Another Long Weekend Long Gone

You would think with a three-day weekend that I'd be able to come up
with something pithy to say, especially since I haven't made an entry
for so long.

Nope.

I spent all weekend working on the last Chaos Magic novel. Yes, I wrote a first draft this winter. However, after all that work, I figured out that it was the wrong story
to tell. So I started over again. Worked like a demon this weekend, from 8 in the morning until 10 at night. From chapter 3 to chapter 15. It's falling into place like it was pre -written and I'm just plucking it out of the air. Which is total crap, of course. Before I wrote the first version and went wrong, this was the story I was tinkering with. This is the story I told myself every day on my long commutes back and forth to work. So why wasn't this the story I wrote when I first sat down to the computer? There's a great literary term for that sort of writer's trick - being an idiot. But never fear. I'm writing so smoothly now that I look brilliant by comparison. (Comparison to myself doesn't really count though, does it?)

May 21st, I'm guest blogging at Torquere Live Journal!

May 21st, I'll be guest blogging at Torquere Press Live Journal


Drop by for a Chaos Magic short story, SPAM poetry, and a contest!

On Being The Red Queen

I feel like the Red Queen from Through the Looking Glass. I'm running as fast as I can just to keep up with where I was.

I'm always off my pace when I get back from Saints and Sinners, but this
year I have so much else going on that I'm worse off than usual. Or better off. Love Runes came out, so I'm working on promoting it. I will be hosting Torquere's Live Journal on the 21st, so drop by if you can. I'll probably give away a copy of Love Runes, so drop on by. (Now I have to figure out a contest...) Haunted Hearth andSapphic Shades was just released by Lethe Press this week. I'm planning on going to James Buchanan's reading at A Different Light this Thursday, and all Saturday, I'm working theManLove Romance booth at BookExpo America in the LA Convention Center. (which means being perky for hours. oy.)

All of that hasn't left me much time to blog about my Saints and Sinners experience, which is a shame. Aside from meeting Becky Cochran and Timothy Lambert, who were high on my "to meet" list (they were wonderful. buy their books!) I got to spend some time with friend Trebor Healey, and Greg Herren (how should I describe our relationship? Friendly acquaintances, maybe. Greg and I don't use the word friend lightly.)

Trebor and Amie Evans co-edited an anthology called Queer and Catholic. I went to the reading at the Faubourg Marginy Bookstore. It was packed. The owner, Otis, kindly hosts a reading every year. Afterwards, we went across the street to the Praline Connection for dinner with some very interesting people. I wish I could remember the name of the Bed and Breakfast two of the gentlemen down at my end of the table ran. I'll have to ask Trebor if he knows, because I'd like to give them a plug. They were great dinner companions, and I had a feeling from the way they talked about how special their guests were that they're great hosts. Another highlight of that evening was meeting one of the founding mothers (?) of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Sister So Am I (That's the short version of his name). It's like meeting your past and realizing it's still vital and moving and happening all around you. Very cool moment.

I've been hemming and hawing about writing a mystery novel for years. Now I have the characters and the caper, and my publisher is interested in seeing the novel, so I sat down poolside with GregHerren (author of many detective novels set in New Orleans. Wonderful books. When you're buying Timothy James Beck books, pick up a GregHerren novel too.) and talked about writing mysteries. Since mine is going to be a light romantic comedy with a mystery, Greg is pretty sure I can seat-of-the pants it. That's good, because I am not an outline kind of writer. Greg is kind of a sarcastic cheerleader, but somehow that works for me. I fret about handling a mystery, he rolls his eyes, takes a puff of his cigarette, exhales slowly, gives me 'that' look, and says, "Darlin'." That's really all the pep talk I need.

Love Runes is Out! (Cross post)

Love Runes is out today!

The second book in the Chaos Magic series is out in e-book and in print today. Sam and Hector - what can I say? They've always had a troubled relationship, but Sam's immaturity is wearing on Hector. It only gets worse when Hector finds out that Sam is paying the Goddess of Eternal Youth to keep him looking, and acting, like a nineteen year-old.
Buy It Here.





The original Chaos Magic is also being released in print today! I love the new cover.

Some More Pictures

More Pictures Fomr the Cocktail Reception

More Saints and Sinners

We arrived Thursday and spent most of the time exploring the corner of the quarter around our hotel since we hadn't been over there. It was far away from the madness of Bourbon Street. Quiet, beautiful, and had that funky/artsy neighborhood feeling.

(I love doorways, and New Orleans has some great ones, so you'll see plenty of pictures of them in my blog.)





Friday, I checked into the conference and was greeted warmly by Paul Willis who actually recognized me. With all this man does, that he took the time to do that was so sweet. After I
checked in, I hung around in the lobby. Met some people I didn't know before and caught up with friends. Then it was off to master classes. I was very sorry to hear that Jim Grimsley fell ill and couldn't teach his master class this year. I always get a lot out of his sessions. However, the one on characters was great, and I finally met Becky Cochran. I always joke that even when we're in the same room together, I somehow miss her. This time, she was sitting right in front of me, and I STILL would have missed that it was her if her writing partner, Timothy Lambert, hadn't pointed her out. I'm so glad that I met her, and him. They were incredibly generous with their time. This is why I love meeting other writers. I get so energized by our conversations.






Saints and Sinners is a huge task. The woman Paul Willis is with in this picture from the opening night cocktail party is his assistant Karissa (I hope I got her name right) I have a feeling he couldn't put this on without her, because she is non-stop energy and devotion. But
she will take time to sit and chat with people, and she's truly interested in who they are and what they're doing. Paul and Karissa are phenomenal people. And on top of it all they do this as volunteers. That's right - they work their butts off for no pay. Simply amazing. Oops - must also mention the volunteers from No AIDS Task Force. They work so hard that the weekend flows smoothly (or it seems to). Every person I met was helpful, nice, and seemed to really enjoy helping out.

Back From NOLA

I walked into the house about two and a half hours ago, so this will be a short entry. Like most of my trips, I start on the last day....

Overall - as usual - Saints and Sinners Literary Conference was fantastic. My reading from Haunted Hearths went really well. (It helps that its a funny piece and lends itself well to performance.) I had a great meeting with my publisher. I met Vincent Diamond and Shanna Germain (it's late, I may have the spelling of their names wrong) both whom are great erotica writers.

But about the last day - we ran into friend Trebor by pure coincidence as we had our morning espressos at Club Envie. Then we went to our usual praline shop. I was sad to see my favorite fried gator on a stick place on Decatur was closed. (Favorite not because I'd eat it, but I loved their sign.) Then we wandered around Royal and went into a bunch of mask shops and bought a really cool leather one that we are having shipped out to us because we were afraid it would be ruined in our luggage. As usual, I was feeling a little low about Saints and Sinners being over as we headed back to our hotel to check out - which was when one of those "Only in New Orleans "and "I couldn't make this stuff up if I Tried," moment happened. We walked right into the tail end of a jazz funeral for a local jazz musician who was killed by a car earlier that week. It led us right to the front steps of our hotel. Somehow, it felt like a fitting send-off.

Wanton Delight In Three Way

Before I head off to New Orleans for Saints and Sinners, a little head's up. My story Wanton Delight in Three Way will be up on ErosMonthly.Com soon. (I checked this morning, and it's still last month's issue.)

I wrote this very short story for a specific call for submissions, but the anthology was never published. What is one to do with a 1500 word story? It's far to short for most calls, and I didn't feel like padding it out. So the poor thing sat , unloved, for almost two years. Then, viola! a call for short, short stories! I'm glad that this is seeing the light of day. It's so frothy that it's almost foam, but I like it.

First Anniversary of Erotica Revealed!

It's the first anniversary of Erotica Revealed. Come by and see the updated website and browse through the current and archived reviews. It's been an interesting year. What do we want? Literate Smut! When do we want it? Now!

Okay. Bwhahahahahahhahahahahaha

Normally, I wouldn't think of betraying privacy by sharing the fan mail
I get from guys, but I'm pretty sure this was sent out as SPAM. The
comments in bold are mine.


Hello Pretty Lady: (He must like really thin women, because this is the picture in the profile he mailed this to:)





i just wanted to let you know the kind of person I am, I am a MAN (Thank
god you put it in caps so I wouldn't miss the fact that you're male.
Sorry, I mean a MAN. You only use upper case I when you're talking
about your gender. The rest of the time it's a lower case i, indicating
to me that you are a sexual submissive. I don't usually do this for
strangers, but since you're a sub, I will treat you like one from now
on.) that is in need of real and perfect love, I need a WOMAN (Gottcha. You're not into
guys. What was your first clue I was female? Couldn't have been my
picture. Must be the name on my profile. I have a similar profile under
a male name too, just in case you decide to broaden your sexual
horizons. Of course, my male profile will turn you down too.)
that can take me through, see , I have been hurt so many times by different WOMAN (Were
these, like, Amazon women, and that's why you need to put it in caps?) and wouldn't want that to happen to me again.....(Then you're talking to the wrong woman, because I would most definitely want to hurt you.) thats the reason why I said that I need love.... (It's rentable, buddy. I hear the minimum rate for a decent pro is $200/hour) I am far from a millionaire (Yeah, I live about 1000 miles away from Warren Buffet too. I hear ya.) and am not out for anything but love from someone. Having someone that loves
you and supports you in your life through good and bad times and won’t give up on you is what I am looking for. (I'm just looking for a big cock.Whatcha packin' babe? And don't give me that measurement in AOL inches.) Honesty and trust are what makes a relationship work. (I prefer bondage and discipline.) I prefer to watch a movie or attend the theater rather than read a novel. (Dude - have you read ANY of my posts? I'm a writer who doesn't watch TV or go to the movies.) I also enjoy travel, experiencing different geographies (Is "different geography" like the Risk game board? What the fuck is Irkust anyway? I mean -has anyone heard of this place? And don't even get me started onthat magical land bridge between Australia and Asia Minor) and people (Okay. I'll let my freinds use you as a sex toy.) , I do not smoke.(I do. Not only will I exhale in your face as you kneel before me, but I will grind my smouldering butt into the back of your hand. And you will thank me for it, boy.) I do drink
on social occasions. (Then get me a fucking vodka martini already. You're a shitty slave if I have to tell you that.) i graduated from OXFORD UNIVERSITY AT UK... (Wow. Didn't they teach grammar there?)Bcos i was brough up by mom there...... well Concerning sexuality, I am not a promiscuous MAN. (You won't get a chance once I put a chastity belt on you.) My desire is to be sexually faithful to the WOMAN I marry. (Whoa! Slow down there subby boy. Who said I'd marry you? I'm only looking for a good lay. This is a community property state. Screw that divorce shit. I'll just take off your collar when I'm done with you.) If two people love (Love? Again, we're talking at cross purposes here. I'll use you, but love? Not bloody likely. I threw in a British term for you since you went to OXFORD. See? I can be nice. Don't count on it though.) each other and will communicate what they like and do not like about their partner's sexual behavior, (I find a crop to be an excellent facilitator of communication. How do you feel about CBT - cock and ball torture? Don't like it? Tough shit. Tell it to the ballgag.) I believe many problems can be resolved. Moreover, I am currently working on my own cos (this is a word? Oxford should recall your diploma - with prejudice.) i had to try something else after i lost almost all i had to my last relationship (She rolled you in an alleyway? That's what you get for hiring cheap hookers. I'm telling you, $200/hr is the minimum you want to pay.) so am antiques dealer (Is that what you tell people at parties because you're too embarrassed to say gigolo? Just wait until I make you tell people about your last punishment enema.) ...... and i always travile to many country (What a coincidence! I travel too! How do you feel about being kenneled in the luggage compartment? Because I'm thinking now that you'd make a great puppyboy. I hope you're housebroken.) toantiquess business trip (At Oxford, they would call what belongs here a full stop. We call it a period.) well if you are reallyintrested in me (That depends. How do you look in a leather jock strap? Send me nude photos so I can judge for myself. I want to see at least one hard-on shot with a standard ruler next to it.) you can send me ur yahoo id so that we can able to chat (You sent me an e-mail, doofus, so you know how to get hold of me. You better be really hot, because stupid men, sorry, MEN, don't hold my interest for verylong.) and know more about each other ok (I think I already know everything about you I need to.) ...... send me ur yahoo id. Or u can add me this is my yahoo id (XXXX_XXXXXXX ) U can add me now cos i am online......... Hope to chat with u soon ... (Hope springs eternal, hon. Good luck with that. Are you sure you don't have $20M you need to spirit out of Nigeria?)


That was too much fun. I'll let you know if I get the cock pictures.

A Big Thank You For the Input

I love these answers I've been getting. Next week I'll be at the Saints and Sinners Literary conference in New Orleans and hope to come up with a bunch of new
questions. Of course, I'd love to be able to sit around with everyone
and exchange ideas, but considering how far flung everyone is, that
isn't possible - yet.

What I love about writers - they have a lot of interest in the world around them. They observe. They mull things over. They ask "What if?" And with rare exceptions, the answers they come up with are hopeful. Yes, there are the famous curmudgeons,
but most writers, despite being introverts, and fascinating people themselves. How can they help it? They're artists.

Amanda Earl says:

Amanda wrote:

"All forms of dialogue arouse my curiosity. I'd like to understand
what gives dialogue its nobility and what makes it a high art for
those of us who live wrapped around solitude like harmless boas. What
is the value of a question in a dialogue? How important are the
answers?" Nicole Brossard, Yesterday, at the Hotel Clarendon

I suck at dialogue. I find it unnatural in fiction most of the time.
Even when I'm reading other people's fiction, dialogue tends to take
me out of the work because it feels so forced and not the way people
speak at all; of course there are notable exceptions; some writers
excel at dialogue, but not me.

That being said, to me the role of dialogue with other characters is
less to show who the minor characters are than to reveal more about
the protagonists from another point of view and to help evoke a mood
or push a plot forward.

These days I'm more interested in exploring solitude and silence in
my fiction than I am in exploring dialogue. I love exploring the
unreliable narrator of first person and also third person omniscient.
The latter is out of fashion, which is why I find it fun to try.

Amanda Earl: www.amanderotica.blogspot.com

My emo vampire story will be on line at Thaneros.com in the next
month or so. I'm working on several stories right now for
consideration for upcoming anthologies. "The Editor" was published
this year by Cleis Press in "Yes Sir, Erotic Stories of Female
Submission," edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel. I also write poetry and
am working on a book length manuscript about Kiki of Montparnasse,
the painter and artists' muse who lived in Paris in the 1920s and was
the lover of Man Ray.

KB: Thanks for the Thaneros link. That site looks great!