Samhain Publishing Ltd. Weblog

Does Size Matter?

Recently I was reading a book—a romance of course—which was fairly well written and had a good plot hook. I was looking forward to sinking into the pages (or onto the screen) and thoroughly enjoying myself. Then something happened that pulled me out of the story, something that irritated me so much I felt like emailing the author. From then on all I could think about was that thing and I couldn’t fully enjoy the novel.

What I’m talking about is describing physical attributes. As romance novelists it’s something we’re required to do. People need to know if their heroine has dark hair, blue eyes, long legs, or that their hero has a scar on his right hip. But how specific should we be?

A Long Awaited Release

Brody and Lana’s story available today!

Brody Nash has been in my head for a long time. He started off as the ex-boyfriend and occasional lover of the female lead in a book that went nowhere. Then when I needed a second man for my menage novella Chasing Sunset, I decided to bring him in. Really, I was quite happy to have him, so to speak.

To Sequel or not to Sequel?

More than once I’ve had inquiries as to whether I plan to write a follow up manuscript about a supporting character from one of my books. This usually surprises me, as it is never my initial intention to turn any particular story into a related series. As a rule I’m not a ‘series’ book reader. Usually when I read I like to know that a book will stand on it’s own, that it won’t bring in characters and subplots from other books that detract from the main couple dynamic simply because I’ve picked up a novel from the middle of a series. I hate feeling like there’s a long running joke that I’m not in on.

Having said that the series format seems to be immensely popular. When done well, it can be an enriching experience. If an author really hooks me with book one, I’ll be in it for the long haul

Unblocking

I’ve been beset of late by that age old writer’s affliction known as writer’s block. It’s my first foray into this particular neurosis—I have plenty of others but this particular one I have, thus far, evaded.

At first I viewed it as an opportunity. No stories ideas burning a hole in my keyboard right now? Fine, I’ll use the time to design my new website. Mission accomplished (Ah, it’s the publishing it part I haven’t got the hang of yet.) Still don’t feel like writing? Finally, a chance to do some serious reading. I devour a chunk of my TBR pile, then move on to watching my favorite movies. I even resorted to housework—can you imagine? But still, nothing. There are plenty of stories I could write, but nothing that has me fired up. I like to be fired up when I start a story. I need to be, just to get through the months of work and emotional investment required to see a book to completion.

So my muse has deserted me. What’s the next step?

Are you in the closet?

It can be awkward to talk about, embarrassing to admit. You’re afraid of what your family and friends are going to say, the possibility of disapproval. Will you be accepted, embraced, or snickered at? As difficult as it is, sometime you have to do it. Eventually you have to come out of the closet and tell someone you’re…

Chasing Sunset Out Now!

When the sun goes down on their erotic encounter, who will be left standing?

I’m so excited to have my very first menage themed novella published with Samhain. Chasing Sunset is the story of two sexy chefs who get hot in the kitchen with their favorite waitress, and when these three get cooking, things really start to sizzle. Oh pardon the cooking puns, I just couldn’t help myself. So if you like your stories with a healthy dash of spice and a sweet aftertaste (there I go again), pick up Chasing Sunset today. Or later this week. Just don’t forget okay?

The blurb and excerpt are after the jump.

Happy reading
Sami

Sexy Food

This week I’ve been writing a scene involving food, the cooking and consuming of, which soon turned into a scene involving sex, whilst the cooking and consuming of the food was occurring (my latest hero is a chef—who doesn’t love a man who cooks?). It brought to mind the link between food and sex, which has always intrigued me. I believe a passion for food is linked inextricably to passion for… other things.

Great Expectations

My first child didn’t want to come into the world. Having heard stories about waters breaking in the middle of the supermarket I was prepared well ahead of schedule, but ten days after my due date I’d still not had even a twinge. Labor had to be induced. I was hooked up to monitors and a drip, my ‘birth plan’ (an oxymoron if ever I’ve heard one) wasn’t worth the pretty coloured paper it was written on (oh yes, colored paper). Five hours later I heard words no woman in childbirth wants to hear. The midwife said to me: