Memorable Rejections Received Over the Years by Marianne Stephens

Here's a questionable rejection from a very high profile, RWA-recognized, well-known agent.

I sent the requested three chapters. I received a rejection thanking me for giving her the opportunity to read my complete manuscript. I wrote back and noted I'd only sent three chapters and wondered if we were talking about the same submission. She wrote back...and I quote..."Once a letter has been mailed, we do not offer any additional feedback on a submission."

I have no idea if my chapters were what she was rejecting or someone else's full manuscript.

My second questionable rejection is from an agent no longer recognized by RWA.

I sent a requested full manuscript. She called and spent 30 minutes asking questions about the book and other books I had written or was in the process of writing. She said she was almost through reading it and it looked fine. She wanted to finish it and make sure I'd followed through with the story to the end. This was a Monday. She said she'd get back to me by Friday or the following Monday.

A month later she called and proceeded to tell me all the things that were wrong with the book to include plot, too much character-driven material, etc. She suggested I read 4 books on writing and redo the story before I'd be allowed to resubmit to her. I chose not to contact her again.

Another rejection:

I'd written a category romance following the guidelines and sent in a query. My rejection stated that they really weren't looking for books with children in them for this particular line...and mine was about a woman running a daycare facility. Nowhere in the guidelines did it state they didn't want kids in the story or else I'd never have submitted.

I now publish with self-publishing groups.

Anyone else have memorable rejections to share?

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://romancebooks4us.com
photo: Flickr: Caro Wallis photostream

Operation Man Hunt in Entice Me Anthology by Marianne Stephens

ROMANCE BOOKS '4' US IS RE-RELEASING ENTICE ME - LUSCIOUS LOVE STORIES!

 



My story: OPERATION MAN HUNT by Marianne Stephens  









Blurb:

Chris Carlisle needs a man and Tony Davis becomes her goal. He learns the hidden reason for her enticing attempts to capture his attention. Both can’t deny the mutual, lusty attraction. Will true love follow? 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Excerpt:

At the door, she looked through the peephole. “Tony. Just a minute.” She unlocked the door and invited him inside. “Hi. I’m surprised to see you.”

With a grin, he replied, “You left your watch at the barbecue. I volunteered to return it.” He looked around. “Nice apartment.”

She took her watch from his outstretched hand. “Thanks. Would you like a drink? Coffee?”

Me?

“Glass of wine if you’ll join me.”

“I have a new bottle of red wine I’ve been thinking of trying. Would you open it for me?”

“Sure. “

“This way to the kitchen.” She grabbed the bottle and handed it and an opener to Tony. She opened a cabinet and took out two glasses. He immediately popped the cork and poured their drinks.

“Let’s go in the living room.” She strolled away and he followed. “Have a seat,” she said and nodded to the sofa.

Once comfortably settled, Tony quipped, “Let’s toast to new friends.” He clinked his glass with hers.

She smiled and added, “And interesting friendships.”

They sipped their wine in silence for a few seconds. “Unique taste.” He gave her a wink.

Start talking.“Do you enjoy living here? I moved here a few years ago and love it.”

He frowned. “I’ve kinda been a workaholic for the past two years. Haven’t seen much. Moved here from Texas.”

“So neither of us are long time locals. I’m from Virginia.”

Tony finished his wine and refilled his glass. “Ready for more? This is good.” He looked at the label. “I’ll have to remember it. It’s a Missouri wine.”

“More, please.” She held out her glass and he poured. “That’s why I bought it. I wanted to try something from this area. I like it, too.” She settled against the sofa cushions.

“Tell me about yourself. Why live here? Enjoy teaching?” he said as he scooted closer to her.

“I love my job. Coming here gave me what I wanted. A new location. Meeting new people. And you? Same questions.”

The distance between them could be measured in inches. Chris caught a whiff of his aftershave, a woodsy scent she always savored. It reminded her of naughty fantasies she’d had about him.

Tony placed his arm along the back of the sofa. “Same answers. I needed a new start in life.” He grinned. “I think we need to toast new starts with fascinating people.” He lifted his glass.

Chris brought her glass to meet his. That’s when Sassy jumped, hitting both glasses and spilling the contents on Tony’s lap. “Sassy!”

Tony stood, took both their glasses and put them on the coffee table. “Guess your cat wanted some wine,” he quipped.

She grabbed a napkin from the table and began to wipe away the wet, red stains on his clothes. “I’m so sorry.” She turned to the cat. “Naughty girl. Go to bed!”

Tony grabbed her hand and she looked back at what she was doing. While yelling at the cat, her hand had slipped down his body and rested on his zipper. She quickly pulled away.

He let out a laugh. “I certainly enjoy your effort. I’d hafta take off my clothes if you want to continue,” he drawled.

Her heart pounded. “Take off your clothes.”

He stepped closer. “Is that a question or an invitation?” he said in a whispered tone.

Tony drew her into his arms and kissed her. A slow, wine tasting kiss soon became more urgent. Chris wrapped her arms around his neck and moved his head closer to hers.

Tongues danced between teeth, and she moaned. Chris tried to weigh the pros and cons of inviting him to her bedroom, but her passion, and need, surpassed clear thinking.

For the moment, all she could think about was exploring his body and making love. She missed feeling wanted and having sex. Every fiber in her body urged her to continue. Even though her hormones were on full alert, she stepped back and out of his reach. She needed a moment of sanity.

Tony was breathing fast. “Wow. I’m guessing it’s an invitation.”

For more blurbs, excerpts, and buy links, visit http://www.romancebooks4us.com

thanks
Marianne Stephens

Does Your MOTHER Read What You Write? by Marianne Stephens

My mother was very excited when I began my writing career and wanted copies of ALL my books.

Uh...I don't think so.

Knowing her taste in books, I gave her copies of my romance books....but not the erotic ones! She'd be surprised if I offered them to her and wouldn't have read them. She was happy reading my OTHER romance books and nonfiction books.

Does your mother read erotic books? Or just those sweet to sensual romances?

I was surprised by my daughters' reactions to my books. I gave them copies, but they never did say if they read the erotic ones! You know, it''s like thinking of your mother and SEX. Mom couldn't possibly write all that stuff! And, of course, we don't think of our mothers as having any type of sex life anyway. Right?

While always proud of my writing, my mother and daughters avoided discussing "those" books. We just concentrated on the OTHER romance books and nonfiction books I've written. Fine with me!

In my stories, I never seem to have a heroine's mother as an integral part of my story. Aunts, yes. Mothers, no. Mothers are mentioned, but don't play major roles. However, I do have mothers as part of my stories...but they're always mothers of heroes!

Hmm. Very interesting! Didn't consider this heroine's-mother, no, hero's-mother, yes aspect of my writing until writing this blog!

Anyway, I wish all a Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy time together or with fond memories of mothers who've passed away.

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

image: http://www.animationlibrary.com

It's My Birthday - Want to Win a Naughty Literati Tote Bag? by Marianne Stephens

It's my birthday and I'm OLD! Oh, well, can't stop Mother Nature from moving along!

If you'd like a chance to win one of 5 Naughty Literati tote bags, just comment below. Say "Happy Birthday", leave your email address, and tell me what country you live in. Totes only shipped to US addresses. If your name is picked and you live in a different country, I'll have something else for you!


Second chance to win something! Visit http://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com for a chance to win one of 10 size XLRB4U T-Shirts!

Both giveaways end midnight 15 April ET.

http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com
http://naughtyliterati.com

photos: Flickr: Nicke Kenrick photostream and AnimationLibrary.com

Revenge is Sweet - a Blog by Romance Author Marianne Stephens

RAISE your hand if you've never considered a way to exact revenge and "get even" with someone. If your hand is up, you're either very forgetful, have a selective memory, going through a "senior moment", and lightning will soon strike! It's part of human nature to feel mad and want to even the score...even for a "saint" like me!

Dating, romance...and being dumped or used. All stuff we go through in the game of love. Initially, you feel hurt and are embarrassed by questions like "Where is ...?" asked by friends and family. You may make excuses, tell fibs, change the subject so you don't have to admit a breakup has occurred.

Most times, you go on and finally tell people your version of the story. Doesn't matter if it's exactly true, but its something you'll stick to and feel better about yourself for saying. You can analyze and justify it in your head, and that's how you cope.

More power to you. Getting rid of a loser, even one you thought you loved, is better than being with one. I'll now tell you my story of revenge against an ex-boyfriend, the first and only time I ever "got even".

If you believe that, I have a bridge in New York I'd like to sell to you!

I dated Ron in college for months. I knew he was on academic probation but he didn't seem to be able to pull up his grades. Ron finally got word that he'd flunk out if he didn't leave, so he quit school. We were to spend his last weekend at the college together before he headed home and either went into the military or found a job.

We had plans; lots of couples stuff to do starting on a Friday night. He called me an hour before coming over to my dorm to let me know that an "old ex-girlfriend" surprised him by coming from a nearby college to say goodbye so if I didn't mind, he'd see her that night and see me the next day.

What could I say? Annoyed but trying to be reasonable, I agreed. We'd have all day Saturday to spend together. And, we'd spend Sunday morning before his bus left since he had to vacate the dorm that day.

Saturday morning came. He called again. His "ex" was still there, and wouldn't leave until late that night. Would I mind waiting to see him until Sunday?

Hell, yes, I minded. I remained calm as wheels in my head started turning. Ron apparently was dumping me for his "ex" and I didn't matter to him. Crushed at first, anger swiftly took its place and the word "revenge" planted itself in my brain. I had to do something to "get even".

Once again...but this time through gritted teeth...I agreed to his suggestion. But I was already formulating a plan in my head, one that would get the message through to his "male-ego" brain. Maybe he'd take note and not pull this type of "dumping" act on another female.

His plan was to leave at 11:00am on Sunday. The bus only came twice on Sundays...11:00am and 11:00pm. We were to meet after church at 10:00am at a spot on campus we liked to go to for coffee. We'd then go back to his dorm and I'd help him carry his stuff up "the hill" and into town to the bus stop.

I never went to meet him. He called at 10:15 and I said I was on my way. He called again at 10:30 and I told him the same thing. His final call came at 10:45. It was too late for him to catch the morning bus, but now he'd spend the rest of Sunday with me and take the 11:00pm bus. Since he had to vacate the dorm at noon, he figured I'd let him leave his stuff in my dorm room and help him carry it to the bus stop that night.

Now was my turn. I knew I'd delayed him from taking the earlier bus. I knew he'd have to wait 12 hours for the next bus. I knew he'd have nowhere to store his things. With a nonchalant tone in my voice, I told him I would be busy the rest of the day but wished him a happy life and promptly hung up. I had visions of him lugging his stuff to the bus stop and sitting there all day...and that was my act of revenge. I had to quell the curious streak urging me to go "peek" and see if he waited there hopefully full of regret.

That's my version...and I'm sticking to it! So, what's your tale of revenge or "getting even"?

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

photos:Flickr: xRockxSTARX, Kristin Moat, and Jessica C.'s photostream.

This Santa's Helper Could be Making a Stop at Your Home!! by Marianne Stephens

Nothing serious this month. Just a fun blog about Santa's Sexy Helper!


Whew! What a HARD time Santa's helper is having this year while trying to bring a special "GIFT" to all good ladies! This poor guy is so-o-o tired, he just had to settle down for a short nap. Lucky thing he found some grass clippings to keep him warm...plus, he's got on his Santa hat!

He worked very hard all year to buff up in time for the holiday season. Santa gave him a list of all the good ladies to visit and deliver his special "GIFT".

 
Are you on his list? I know he's not done bringing joy and fantasy happiness to all those listed, so maybe he hasn't made it to your door yet. If you've been good, then you know he'll be coming.

Those abs promise lots of hard muscle to run your fingers over. And those arms look strong enough to warm you on a cold night. Now those thighs...and what's hidden under the grass...hint at some mighty powerful action when stirred and focused on your pleasure.

 
How about a story of a Santa's helper who tries to visit all good ladies in one night? I wonder how many he could share his passion with and still have more to go around to others. Maybe he could take the month of December and get to a few thousand everyday. Surely there are that many being good who deserve his "GIFT"!

 
Wake up, Santa's helper! It's time to hit the road and bring a smile to the faces of all good ladies everywhere who are waiting for your "GIFT"!


Enjoy! Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

 photo: rockshots.com

Thanksgiving, Sex, and a Recipe by Marianne Stephens

How many of us think about sex when Thanksgiving rolls around? Aren't your days filled with menu planning, inviting dinner guests, food shopping, preparing some items ahead for "the big day", etc.?

I guess sex could be a great stress relief option, but who has time? Aren't you exhausted days before the day of (especially if you're feeding more than a small army of people), and for days after? Some might even go so far as to say "Thanksgiving dinner is better than sex...but, of course, that would never suit a romance reader or author! Men...those guys from "Mars"...might have a different opinion, however!

The following (minus some images and with a few modifications from me) comes from http://www.flowgo.com

TEN REASONS THANKSGIVING DINNER IS BETTER THAN SEX
You're sure to get at least one of your favorite dishes.
The turkey never suffers from modesty.
You can nibble before dinner even if Mom sees you.
You are expected to pass the dishes around.
There are always at least two kinds of desert, with or without whipped cream.
They give you the day off WITH pay to have dinner.
Thanksgiving dinner is a "sure" thing.
Seconds are encouraged. Take home, too!
You're expected to fall asleep after dinner. (for men)
And the number 1 reason why Thanksgiving dinner is better than sex:
You are EXPECTED to watch football BEFORE and AFTER dinner! (again, for men).
Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's a fabulous Cranberry Salad Mold recipe!
Part One:
2 c. cranberries
2 c. water
1 c. sugar
2 packages (3oz each) cherry (or other flavor) jello
1 c. pineapple juice
Cook cranberries in water. Add sugar and bring to boil. Remove from heat and add jello. Stir well. Add pineapple juice. Chill and partially set.
Part Two:
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts
1 c. finely chopped celery
1 c. drained crushed pineapple
1 c. finely chopped apple
Add all these to chilled mixture. Pour into mold, refrigerate to firm consistency.
Part Three:
3 oz. cream cheese
1 c. sour cream
1/3 c. sugar
1 T lemon juice
Blend above ingredients. Spread over unmolded Cranberry Salad. Refrigerate. Serve. Yummy!

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

http://sensuousromances.com

http://naughtyliterati.com

Photos: Flickr: Ozone9999, LoneGunMan, and milky.way's photostreams.

I Met My Cover Model by Regina Kammer

In July, I went to San Diego for the annual conference of the Romance Writers of America. I attended sessions on the craft of writing, the business of promotion, and opportunities in publishing. I hung out with friends at the pool bar, watched a 19th-century fashion show, and attended the Hamilton sing-a-long.

I also watched a faux cover model shoot. With the guy who's been on three of my covers:


His name is Julian Christian. I had suspected he might be the model in attendance since the session presenters were Kim Killion and Jennifer Jakes of The Killion Group, Inc. -- the company which supplied all of the photos in the above covers (and created the cover for The General's Wife). Plus I happen to know Julian is San Diego-based.

I got to the conference room early, wanting to get a seat in the front. The room slowly filled with tittering, excited authors. And then the presenters arrived. With Julian:

He got up on the stage to begin the mock photo shoot:

Then he took his shirt off:

And when Julian took his shirt off, there was swooning, gasps, and sighs.

He posed as he would during a real cover shoot: Brooding,

shooting,

crouching (this drew breathy exclamations from the audience and a bemused look from Julian)

And then Jennifer Jakes walked around the room looking for a willing participant for a romantic suspense shot. As if we all weren't willing...
The young woman was chosen -- it happened to be her birthday! They did a romantic suspense pose:

Then Kim and Jennifer explained how they get male and female models to feel comfortable around each other so they can enact a romantic clinch like this

Another willing participant was sought from the audience for a historical or Amish romance cover. The volunteer author donned historical garb. Julian put a shirt on and played the dashing hero:

Then there was a costume change:

for a Scottish historical cover:

Another volunteer got to participate in a rather intimate historical pose:

After all the posing and the question and answer session, the authors lined up to get their pictures taken with Julian. Of course, I had to get mine taken

(thank you to Tricia Linden for taking my photo!)
Then historical romance author Sherry Ewing joined us for a threesome

I mean, we all just posed together!

It was fun, and Julian was a good sport with all the fawning, swooning female authors. He's super nice. I'm really glad I got the chance to meet the man on my covers!

p.s. if anyone knows who any of the author volunteers were, please let me know in the comments!

About the Author

Regina Kammer is a librarian, an art historian, and an award-nominated, best-selling, multi-published writer of erotica and historical erotic romance. Her short stories and novels make history sexier, whether the era is Roman, Byzantine, Viking, American Revolution, or Victorian. She’s even sexed up contemporary settings, Steampunk, and Greco-Roman mythology. She has been published by Cleis Press, Go Deeper Press, Ellora’s Cave, House of Erotica, Story Ink, The Naughty Literati, and her own imprint, Viridium Press. She began writing historical fiction with romantic elements during National Novel Writing Month 2006, switching to erotica when all her characters suddenly demanded to have sex.

Keep up with Regina on her website

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Intuition, ESP, or Fact-Based Logic? by Marianne Stephens

The 10th was "Trust Your Intuition Day". I'm not sure I always trust mine...how about you? 


Intuition: "The immediate knowing of something without the conscious use of reasoning." Now, that's what my big print, Webster's Dictionary says. (Yes, I like the big print!). This means you know something happened, will happen, is happening minus the thinking process to figure out the when/why/how/who/what.

It's said that women have intuition. Do we...really? A mother might say something like, "I knew he was no good for you." Was that intuition...or based on the fact that she heard him sweet-talking on his cell phone while her daughter went into the kitchen? Or, while watching a movie, someone will blurt out, "The butler did it." Are they guessing? Basing that answer on other movies they've seen or books they've read?

I guess the key word is immediate. No thoughts about a subject. Just a brief "flash" in your head about someone/something.

So...is it intuition, Extrasensory Perception,  or simply a matter of experience-based logic?

I wrote one book about a psychic who uses her special gift, ESP, to match couples at her dating service. ("Second Sight Dating" by Marianne Stephens) No intuition or experience-based logic was used in her process. She simply "saw" numbers and letters of clients in her head and matched them. She couldn't possibly remember what each wrote on their client forms, and match them that way. Her matching process had no scientific, fact-based routine involved at all. She had to close her eyes, concentrate on a letter, and wait for a number to appear in her head (or the other way around).

"Trust Your Intuition Day" gives the appearance of you going about your daily routine, and believing anything that pops into your head as being the truth. So, if you're at work and suddenly think "the phone will ring"...and it does...maybe it's your intuition at work. Or...maybe deep down inside you realize you're so busy that life would throw you a curve ball by having that damn phone ring just to bother you!

My very first encounter with what I labeled intuition happened the day President Kennedy was shot. (Yes, I'm that old). I wasn't "into" politics at that time...just trying to get through the angst of high school. I remember having breakfast and suddenly blurting out to my mother, "I think President Kennedy will be shot in an open car."

Yes...I'd seen news reports of him visiting cities and riding in open cars. But I had no idea where he was that day. An overpowering feeling of dread made me say what popped into my head. My mother assured me I was wrong and I was NOT to even think that might happen.

So, I went to school, he got shot, and I freaked out. Even went to church because I somehow felt like my intuition had told me that would happen and I should have warned him. As if anyone would have listened to the ramblings of a teenager!

Another time, I was in a car, going to a bridal shower with relatives. I knew my father was working late. Suddenly, the thought of him being in danger with a fire popped into my head. I said nothing, but called my mother once we got to the shower. Sure enough, my father had been working on a ship, a fire had broken out, and he had helped get some workers out of danger.

Again, I was a teenager and knew he worked on ships...but where had the danger and fire come from? ESP or my intuition kicking in?

I wish my intuition had helped me other times...like when I dated two brothers (not at the same time), got dumped by both, felt awful...and then found out both were gay. Then again, after  dancing and talking to my husband the night we first met, the thought that popped into my head was, "This is someone I can take home to meet my mother." Was that my intuition kicking in?
Any tales of intuition lurking in your past? Share your stories with us!

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com 

http://sensuousromances.com

Photos: Flickr: kpishdadi and A30_Tsitika's photostreams

What if You Write a Blog...And No One Comes? by Marianne Stephens

Blogs. They're everywhere and it seems like everyone is writing one while trying to find a "new angle" to gain your attention.

But what if you have a blog and no one comes...or comments? Does that mean you should give up? Try a new approach? Do more promo to gain interest?

Have blogs become too numerous, making it difficult to decide which ones to read? We try to stick to romance/writing material, and sometimes some personal thoughts. What makes you decide to read this blog as opposed to thousands of other ones? How can we entice you to keep coming back and reading new blogs here?

I take time to think about what I'll write, hoping I'll have some new words of interest to catch a reader's attention. I promo my blog and try to make the title "catchy".

I notice that in the past, when I've posted photos of "hunks" with blogs, I've gotten greater hits numbers. Is that the answer? Always have a great-looking guy or guys with a blog?

So...what else can be done to gain readers? Suggestions?
  http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net

 Photos: Flickr: alamodestuff, Kristina B., Sean MacEntee's photostreams.

Meet Santa's Brother, Rocky Claus!

So who's prancing around on your rooftop? Meet Rocky Claus, Santa's younger brother. Santa decided that Rocky would visit all GOOD ladies this year so Santa could concentrate on the kiddies.
Rocky is so-o-o looking forward to fitting down your chimney so he can give you one, or two, or three, or more...wonderful presents...but only if you've been "GOOD" all year!

Did you write to Santa yet? Be sure to tell him if you've been GOOD and mention how you'd like Rocky to slide down your chimney for some fun! Remember to address your letter to the North Pole...although Rocky spends his time sunning himself in warmer climates so has a wonderful tan!

My letter's been mailed and I KNOW Rocky will fit down my chimney without a problem since I've been getting it ready for his visit. I even bought a cute red sheer nightie to wear that has white trim around the bottom. And with Rocky's red hat with white trim, we should compliment each other. Rocky likes to wear that hat...and nothing else...so he can present an uplifting holiday image. Plus, clothes just get in the way and make it more difficult for him to slide up and down your chimney.

Hurry, ladies. Get those letters mailed today to be put on Rocky's list. You wouldn't want him to miss your chimney, would you?

HO, HO, HO! Happy Holidays!




http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Entice Me - Luscious Love Stories Anthology
My story: Operation Man Hunt
Blurb:
Chris Carlisle needs a man and Tony Davis becomes her goal. He learns the hidden reason for her enticing attempts to capture his attention. Both can't deny the mutual, lusty attraction. Will true love follow?

BUY LINK

 

Naughty List - Thirteen Naughty Holiday Stories (Anthology) from Amazon Bestselling Authors
My story: Dear Santa...I Want a Man for Christmas 
Blurb: Frustrated with untrustworthy men, Melissa orders a man doll. When delivery guy, Nick, shows up, she has second thoughts about how to satisfy her needs. 

BUY LINK
 









 Photo: rockshots.com

Definitions: What is Erotica? by Regina Kammer

Riffing off Suz’s post A Few Words About Writing Erotica, I’ve decided to offer definitions of erotica, erotic romance, and such. You can read the extended version on my blog.

Introduction

People frequently make broad assumptions about what it is I write. Friends, family, and acquaintances snicker about my "porn". Romance writer colleagues imbued with the cadence of traditional romance often bandy about the term "erotica" as if to signal the ugly otherness of erotic romance.

So I will attempt to answer the provocative question What is erotica? and by doing so answer corollary questions about misunderstood erotic-like literary variations: Erotic romance, steamy romance, smut, porn, and Romantica®.

Kammerotica Definitions, or The What is Erotica? Cheat Sheet!

Erotica
Erotica is a literary form where the core of the story is sexual in nature. As a literary form, erotica has plot, themes, character development, goals and motivations, conflicts and resolutions, and all those elements that make up a story. But all those elements deal with something sexual in nature. Typical themes include the erotic development of a relationship (e.g., a Dominant and submissive), or an innocent’s journey of sexual discovery, or a character’s exploration and development of their true sexual nature. One could not strip out the sex scenes and be left with a comprehensible story. The sex is the story.

But, blasphemy of blasphemies, I do not think erotica has to necessarily be arousing. Sometimes the erotic development of a relationship or a character’s journey of sexual discovery is sad, lonely, and depressing. Sometimes it is shocking. Sometimes it is sweet and romantic. And sometimes it is arousing.

Erotic romance
In order to define this, I have to define "romance". I'm not talking le Roman de la Rose or Arthurian chivalric knights, which are the roots of the idea of romantic love. No. I'm talking Romance Writers of America (RWA) romance.

Two basic elements comprise every romance novel: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending.

Erotic romance takes all the elements of erotica but has a love story at its core. An optimistic resolution to a relationship—a Happily Ever After or a Happily For Now—is essential in an erotic romance.

Sex scenes are not gratuitous in erotic romance. Sexual elements form the foundation of the plot, themes, and characters. One cannot simply strip away the sex scenes and be left with a comprehensible story. The sex scenes drive the plot and character development and push toward that culmination of a HEA/HFN.

Steamy (or Sexy, or Graphic, or Gratuitous, or Explicit) Romance
Steamy Romance is a romance with a lot of sex in it. Generally, there is a very good reason for at least one of the sex scenes—the moment when the hero and heroine (or whatever permutation of H/h the story has: two men, two women, three people, etc.) connect deeply and emotionally. But in a lot of steamy romances, one could tone down the sex scenes or fade to black before the sex scenes and the story would be sound.

Unfortunately, some steamy romance novels have too many purely gratuitous sex scenes. Personally, I find these sorts of stories rather boring. I want the sex in a story to have purpose, to move the story forward. Characters should change, relationships should develop, conflicts should increase or resolve — something has to happen because of the sex. I find it interesting that erotica and erotic romance is often criticized for having gratuitous sex. It’s actually the steamy romances that too often fall into that pit.

Romantica®
Romantica® is a registered trademark of the erotic romance and erotica publisher Ellora’s Cave. The term is exclusively used for their line of erotic romance. Because it is a trademark one should never use the term unless discussing an Ellora’s Cave erotic romance. Maybe one day it will be a generic term, but until then I strongly urge people not to use it out of context.

Smut
Depending on who is using it, this word can mean "erotica" or "literary porn" or "just plain porn". It’s a cute word that seems to be used mostly by erotica authors from the UK.

Pornography / Porn
In pornography sex scenes exist purely for the purpose of sexual titillation. Plot, character development, theme, and all other literary devices are generally missing in pornography. In fact, such literary effects are irrelevant and unessential. The entire emphasis is on sexual acts. "Literary porn" is really just well-written porn, but once the story starts to have some of those literary devices, porn starts sliding toward erotica.

Pornography starts with a set-up, e.g., pizza boy goes to a sorority house and sexiness ensues. Characters remain the same after the act is finished: there is no character development, no character growth, no conflict resolution. There is just pure sexual satisfaction—although I suppose that is a resolution of some sort!

What I Write

So, what is it I actually write? I write all of the above except porn—despite what my friends think. I offer a few examples below.

Erotica
My story in Naughty List, "A Night at Valley Forge", is erotica because a HEA is not an element.

Erotic romance
Most of what I write can be categorized as this. I like a happy ending! I like my characters to explore their sexual natures! My favorite novel of mine, The General’s Wife: An American Revolutionary Tale, is pretty much textbook erotic romance.

Romantica®
Because I’ve written for Ellora’s Cave, I’ve written Romantica with my Harwell Heirs series. The Pleasure Device, Disobedience By Design, and Where Destiny Plays are all erotic romance novels under the Romantica brand.

Steamy romance
Yes! I’ve actually written steamy romance! It surprised me too, because I never thought I would. My story in Naughty Flings, "Hot As Hades", is a story with hot sex and a Happily Ever After. I think the story would not be as good without the sex or with toned down sex, but I hesitate calling it erotic romance. Maybe you can convince me otherwise in the comments?

About the Author

Regina Kammer is a librarian, an art historian, and an award-nominated, best-selling, multi-published writer of erotica and historical erotic romance. Her short stories and novels make history sexier, whether the era is Roman, Byzantine, Viking, American Revolution, or Victorian. She’s even sexed up contemporary settings, Steampunk, and Greco-Roman mythology. She has been published by Cleis Press, Go Deeper Press, Ellora’s Cave, House of Erotica, Story Ink, The Naughty Literati, and her own imprint, Viridium Press. She began writing historical fiction with romantic elements during National Novel Writing Month 2006, switching to erotica when all her characters suddenly demanded to have sex.

Keep up with Regina on her website

Follow her on Twitter @Kammerotica

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See what’s new on her Amazon Author Page

Pasties Can Inspire a Lusty Encounter by Marianne Stephens

Pasties...not the kind you eat (although I'm sure there are edible ones out there and if I search hard enough I could find them!) but the kind women put over their nipples for all kinds of reasons having to do with being more sexy. Exotic dancers will use these to further entice the audience as they bump and grind or pole-dance.

History: Pasties first appeared in 1930 and included a variety of colors, diameters, and shapes. Tassels were the brainchild of Burlesque performer Carrie Finnell, who probably thought she needed "something extra" to arouse her audience. Tassels are connected to the center of the pasties.

In my book "Sexy Games" by April Ash, the heroine, Stacy, dons a pair for her role-playing game as a stripper/lap dancer. She diligently practices before the game to make sure she can get the tassels to "swing" and twirl...much to delight of hero, Sloane.

Pasties come in all sizes and some are very creative as these samples will prove!
What do you think? Would they make the wearer feel more "frisky" and playful? Give that added something to heighten sexual urges? Create a more lustful session of lovemaking?
Want to learn how to make your own pasties?
http://www.ehow.com/how_4820171_pasties-burlesque.html
If you make some, would you let me know? I'd love to do another blog about pasties and will show your finished products...and you don't need to wear them!
http://www.aprilash.net
http://mariannestephens.net

Photos: http://www.boobybling.com, http://agentprovateur.com, and http://www.yandy.com

What a Sexy Man Can Do For You

Sit back and fantasize with me about sexy men and how useful they can be.

Things a sexy man can do:

1. Give you a massage. Just imagine those strong, masculine hands molding your flesh as you lie serenely in a panting combination of bliss and desire. He starts by your shoulders and then his hands travel lower, lower, lower.

Are you squirming yet? How about when he begs you to turn over so he can do a complete job?

2. Wait on you "hand and foot". Picture him telling you to relax while he serves you a drink called "Sex on the Beach". Then he disappears into the kitchen to whip up a romantic dinner for two...wearing nothing but a VERY short apron, a smile, and a cute bow tie.

Did you reach out to touch his hot body?

3. Prepare a bubble bath for two. He leads you into the bathroom and turns on the tub's faucet, adjusting it so it's "just right". After adding the bubble bath soap, he removes his clothing...slowly, and swivels his body in all directions so you don't miss a thing. Next, he offers to undress you before you both step into the tub, bubbles popping, so he can help you enjoy a relaxing soak.

Do you run your fingers down his muscular body as he begins to unbutton your blouse?

4. Satisfy your sexual needs. He leads you into a bedroom where he's lit dozens of candles to add ambiance to the room. The aroma of lavender, roses, vanilla, or whatever is your favorite, mingles with his all-male scent. He's placed satin sheets on the bed...in your favorite color. You lie down, and he tells you to enjoy the evening, since he plans to cater to your every wish. Your urges and requests become his dedicated demands.

Have you told him what you want done first, fast, and all night?

Now that I have you panting with images of that special sexy man you've always desired, you can answer the questions in your dreams. You will dream about him tonight, won't you?

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com
http://naughtyliterati.com
Naughty Literati Anthologies:
Naughty List
Naughty Hearts
Naughty Flings
Naughty Escapes

Naughty Escapes - What I Would Have Written!

Due to a surgery and recovery, I didn't submit a Naughty Escapes short story...just couldn't do the proper writing that I hoped to do.

I'd planned to write about a hero and heroine on a cruise ship...and how they found their HEA. I would make the cruise a matchmaking cruise...and add some ups and downs to their coupling.

I love cruises! My favorite one was to Alaska. Didn't mind the chilly temps while viewing Hubbard Glacier up close. Who knew glaciers had a blue tint? The Captain had blankets for us to use so we could walk outside. And, their was a special drink offered to all who were seeing glaciers for the first time.

 

The cities in Alaska offered many sites. We got to see salmon swim upstream, how totem poles were made, native dances and attire. And, we noted how expensive gas was! Wow! Don't complain if you live in the mainland 48 states!





 I would use all the above information in my story, and have the H/H explore the sites and note their reactions. So-o-o, I guess I'll save this information for another story!

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://naughtyliterati.com
http://www.romancebooks4us.com