetheart, and she's a fellow Floridian to boot. *G*

I got to talk with Ann Jacobs quite a bit about some industry stuff; I also picked up a copy of Sandstorms, which I hadn't read yet. I'm about a third of the way through it and I'm really enjoying it. It deals with an interracial romance between an Arab and a Jewish heiress, which can be tricky in today's political environment, but she pulls it off nicely.

Majorie M. Liu was was just a dear; I forgot to bring my copy of Shadow Touch and she signed a promo cover for me. :D Ditto for Angela Knight--well, sorta, as my copy of Master of the Moon is an eBook, and therefore, hard to sign. LOL!

Speaking of promos, there was an Ellora's Caveman out on the beach when my hubby and I went down the boardwalk. They were doing a photoshoot. I suppose now I'll have to keep my eye out for an EC cover with a hero with long, flowing blond hair in front of a fountain!

Hmm, I think that's all my highlights. I put out my cards and brochures for Immortal Reveries, and if you guys want to see them, I'll upload them. I need to update my website anyway. Ciao for now!

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Going AWOL for a bit

Hello gentle readers,

I'm going to be off the blog for a few days, due in part to family needs and also because of the Romantic Times convention, which I'm headed off to this weekend. I hope to have some pics to post for you when I return! :D

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Pimpin' Ain't Easy

So I thought I'd pimp some of my favorite authors, for those of you who are curious as to what I like to read in my spare time. Right now, I've got, either lying around my house or on my PDA:

Sword of Rhoswen, by Brenda Williams. Not only is she a faaaaabulous writer, she's also a sweetheart to boot.

Ghostly Possession, by Teresa Wayne. Ghostly's a rollercoaster ride--it's dark and sexy and a great read!

A Hunger Like No Other, by Kresley Cole. OMG, I could NOT put this book down.

Goddess of the Rose, by PC Cast. Again, I could NOT put it down. I love PC in general though. She's fab.

Pick a Dark Hunter, any Dark Hunter. Sherrilyn Kenyon's DH series is like crack, only its side effects are staying up too late reading and dark circles under your eyes.

There's more stuff coming out that I'm really looking forward too--releases from Candice Gilmer, Savannah Jordan, Rene Lyons, Kayleigh Jamison and Katrina Strauss. Some of them I've already had more than a peek at. ;-)

Friday, May 12, 2006

Tacky much?

For those of you gentle readers who are not familiar with ARCs, they are known as Advance Reader Copies. ARCs are given out to friends, loved ones and reviews before an author's book is fully edited and released. PC Cast and Gena Showalter have discovered ARCs up for sale on eBay. Now, I can understand being very excited to see a copy of your favorite author's book out before it's really released, but I think that the average reader should be aware that said author doesn't get a dime from that sale.

Now, while I'll agree with the statement that you write for the love and not money, it's still pretty crappy to see a work that you toiled for hours and hours over sold without your consent or any sort of remuneration. What people don't realize is that sales like this are going to make authors and publishers stingier with ARCs in the future, and that's a shame, because it's nice to be able to give friends, family and reviewers a free preview. I know I certainly want to give out some ARCs of Immortal Reveries to some of my longtime readers when they're ready, whether Aphrodite's Apples elects do that in print or eBook form.

This isn't just a matter of money either, it's a matter of respect and courtesy for the authors who bring your favorite characters to life.

I'll get off my soapbox now. ;-)

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Excerpt from Immortal Reveries

Here's a little taste of Immortal Reveries that I promised a friend I'd post for her birthday. It's not edited yet and if you find any boo boos, they're all mine, lol!

Present Day, Atlanta

“This is your home, isn’t it?” Lyssa looked over the spacious dwelling. It was decked with alabaster colonnades, but otherwise its style was simple, almost austere. Its interior was cheerful and airy, its furniture simple, but comfortable, and decorated in warm, rich earth tones. Lyssa supposed most of the furnishings were antiques, all well tended. The room gave her an air of familiarity as she ran a hand over a couch.

His kisses rained over her lips, her cheeks, and her neck, down the curve of her bosom. “Mrs. Elizabeth Bristol,” he sighed.

She gasped and broke the contact.

“Are you all right?” he put his arm around her.

Lyssa managed a nod. “Your home is impressive.” She looked at him directly. “You brought me here to seduce me, didn’t you?”

“Absolutely,” he smiled, and his fangs gleamed, perfectly white in the soft light.

Her lips quirked into a half smile. “I don’t know whether to thank you for your honesty or cuff you for your arrogance.”

“I’ll take either one, so long as I have your attention,” he sidled up and captured her lips in a deep kiss.

She broke the kiss and lifted a finger. “Who is Elizabeth?”

Alex kept his hands on her, fingers stroking down the small of her back. “My wife. She died.” His gaze was fixed on hers.

Lyssa’s hand strayed to her neck. “Why do I think she didn’t die well?”

Alex’s lip curled. “You don’t think, you remember.” His irises were tinged in red. “Her murderer met an unpleasant end, I assure you.” His eyes went blue again. “I don’t want to talk about the past.”

She drew a deep breath. “Then why did you bring me here?”

He grinned. “Now, I don’t think you’re that naïve,” he bent to kiss her again.

“Alex,” she sighed aloud. His touch felt right, as natural and familiar as breathing. The tension left her body, receded beneath his kisses.

His hands roamed over her; his lips followed their path. He growled low as he removed her jacket and blouse, along with the bra and other unmentionables. His attire soon followed suit.

Alex lavished kisses on her breasts, suckling and nipping at their rosy tips. He nudged her thighs open and slid down her body. He pulled one leg over his shoulder and laved her clit, gently at first, growing more insistent as she moaned and scratched at his shoulders.

Lyssa writhed against him; the pleasure was unbearable; her body felt as if it had a will of its own.

Alexander licked his lips and slid back up her body. His cock rested at her entrance as he pressed against her. “I’m going to take you to my bed now, Lyssa.”

~*~*~*~
You can see more of Alex and Lyssa when Immortal Reveries is released this summer, only at Aphrodite's Apples!

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Romance novels are subversive?

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the Smart Bitches?

Well, I do, and not just because they aren't afraid to skewer man-titte. Today I love them for blogging on women's sexuality in romance novels. There are two points in here I'd like to throw out, the first beginning with this comment by Sarah:
Anything that treats women’s sexuality as anything positive and allows for sexual exploration from a female-centered viewpoint is inherently subversive. Locating romance within the history of fiction about women, and you find an inherent contrast from books that eagerly posited that any female who engaged in sexual acts and enjoyed it was destined for a painful, pox-ridden, hell-bound death.”

I know that many roll their eyes and call romance "chick porn" and while we can go into the debate that there's nothing wrong with that, I'm not going there. To me, whether a story is a straight romance or erotica, so long as it treats its characters in a respectful manner, I will enjoy reading it.

The other point concerns Candy's comments about Happily Ever After. "There’s a prejudice against the happy ending, and I’ll go out on a limb here and say that the snobbery isn’t entirely unjustified. I’ve read far too many books in which the endings were far too pat and far too easy. On the other hand, I’ve also read a great deal of books in which I could just tell the authors were gleefully rubbing their hands over the Portentious and Tragic Ending for Our Struggling Protagonists and *wrist on forehead* it’ll be so literary and ironic and heart-rendingly tragic."

I like happy endings, dammit. I also find snark and angst overrated. That's not to say I want to be stupidly happy and oblivious, but misery for its sake is just...pointless. Spare me the martyrdom, and don't tell me that romance is a lesser genre because it shows women having happy, fulfilled lives. Candy is absolutely right, pat endings are lame, no matter whether it's pat HEA or pat melodrama.

New Layout!

It's all Kayleigh Jamison's fault, but I do like the new layout. I am trying to get along in blogworld, but I am up to my eyeballs in work. It's my hope that you'll thank me for it when the book's out, LOL!

Friday, April 28, 2006

History of Beauty

I was doing some research for one of my books and I happened on The Ideal Beauty of the Human Body in Art by G. W. Cichon-Hollander. I'm not going to attempt to hotlink any of the pictures from the slides, but it was a fascinating exploration of what various artists and eras prized in both masculine and feminine beauty.

Also, there's a very...interesting portrait of a man wearing an extreme codpiece. I'm not sure if I should giggle or say "Ow!"

Monday, April 03, 2006

BlogSpam

Yes, I'm spamming today, but I found this nifty article: I Write Romance.

An excerpt:
The first thing I learnt was that I was a condescending jerk. Romance novels might be considered fluff, but they're hard work. You need to keep on top of dialogue and you need to tell a story cleanly and simply in about 30,000 words and you have to rework plotlines and characters that might seem hackneyed to you but learn to overcome your prejudice and deliver in such a way that it doesn't come across as cheesy to the reader.

Tough job.

It didnt work out in the end - after struggling manfully with everything, the structure defeated me... I needed more to work with, what with my rambling style and my addiction to million dollar words and frankly, I was a little uncomfortable with the sex scenes. Erotica isn't in my immediate future, I'm sad to say. Repressed Indian chicks will eventually exhibit their repression at some stage. I sniff.


Heheheh. Yes, it is hard work, and I'm gleeful that someone was woman enough to admit it!

Music?

I need some new mood writing music. Can y'all help a sister out? It doesn't have to be new bands, either, could be something we all haven't heard in a while.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Teaser for Appointed by the Gods, Book One in the Tales of Ourania

Sarah Rivers is a lowly lady's maid, when a call goes out through the land, to find the Sybilla. When Sarah is chosen, she is thrust into a world of magic, nobility and intrigue. Is she just a stepping stone to the throne?

Acelus Strifen is Ourania's finest warrior, sent to find the new Sybilla. When he lays eyes on Sarah, he knows he can choose no other, not for himself, not for Ourania. But civil war is threatening to tear the kingdom apart, and he may lose all he holds dear. Will he choose duty or love?

***

A fanfare sounded in the outer court. “Sarah! He’s here!”

I hurried to her side, and we went to the Great Hall to receive his entourage.

Acelus Strifen entered the hall, flanked by his men, all clad in matching armor. I’d seen him in the scrying mirror, where we traded news, gossip, spells and anything else of interest, but seeing him in person was awe-inspiring. He had sandy hair that was cropped short, but still had the hint of a wave to it. His eyes were an impossible shade of deep blue. He moved smoothly for one so tall, and he radiated confidence. He caught me staring, and he winked at me!

I ducked into a quick curtsy, as my cheeks flamed red. I was barely worthy of my position as the lady’s maid, what right did I have to such a brazen stare?

“Lord Strifen,” Lady Ellynore extended her hands, and he kissed them. “May I offer our hospitality to you and your men?”

He held up a hand. “I am here but for one reason, my Lady,” he drew out a simple wand, made of willow.

It was the Sibylla’s wand. Only a truly powerful magic user could use it; anyone of a lesser talent would be overwhelmed. I took a step closer, to get a better look. A crystal gleamed at its tip. A frisson of delight ran through me at the sight of it. What must it be like to handle such an instrument? A murmur went through the hall.

“I search for the Sibylla.”

My Lady smiled. She and I had practiced many times for this day; in fact, the only reason I became her maid was because of my family’s particular affinity for magic. My father was a blacksmith, and my mother, an apothecary. I shared her skill for plants and potions. When my mother took ill, Lady Ellynore took me on as her handmaiden. We agreed I would make potions and teach her how to augment her own magical abilities, and in exchange, I would have unlimited access to her gardens, so that I might better treat my mother’s illness.

Ellynore took the wand from Acelus’s hand, and held it over the table. Slowly she released it, and it hovered in midair a brief moment, before clattering to the ground.

Acelus looked decidedly unimpressed. He glanced back at me, and his brow furrowed. “I’d like to try another lady here,” he said.

Ellynore gave him an odd look. “I am the Lady of this house, sir, my mother passed on some years ago.”

He picked up the wand, and looked directly at me. “This lady.”

“My Lord, she is only a maid,” Lady Ellynore scowled. I was sure this wasn’t one of the many scenarios she’d considered since she brought me to the manor.

Acelus’s gaze on me was steady. “I want her to try the wand.” He handed it to me. “What’s your name?”

“Sarah,” I said.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Yay for Shakespeare Smut!

From the Observer Online:

David Smith
Sunday March 26, 2006
The Observer

Sexing up Shakespeare is a handy trick for directors seeking to exploit the Bard's bawdy humour to put bums on seats. Now one woman has gone further with the most intensive search ever for sexual innuendo, toilet humour and smut buried deep in the national poet's oeuvre.

'The plays are absolutely packed with filth,' said academic Héloïse Sénéchal. 'I've found more than a hundred terms for vagina alone.' That the author of As You Like It would, were he alive today, be writing for Viz magazine is implied by Sénéchal's research for the footnotes of a new Royal Shakespeare Company edition of his complete works which promises to be the most candid ever.

She claims that previous editions of Shakespeare have been too prudish, and that by using computer techniques she has uncovered unrecognised double entendres. These were aimed at the working classes who crowded into the Globe in London for their fill of bawdy entertainment. Sénéchal has identified seemingly innocuous words such as carrot, pencil and horn as terms for penis, while she pinpoints pie, fruit dish and 'buggle boe' as references to the vagina.

'We are trying to resist the cultural embarrassment that has permeated footnotes in the past,' she said. 'Shakespeare is now an institution, and there is an assumption, especially in schools, that he was using high rhetoric. But the majority of his audience were labourers, craftsmen, ordinary people being catered for in a popular way. They were as smutty-minded then as we are now.'

***

I'd go on, but you can read the rest of the article at the Observer's site. Bill really was a naughty boy! The whole reason for blogging it is that I find it amusing that Shakespeare, a pulp author of his time is so revered today, but if you are a "pulp" or genre author nowadays, you're somehow less than those who aspire to be "literature." I used to write "literature" and I've long since decided my ability to tell a good yarn is more useful to people than providing my personal opus on live, the universe and everything. Yay for bawdy Bill! :D

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Research: Survey of Medieval names, according to the Domesday Book

Judith
Mabel *snort*
Constance
Matilda
Emma
Lucy
Agatha
Edith
Albreda
Medieval name I'd swear is a LotR Mary Sue: Aelfeva

Winner for "most interesting male name so far": Iudhael of Totnes. *tries to picture screaming it in the throes of ecstasy* *fails*
Winner for "you can't make this shit up": FitzAzor, Henry - Holdings in Beds.
Winner for most interesting female name: Edeva the fair - Possibly King Harold's mistress or sometimes identified with his first wife, Edith Swanneck. (Swan neck? *consults A Concise Dictionary of Middle English* Nope, swan neck doesn't mean anything else...so it's probably synonymous with "graceful neck." Interesting, the things you can find out just looking for a minor character name.

source: The Domesday Book Online

Friday, March 10, 2006

Fabulous!


Well, I have a fabulous new haircut, given by a fabulous hairstylist. *giggles* He said it "draws its influence from the 80s." It does indeed! Pass me the AquaNet, guys!

In other news, my mother cracks me up. Upon receiving my email about creating my author site, she replied:
I bookmarked it - not sure I am ready to read it..........


LOL! I guess it's one thing to know your daughter writes erotic romance, and another to read it, eh?

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Yippee!


Here's the cover art for Immortal Reveries!

Well, it's not a final, our art director has to give it a once over and see if it requires any changes, but here's a peek!

*does happy dance*

Okay, my AA girls, who's next?

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Who is Miss Snark?

Is it Anna Genoese? I have been sent this link by a couple of people, claiming it's proof that she is. She says no, and if that's true, then perhaps she needs to edit her entry to make it a little clearer. I do think it's a great thing that Ms. Genoese answers people's questions about the business, in a polite and friendly manner.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Time to get my rant on

There's been quite a bit of smack talked about the romance industry in the past couple of days. Fanboys and girls are calling it "Novel writing by numbers," USA Today referred to it in a bit more complimentary light, but said that wooing was no longer necessary. I don't necessarily agree with that; romantic courtship nowadays usually involves sex. Women are reading what they do, not what their mothers or grandmothers did.

The fanboys and girls took the romance bashing onto another blog, and I don't know whether to giggle or fume. Yes, there are some craptacular romances out there, but there's also a great deal of well-written, engaging material. And I don't think it's just romance, I think all the genres get bashed. I just read a book on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy biz and it was quite apologetic over dialogue and characterization, and how difficult it is in the midst of all that world-building. Isn't that a reason why the genre's challenging to write, as opposed to an excuse to bash and consider it less of a medium?

Bah, I'm going to go read the new fic bit Savannah's posted on her blog, that ought to cheer me up at least!

Friday, February 24, 2006

Ahh, my poor, neglected blog

I don't update this thing nearly as much as I ought to, a matter which I've pondered a bit. It's not the community of bloggers, as everyone I've met has been very nice. In fact, I must say that the 'net community of writers I've encountered have been absolutely delightful, professional people.

No, I think my neglect is visually oriented. Sounds strange, doesn't it? I think as a webmistress I don't care much for my blog layout, or any of the blog templates. And it seems to me that you need to know a lot of straight code to modify it to make it pretty, which irks me. Yes, I want to be lazy when I blog; if I wanted to do straight-up code, I'd update Aphrodite's Apples. LiveJournal, by comparison, is very visually-oriented; it features user pictures galore, and layouts that are easily modified by even lay users of HTML. Compare my LiveJournal to my blog and you'll see what I mean about modification.

Speaking of layouts, I suspect I will begin to experiment with Aphrodite's layout in the near future; the index page is looking a tad too busy to suit my liking.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Bodice Rippers in the 21st Century?

I was having a discussion on historical romances with a good friend of mine (yes, another writer!), and said friend is very particular about the style of romance that she enjoys.

I think most people would call it "Bodice Ripper." Ahh, the good old bodice ripper. The man comes on so strong that the woman can't help herself, and it absolves her of any bad girl qualities. I'm being overdramatic here, but I'm also talking about old school bodice rippers; most have been toned down, as today's woman doesn't consider enjoying sex to be solely a bad girl activity. ;-)

So my friend, I'll call her K, says that today's historicals have heroines that are too plucky, too modern. It's not historically plausible to see a woman stand up to her hero, even if he needs it. Actually, I don't know if that's really accurate, as I have come across some interesting research while reading up for the historical portion of Immortal Reveries; I found a law that stated that a man may only hit his wife in self-defense! Granted, that was in the 17th century American colonies, but it's still an interesting social commentary.

So, it's Guilty Pleasures time, and I must admit that I enjoy a good bodice ripper; in fact I was tickled to see in February's RT mag that Bertrice Small is going to self-publish Adora, which was the first romance novel I ever read and loved. My previous experience had been with Harlequins, which is what my mom loves, but then, she loves contempo, and contempo's not my cuppa. I think I'm going to order it and see how it reads to my now-adult eyes, as I think it definitely qualifies as an old school bodice ripper. I'd like to compare it to Virginia Henley's Seduced, which I read as an adult and adore. Seduced involves a heroine disguising herself as a man, and when her guardian comes and sees her, thinks he needs to toughen the lad up!

I have to admit that I love historicals with plucky heroines. Speaking of Seduced, Jo Beverley does a great gender-bending turn with My Lady Notorious, another novel I doubt my dear K would much enjoy, but I certainly did, immensely. Again, the heroine disguises herself as a man in order to protect what she holds dear, and I think it's a fun way to work around the constrictions women had to deal with in the past. Of course, the ultimate gender-bending heroine is certainly Virginia Woolf's Orlando, but that's a whole post in and of itself.

So the question remains, is the bodice ripper dead, or merely mutated?

Monday, January 30, 2006

Aphrodite's Site Updates!

Today we launched our author pages, and our ePublishing FAQ. Our author pages look great, if only Ms. Savannah Jordan will send me her picture...:-P

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Excerpt from Immortal Reveries

Alexander meandered through the smoky club, his gaze roaming from patron to patron, until he found the one he sought—Lyssa. Music throbbed through its walls, down to its very foundation. The singer onstage was exhorting the virtues of possession and abandonment to his lover. As he passed through the crowd, his gaze settled on back on the delectable Lyssa. She writhed in time to the music, eyes closed, lips barely parted. Alexander licked his lips, set his glass down and made his way toward her.

He slipped an arm around her waist and guided their bodies together. She melted against him, and he allowed himself a small smile. Many of his kind found modern women bewildering—their self-assurance, their independence, but he knew the delicate truth—that deep within her core Lyssa needed the kind of release he would bring her. Her body was lush and curvy, and her hair swung free as their bodies ghosted over each other. It was an intoxicating sensation, after so many centuries of her absence. Their lips met, soft at first and then deeper as her lips parted to receive him.

Alexander kissed down her neck, till he found her racing pulse. Her heartbeat drummed a siren’s call; he let his canines trail over it in answer.

She gasped; the sound was a mixture of shock and delight. “I didn’t think you’d come,” she said.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Most men wouldn’t bother; I’m not an easy woman to know.”

He smiled as if he knew her already. The air around her was hot, and it wound around her tightly. She staggered back; Alexander’s arms were around her before she could fall.

“I’ve got you,” he held her close.

Lyssa leaned back against the wall behind them and drew a deep breath. “I need air.”

“As my lady wishes.”

An arcane statement, she found herself thinking. They exited the club, and went out into the street. She threw a glance at his aura. It shimmered with silvery flecks. He’s definitely not human; the thought came back to her.

‘Neither are you,’ his voice was serene as it touched her mind.

“You have no right,” her eyes narrowed.

“You could have asked me.”

“Sure I could. Hey cutie, nice jacket, are you a fae or a vampire?”

Alexander gave a humorless laugh. “A woman of your caliber talents ought to know that answer already.”

Lyssa shook her head. “I don’t normally use my abilities to pry information from unwitting people.”

“Most would be proud to be from a lineage like yours.”

“Who are you, my godfather?”

“Your rebellious streak hasn’t changed any,” he said.

“You know, I’d love to continue this conversation, but I think I’d better go now,” she stepped onto the sidewalk.

“If you leave, you’ll return,” he stepped in front of her.

She gave a lopsided smile. “Is that so?”

“You deny who you are,” his eyes raked her hungrily.

“I am a college professor who has class in the morning,” she tried to sidestep him unsuccessfully.

Alexander kept his voice low and persuasive. “I do not seek to enthrall you, Lyssa. I am not sure that I could.” His eyes met hers. “But you have captured me.”

“I’ve done nothing of the sort,” her voice faltered in his steady gaze. Darkness flashed before her eyes. Images welled up and jumbled—Alexander’s arms around her, their bodies flung against a down-stuffed bed, the scent of burning incense, oils daubed on her brow. His blue eyes swirled dark and dangerous with the promise of the pleasures that only the union of souls could bring.

***

I think that's all y'all get for now. ;-)

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Aphrodite's Apples has its own newsletter now!

Well, I made an announcement list for Aphrodite's Apples, in HTML no less, so we have our very own newsletter now. Yay!

I tested it in aim mail, gmail, yahoo mail and hotmail, and the only one that was came out funky was hotmail. Go figure. Hotmail doesn't believe in contrast. I'll keep working on that. In the meantime, feel free to look at it on the web, or subscribe, and let it come to you!

Also, I updated our index page with a much more specific mission statement that I feel will give authors a better idea of what we're looking for in terms of submissions content.

Hmm...Savannah's been prodding me to put up an excerpt from Immortal Reveries, so I am going to oblige her soon. Stay tuned, y'all!

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Wooo Hoooo! New Author!

Aphrodite's Apples has a new author! Savannah Jordan has joined our crew, and I'm thrilled! Have a peek at her work at her blog, and look for excerpts from Beyond the Sands, coming to Aphrodite's Apples in Summer 2006!

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Happy New Year!

It's almost time for the launch of Aphrodite's Apples. Steph and I have been quite serious throughout the endeavor, but now we're really gonna have to buckle down. I'm excited about it, though. Ta for now,

--Mrs. K