Art-Inspired, Gabriel's Release Available!

Happy Holly Daze! 

The holidays are a great time to reflect on what has inspired your art. The inspiration for my Archangels Descending series was partly inspired by the work of other artists. Several years ago while purchasing a stunning archangel fantasy print (Ascension) by artist Ruth Thompson, I was also listening to an ebm/futurepop track called Darkangel by the group VNV Nation. That piece of music was released a long time ago, and so was Ms. Thompson's artwork, but art continues to inspire us as long as it is out in the world waiting to be appreciated by new admirers. That's what a good writer always hopes to do for her reader ... to stir or inspire emotion. Cezanne, the famous painter, once said

A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art. 

Don't Settle: Make a Rainbow! Blaze a Trail!

Are you someone who waits on the weather for a glimmer of those elusive rainbows, or are you someone who makes their own rainbows? Are you a follower or are you a trail blazer? 

I've been traveling the "indie" publishing path this year and I recently made a decision not to renew my membership in a large writer's organization after seeing little change on behalf of indie authors, e-published authors, small presses, and the erotic romance genre throughout my twelve years of membership. Investing my money and volunteer time in that organization, even the time equated to money in my world because I work two jobs -- one as an IT professional, the other as a self-published author wearing many hats, including PR firm. I enjoy marketing almost as much as the writing itself so it's a good fit. But being vocal about the reasons for my departure, as you can imagine, resulted in lots of flak for going against the majority. So be it. I've got thick skin (I'm a writer, after all). 

I'm also an entrepreneur at heart, and have been since reporting for regional newspapers while still a junior in high school. So, this certainly wasn't the first time in my life I was criticized for what I deemed to be a pointed case of not settling for something I didn't want. Won't be the last. I'm not the type to play doormat with my time, money or talent. But one author's response really caught my attention, and not because it was meant negatively. On the contrary, it was meant as good advice from a more experienced author who has been around the block -- and then some. This was someone whose advice I valued. Her response:

"You have to put up with the rain if you want the rainbow." 

... that's a famous Dolly Parton quote. 

I thought, okay, let's think about that. In my zeal to pursue my career and my life on my own uncompromising terms, did I miss something vital? Was I throwing the proverbial baby out with the bath water in my determination to never settle? (continued)

Giving Thanks

I'm almost recovered from the food coma that always ensues after Turkey Day. I took as much of last week off as possible to do some baking and cooking, and to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with my Romance Hero. I also got a few writerly things done without the shadow of the day job hanging over me. We put the Yule lights up on the house yesterday, which is far more fun now that I live in Arizona than it was growing up in Massachusetts, where the snow was often already piling up to the window sills at this time of year. Stringing lights with mittens was comical at best, and despite the quaintness that picture might conjure up, it wasn't something I enjoyed doing in -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thanksgiving week was only dampened with the sad news that fantasy and science fiction author, Anne McCaffrey, most famous for her Dragons of Pern series, had died on Monday, at her home, Dragonhold, in Ireland. She was 85. This got me thinking about how much her work meant to the world, and to me personally. As an author, I can't help standing upon the shoulders of those who came before me. I know that McCaffrey is not the only author on whose shoulders many of us now stand. Everyone who breaks ground ahead of us is vital to our art, and to some extent, vital to our confidence in having the courage to tell the stories that we do. But, without the romantic elements that McCaffrey -- and others later on (like science fiction author Catherine Asaro) infused into their stories, mixing genres would be so much harder and so much less accepted. I'm intensely grateful for all the authors who helped make cross-genre books possible, and especially for those who introduced readers to the idea of fantasy and science fiction happily married to romance.

This year, as I enjoy the holidays, I give thanks for more than just being able to pay my bills, have a roof over my head, and for the good food on my table. I'm also grateful to artists everywhere, those living and those passed: you all make the world a better, richer place to live by sharing your art and your imagination. With gratitude, especially to Ms. McCaffrey: we will never forget you.
Roxy

Thank You, Readers!

This past weekend I attended TusCON, the Best Little Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror convention in Arizona, which arguably should have "Romance" added to its title! I was not the only author writing SF or Fantasy Romance in attendance. But this year, after 7 years of attendance, was my first year as a published author! I got the chance to sign postcards for new readers and it was a blast! A special thank you to everyone who bought a copy of my eShort and who stopped by to say HI at the author autographing session -- special thank you to Lynda, our new friend from the local MENSA chapter.

Every year we have more authors at the Con and there is always so much to attend. This year I discovered new anime, met new friends at the LAN gaming, and met new authors and local artists. Best of all, I sold more eShorts as a result of meeting new friends and readers, and got the chance to talk about my work! Overall, a fantastic experience that has me looking forward to attending next year. Special thanks to everyone on the TusCON committee who made the annual TusCon such a success this year!

Extra special thank you to all the Readers who've purchased since my new web site and this blog launched earlier this month! 

Wishing You All That's Green,
Roxy

A Gathering of Authors - 38th Annual TusCON

It's finally nippy enough in Southern Arizona to wear a sweater or a jacket this week! 

That must mean it's time for TusCON - The Best little SciFi Fantasy Horror Convention in Arizona!

I'll be attending all weekend, from FRI afternoon until SUN. My default hangout is always the LAN gaming rooms in the hotel, where you can find me playing World of Warcraft & first-person shooter games with my Romance Hero and lots of our friends. Stop in and say Hi!

Last year the Con hosted Guest Authors Jim Butcher (Dresden Files) and Sharon Butcher. This year NYT Bestselling Author Patricia Briggs will be the TusCON Guest of Honor! ... Patty is joined by many other SF, Fantasy, and Romance authors, such as Emma Bull, Frankie Robertson, Jennifer Roberson, Jordan Summers, Yvonne Navarro, Gini Koch, Janni Simner, Weston Ochse, Dennis McKiernan, John Vornholt, David Lee Summers, Anne Elizabeth, and of course, Moi! 

The Con is famous for its emphasis on getting to meet your favorite authors and artists, and to chat with them in a casual atmosphere. There's a variety of author readings and panels all three days, an Author Autographing session on Saturday, books galore of course, a fabulous Art Show, several Gaming areas for your kids (and you!) including Board games, LARPing and a huge PC LAN gaming set up! There's also an awesome Anime movie room (a favorite), movie Previews, Filking, Shopping, a Consuite with goodies, FREE swag, and a Masquerade Contest!!

A gathering of Romance/SF/Fantasy/Horror authors all at one location?? A book lover's dream! ... Thanks for reading and see you there!

Roxy

Self-Publishing: Working with Vendors

Greetings!

I'm guest blogging today about self-publishing (SP), specifically about working with vendors, over at Frankie's Soapbox. The Soapbox is the blog of author Frankie Robertson (LIGHTBRINGER).

I talk about lessons learned as I prepared to publish BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, my new erotic romance short. Please come by and ask any questions you have about working with vendors or any self-publishing issues you're curious about.

Thanks for reading!

Roxy

Guest Blogging about Self-Publishing

Hello Friends, Fellow Bloggers and Writers!
On Wednesday, Nov 9, I'm guest blogging about self-publishing (SP) over at Frankie's Soapbox, the blog of multi published author, Frankie Robertson. Please stop in and say Hi, and ask any questions you might have about the SP journey. There are a lot of myths surrounding the process, including that it's impossibly hard. It's not, but it does take planning, organization, and commitment. Most importantly, it's a learning process. Like anything new, it's going to take you outside your comfort zone and challenge you to see writing and publishing in a different way.

On my guest blog, I'll be relating tips I've learned about working with vendors. That is, outsourcing some of the tasks that need to be done when you SP, becoming both publishing company and author at the same time. SP can be daunting, but I also found it to be a deeply satisfying process. Trepidation can easily turn to elation with a little enthusiasm and some careful planning.

Stop in at Frankie's Soapbox Wednesday, and if there's a SP subject you'd like me to write about here on my blog, please leave a question or suggestion--I'd love to hear from you!

Roxy

Sex and SF and elves, oh my!

Hi, and welcome to my blog! I write erotic romance in fantasy and futuristic settings. If you enjoy reading about heroic and immortal elves, archangels and green men, along with the women who steal their hearts, you’re in the right place.

Below is an excerpt from my first eShort, Be Careful What You Wish For, an erotic romp involving an alien disguised as an elf who invades a woman’s dream as her fantasy lover. This eShort is available for purchase on Amazon and Smashwords for eReading devices Kindle, Nook, Sony, Kobo, and many more. It’s also available to read on your PC, or for your iPhone, iPad, Droid, or other handheld device with a Kindle app. Best of all? … It’s only $.99! Yep. Get your sexy romance fix for less than the price of a cup of coffee … and a whole lot hotter! It makes a great thank you or stocking stuffer gift for that special romance reader in your life, too. Enjoy!

She thought he was only a dream lover …

But the elf with the long, silver hair and the Aegean-blue eyes is a traveler from across space. And her dream is his doorway …

If she refuses him, all mankind will be decimated by one of his own people - a chaos being that arrived ahead of him.

Note: The following excerpt is meant for the enjoyment of adult romance readers.

I open my eyes. I’m standing at the edge of a small lagoon, my body drenched in warm sunlight. A gentle wind stirs the cool grass, the blades tickling my bare feet. An aqua sky floats overhead. A rush of water draws my attention and I turn to find the sound. Across the pool, wide frothy columns spill down from above, sending up clouds of fine white mist that drift along the surface like smoke. The air is heavy with it, and it dampens my skin. I inhale. The clean, clinging scent of wet and earth and pine fill me.

A faint breeze blows, and my nipples tighten in response.

I know I’m only dreaming. If I look down, will I find my nightgown gone, my body naked? The thought makes me uncomfortable. Angry. I don’t want to know I’m somewhere else. It’s so beautiful here.

A movement in the center of the pool draws my attention. I feel as if I’m observing everything from a distance. The water starts to churn under the mist. Air bubbles rise and pop.

Sea monster.

My heart races as the thought springs to my mind from nowhere. Oh, sure. In fresh water? I giggle and let myself relax. It’s just a dream, after all, and I’m giddy with anticipation. I want to know what’s under the surface of that roiling water.

Maybe it’s the Lady of the Lake come to deliver up Excalibur? Ha! But I’m not Arthur. And this isn’t Camelot. Wait—what if it is? I laugh out loud at the thought.

Something is coming up out of the water now. I should be frightened.

I’m not. Amazingly, I’m  simply curious. The mist begins to part as whatever it is breaks the surface.

The sea monster is pale, or at least it has pale hair on its head. Blond, no … silver! I see a forehead, thin eyebrows, eyelids … faint lashes.

Not a sea monster … a woman? Must be the Lady of the Lake, or maybe a mermaid? I giggle.

But then the eyes open and I’m galvanized, run through by a searing glance of bluer than blue, piercing straight into me. Nose, mouth, strong chin emerge. Not a woman. A man. Yet his features are finely formed, exquisite and flawless. Beautiful. And he has … pointed ears?!

His eyes remain fixed, pinning me, as broad shoulders follow his head above the surface. Oh my. Very muscular shoulders. Dear gods of Olympus. Stunning pecs and the most glorious washboard stomach I’ve ever seen rise from the water. The breath whooshes from my lungs as if I’ve been sucker-punched. Not a stitch of clothing covers his sculpted form. He has the physique of a Greek god. Not rounded, like the masters carved, but more slender … a body that would tempt an ice queen. His hair is long and thick and reflective. It makes me think of starlight and mirrors.

Men don’t have ears and hair like that. Elf.

The corners of his perfect pink mouth turn upward. A knowing smile spreads across his face. And I understand—am certain—that he has just heard my thoughts.

Now I’m afraid for the first time. My earlier humor is forgotten. I stare, unable to look away from his lithe form as he continues to rise from the pool. Water sluices from naked flesh, running in small rivulets from thick ropes of sparkling hair as he moves toward me through water and swirling mist.

The sunlight seems magnified on his skin, reflecting as if bouncing off metal. I wonder how he’ll feel under my hands.

So tall …

Narrow hips and an impossibly flat abdomen emerge, and my eyes are drawn to the thin line of glossy down below his navel that disappears under the waterline. The muscles in my belly and thighs clench in response to the sight, and a fluttering warmth starts inside me. I know very well what’s coming next, and I can't look away …

Happy Halloween!

Welcome to my new blog home, and a very Happy Halloween to all you scary but, warm-hearted trick or treaters.

I'm a bit of a closet goth, so this is truly a favorite holiday of mine. In fact, I stunned my entire family when I was 9 yrs old by proclaiming I wanted an entirely black bathroom when I grew up (this was long before the term "goth" was even coined). Since my family decorated in French provincial and Colonial, this got quite the reaction, and I wondered for years if I'd been adopted or placed in the family by aliens?

Speaking of aliens, for all you adults looking for a naughty but wonderful treat for yourself as you recover from eating too much candy, try my new erotic romance eShort, Be Careful What You Wish For. This hot read features a sexy alien disguised as an elf who invades a woman's dreams. It goes on sale November 2nd at Amazon and Smashwords and other fine eBook retailers). And, hey, it's less fattening than candy and a whole lot more fun at only $.99! You can read it on your PC, your Kindle, your Nook, iPhone and many other devices.

This Halloween, like many of you, I'll be in costume (G-rated for the trick-or-treaters, of course!) so I can scare silly the adorables dressed in their cute and scary costumes (Well, just a little scare, and all in good fun of course...bwaahaahaha!).

Have a spooky and safe holiday!

Roxy