Day One of Vaca

We woke up to thunderstorms and pouring rain...which meant I wasn't driving ... but by the time we hit the middle of Kentucky, we had beautiful skies!



Really, this is not me working as we drive through Tennessee...

And then, I drove through Georgia and everyone else slept...
This is the worst picture of the Atlanta skyline you will probably ever see...lol

Thanks to WiFi and the foresight of packing computers, tonight we chill in a Marriott after our twelve hour drive...and I get to update my blog!!

Tomorrow we arrive in Orlando Florida:) Seaworld here we come! If you want to keep up on our journey, check back daily...I hope to have photos each day:)

Vacation

This is officially my out of office message...

Revisions are finished on "So You Want A Job"
Edits are completed on "Reaper."
My laptop and rough draft of WIP "Lovers" is going with me (just in case)

Bags are packed...
The house/pet sitter will be here first thing in the morning...

I am going to bed earlier than I have in a year so that I can get this night over with. See you in a week!

Barnes and Noble Booksellers

I am very excited to announce that Loose-Id Publishers is now releasing books through Barnes and Noble, so if you have wanted to read a Roxy Harte novel ... you now have one more outlet! So save a tree and buy my erotic ebook!! I am fairly certain you can also read sample pages there:) But if not, you can find excerpts for all of my released books at my website RoxyHarte.com

Roxy Harte at Barnes and Noble

EDGE Review

In the latest newsletter from Just Erotic Romance Reviews, EDGE was reviewed by Amanda Nelson...

Rating: 5 Stars

"Not your usual roses and candy romance, Edge touches on the edges of BDSM that most authors shy away from. Edge not only pushes the limits of the characters, it also pushes the reader into the darker sides of BDSM. The deeper I got into the book, the more I felt entwined with the characters and not only their physical journey but the mental journey Ms. Harte took them on. A word of warning to readers, there are a few scenes of pain that some may find disturbing. I found this book to be a fantastic read and not only was I enthralled with the story, I learned even more about the sadism and masochism lifestyles in the process. The sex between the characters was highly erotic. Whether it was m/f or m/f/m the scenes were very arousing and stimulating. It was written pretty graphically and even a little raunchy in the pillow talk, but it added to the character development. I highly recommend Edge if you are looking for something different to whet your appetite. The story line is so unlike others that I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Harte can conjure up."

For readers unfamiliar with my BDSM/Menage series published at Loose-Id, the first book Voyeur started the story...Edge rounds out its middle...and the yet untitled WIP will wrap up the ending...unless I get permission to keep the series going and I hope my fans reaction (purcahses) will make this series continue to grow:)

My other Loose-Id books are available here.

Secretary Tale Finds Home

A few weeks ago I submitted the secretary WIP to Loose-Id and over the weekend it was accepted and edits started! I am anticipating release around October 16th in conjunction with Boss's Day:)

The new title is:
"So You Want A Job?"

I'm very excited...
Going to be a busy week with edits and packing for vacation...not sure how little or how much I will be posting so forgive me in advance if I get overwhelmed and post little at all...

Then again, I may be super productive and get a lot done and post at the Flog Blog daily:) Of course, I'm hoping for the latter

Cover Art for Sacred Secrets!

I woke up this morning to cover art in my email and let me tell you ... there is no better way to start the day!! As many of you know, Sacred Secrets was previously published as an ebook at Liquid Silver Books. Now it is coming out at Lyrical Press as both an ebook and a print release!

So I'm very excited...

Here is the much anticipated cover!
I hope to have release dates soon:)

Nothing To Hide...

A friend sent me this in my email earier this week and this is the first chance I've had to share it...

This first video is the commerceial for New Zealand Air, watch careful there are some surprises hidden there...



And the second video is a behind the scenes look at the making of the commerial...



Hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did!

Midnight Magic

At midnight we went to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince...
As always there were scenes I wished had been expanded on...scenes I thought went too long...but I enjoyed it thoroughly none the less as an Addition-To the book. No one should judge the work solely by this one movie...

Here's the trailer if you haven't seen it yet...



Pleasant surprises:
The depth in which Tom Felton portrayed Draco Malfoy. Read an article about his role and the man(yes, over the years all of the boys in this film have become men.)



Tom Felton definitely steals the show as far as character growth. I wish I could say that about the rest of the ensemble...but perhaps that wasn't the fault of their acting ability but a weakness of the script because there was plenty of grit in the book to have gained inspiration from...

Secretary WIP Done!

I am throwing confetti and doing the happy dance. The story even has a tentative title "Recession Crazy" though I'll assume it will be shortened in editing...

I can honestly say this was the hardest story I've ever written. Thank Goddess, it is done...even emailed to my editor. Whew!

And just in time to review score for Sacred Secrets...since my editor at Lyrical wants it back asap as well.

It's Sunday night and I haven't seen the light of day...gonna go catch some twilight and play with the dogs:) I know Jazzi is more than ready! Me too!

Some Days...

Some days writing is work...take today. I'd rather be playing but I 5K to write before tomorrow ends, meaning wrap up the secretary story...tie all the loose ends, give it a happily ever after...or at least I'm happy for today ending.

But hubby is home...and I don't want to write.
Pout.

I wish I would have stayed up Thursday night and finished it while ideas were coming at me by the thousands...oh well...too late for should have's. I need to just sit my ass in a chair and do it!

Maybe after dinner and another glass of wine...
Maybe after we snuggle a little longer...
Maybe.

Blogging at SexPressions Today

I hope you will join me at SexPressions today where I will be posting about FETISH.

Calling Out My Demon

Whew, I had no idea I was emotionally on edge about my current WIP, the yet titled secretary story. Yesterday, I was brainstorming with hubby about what I can do to kick the secretary novel up a notch...and eyyyow! The stuff that came to the surface made my blood BOIL...not in a good way...in an angry way.

Anything that stirs up that kind of emotion has to be written because a writer's best friend is intense emotion: anger, fear, hate, love, lust, envy, jealousy.

Raw, undiluted emotion is scary stuff and in the writer's world, separates the men from the boys, the women from the girls. No one wants to face their darkest fears, their losses, their inner demon on a good day, but to purposely poke those demons to make them rise even closer to the surface of thought so that the demon drives the thought--only a real masochist, or a writer--would force themselves through such torment.

My family is used to coming into the office by now and finding me slumped over the computer sobbing...and typing as fast as my fingers can move. I've learned that the scenes that make me ache or cringe or want to run screaming into the night are the scenes my readers write me about, saying they've been inexplicably "moved" "touched" or "in some way changed."

I've also learned from my critique partner that when I cheat and edge around an emotionally touchy idea it is obvious (maybe only to her since we can see right through each others writing, just sometimes not our own) She'll call and say, "You cheesed that scene so bad." And I'll take a fresh look and say "Yeah, yeah I did"

Fixing those scenes takes opening up...finding the pain inside...and harnessing it.

Yesterday, I outlined the scene, then backed away -- I need to be alone with my demon awhile to pull up the kind of emotion I need to write the scene. Cheesing out is not an option. Today I'm digging deep and hoping the scene flows easily.

Feminist vs Romance Conversation Continues

In 1970, feminist Germaine Greer claimed (reading romance novels) and I assume writing them) enslaved women, encouraging them to cherish "the chains of their bondage." Always controversial, Greer has had an inspirational career writing such novels as The Female Eunuch, in which she argued women do not realise how much men hate them, and how much they are taught to hate themselves.

Wow, have we come a long way.
At least, as women we are now encouraged to love ourselves and empower ourselves.

As a response to this difference, an article,Scholarly Writers Empower Romance, declares romance as a genre empowers women.

I'm not sure if romance is empowering women, but I do think women are now empowered enough that we don't need anyone telling us how we have to look, act, or think to be a feminist. We're not ashamed of what we read anymore than we're not ashamed of sliding into a dress or heels for special occasions.

A scientific study was conducted by Laurie Rudman and Julie Phelan of Rutgers University who found that romance and feminism are not in direct conflict. And may actually improve heterosexual relationships.

Which makes me ask, what about bisexual or homosexual relationships? Were individuals who identify other than heterosexual not studied? Or is there not enough LGBT-romance on the market for them to feel a study was practical?

Hmmmm.

I'm hopeful. It seems that gay material is becoming more and more available in response to public buying response. With my first F/F having gained a publisher, I can only be hopeful that it is a sign, that the market is opening for lesbian and bisexual female romance.
Now, if I can just get the word out so that all of my bisexual and lesbian friends will BUY, BUY, BUY ensuring my publisher (Samhain Publishing) is happy with the results! One thing for certain, I'll keep you posted.

Erotica on hold for Black Lace and Nexus at Virgin

Supposedly, Virgin Books will release a statement about their decision not to add books in the Black Lace and Nexus erotica imprints in 2010 later today. Rumor has been flying since Friday and various posts have been popping up all over but as of Monday, the authors at Black Lace and Nexus had not been formally notified; although Virgin Books' managing director, John Sadler has been quoted as saying: "As part of our strategic planning for 2010 we will be prioritising our rapidly growing non-fiction list and as such have decided not to add to our erotica list for that year."

Now that's getting the cart before the horse a bit.
Especially considering in times of recession people reach for escapism as an outlet, reading and watching more television/movies. Typically, we also boink like bunnies to escape our woes...so maybe this hold on erotica is really a ploy to curb a population explosion over the next few years...

I know...my humor sucks.
This is dreadful news from a major contributor for the erotica industry and I hope it resolves itself soon.

In a sigh of relief for me, this news could explain my rejection letter dated two weeks ago which asked me to submit new material at a later date. (I do hate those rejection letters that begin "I love your style of writing (writing voice etc) however...") especially following a good response to a query + sample letter that earned me a full manuscript request...

Oh well...keep plugging away...US publishers are still acquiring:)

Remembering Great Men...

Perhaps I am not using the correct word in the title of this post. Great may not be adequate in either case, one man so loved, one man so hated.

Tomorrow, millions will be watching Michale Jackson's memorial. It will be live streamed, it will be televised, and I for one will be tuned in to watch. I almost feel guilty about that. I would almost prefer to remember the man as he was onstage.

Sir Hotness and I have rarely ever disagreed, I found out the day Michael died that we disagree on how we choose to remember him. I won't apologize for loving Michael Jackson's music. I won't apologize for thinking he was a musical genius.

There is another man who died today (at the age of 93) who may sooner be forgotten but who left an equally large, if terrible, fingerprint on our society. Robert McNamara, often heralded as the architect of the Vietnam War. See the TimesOnline obituary.
Read a 2004 interview with Doug Saunders

I heard a rebroadcast of an NPR radio interview with him this morning and felt how hard it has been for him to deal with the events of that war and the events caused by that war. However, even facing old age and pending death, i don't believe he ever repented for his role in the Vietnam War. He didn't see a need to. Did he say, "I'm sorry?" sure, but he'd immediately follow his apology with "Please understand" ... "Regrettable" ... and excuses. Always saying, "We need to learn a lesson..."

I think he honestly believed that the Vietnam War was necessary. He made decisions at the time based on intel which led him to belief communist Asia and World War (nuclear) War was eminent if Vietnam wasn't helped and he saw the US role in Vietnam as "helping" much as our soldiers now are helping Iraq.

He felt so strongly about trying to share what lessons he felt should be gleaned from Vietnam that he wrote an autobiography: In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam

I was so enthralled listening to him that I have found my "Beach Book" for when we go to Florida in a few weeks for summer vaca.

Many will agree with me, many will disagree with me but this week we say a final farewell to two men who helped shape the United States as we know it. Two Great Men.

Horror Down There...

No, I'm not talking about the dust bunnies under the bed...the other down there...

You know I've had forty-odd years to grow completely comfortable with my nether region. I can say that I love my clitoris. I love my clit so much I play with it every day...

But there was a day long ago. I think I was twenty-one. And I was flipping through a copy of Hustler with some friends and one of those friends pointed out that one of the model's rim was exceptionally dark...

I was shocked, I'd never considered that the skin around my anus might be anything other than the pleasing shade of pale cream or rosy pink that the rest of my body is. I'd always assumed my butt hole was the same color as my nipples...I mean, seriously, you'd think, right? And I'd never looked before...

I was assured by my friends that it was indeed tan...they volunteered to hold a mirror, but mortified by the prospect I declined and raced home to hold my own mirror in the privacy of my bathroom.

Oh my god!
Mortal embarrassment. Tan not rosy pink. Forget cunnilingus in the daylight ever again. I vowed no one would ever see my parts again...

Thankfully, I met a guy who after a few full-on dark sessions demanded on seeing my labia because he thought it felt beautiful. Eventually I admitted that I was embarrassed about the darker pigment around my anus. He needed proof and upon embarrassing reveal, assured me that he thought my anus was hot. So hot he insisted on rimming it right there in full-spectrum overhead lighting.

Thank goddess I was born when I was because what if I'd had the option of anal bleaching? I might have gotten a little lightening with my Brazilian...and I wouldn't have experienced my first rimming. (I highly recommend that experience so if you've never been licked there...find someone to do it for you asap)

There are so many options available now...to beautify the horrors of what is not beautiful enough down there. Anal bleaching. Labia nipping and tucking. Hood reduction. Oh, and this one. Hymen replacement.

Seriously, I was reading an article about a woman who had her virginity restored for the sixth time...

Do I really want to relive my "first time" enough to have surgery to ensure I bleed when I have sex? Not a chance. I was recently talking to some friends about this...because believe it or not the surgery is "in."

We unanimously agreed "no way" but one of the still single women at the table admitted that if her fiance wanted to break her hymen on their wedding night she would do it for him...

Really?
No. No. NO!

I am so happy that I have grown to love my body just the way it is because there are just too many options available for fixing what others might see as the horrors down there but I just see as beautiful!

Happy Fourth of July

Reaper Cover Art

I think it's an awesome cover for my paranormal romance coming soon to Liquid Silver Books. What do you think?

Sex Stuff...

I think I need to make Susan my official (unpaid) but dearly loved research assistant...she doesn't realize it but she keeps sending me these great emails and well, one link leads to another and before you know it...I've discovered something I can share here.

I can also share tidbits with the family as we sit around enjoying family dinner. Like tonight following my daughter's recent announcement she was quiting her job because she couldn't stand working one more night with that bitch (co-worker)...I kept telling her the chick just needed to get laid...and tonight I had proof. I think she should laminate it and stick the info next to the time clock...

Anyway here it is:
We’ve all heard it before, whether you work in a Fortune500 company or waited tables at a restaurant. There’s always an uptight guy or girl who’s defensive, paranoid, over-stressed and nitpicky. And someone– maybe you’re too polite– but someone says, “That guy (or girl) soooo needs to get laid.”

Yep, there is scientific proof we're happier and more productive on the job when we're getting regular sex. Read about it here.

Like I said, one link led to another...

Valuable life lesson: If you are going to announce that you masturbate at work, make certain your Twitter name isn't your real name. Case in point as found on MySexProfessor.com

BTW you can follow My Sex Professor on Twitter...you can also follow me on Twitter:)

Not Sure I'm A Fan Yet...

Sunday night has once again become a television night, thanks to HBO. First up, True Blood, and I admit to being a hard core addict. Don't even think about coming between me and the television while it is airing...the result would be bad.

A new show debuted this last Sunday night, directly following Sookie and Bill, called HUNG. It's about Ray (Thomas Jane) a well-endowed high-school teacher forced by debt to become a gigolo. I'm not sure I'm going to be a big fan. The side kick, a poet and past lover, Tanya, played by Jane Addams, is thus far my favorite character. She's a little flaky, skinny, and is fairly cheeky.

So here's my problem...if HBO would have made the story about a female teacher, trying to survive the economic times, doing the dirty for money on the side, it wouldn't be a show. In this country a female sex worker is still seen as the dredge of society; but twist that plot and make it a male teacher with a big dick and suddenly it's marketable. Yep, I'm having issues...

Will I watch Episode Two? Yep, if only to see where this train wreck is heading. I hope it surprises and delights me. I'm not counting on it though. If you didn't see it, here's a link to what TIME had to say, courtesy of an email from Susan.

And if you don't have HBO but you want to see what the fuss is about:
Watch True Blood Season Two (rent season One first -- its on video) at:
www.watchtrueblood.org
Watch Hung's premier episode for free at: www.watchhungonline.org

Did Anyone See This?

I want to thank Xandra Gregory for bringingt o my attention this article in the Washington Post: all about Loose-Id. Here's the link.

This week I will be working on my Secretary tale...at least through Wednesday since Thursday I pick up hubby at the airport:) in time for the holiday.

Mmm Yummy Eyecandy

Eye Candy for the Weekend!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend:)
I'm off to play with my hubby who is home for the weekend...yay

Healing The World Through Sex Toys...

I'm taking a break from tooting my own horn to bring your attention to a site I stumbled across: Mominatrix, Banging Out Sex Advice who is holding a survey today titled: Sexual favors for a Father's Day Gift -- hot or not?

I know, really, how do I find these sites?

Anyway, aside from a few articles that were amusing, a few that bordered on eww, or eek, which for me is saying something, I ran across her article, Heal The World Through Sex Toys, the idea may or may not eek you out. After some flat humor about the economy and the viability of affording a new dildo (possibly stealing the PB&J from your kids mouth) **hey, she said it, not me** she finally got to the point of the article which was a push for Sex Toys for Kids.

Get your mind out of the gutter, people.

Sex Toys for Kids was started by a parent who wanted to make a difference for kids in Malipampang, Phillipines, Sex Toys for Kids uses commissions from a group of popular sex shops, including Babeland (a Mominatrix fave) to help provide elementary aged children with an education. Instead of collecting donations, the site asks you to shop via their links which allows your store to track your purchase and give anywhere from 7% to 30% of it to Sex Toys for Kids.

I admit, I eeked at their company name. However, after going to their site and reading their tagline: "An educated child, another and another...can make a difference. Not only for them but also for the people around them." I was nodding in agreement.

Plus, according to their site, 20% of a $25. purchase goes to ST4K. Which translates to (in their economy and again quoted from the ST4K site): "...enough to send a child to school and give him/her ten to twenty pisos allowance to eat and snack while attending school for one to two weeks."

Sex Toys For Kids has partnered with: Ashleys Sex Toys, Babeland, Discreet Romance, Eden Fantasys, and Good Vibrations.

All I'm saying is, the next time you need the next drop dead gorgeous, top of the line, 24-setting dual vibrator, check one of these companies first. 'Cause if you are going to lay out $200. for all the bells and whistles (and a silent motor) maybe $40. of that should go toward a kid in need.

Throwing More Confetti!

Yesterday, I received another acceptance letter in my email! This time from Samhain for my F/F working title piece Porn Star. (The title of which I've been asked to change to something else. Which is okay. I'm not necessarily attached to the title.)

Honestly, I'd given up. They'd had it for awhile (since August 2008) and I'd made revisions (around Christmas) and resubmitted with no word.

I was worried to the point of querying a few other publishers to see if they'd like to see it and got the same standard reply...not really interested in F/F because it doesn't sell as well.

You will notice the photo I attached to this post, a M/F/F menage...which even though the story is not a menage, the blonde in the middle (my pornstar) is in love with both a man and a woman. I swear, my friend Susan must have some psychic connection because this photo was in my email this morning when I woke up:) And it is perfect.

Well, readers...
I hope you help me prove the critiques of female bisexual and lesbian erotic romance wrong! I know there is an audience! I know there is. So, it's going to be up to us to get the word out! Who's with me?

Prodigal Slave is Coming Soon...

I am soooo excited!
Prodical Slave is coming!

Woot! Throwing confetti!

I know, I know...I'm overly anxious and it will be months before edits are done and cover art and...and...and...

I'm pacing the floor like a 1950's dad waiting outside the delivery room.

Thankfully, I am not the only one who is excited. My critique partner, Xandra Gregory, (who incidentally has Jolly Rogered coming out at LSB soon) is equally excited. She is the one who has prodded me over the years to finish the story with the red bustier...

And this morning I woke up to a wonderful email from a friend, Susan, who sent me a group of photos from Morgana Femme Couture's LiveJournal. The corset for todays post came from her collection:)

So here's an excerpt (Chapter One):

Prodigal Slave - Ch 1

PRODIGAL SLAVE Coming Soon to LSB!

Whew! Signed the contract, filled out the cover art form...

I am sooo excited to announce that Prodigal Slave is coming to LSB!

I can't even tell you how long I have been working on this book...years...forever it was known only as The Red Corset Story because it began as a short story, evolved into a novella, and just kept growing. It is at 45K right now but after edits I can assume it will be 50K. I always add more during edits...

Here is the quick blurb:

Prodigal Slave
by Roxy Harte
45k BDSM, M/F, M/M, MMF Rom

Recently divorced paralegal extraordinaire and soccer mom, Charlotte Sullivan, has a secret past life that has just returned to haunt her in the form of a red bustier that arrives perfectly gift wrapped in time for her birthday. With it is a summons from her once Master Francois Rene de Hart, “Come to me.”

With her twin teenage daughters in Europe for the summer with her parents, she finds herself with the perfect opportunity to relive her youth with a man she once loved, but can her heart survive the temptation of the man a second time around? Pure lust awaits a mere train ride away but does she dare make a journey that she fears may break more than her heart this second time around?

Added surprise awaits when she meets Francois’s lover Pierre-Louis and discovers she can only be truly reunited with her Master if she learns to love the other man.

I'm not sure why I love this book so much, or the characters, but it probably has to do with where I was in my life when it began. I was starting over after a marriage of fifteen years and wanted to rediscover who I really was after what I was seeing as my mispent youth trying to be something I wasn't. I wanted time back, I started longing for all of the "what might have beens" if I had just followed a different path...

With Prodigal Slave, I allowed Charlotte to revisit her past by returning to her Master, a man she left when she married a man she hoped to find "normal" with. House, Dog, picket fence, 2.5 children...and she was happy...she loved her life. Post-divorce, after her teen daughter's graduation from high school and the impending empty nest...she started to realize how hum-drum and sexless her normal life had become.

And then her Master of two decades before summoned her, calling her the slave name he'd given her so long ago: Cassiopeia.

And if that wasn't enough of a world shaker...
I had to add in her Master's other lover: Pierre-Louis.

I loved writing this story. It's real life, not fantasy. It explores what happens when you are both a loving mother...and a kinky, sensual woman...trying to keep your life separated into nice tidy compartments...and all that emotion that comes to the surface when your worlds suddenly collide and you can't just hide the truth any more.

I hope all of my readers love reading this story as much as I loved writing it.

Yeah, I Wrote My Senator...and My Governor

So, I can't even say it's a rare thing that I wrote my senator...or my governor ...so, it's not like a big announcement or anything that I wrote him...again.

I only mention it because to my readers who live in Ohio, I want to get the word out that Ohio's libraries are in crisis, following Governor Ted Strickland's press conference Friday to outline his plan to balance the budget. One of the highlights of the press conference was the governor's vow to support expanded gambling within the state, something he had long been against. Hidden away within the proposal, however, was an outline calling for a 50 percent reduction in state funding to Ohio's libraries. This is his answer to a projected $3.2 billion revenue shortfall over the next two years.

Is anyone out there still buying that our country is in the grip of a major recession? And the answer is to cut the money going to the one free source of family entertainment our country offers??? I don't know about anyone else but the summer reading program at my public library saved my ass more than one summer when I was broke and facing bored kids. Its a tradition my oldest daughter is following, taking my granddaughters to the Summer Reading program in her town.

I can't believe a 50% cut has been proposed during this time in our countries history which will undoubtedly be written about in the future as being the worst economic crisis since the great depression. Even before hard times hit for the nation, I had a few years of my own personal hard times where I relied on the public library; so I can easily believe media reports that, "Libraries have seen an increase in use - from higher levels of foot traffic to increasing demands for computers - and have become a lifeline for many of Ohio's unemployed and under-employed hoping to apply for unemployment, benefits, and even new jobs."

It isn't too late. The cuts are not set in stone. Please, if you live in Ohio...write your representative!
Contact Gov. Strickland

Solstice/Father's Day

Today is Summer Solstice
And Father's Day

So, Blessed Solstice and to the father's reading, enjoy your day!

Hoping this series isn't a total disappointment...
Merlin on NBC tonight


Today I am helping Sir Hotness do laundry and pack...then its off to Chicago for him.
Yesterday I laid in the sun, working on my tan for the Florida vaca we are planning...and I got so sunburned. OUCH!

Monday, its back to work on the secretary WIP...hoping to wrap it up in the next two weeks. Cross fingers!

The Cougar is "In"

I snorted when I saw there was a reality show much like the Bachelorette but starring a COUGAR (read older woman)

Now, there is The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock (who is 44 btw and her 90% nude shot made me realize I really need a personal trainer)

I saw the Proposal today with two of my daughters. Personally, I love the older woman, younger man theme. Probably has something to do with my suddenly finding myself in the position of suddenly being older than every hot guy or gal I take notice of. Okay, so I'm going off on a tangent here but I find this totally shocking. I'm not sure when it happened, or how I never noticed before, but suddenly I am older. The only thing I can think of as an explanation is that I've never been a big fan of mirrors...those pesky laughlines just crept in around my eyes and I didn't notice...really. Okay, tangent over...

The cougar is "in" it seems...
Except in romantic fiction.

I love to find novels where the heroine is 40+
I really love when the hero is slightly younger...
But they are rare gems.

I'm thinking my next book is going to be older woman/younger man...I may not find a publisher but it seems fun:)

All Romance E-Books

EDGE is now available at All Romance E-books and there is an awesome excerpt there too:)

A Hug For You

I am so glad you stopped by my blog, I try to post tidbits about my life, rants, cheers, occasionally an entertaining excerpt...but today, I am writing...I am on a deadline and if the book doesn't get done in time I am going to be very sad...

So please ubderstand, posts may be sporadic the next few days...then again, they might not...I can't say for sure, it is all up to my muse.

So, since you stopped by...here is a hug for you...love you bunches!

Couple's Eye Candy

And not to cheat the couples...because there is some amazing Couple Eye Candy out there:) Which one is your favorite? I think they are all HOT!

cameo

A Response...

After reading my rant at the Femmes Guide earlier in the week, a friend emailed me this video. If you watch it, you have to watch til the end...lol.

With that, I present:
The Sex Has Made Me Stupid

Robots In Disguise - The Sex Has Made Me Stupid

Holy Crapola, It's A BEAR!

I just heard a black bear was sited just miles from where I live!
This is crazy!
I didn't even know black bears were ever seen in Ohio until I googled to see if the bear sighting rumors were a prank. The video shows a real bear!
And it's hit the news!

The local news is calling him "Buckeye the Bear"



So, I call Sir Hotness to tell him...because this is really exciting news to me...I think black bears were last seen in any numbers in Ohio in the 1800's! But after googling I found that several bear sightings are reported every year...

News to me. Not to Sir Hotness. In his words, "Baby, you thought coyotes were only seen out west until we moved." Smartass...yes, there are coyotes in our backyard every night. Again. Who knew? Not me.

The most surprising thing was how fast this bear seems to be moving, supposedly covering three counties in two days. Just where does he think he's going? And why?

And if I take the grandbabies hiking, do I now have to worry about running into a black bear? And I thought my biggest worry was the strange old man who seems to be always walking his dogs every time I'm at the park and seems WAY TOO CHATTY...

FYI, for local readers of the blog:
Black bears are an endangered species in Ohio and hunting them is illegal...
Do not call 911 if you see the bear, but do call the local police non-emergency number to report the sighting because his movements are being tracked.

Escapee Dogs!

Don't you just love it when you are all set to work (in my case type sexy hot stories) and a case of All Hell Breaks Loose sets a new course of events into action? Yesterday was a grey, rainy day and the dogs were playing in the living room, my daughter kissed me on the cheek goodbye before taking off on the first day of summer mayhem with friends...

And I look out my window to find my dog Jazzi running across the back yard and into the farmers field behind the house...

And I think "that's strange"...

Then there was the "Oh shit moment."

How did you get out of the house?

Followed by "where's Petey?" (the obstinant male dog)

You guessed it. Already across the farmers field and headed straight for the ponds. If you live in the country, you are probably scratching your heads thinking, "So?" Which we kind of live in the country ... if lots of fields count...but we also have a main road out front with lots of traffic. And both of my dogs are mostly indoor dogs which are kept on a lead at all times when outdoors.

So my heart was in my throat because unlike the good little Lassies that come when they are called on television shows, when my dogs get a whiff of freedom they shoot off like a bat out of hell...and the harder you chase, the faster they run.

Of course not realizing the implications of giving chase, I grabbed the leash and took off through the rain and mud after the dogs... twenty minutes later I gave up the chase and returned home angry and defeated...and worried "now what?" with the hope they might come home on their own because I'd lost sight of them when they hit the thistle thicket.

Having left the back door open, I was only slightly surprised to find two wet, muddy dogs waiting for me and dripping on my laminant floor...I can only assume they ran the ravine home.

They were rewarded with cheese (their favorite) and a long walk in the rain:)

Jazzi and Petey, looking much more innocent than they truly are...

Ranting at The Femmes Guide Today!

I haven't really blogged a lot at the Femme's Guide To Absolutely Everything lately, so since Bonnie and Laura took today's post at the Flog Blog (see below) you can find out what I'm ranting about today (the usual) by visiting the Femme's Guide:)

Editing and Writing Today...Then Grandbabies

This morning the grandbabies are in preschool...until 4pm...so I am editting Reaper for Liquid Silver. Then crossing my fingers I will be able to crank out a few thousand words on the secretary WIP for Loose-Id.

Then grandbabies will be here to pick strawberries, help make s'ketti, and wreak general havoc.

Full Moon Weekend

It was a stay at home weekend...
Daughter graduated on Saturday! YAY!

Then Saturday night since SirHotness was actually HOME on a full moon night, we walked a protection circle around the house...then Sunday we sat around a "Full Moon" Fire since he's missed the last few Sabbats.

And now he's on another business trip...seems like the summer is taking on the same theme as last year...home weekends, gone M-F. I'm kind of sad about that.Trying to work some "long weekends" into the summer to get away, and really looking forward to a vacation. He's requesting off two weeks...today, if he doesn't get blindsided by work stuff and forget...so cross your fingers!

Needed Inspiration

So last few days have been a bust as far as the WIP goes...
Needed inspiration and found some here...

photo found here but unless you want to see very explicit not work safe nudity don't click.
and here....

photo by Andrei Petrosyan

You've Heard of Air Guitar?

Now comes air sex...

VIMBY - Air Sex

Four-Star EDGE Review!

Kimberley Spinney from sensual.ecataromance.com "Roxy Harte has written a novel that is definitely not for the faint of heart. The story is graphic and startling, yet it has a sensual draw that will definitely leave the reader sweating. Edge will bring you to the very limits of your comfort zone and press against all of your previous ideas of what is sensual. This is a dazzling story of suspense, intrigue, discovery and the sensual boundaries we face in the name of sexual discovery."

"Roxy Harte delves into tough topics and deep aspects of BDSM that will leave any reader breathless. While this is definitely not your typical romance, it definitely delivers a sensual feast of love and devotion that is hard to compare to. Edge is definitely four star material and I am looking forward to seeing if Ms. Harte has more in store for these three very unique characters."

Not To Wish Summer Away, But...

I just found out that Diana Gabaldon's An Echo in The Bone releases on Sept 22...which for Claire and Jamie addicts seems like forever away.

Fun App For Your Profile...

Always looking for fun and challenging ways to break-up the monotony of my current writer's block...I'm not worried...It won't last...but thinking about it makes it worse...and distracting myself makes me a little less anxious...

So today, along came Yay Genderlabel!...hmmm...the possibilities...

Here's what the my label looked like after I played with it a bit...

Hello My name is

Roxy Harte

I am

kinky

Who are you?

Here is the link to the Yay Genderlabel! App Form
I think the original purpose of the following form was a data collection, but in the hands of programmer and voila...we can all say about ourselves whatever we want and post it for the world to see.

**Kudos to MrSexsmith for posting this to Twitter

Remembering...

I wanted to give a reminder why we have the three day weekend...
It isn't just about the good times outside, grillin', chillin' and drinking margaritas with our friends and families...

I just want to send out a word of thanks for all those serving in the US military and protecting the liberties I value.

THANK YOU!

Entertaining Email...

I do a lot of insta-delete based off the subject lines since I get over a hundred email a day and really don't have time for spam or junk...

In the subject line of some interesting emails today...
From Tarot.com Horoscope: "You Can Find The Peace You Are Seeking
From (well, that doesn't matter): Be Trained as A Clergy

Sigh.

I'm off to the airport to get Sir Hotness now:) Yay!
Have a great weekend everyone!

Oh...and I'm hoping to post some excerpts next week:)

What A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

I love sunshine! I feel good when it is warm outside...
Laying in the sun is my FAVORITE thing in the world to do.
(other than have sex, right? Just so we understand that part!)

Throwing frisbee and playing with the dogs is a really close second...

Which basically means I got almost no writing done today.
(1 K words but I don't sleep until I have that much so not really saying much on the writing front today...but I promise, on the next big rain day...I'll put out:)

My Muse Works In Mysterious Ways

I have no idea what is going on here...
I was writing strong on my paranormal and then the worst happened. My thoughts froze, the ideas locked up, my characters stopped talking to me.

Seriously?

So, I step up to the plate and start a new WIP, it's actually in answer to a submissions call from Loose-Id which means there is a deadline involved. Sure, no problem...45 days...I've got this. And I did. I created a killer blurb, plotted the story start to finish, and started writing. Ready, Set...Stall.

Ughh!
Two chapters in and the story just stopped being told in my head.

Yesterday, I woke up and had a serious talk with my muse. It started out "WTF!???"
I didn't like the answer.

"George," she whispered.

No!

"George," she demanded more forcibly.

"I do not have time for these antics." George, meaning the WIP: Vow of Silence, technically the Fifth Chronicle of Surrender is so far back on the back burner that it shouldn't even have a working title and definitely does not belong in my thoughts.

"You have nothing but time," my muse said and I couldn't think of a single thing to say to that. I went outside and looked at my yard...I actually have grass this year, which is a huge improvement over the dirt field and spartan weeds I had last year. I watered the lush perennials which have returned to the bird sanctuary to brighten my day. I weeded the garden (a sure symptom of absolute desperation. I hate weeding.)

I went inside and opened the folder titled Vow of Silence and found the notes I've been taking over the last decade. George thoughts. And damn it if I didn't fall in love with George all over again.

Here's the first look at George from Sacred Secrets:

George Kirkpatrick is pacing, and his nervousness is making me insane. He’s the calmest, most rational handler I have on staff, my Number One, and he is pacing the length of my office. His blond hair and preppy countenance make him seem better suited for the tennis courts of LA or the golf clubs of Solvang. But no, he will tell you that is his past, he gave up a very successful LA psychiatric practice to get lost in the fantasy, a time before he made fantasy real life.

In the World of Lewd Larry's he is known as Dr. Psycho.

In my head he is a list of contradictions. In my head, he weeps. His heart has been broken. Yet, he still loves. He is optimistic, he is jaded.

He's a freaking psychiatrist for crying out loud.
He's a sadist.

Last night I wrote:
Chapter One
George

Holy shit, I'm really starting this book.
I don't know if I love my muse or hate her, but for the moment...I'm listening...and she's singing me the most beautiful love story about love and loss, betrayal and redemption...

Holy shit.

Janet Jackson Did What?????

Okay, so, I admit it, I'm an on again off again Janet Jackson fan...
The girl has had her glorious moments...

After seeing this video though, I now have a new appreciation for her...
Okay, I could see myself tied down with her on top.

Something tells me she knows how it's done.

Don't believe me?


Yep...
The girl has some moves.

Eye Candy Week Continues...

Make sure you stop by tomorrow...there is a very sexy bondagesque video sceduled...if you've ever wondered how it is done ladies...this one should clear up any misconceptions. My question is why don't female readers see female domination as a sexy thing?

Eye Candy Week Continues...

Eye Candy Week

I'm declaring this week Eye Candy Week since grandbabies are visiting...hoping to see baby goats later in the day:)

To all the mommies trying to raise babies and write...this week is dedicated to you!

Copy Edits are being sent back to the publisher today for Sacred Secrets...yay!

Unexpected Visitors...

My oldest daughter and two grandbabies showed up this morning to stay a week...unexpectedly. So as of this post, I'm running behind on what was supposed to be a jam packed day. There are edits waiting, 2 WIP's waiting, Fetlife members waiting to be greeted...
I have a book I'm supposed to be reading to review...
Three blogs to contribute to...

I'm not sure how I ever managed to do all that I did when I was 23 with a five year old and three year old in the house...but I managed...I'm assuming I will will figure this week out too.

But honestly, family always comes first and the grandbabies are wonderful! I'm glad they are here:) Its been a long time since I braided a little one's hair...what sweet memories I have, of my own babies, and now my grandbabies...

Yes, I Admit It...

I'm a Trekkie...always have been, always will be...that said I would like to say that the new STAR TREK is amazing. I loved it so much I cried when it was over because I didn't want the movie to end. Sigh. Anyone heard if there is going to be a Star Trek II?



Still working on Sacred Secret edits...
And turned in the cover art request form for Sacred Secrets so I'm very excited!

It's Called Multitasking...

When kids get distracted ...it's called ADD.
When white-collar workers get distracted... it's called Adult ADD/

When writer's get distracted ... it's called procrastination.

My family knows when I'm procrastinating...I mop, I vacuum, sometimes I even get out the toothbrush to do the corners that nobody really gives a shit about.

But when I'm focused...and working...
It's called multi-tasking...
It's a little MANIC.

For example, I can watch Netflix on one computer, write on a second computer, and do edits on a third computer...that's called multi-tasking in my house. It gets a little confusing sometimes, not for me, but for my family. They don't seem to understand that I can divide my attention three ways but not hear a word they say. Of course that is the perfect excuse for my teenage daughter who can always say, "I told you my plans..." followed by "You never listen to a word I say."

New house rule instated...
If it involves you being out past midnight, grab mom's face and make her read your lips.
I'm not joking.

I think today went well. Still on edits for Sacred Secrets but moving briskly along. Have I mentioned how much I love this book? This book has my heart in it and a little bit of my soul. I am soooo glad Lyrical Press is releasing as both ebook and print. This book really needs to be a page turner...real paper pages that can be folded down to mark favorite scenes...

God, I have so many favorite scenes in this book.

Sacred Secrets Edits Begin...

Yeah, I said Sacred Secret edits...cause its getting all prettied up for Lyrical Press and I am sooooo excited. Have I mentioned I love my Lyrical Press editor?

So, if you lissed Sacred Secrets while it was at Liquid Silver Books, take heart...its coming soon...again! And you know what they say about coming the second time around...it just gets stronger and better!

Hoping that now edits have started, art work will be soon to follow!!!

Is anyone excited??????
Besides me? Who after my cortisone shot is back to dancing around the room:)

Here's something new:
Some writer friends and I have been debating this question:

Ohmygod? or Omigod? when used in a sentence? Any preference? Speak up now or forever hold your peace...because once I choose...I'm pretty loyal to my spelling and punctuation choices.

It Doesn't Take Much...

I'm fairly easy to please most days and today was an especially nice day. Why?

1. I got a cortisone shot yesterday...and I am feeling fine today:) After five and a half months of almost non-stop pain, I'm good, really, really good.

2. It rained all day. I know, sounds odd that rain would make me happy, but I had six focused hours on the paranormal WIP: Dead Girl and that was wonderful.

3. I cooked. I know, who knew I even knew how to light the oven? but I secretly do:) Salad, coconut shrimp, seared scallops, and baked potato made me verra happy.

4. I took time for a two hour soak in my Jacuzzi and read...yeah...really...read for FUN!

5. I'm plotting a new erotica...very sexy stuff coming up soon...and new sexy, slightly dirty, okay...I lied..very, very nasty, dirty book I'm primed to write is making me very, very happy.

6. I cashed the latest royalty check and that really made me happy. EDGE is selling as well as Voyeur did and readers are loving it. So, if you haven't read it yet...and you are intrigued by BDSM erotica, breath play, bondage, or knife play...I encourage you to buy it!

7. Ooooo...and I almost forgot, I was asked to review a book written by Bonnie Dee and Laura Bacchi that is soon to be released...more about that soon...but I will say, after reading only the prologue and first chapter...I'm impressed.

Why Oh Why Oh Why...?

Dropped Sir Hotness off at the airport and raced home to write...WIP: Dead Girl has been waiting all weekend for my attention and I have twelve pages of ideas scribbled across the backs of envelopes, napkins, scraps of paper, pages from at least various sizes of notebooks...

And then I got distracted.

There is a BIG Dog in my yard, probably has a hundred pounds on my two 50 pound dogs. So now, I have my two kenneled and barking to go outside, the stray is nose pressed to my glass backdoor wanting in...

He has a collar but no tags to tell me where to take him home to...



So, now I am not writing.

I LOVE BIG DOGS.
I tend to attract strays like a magnet...

OH GOD.
I cannot keep this dog.
I did nickname him Bear though...temporary...just temporary...I can't just keep saying "Hey Dog" that seemed rude...

**After some persistent searching and meeting more neighbors than I really wanted to ever meet...the dog's owner has been located. Yay. Dumb owner needs to buy a name tag for his dog. Did I say that? No. Do I wish I had? You betcha.

Is There Truth In Sex?

I was reading a blog post yesterday by Susan Crain-Bakos and it made me remember all of the conversations I've had with men and women over the years...

I really don't think there can ever be real honest to goodness truth between a man and a woman when it comes to sex...hopefully with sexual history and honesty in past, current STD's...but really I don't trust anyone especially when sex is on the agenda.

Think about it:
Does your partner really know who's face, body, etc you are fantasizing about while you are having sex?

Does your partner know the actual number of partners you've had sex with? Honestly?

Does your partner know how many times you masturbate a day? Or how often you travel to porn sites? Or the kinkiest thing you've ever done and with whom? Or exactly how many sex toys you have hidden under the bed?

Or that you have faked an orgasm on occasion...?

Just wondering...

Eyecandy!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Blessed Beltane!

Beltane is a time for fertility and new awakenings, to celebrate sensuality, summer and life. We'll be lighting our fire tonight:)

Here is a great article on Beltane from AlternativeFaith.com

Of course I tried to talk Sir Hotness into a traditional party where everyone strips, paints themselves red, and dances around the fire...he thought the neighbors would appreciate it if we installed a privacy fence first. Oh well, I'll live vicariously through this party...



Seriously though, the most important part of Beltane for me is when I renew the circle around our property, offering gratitude for another season, for my home and gardens and family.