Interview with Vee Michaels

Welcome to my blog today multi published author Vee Michaels.

From Vee’s bio - I am a multi-published author in a variety of genres--but let's get serious--which genre gets the blood pumping and the heart thumping? Erotica--you are my guilty pleasure. I love creating the snippets of people's most intimate moments and exploring the intimacy that comes from the most intense of feelings.

I hope you'll join me on my journeys. I work hard to infuse them with irony, humor, interesting characters, and, of course, sensuality.

My erotic stories have appeared in: Playgirl, Breathless Press, Ruthie's Club, Tassels & Tales, Red Rose Publishing, and BooksToGoNow. They are out for the Android, the iPod (iTunes Books), the Kindle, the Nook and more.

Vee, on your webpage your tag line is “tiny tantalizing tales of trysts”. Why did you decide to write short erotic stories instead of longer novels?

Actually, I write both. I have two contemporary romance novels published under a different name. But to answer the question, I enjoy short stories. As an avid reader, sometimes I want something thick and dramatic and sometimes I want something light and fun. As a writer it's nice to take a break from an all-consuming novel. Short stories allow for more frivolity. Writing  and reading them is like wearing leopard-spotted stilettoes: tall on fun, but short on stamina.

I seem to think that more and more people talk freely about the erotica genre and stories. Do you think the ebook evolution has skyrocketed the erotic genre and opened more doors?

I think the ebook and ereader market has opened the doors to a wide range of genres. With the romance and erotic market (and others I'm sure) looked down upon, ereaders give people the opportunity to read what they want without being judged. Plus there are more choices than ever.

I just finished Toy Training and loved it. My review is here. I mention in my review what I loved so much about Toy Training is that the main protagonists are mature. You even include a funny line from the character Minerva’s mind where she is thinking, “Have mercy on a grandma!”

Firstly, thank you for creating a character that is older than 25 to star in an erotic story. When you set out to write Toy Training, what made you move to create more mature characters?

First of all, thank you and that's a good question. Honestly, one thing I have never liked about romances is the stereotypically perfect hero and heroine. I wish I could get away with veering off the beaten path more than I do, but critique partners and publishers are only so tolerant. Here's a shout out to Breathless Press! Thank you.

Perhaps the rebellion comes from the fact I am a muscular (not petite), forty-seven year old and I certainly have fun in spite of my age and size. 

Toy Training focused on sex toys but I know that you have written other types of erotic stories. What sort of research do you do when writing an erotic story?

LOL. Um. Well it depends on the story line. I do a lot of research based on my characters' situations, etc. just like any other book. As far as the sexy pieces go, well, I guess that would be just experience and goofing around with the hubby.

How hard is it do you think to get people to comment on Amazon or other book review locations when the genre is erotic?

As an author who has written in a variety of genres, I think it's hard to get attention no matter what you write. Unfortunately, given my standing in the community, I also disassociate myself from the erotic genre. Most acquaintances don't know I write erotica. I think it's silly that I should have to hide it, but with young children at home, I'd rather not take chances.

Do you remember the first erotic story you read? What was it and is there a story around why you read it?

Haha. Yes I do remember. It was way back when I was twenty-one. My mom and I were both newly divorced and I figured we both needed some fun. Neither of us had dated much, partied much, or anything much. We bought a Playgirl magazine and (giggling) looked at the pictures and read the erotic stories aloud.

This was NOT our typical behaviour to be sure. It happened once and we still, to this day, laugh about it.

Who is your favourite erotic author and why?

This is a hard question. As a book reviewer, I read several books a week. And, honestly, they all get jumbled in my head. I also like to give new authors a try, so I don't read a steady stream of a certain author.

Who is your book boyfriend?

I haven't committed to just one! I'm playing the field.

What question didn’t I ask you today that you hoped I would?

You certainly asked thought provoking questions. I suppose I'd like to be asked why I write funny erotica.

The answer is: because it makes people happy. 

Where can fans get a chance to talk to you?

www.veemichaels.com               

Email me to get on my list for new releases and giveaways at vee@veemichaels.com

I would love to hear from you. you.http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4509189.Vee_Michaels

Interview & 2 book giveaways for Margaret Ethridge

What a year this has been for Margaret Ethridge!

·         At Christmas time Margaret was featured in a romance anthology by Turquoise Morning Press titled “Believe” which The Romance Reviews nomineed as one of the Best Books of 2010. Believe was where we were first introduced to her lovable couple Jack and Ellie.  

·         Shortly thereafter in January her first stand-alone published book, Paramour, was released.  Another Look Book Reviews was happy to contribute to Paramour’s 5 heart ratings here!

·         In the same month, Margaret treated her fans who wanted more of Jack and Ellie so a FREE  read on her website www.margaretethridge.com. A nice little New Year’s story to tide us over.

·         Not even a month after the release of her first published book, Margaret was featured in another Turquoise Morning Press anthology, “Be Mine, Valentine”. Once again her fans were treated to a humorous update to the Jack and Ellie storyline.

·         That brings us just to March and did she rest? Nope, another FREE read on her website to give us a St Paddy’s day snippet of Jack and Ellie.

Are we done yet? Nope!

·         The All Bets Are On! anthology was released in May which is a collection of Kentucky Derby themed short stories. Margaret’s Going the Distance once again featured our favourite couple Jack and Ellie as we get to peak a bit further into their growing relationship.

·         Didn’t get enough of Jack and Ellie in All Bets are On! Wanted a little bit more? Well that’s where Margaret’s ebook The Feeling is Pari-Mutuel comes in. Fans get to spend a bit more time with our favourite long distance couple.

Margaret! I am out of breath reading your publishing activities this past year.

Thanks for having me here! I’m so happy to have a chance to talk to your readers. I hope you don’t mind if I lie here and rest while we chat...

All those exciting stories in just less than a ½ a year.  What an accomplishment! I’m not even done yet. The reason I begged asked for an interview with you was to talk about what I consider my most awaited book of 2011 - Contentment.

Reading all those bullets above, I just have to ask, is your head spinning?

It is now! Wow. It has been a wild ride, and I’ve been terribly lucky. I have a fantastic support network of family and friends who have been incredible. My publisher, editor, and all of my fellow Turquoise Morning Press authors are amazing. And, the readers have been... I’m a writer and I don’t even have the word. Stupendous! Will that do? The readers have been stupendous.  I don’t know what I would have done without you all.

What does your family think of this past year activities?

They’re all very excited. My hubby has morphed into a one-man promo machine and the kids think it’s pretty cool to see my name on the covers. My siblings, nieces, and nephews are legion and very vocal - particularly when they’re calling me a smut-monger. Affectionately, of course. My mom is particularly excited for Contentment’s release because it’s not as ‘risqué’ as Paramour.

Ok let’s talk about Contentment. How beautiful is that cover?

You should have heard the epic SQUEEEE when I opened the attachment. Isn’t it gorgeous? Dara England was the graphic artist for this one and I think she hit it out of the park.

When I first read your caption “Have you ever asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” I immediately felt a connection. Being an avid romance reader, I always read about the happily ever after. Sometimes I ask myself under my breath, ‘yeah I wonder how John and Jane will feel about each after 15 years of marriage’ and that’s exactly where Contentment takes us. It reads so real to life right down to the piles of laundry. What made you decide to write a story about a couple who are in the thick of the whole marriage and family thing?  

I’m living it. So are all my friends. The more I talked about the concept of this book, the more open the dialogue became and a few universal themes popped.

I think everyone asks themselves ‘Is this all there is?” at some point. It’s not a gender-specific question. We’re conditioned to want more.

I’d say that most of us are in a different place in our lives than we envisioned five, ten, or fifteen years ago. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the choices we’ve made were bad choices. It’s just that when you’re facing your never-ending laundry basket, juggling carpool schedules, and wondering when the body reflected in the mirror became your mother’s,  it’s easier to get lost in the disappointments than rejoice in the triumphs. That’s what has happened to Tracy Sullivan.

Married women around the world are going to relate to Tracy Sullivan yet at the same time when they read Contentment they won’t necessarily agree with her treatment of her husband, Sean.   What was your biggest challenge in creating these characters?

I think the biggest challenge was to remember that there’s rarely a clear-cut hero or villain in any marriage. There are certainly times in this book when one character comes off far more sympathetic than the other. I will admit to finding Tracy a little whiny and spoiled at times, but I also understood exactly where she was coming from. With Sean, I waxed and waned between wanting to run away with him and the urge to punch him in the mouth. It takes two, and these two certainly provided me with plenty of fodder.

With the internet being so popular for dating sites, new friendships forming over Twitter, people connecting through Facebook, I loved that you had a internet connection for Tracy. Being a blogger you hope to have people like your work and comment on your posts, so I thought it was really creative to have your character reach out to someone she doesn’t know. How did this come about?

I think it just evolved from the thought that many married couples seek some form of escape from one another. In this case it’s a little extreme, but there are layers to that.

Our everyday lives are so steeped in media it seemed like a natural fit. And it evolved along the way. Tracy finds a little solace from her troubles in a television show. When that show leaves her hanging, she searches the internet for more and finds a world she didn’t know existed.

For Tracy, and for so many of us, there’s safety in the anonymity of the online world, but also comfort in knowing there are people who share her feelings. What started as an escape from her battered hopes and dreams became her key to becoming the woman she wants to be. One of the biggest steps she takes to reclaim her life, Tracy takes online. I love it when a story comes full-circle.

Anything else you want us to know about Contentment?

My husband would like me to make it clear that this story is not based on our marriage. LOL Seriously, I love this story, and I’m so honored that Turquoise Morning Press chose Contentment to launch the After Happily Ever line. I think the love stories that come after we say ‘I do’ can be just as compelling as that first rush of falling in love, and I hope the readers do too!

Thanks so much for your interest. I hope you enjoy Contentment!

You can follow Margaret on Twitter @MKEthridge or join her on Facebook: Author Margaret Ethridge.

We’re giving away free digital copies of both Contentment and Paramour! Winner to be drawn Sunday night July 3rd and contacted by Margaret Ethridge via your email address. To enter:

1. You must be a Google Friends Follower of Another Look Book Reviews. (join on the right hand side)

2. Please comment below, including an email address ( susiek at yahoo dot com) when I can get ahold of you, and answer the following questions:

• What would you do for love?
• What would you do for a Klondike bar?

That's it! Enjoy.
PS - come back on July 11th, where we have a Win a KINDLE giveaway for the offical launch of Contentment.

Interview & ebook giveaway with Madison J Edwards

Another Look Book Reviews is super excited to bring you an interview and an erotic ebook giveaway for author Madison J Edwards.

Madison, tell us a little bit about you.

The Prairie dust is in my blood, but no longer on my shoes.

I was born and raised in small town Saskatchewan that boasts a grand population of 1200. A few years after high school I moved south, and met my husband stationed at a nearby Air Force Base. For the next fifteen years we zigzagged across Canada before settling in London, Ontario.

‘According to Plan’, my debut novel, releases July 2011 with Turquoise Morning Press.  I have three short stories published with Sapphire Nights Books.

Check out my blog -Maddie’s Place - www.madisonedwards.blogspot.com and you can follow me on Twitter - @MadisonJEdwards

Congratulations for “THE PERFECT SECRETARY” being in the Amazon - Top 100 list and  for the multitude of 5 star ratings all over the internet. (Including Another Look Book Reviews here)

Can I just say I love your pen name? It is so classy. Sometimes erotic authors tend to make their pen names sound like strippers and that actually turns me off. It makes me think reading erotica is dirty when it is not. However a classy name like Madison J Edwards is wonderful. Is there a story behind on how you came upon that great name?

I’d been toying with pen names, and at one time I thought I’d publish under the name of Paige Turner (tongue in cheek), but I wanted to be taken seriously as an author so into the slush pile it went. Nothing jumped out, until I was reading something from Margaret Ethridge. The tease in me loved the idea that her initials were M.E., and being somewhat narcissistic, I wanted it to be all about ‘ME’ too. So Madison Edwards was born. The initial J. helped round the moniker out. All three look great on luggage tags.

Two of your erotic stories, “The Perfect Secretary”, and your new release “The Invitation” are BDSM based. What sort of research did you do to get yourself into that frame of mind?

Ha. My husband will tell you emphatically I didn’t do research with him.

The classic boss/secretary lends itself to a little dominance, and the idea had been bouncing around in my head for a dark paranormal where the immortal hero invades the heroine’s dreams, and sees her engaging in a little BDSM fantasy.  Naturally I stole from myself for this story, and now I’ll have to write something else for Dark Desires.

When I realized I wanted to continue the story of Ms. Adams and Mr. Reid, I knew I had to look into the BDSM world a little more, so I bought a couple of books in this genre, and picked the brain of Christine D’Abo, fellow author in my local chapter.

This genre fascinates me. I think all of us have with varying degrees a little submissive or dominance in our psyche. The difference being, I pushed the envelope further than what most people would actually partake, and allowed the reader to indulge in a little fantasy, if only in their mind.

I love the SapphireNights Dirty Bits. They are short and inexpensive. I love that the Dirty Bits share the same beautiful cover. Do you think it’s harder to get publicity on erotic books or easier or even is it different at all? 

I don’t know if it’s harder or not. Anyone who wants to buy erotic knows where to find these stories. My publisher would tell you, the first two weeks The Perfect Secretary was released; I was cruising in the Caribbean and didn’t touch a computer for over two weeks.

Having said that, I believe it can be harder, because these erotic novellas will never see the shelves of your classic bookstore. The tried and true method of picking up a book, checking out the back cover, and then flipping to Chapter One to read a few pages is not an option. But readers of e-novellas are very internet savvy, so I think blog tours are a good way to get your name out, and create a buzz.

I like the idea of posting snippets on your own web page, to tease the reader a bit. I plan on posting deleted scenes from According to Plan when it releases.

Do you have a favourite erotic author?

Lila DiPasqua – hands down. You will never read fairy tales the same. Ever!

What are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m knee deep in edits for According to Plan, but prior to this I read the first two books in Nalini Singh’s, Psy-Changling books.

What question didn’t I ask you that you were hoping I didn’t ask?

You didn’t ask. I’m okay with that.

Who is your book boyfriend?

Adam Black – the Dark Fae Prince from Karen Marie Moning’s Immortal Highlander. He makes my heart sigh.

If you could visit any country in the world for free, where would you go and why?

Germany. My last trip there was too short, and I want to explore the castles, and walk where so much history played out. From the Romans to the Nazi’s, the air reverberates with whispers from our ancestors.

However, if I could have the dream vacation, where money was no object, I’d go to the French Polynesian islands. I’m a lover of peace and quiet, and it calls to me on a visceral level.

Every Wednesday I do a post sharing what is my Guilty Pleasure. What is yours?

The Casino. I love the penny slots. Shhh….. Don’t tell my husband. It will be our secret.

Enjoy the book video for Madison's first hot release "The Perfect Secretary"

To win an ebook copy of "The Invitation" (review and the book trailer is here) AND the first ebook "The Perfect Secretary" all you have to do is:

1. Google Friend Follow Another Look Book Reviews on the right hand tab.

2. Simply just comment your interest in winning these hot erotic short stories and include an email address for me to contact you (example - susiesmith at whoknows dot com) and the winner will randomly be selected on Monday June 27th.
That's it and good luck!