Two of my fellow authors and I have been working on a novel starring three eccentric women. We hope to have it out in the near future, but I would like to introduce you to my main character. In order to get to know her better, I decided to use my A to Z Blogs to tell some of her stories. These stories may or may not end up in our novel, but it’s still fun to get to hear her entertaining stories. Without further ado, I’ll let her introduce herself.
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Hello. My name is Isola and I’m going to tell you a little bit about me. I work in a sex toy shop. As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment! Okay, so maybe there are some dull moments. But there are lots of exciting ones as well. Stay tuned throughout the month for 26 crazy stories of my life!
I have officially written all of my A to Z posts. All of them. All. Of. Them.
I wasn’t sure I was going to make it, but I devoted the whole day to it and I just finished (9:22pm).
Now to edit for grammar, consistency, and story, and then schedule my posts. I know it seems like I have a lot of time, but I know how busy my schedule is about to be. So… I’m pushing forward, but it feels good to have them written at least!
How are your A to Z Challenge Posts coming along? Is anyone else scheduling them in advance, or are you going to write during April?
Also, April is CampNaNo! Has anyone thought of what they’re doing for that?
I love fiction movies, fiction novels, and writing fiction. And yet, the reality is that real life still happens. My personal philosophy has long been that happy endings are where it’s at (in more ways than one, hehe), but that’s not real life.
The other night, my husband prompted a play session because he knew that I had been stressed out and would welcome the release of subbing for him. He was 100% right. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as well as it usually does. My body didn’t respond the way I wanted it to. It wasn’t anything he did, it just didn’t work like I wanted.
It made me think of the fiction that we all know and read and maybe even love. I thought about the romantic comedies and the romance novels. They all end up happy, and even though there might be struggles along the way, you know it’s going to work out. So don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work out that way in real life. Maybe your happy ending is still coming down the line. Maybe it isn’t this play session or this day, but it may just happen yet.
And I am so grateful for a partner who supported me through my frustration with myself. ❤
Son of a bitch. All the time. I’ve had to curb that habit at work, but I often say, “Son of a… gun.” Whoops!
2. Would you rather take a picture or be in a picture?
Take a picture, but I don’t think I’m very good at it.
3. Has anyone ever called you lazy? Why did they say that?
I don’t think so. I’m pretty decidedly not lazy.
4. Have you ever dated or slept with a neighbor? How did things turn out?
Yes! I dated (and slept with) a neighbor for years, but I was a teenager, so, not well! But our breakup had nothing to do with the fact that we lived across the street and we stayed friends even afterward.
5. Have you ever broken up with a significant other then “cheated” with that same person while they were in a relationship with someone else?
Nope. I was given that opportunity and turned it down. No thanks. Too much drama.
Bonus: Tell us something good.
This reminds me of the end of the Good Place The Podcast. I love that show and the Podcast that goes with it. I highly recommend it. Funny, poignant, all around a great show.
Complete each sentence with an anecdote of sexual adventure or misadventure:
1. The first time I had sex, I was wayyyyy too young. I don’t regret it because I don’t believe in regrets, but I definitely recommend waiting! I don’t urge my kids to wait until marriage, but at least wait until they understand the possible ramifications.
2. The last time I had a sex dream, I woke up and pounced my husband. He wasn’t disappointed!
3. The only time I was in a position to have five people for group sex (an orgy!) one person wasn’t feeling well so it didn’t happen. We never did have another opportunity with that group, but oh well. It shall remain fantasy!
4. My best sexual encounters are ones with people I really care about.
5. My worst sexual encounters are ones with people I don’t care for. For a long time years ago, I had a guy in my life who I hated. We would have sex and then be fighting within an hour. The sex was good! But we weren’t suited for each other. I realized as I matured that I could find partners who were good in bed AND good outside of it. I definitely prefer the latter.
BONUS: Everyone, no matter how much experienced, still has some unfulfilled desires. What is at the top of your yet-to-do list?
I definitely would love to have a true orgy, but I don’t like casual sex. So it would need to be a group of people I knew and trusted. Not an easy task!
For the month of March, Shari Marshall from Writing is Communication has offered for her readers to share things they are thankful for. Yesterday, she suggested listing moments you were ecstatic.
I hate to steal some of hers, but they are so true!
1) The night my husband proposed. I wasn’t expecting it at all, but there was the ring. And here it sits on my finger more than 10 years later. I am so excited to celebrate 10 years together this summer.
2) The day we got married. It was such a stellar day. From start to finish. The issues we had (because of course there were issues) were funny, and at the end of it, I had a great time sharing my love with all my family and friends.
3) The day my daughter was born. She was so perfect and precious. She tried our patience a short while later and continues to do so to this day, but that’s kids, eh?
4) The day I got my dream job. I was offered a job doing exactly what I wanted right out of college. I celebrate 11 years there this year, and I’m so grateful that they took a chance on me.
5) The day my first novel was published. It was so cool to see the sales go! Meager, yes, but still!
When Detective Chief Inspector Frank Shapiro loses his right-hand man to a hit-and-run driver, he finds himself with little time for regret. Problem number one is Sergeant Donovan, a broody young Irishman convinced that the policeman’s death was ordered by a local crime baron. And if that weren’t enough trouble for the already understaffed police force in Castelmere, England, someone has chosen this moment to launch a career as a serial killer.
Help comes in the form of Inspector Liz Graham: Intelligent, intuitive, and ambitious, Liz is eager to prove herself worthy of her promotion, and knows she’ll have to fight tooth and nail for acceptance in the overwhelmingly male-oriented world of criminal investigation. The resourceful and canny policewoman is determined that no one–especially not an angry young sergeant who resents her very presence–shall stand in her way.
With the body count rising and no end in sight, Liz and Donovan finally realize that their status as outsiders on the police force is perhaps their greatest strength. And when Liz discovers a link between the murder victims–a link so ordinary, so innocent that everyone on the force is baffled–the pair devise an unconventional scheme of grace and cunning that’s so crazy it just might work… if it doesn’t destroy them first.
My Review:
I picked up A Bleeding of Innocents as part of my random author challenge. At first, I picked up another book by Jo Bannister, but I quickly realized in the description that it was a series, so I looked it up to find the first book.
I knew from the description that it was going to be interesting because it’s a mystery set in England. Being from the U.S., some of the terms and hierarchy of the police force are different than what I’m used to, but even so, it was pretty easy to follow.
At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book. There was action early on, but it didn’t hook me as much as I would have liked. But after a while, it picked up and I couldn’t put it down. I really liked the way the characters interacted. They were very realistic.
Overall, I liked the book and I would consider reading more in the series now that I’m invested in the characters. 4 stars!
Worldbuilding is the ultimate act of creation for speculative fiction writers, but how exactly do you worldbuild? You ask ‘what if’ and use each answer as a springboard to more questions and answers about your fictional world.
In THE A-ZS OF WORLDBUILDING, that ‘what if’ process is broken down into 26 themed chapters, covering topics ranging from architecture to zoology. Each chapter includes a corresponding set of guided exercises to help you find the ‘what if’ questions relevant to your story’s world.
Fair warning, though: worldbuilding is addictive. Once you get started, you might never put your pen down again.
My review:
I have always been a fiction writer, but I have exclusively written in the “real world.” I might make some mild changes like omitting STDs and pregnancy scares for the sake of sexiness, but I have never even touched on the realm of historical fiction, much less worldbuilding. The idea of it, honestly, was terrifying.
That’s why I was so excited to pick up a book that would guide me through the process of worldbuilding! I have had an idea floating around in the back of my mind that would take place on Earth but in a totally different society than what exists, but I had absolutely no idea how I would ever make that idea a reality. I didn’t even know where to begin.
Well, now I do. The A-Zs of Worldbuilding helped me to work out my ideas. I decided that I would read through the whole book once and then I’ll go back and work on actually outlining my world. That was a mistake. I should have just worked on my outline as I read the first time. But, the book is 140 pages, so it was a quick read, and it’s not a big deal to go back.
The writing was direct and succinct. Rebekah Loper explained things clearly, and the ideas were easy to follow. She even referenced other resources if you needed more depth or other chapters within her book for deeper thoughts. I am really excited now to delve into the realm of worldbuilding! 5 stars!
And now an interview with the author, Rebekah Loper!
Why did you start blogging?
To create a platform for my writing and connect with an audience.
Any other books coming out soon?
I will have a fantasy short story in an anthology this spring, but release date has not been settled yet.
Brief tip on writing:
Never stop looking for inspiration – it’s always there. Even if you don’t have time to write it, always keep looking for that magic ‘what if’.
Where did the idea for this book come from, other than the alphabet and the challenge?
I love worldbuilding. When I was looking for ways to learn how to worldbuild as a young writer, I was always disappointed by the lack of true worldbuilding workbooks, so this was born out of that desire.
What writing goal do you hope to accomplish this year?
Draft a second volume of The A-Zs of Worldbuilding on creating magic systems. Establish a true writing habit for my fiction, which I’ve let be overrun by ‘real life’ the past several years. Finish revising at least one of my set-aside novels.
As a reader, what most motivates you to buy a new book to read?
A fascinating summary, followed closely by a stunning book cover!
What compels you to keep reading a character’s story? A tangible connection with the character. Similarities are great, but that’s not all a connection is. The character must resonate with me emotionally, somehow, even if they are the polar opposite of who I am. A lot of that comes with a writer being able to convey the humanity of even the most despicable or most privileged characters.
What is one question or discussion topic which you would like the readers of this post to answer or remark on in the blog comments?
What about worldbuilding most inspires or hinders you, either as a reader or writer?
Working my day job. In my free time, I guess I write more than any other hobby.
2. Is this where you thought you would end up?
Mostly. I knew I always wanted to be a writer in some form or fashion. As for my personal life, maybe not so much. I’ve known that this is where I would end up when I was 18, but not before that.
3. What would you do differently if given the opportunity?
In my personal life? Not much. I believe that everything I did shaped who I am today and the life I have, and I am happy.
4. How do you encourage creativity in the bedroom?
I have spent many years working on a list of bedroom (and outside the bedroom, but still sexual) activities my husband and I both like. (Or things I can do on my own for fetishes we don’t share.) When we need an idea, we can pick from the stack of cards. When life isn’t too crazy, I pick several for the week and we work them into our routines.
5. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
No one at my day job would even begin to guess that I write BDSM erotica.
Bonus: Sexually, who has influenced you the most?
I had a particular boyfriend in High School who suggested we try BDSM. It was the single most freeing thing I have ever done sexually. Looking back, I realize that I had submissive tendencies long before I ever met him, but he’s the one who unleashed me, literally!
I picked up the Cemetery Keeper’s Wife by Maryann McFadden and I am glad I did. The storyline was compelling and I read through it in a matter of days. I loved the storyline and I was thrilled to find out that it’s based on a true story. I will say that there were parts of the book where the description was a bit repetitive, but other than that, it was well edited. I liked the characters and felt that they were very real. I definitely recommend this novel!
Book Description:
What happens when the line between the past and the present begins to blur…
Rachel Miller is on the cusp of a new life when she moves to Union Cemetery after marrying Adam, the 7th generation cemetery keeper. Though she’s known him only twelve weeks, his tender love seems like a miracle of fate after her years alone.
On her first walk through the lush and silent grounds of her new home, Rachel discovers a stunning monument to Tillie Smith, who died in 1886. Reading the words carved into the stone, “She Died in Defence of Her Honor,” Rachel is overcome by a powerful memory buried deep in her past.
A series of uncanny coincidences linked to Tillie Smith follows, setting Rachel on a journey that grows into an obsession: Why did the murder of a poor kitchen maid at the local seminary become a national sensation? Why were people in town trying to keep her from finding the truth? But most disturbing of all, why was Tillie reawakening a past Rachel chose to bury long ago. A past that could threaten her marriage.
The Cemetery Keeper’s Wifepoignantly blends fact and fiction as two women scarred by shame, and separated by more than a century, reach across time to rewrite history.
For as long as I can remember, I have been making a big deal about Valentine’s Day. I remember when I was 16, I spent Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend and three of my single friends. We all went out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. I don’t remember what my justification was at the time, but now I have words to put to it.
There is not enough love in the world.
Valentine’s Day is a great day to make an effort to celebrate with those we love. I get gifts for my kids, we make Valentine’s Day themed food, and we exchange cards. It’s silly sometimes, but we love it. And one of my kids who is grown still talks about the year we wrote things we love about the kids and taped them to their bedroom doors (one a day for two weeks). And… I might not have had the heart (heh) to take them down. It’s been three years.
So, go out and spread the love every day, but especially this day. And tell me, what’s your relationship with Valentine’s Day?
1. Do you like where you live or do you wish you could move?
I do like the area I live in. Sometimes I wish I could move, but mostly because I feel like we have a lot of physical clutter I would like to leave behind. Once I realized that was my motivation for wanting to move, I decided I should work on reducing the physical clutter. So, that’s what I’ve been doing!
2. No matter what life throws at me, I believe that I can deal with it. Agree or Disagree?
I want to agree, but I’m sure I have a breaking point. Everyone does. But I certainly wouldn’t go down without a fight!
3. A dear friend is stuck in an unhappy relationship. What advice would you give to the friend to cope–how can they make lemonade out of lemons?
My first piece of advice would be to seek counseling. There is nothing like the benefit of an impartial opinion. Otherwise, I would advise someone to either find a way to find happiness with that person, or end the relationship. No one deserves to be stuck in an unhappy relationship.
4. Nothing of value can be learned from failure. True or False?
False. Failure is an important part of learning and growing.
5. Even if you are sure about your ultimate choice, do you still ask others for advice before making an important or risky decision?
Yes! Often my counselor, but also friends or family.
Bonus: What is the sweetest or rewarding moment in your life?
I love seeing someone I love being happy, particularly when I have done something to spark that happiness. Giving someone a thoughtful gift or doing something that brings a smile to their face is the most rewarding thing.
I love historical romance. It’s probably my favorite romance genre. Many times in my life, I’ve thought that my submissive nature would lend itself well to a time and society where women served. (Let me be clear though: I am a feminist and believe in women’s rights, and their right to choose to serve through BDSM! 😉 Or not. Whatever each person wants.)
Anyway… I’ve thought often how maybe I was born into the wrong generation.
And then I get strep throat. And I am so, so, so very grateful for the barrage of medications that made my strep throat almost gone in three days.
1. Do you express your sexual pleasure with moans, groans, sighs, and other noises (provided that you are actually turned on)? a. Yes, each time I have sex (90-100% of the time). b. Yes, on most occasions (70-89% of the time). c. Yes, on some occasions (40-69% of the time). – As long as there aren’t children’s ears nearby! d. Yes, on a few occasions (less than 40% of the time). e. No. Never, not even when I am really turned on.
2. How comfortable are you with sex in bright light or daylight? Pick one. a. Completely comfortable b. Fairly comfortable – It’s mostly about me not liking bright light in my face. c. Somewhat comfortable/uncomfortable, depends on the partner. d. Completely uncomfortable. I like to do it in the dark.
3. Is this statement True or False for you? Explain. I would like to talk dirty with my partner, but I don’t dare for fear of being judged or ridiculed.
True – surprisingly. It’s crazy to think that considering the genre I write, but I am loath to say it out loud.
4. Have you ever done a striptease for a lover (impromptu or planned)? Did you enjoy it?
I have. Not sure I love it, but I would do it to please a partner.
5. How do you feel about giving anal sex (penetration with penis, finger or sex toys)? Pick one. a. I enjoy it. b. I’m okay with it. c. I don’t really enjoy it. – It would be more to please a partner than please myself. *Have you figured out that I lean submissive yet?* d. I don’t enjoy it at all. e. I have never given anal sex. f. I have never given anal sex, but would like to start.
As part of the A to Z Challenge, I am participating in the Book Reviews, Tour, and Blog Hop!
One of the areas as an author that I feel like I have failed in is writing reviews. I know how important they are to new authors and experienced authors alike, and yet I hardly ever write them. When I do write them, I tend to post them on my blog and maybe Goodreads, but that’s it. I was delighted to have the opportunity to get an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review of J Lenni Dorner’s upcoming book, “Writing Book Reviews As An Author: Inspiration To Make It Easier” to be released March 26, 2019.
The first, and one of the most important things to me, is how easy to read the book is. I was happy to see that even though this was an ARC, it was well edited. It flowed seamlessly, was very informative, and explained things clearly. I would have read the whole thing in one sitting except it was after midnight, and I fell asleep. I was so close! I even read the author bio and the thank yous, which I often skip. (Bad author, bad. I know.) I read everything from cover to cover, starting with the excellent front cover image. It’s all books: a book floating in the center of more books. Awesome image!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who writes reviews, or who should be writing reviews, but isn’t – like me! I will absolutely be checking out more of his work now. As a typical romance and mystery reader, this was not the type of book I typically pick up, but anything that helps me hone my craft is welcome. It’s always awesome when an experienced writer shares expertise on writing reviews, as I know J Lenni Dorner writes a lot of them. It’s also great to support someone I’ve known digitally through the A to Z Challenge, but have never met. I feel like I got to know J a little more through this experience.
This book left me excited to start writing my first review and walked me through the process seamlessly. At the author’s request, I timed myself through each phase. I decided to work with an outline and then write the actual review. The outlines took me a total of 13 minutes. From there, it took me 15 minutes to write up the review, and I do think it will go faster now that I’ve done one. I have always felt like I needed questions to answer to gather my thoughts that wouldn’t contain spoilers when reviewing novels, and now I feel like that’s exactly what I have! And just in time, too, because I’ve started a book reviewing project…
5 stars for an excellent book on how to write reviews!
If you’re interested in pre-ordering the book, you can do so Amazon and Smashwords!
And now… an interview with the author:
Why did this you part in the A to Z Challenge the year that your book was “given life”?
It’s the ten year anniversary. I’m very excited to be a co-host of the A to Z Challenge. This is an incredible community.
“You may wonder why I started a blog. I may wonder that too! Actually, this blog was started because I heard about the A to Z challenge from some nanowrimo friends.”
Any other books coming out soon?
This is my current new publication. “WRITING BOOK REVIEWS AS AN AUTHOR: INSPIRATION TO MAKE IT EASIER” I have several stories in the works though
A motivational quote when you feel like giving up on writing from J Lenni Dorner
Where did the idea for this book come from, other than the alphabet and the challenge?
The idea came from interviewing so many debut authors at Operation Awesome. I noticed that some authors reviewed a lot of books, and others had never written one. I set out to inspire those who didn’t write reviews. It turned out to be long enough for a month of blog posts (this coming April). Then I noticed I had enough to make a reference book.
What writing goal do you hope to accomplish this year?
My biggest writing goal this year is to publish two books in 2019.
As a reader, what most motivates you to buy a new book to read?
A recommendation from a trusted source, reading something interesting about the book, or the book being by an author I like.
What is one question or discussion topic which you would like the readers of this post to answer or remark on in the blog comments?
What motivates you to write book reviews? (Or, if you don’t write them, what deters you?)
It’s nice when there are weekends without a lot of plans. I always think I am going to get sooooo much done. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality of my life. I did get a lot done, and I bought a cute new dress!
My kitchen is significantly cleaner than it was. My phone pictures have been cleared off, and I have several new books to read (both digital and paper).
My husband and I have had some quality kid-free time together, but I was not feeling kinky. That may be why I’m having trouble going back to writing my novel, too. I don’t suspect my disinterest will last long though. It rarely does.
(If you don’t know the process behind my new project, check it out here!)
A Cat on Jingle Bell Rock, by Lydia Adamson is the 15th in a series of mysteries surrounding an amateur sleuth. I know that this was the same author I had randomly picked up a decade ago, so I had a little bit of background on the characters. But even without that, the book was excellent. Adamson gave enough information about the characters that even jumping in the middle of the series.
I loved the cats that are featured in the novel, as in all of the series, and the characters are likeable and real. Although this novel took place around Christmas, it wasn’t featured heavily and is great for any time of the year. Excellent author, excellent novel. Highly recommended.
Many years ago (more than a decade) I started a project where I would go to my local library and choose a random book. I started with an author whose last name started with A and worked my way up.
Unfortunately, I was in college at the time, and I don’t think I made it past B or C, but the idea stuck with me.
More recently, I have thought of attempting to do something like that for the A to Z Blog Challenge, but I don’t think I could manage to do it all in a month, or even in a year to prepare for that one month. Plus, I like to use the Blog Challenge to work on my fiction.
So, what to do… what to do… I’m going to do it on a monthly(ish) basis. I picked up the first book just before the new year, and I am going to pick up the next one tomorrow. The genres will vary wildly, but I think it will be a fun project. Stay tuned for book reviews coming your way!
J R Vincente 