long time, busy busy

I know, I suck, huh?

Let's see. I have a new Sip out at Torquere called Mind in the Middle. It's about Ty, a bullrider at the top of his game until he gets dumped, and about Andy, the guy who helps him get it back together. You can find it here.

I really ought to be asleep. The dogs woke me up, and now they won't go back to bed. This is bad, considering I was up until 4. So. Three hours of sleep = psychotic break with reality

makes me want to write serial killers

A New Sip!

Here's an excerpt with my new Sip, out at Torquere Press, called Rocking R:

Esau Rodriguez hated subdivisions.

His family had owned a ranch in Doña Ana county for five generations. The land around Las Cruces might not be the best without irrigation, but if you got water to it, it would grow anything.

He loved the Rio Grande, loved the majestic Organ mountain vista that spread out no matter where you were in the valley, and he loved prickly pear and ocotillo and even the damned coyotes.

What he hated about the valley now was the damned houses that sprang up like prairie dogs at sundown, whether cheap-assed or fancy, squatting on the landscape like a spotty kind of plague. He had to drive past them to get home from town, had to watch the inevitable creeping, encroaching mess of new construction and shake his head.

It was a damned good thing he had good fences, and that his house sat off the road a good bit, where he had open range and some chile fields to hide everything. The old Chevy bumped across the cattle guard and across the dirt track that circled the inside of the perimeter fence, heading down to the house. He'd stop up and get the mail later, after it ran; he needed to exercise old Paint anyway. Right now he had groceries to put away.

"Mierda," Esau cursed when he got to the gate on down to the house, which stood wide open. He'd have to count dogs, and damned if border collies and Great Pyrenees came cheap. "Well, I guess they know who feeds them," he murmured, stopping the truck with a jerk when he saw the utility vehicle parked by his back patio.

"What the fuck!"

****


Here's the info!

Esau hates the suburbs. He's holding onto his little piece of land in southern New Mexico, and he's pretty pissed when the meter man leaves his gate open. Then he meets the meter man, Jamie, and he's ready to make nice. Jamie wants Esau, too, but he's worried that their relationship will never go anywhere. Can Esau convince Jamie that things can be good out in the country?

have I posted this before?

I got a wonderful review of my Torquere Press title Mountain Trails, at Rainbow Reviews

Check it out here!

I have an interview out with Lexxie Couper on her blog. It was a hoot to do. Find it here!

I have a new book out with Changeling Press!

It's called Cats and Dogs, and it's set in a new series called the Cat House. Abby and Kyle are were-kitties who are set up on a blind date with werewolf Bay. They have one night of passion, but then Bay disappears without calling. Kyle thinks wolves can't be trusted, but Abby thinks something else is afoot. Can they save Bay before it's too late? Find out here!

Look for new stuff out from Torquere Press soon! I have a Sip due out soon!

check out my review!

About the Werewolf Code, a Torquere Arcana release! From Literary Nymphs

Check it out here!

back from RT

woo and hoo

Pittsburgh was pretty, if cold to this Texas girl

I was a big fish

no really

I was also at the booksigning

thought I'd give y'all some pictorial proof

grins

look for new books soon

good lord, it's been a month

no wonder y'all stop coming by

I'll try to do better

Next weekend I'll be at Romantic Times in Pittsburg PA

I'll be there Wednesday through Saturday, and will be at signings On Wednesday and Saturday.

See y'all there if you're coming!

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=9048bd41-a548-4c7a-8d9f-2704d2161681

A snippet from The Werewolf Code

This is from the new Arcana, the Werewolf Code: The Moon

____

Sliding off his stool, Deke headed for the giant plate glass windows, stripping off his shirt as he went. Kasey liked to look out in the night when he fed, pressing Deke against the cool glass. "Come here, baby. I got something for you."

A low growl sounded behind him, Kasey coming for him, so fast and silent that he hardly had time to blink before Kasey pressed up against him, jerking at his pants, the fabric tearing way too easily.

"I guess I'll have to tell Axis that his new tactical nylon is for shit against vamps."

"Later," Kasey whispered in his ear, incredibly sharp fangs grazing his skin.

"Yeah." His whole body arched from the tiny sting, his cock waving in the air, craving a touch, a bite. "Much, much later."

"Much. Where do you want me to feed tonight, lover?" Kasey touched his throat. "Here? Or here?" Those fingers moved down his chest, sliding over his hip before landing on the crease between his thigh and his torso.

"Oh. There. Yeah, baby. There." Hell, he knew Kasey couldn't look out the window and do that, but he just didn't care. He wanted that spot. Right. There.

____

Find it here: http://www.torquerepress.com/fiction/thewerewolfcode.html

New Book!

I have an Arcana out from Torquere Press!

It's based on the Moon tarot card, and it's called The Werewolf Code.

I love these boys. Deke is a werewolf, Kasey is a vampire, and they run a detective agency. They get a new client who draws them into the middle of a very dangerous genetic experiment, and there's biting and fighting and hot sex :D

I hope to do a whole series about these guys. They're smokin hot, really talky and fun as hell. Of course, y'all have to buy it for me to be able to write more of them, so shoo. Go buy...

www.torquerebooks.com

Celebrate Romance

So, I went to Celebrate Romance in South Carolina over the past weekend.

What did Julia Talbot learn about being primarily a glbt writer among hardcore romance readers and writers?

Well, I learned that most folks don't get what I do. They're willing to listen, though, even if the idea sort of horrifies them.

There were a few ladies who really complimented both me and BA on our part of the panel discussions, and it was very nice to hear. The readers were great fun, and it was a hoot to meet some of the writers I've read over the years like Jade Lee and Stephanie Bond, and interact with them as peers, not just star struck fans.

I also learned that I have the best fans ever. Y'all rock so hard. No, really.

On the deep and philosophical end, I learned that there's still a huge prejudice against ebooks and e-publishers out there. Despite the fact that authors who put books out with major NY publishers have never seen a royalty check, FIFTEEN MONTHS after their book's release, despite the fact that a major author admits to making less than I make on one publisher alone in a year of being published with a house that sells her books in Wal-Mart...

I'm kind of glad I don't have an agent, if I have to give up that much of my hard earned sales...

Does this mean you should stop buying books in bookstores? Absolutely not. The only way to get NY to listen is to buy books. But I also want to thank all the people who support e-publishing. It's made me not just a writer, which I always was, but an author with books out there to sell, and I will forever be grateful.

At any rate, a huge thanks to Cybil and her team for CR. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I learned a lot.

Look for me next at Romantic Times, in Pittsburg (ack) where I will be with Chris Owen, Jodi Payne, and BA Tortuga

Mates

out from Bareback Angels, a new m/m/f menage books called Mates!

My story is about a girl named Abby, who has a terrible fear of dogs. Her psychologist gets a dog trainer named Aaron to help her out, but he has two secrets. His lover Lee, and the fact that he and Lee are both werewolves. Is there any way this can work out for the boys and their new girl?

The book also features BA Tortuga and Sean Michael!

www.torquerebooks.com

bad reviews

One of the worst thing a writer can do is read their own reviews.

Oh, sure, when they're good, they lift you up, make you want to write more. But when a reader review comes through and tells you more than once that your bestselling book is flat and lifeless, when these are your best characters ever, well...

It makes me want to scream and have a tantrum and run away

It's ridiculous. I know it. I've sold more than 5000 copies of this book. I've gotten hundreds of emails begging for more. Two readers who wouldn't read it again. Two. And it made me just want to cry.

In better news, these same characters will appear in a short story soon, in an anthology from Torquere Press.

So if you like the Thatchers, keep an eye out!

Working on a lot of stuff

I have a new Turn of the Screw starting ion March at Torquere Press. It's a mmf menage called Pictures of You, about a photographer and her obsession with her male lover neighbors.

I have a Single Shot called Sins of the Father coming out at the beginning of March. It's about Deke and Kasey, a werewolf and a vampire who own a detective agency, hired by a young woman to clean up her father's genetic experiments.

I'm tapping away on 2 novels, too, working my fingers off y'all!

what people are saying

got a lovely review of Natural Selection, the last book of the Pack Mentality series from Changeling Press (www.changelingpress.com)

http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blogspot.com/2008/02/pack-mentality-natural-selection.html

Here's a highlight:

Pack Mentality: Natural Selection is a humorous episode of werewolf society and how to join the pack. Julia Talbot’s characters are funny, sexy and very charming. This is a most enjoyable story.

Woo hoo!

newsletter

woo hoo! I got a newsletter up at my Yahoogroup!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/juliatalbotnews

You can go there and check it out. It has some news, some cool favorite weird links and a free vignette . M/M natch

I'll have more stuff coming out soon, so keep an eye out for news!

new book out from Changeling

It's the very last book in the Pack Mentality series, called Natural Selection

Ryan is pretty happy with his lover Loyal and their little cabin in the woods. The only thing he misses is a pack. Werewolves need company, after all. Loyal is a werebear, and is much more of a loner, so he's suspicious when a new pack comes to town, wanting Ryan to stay away.

Kamen and Steve, Liam, Jenny and Sasha, Colin and Myra, all your favorites from the Pack Mentality series are here! They have to help Ryan fight for what's his, and maybe help him find a pack of his own!

check it out at www.changelingpress.com!

some new books

I have a new Sip out at Torquere called Nothing But Trouble. It's about bank robber Bryce and Abel, a very curious deputy. See what they get up to at www.torquerebooks.com

In early February I have a new book coming out from Changeling Press, called Pack Mentality: Natural Selection. It's the 4th book in the Pack Mentality series, and all your favorites are back. Jenny, Liam, Sasha, Myra and Colin, Kamen and Steve, and a new pair Ryan and Loyal. Check it out at the coming soon link at www.changelingpress.com

My chapter of Five O'Clock Bar goes up at Turn of the Screw this next week. It's a multi-author story featuring my buds Sean Michael, Chris Owen, BA Tortuga and others. See it and other available stories here: http://torquerepress.com/subs/stories.html

Turn of the Screw is a great subscription service where you get new chapters of amazing stories every week!

I'll be posting excerpts here and at my Livejournal. http://julia-talbot.livejournal.com/

wow

been a bit, huh? I know, I know, bad author

The year seems to be starting out as the year of the changing face of romance. Yep, people are taking not of folks like me and some of my publishers and fellow authors.

I'll be speaking on the changing romance subject at Celebrate Romance, a conference being held the last weekend of February in Columbia South Carolina. It's a great little con, dedicated to readers, unlike the ones that have gotten so big and bloated with writers. There are some great writers attending and the booksigning on Sunday looks to be a fun day!

Check out their website here:

http://www.crspring.com/

What else? Did I ever pimp my Christmas Single Shot? It's called A Good Thing, and it's about the guy who lost everything on Christmas, including his Christmas spirit, but when he meets a new man, he gets it back! Find it under Julia Talbot at www.torquerebooks.com

Keep an eye out for more!

J

tyring hard to hit deadlines

and uh, eek.

failing

keep an eye out, though, I ought to have some christmassy stuff out :D

a new review

for an old title. It's always a nice surprise. This one is for Recipe for Love, out with Changeling Press (www.changelingpress.com)

http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/recipeforlovetalbot.htm

Taste Test!

I'm featured in the new Taste Test from Torquere Press, along with my buddies BA Tortuga and Dallas Coleman. If you like your cowboys Buck Wild, you'll love this one!

Here's the official doolie!

Sometimes cowboys like to get buck wild. They get a little crazy, get a little wild hair. That's the premise behind this Taste Test featuring Dallas Coleman, Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga.

Dallas Coleman gives us Jimmy, who's settled down to become a banker, and Cory, an off again-on again lover who tempts him to be have some fun. Julia's Colby and Sean are both bullriders and ex-lovers who get up to some serious fun. BA gives us Jack and Deke, two sometime lovers who come together with a fiery passion that's impossible to ignore. Get buck wild with these boys today!

www.torquerebooks.com

I got word that a lesbian story I wrote a good while back for an anthology with Pretty Things Press, called Lipstick on Her Collar, has a cover. We don't have a sure date, but keep an eye out here!

new novella

This one is about 20,000 words, so definitely not a sip! ;)

It's a Spurs and Saddles from Torquere Press, called Sparkle and Shine. It's over at www.torquerebooks.com

Evan is a rodeo cowboy with an eight year old daughter, an ex-wife who loves to make trouble, and a best friend he wants to love on. Brooks is his best buddy, who wants to be way more than friends. Can these two cowboys get it together?

have a sample!

***

"What are you staring at?" Brooks snarled, flinging his jeans at his suitcase.

Heaven. That was his first thought.

"Nothing. I mean, I'm not staring. I'm sorry, Brooks." There. Ta da.

Tight shoulders relaxed. "Yeah? I… Me too, man. I just figured we were having a laugh."

"We were. I was just feeling sorry for myself." Beer. It had to be the beer making him say all these touchy feeling things.

"Yeah?" Coming right up to him, Brooks clapped him on his shoulder, fingers scarred and callused. "No need, man. You're rock solid."

Almost as hard as a rock, for sure. Wasn't beer supposed to make a man limp? Sandra had always said so. Evan barely resisted the urge to adjust himself.

"Thanks, Brooks. Really." When he felt like he wouldn't offend the man, Evan turned away, breathing hard through his nose.

"Hey, you got the quease? We could order room service."

"Oh, good idea. Something burger-like." That would give him something to do with his hands and his runaway mouth.

"Maybe chocolate cake, too, huh?" Brooks loved the frosting. Evan had seen him eat all the way around a three layer cake, just eating the sugary stuff.

"You order, huh?"

"What's gotten into you?" Brooks asked when he woulda run for the bathroom again.

"I'm horny, okay?" he kinda shouted, hands clenching. "I want to go jack off in the bathroom!"

"Oh." Blue eyes snapped right up to meet his, Brooks staring hard. "You don't gotta run off, buddy."

Another Sip

I seem to be rocking the short fiction these days! I think it's my lack of attention span. There's something about being able to finish a story that's very satisfying. Anyhoo, my Sip came out last week, and I kinda got lost with the Halloween/Vegas/Bullrider thing.

It's called Splitting the Difference, and it's about country singer Dane, who goes back to his West Texas hometown for a wedding, meeting up with an old high school friend names Kent.

I adore people who have history, and this is one of those stories ;) You can find it at www.torquerebooks.com

Here's a wee snip:

"Well, well. I didn't think I'd ever see Dane Hotchkins in this town again."

The voice had the kind of deep drawl only West Texas could make, and Dane cringed at the familiarity of it, at the way it made all sorts of old memories come to life.

He turned, staring at Kent Lawrence, just shaking his head. The man hadn't changed a bit, hadn't gotten all swollen like so many of his old high school buddies had. Lean, long, and all cowboy, Kent looked fucking edible.

As always.

"Well, hey, Kent. I reckon you wouldn't have, if Becky hadn't decided to get married." No way would he miss his baby sister's wedding, even if it did mean eating his words from ten years ago. He'd burned those years right down the highway, singing at every honky-tonk and dive in Texas and Oklahoma. He'd never made it to Nashville, but Austin wasn't a bad place to call home.

Way better than BF Nowhere West Texas.

"Oh, right. I heard about that. You bring you some supermodel as a date?" Those green eyes twinkled, the lines beside them deep and new, the skin tanned to an even dark brown. Lord, that man still did it for him, not that he'd ever let Kent know.

"No. I didn't bring anything but my guitar and enough clothes to get me through the week. Gonna rent the tux, even."

"Oh, now, I thought a big shot like you would have your own."

Sighing, Dane shook his head. "You're looking for a fight, Kent, I ain't your man. I'm too damned tired and old. 'Sides, I always liked you. Don't fuck that up."

I have an appearance coming up in February at Celebrate Romance, and they've asked us authors to spread the word! For readers, it's a very affordable con, and there will be lots of opportunity to meet with your favorite authors!

Happy Halloween!

happy halloween!

here's a bit of my sip! It's called Grimoire Erato and it's available at www.torquerebooks.com

***

The book smelled like pine and sage, which shouldn't surprise him, the way his uncle had spread the herbs about. Kelly had expected it to smell kinda… musty. The more natural tang of spice was a pleasant surprise.

"Well, old man," he said out loud, just to hear someone talk. "Let's see what was so all fired special about this one that you didn't share it."

The letters swam a little at first. He liked his languages dead, he would admit, but it had been a long while since he'd read Latin. Hell, this was worse. It was a combination of Latin and archaic Greek.

"Every well-educated young man should read French, Latin and Greek," Uncle Noel had told him not long after Kelly's mom and dad had died in a freak snowstorm. They'd been cross-country skiing.

His eight year-old self had scoffed. "Does that mean I get a grand tour of Europe when I'm old enough, too?"

Noel's blue eyes had danced. "If you behave."

Kelly had soon learned that Noel always kept his promises, and he'd been sent off on a backpacking tour of Europe when he turned eighteen. Noel had given him a Eurailpass and enough money to last two months if he was frugal.

It had been the time of his life.

Sighing, rubbing his eyes, Kelly focused back on the book, reading some of it out loud, just for the fun of it. "A lonely man should sacrifice a cock, if what he desires leads him to this path, and should offer the flesh to the one bound to serve, to receive his earthly reward. He should read from the book at the longest hour, and light the fire that will bring him the thing he needs above all else."

Right. Lord, what a crock of shit.

Kelly closed the book and finished off his brandy, just as the old grandfather clock struck midnight thirty. Well, there was the longest hour, huh? Cackling, Kelly climbed to his feet to refill his brandy, and the fire laid out in the fireplace caught his eye. Oh, hell, why not? He lit the kindling, watching it spring to life like it never did when he actually needed a fire.

He didn't have a cock to sacrifice, but maybe he'd jack off when he went to bed. Just to see what the old book had up its leather jacket.

Which was probably not a damned thing.

hello hello!

man, I'm pooped. I have a novel due that's still a fledgling and I'm flailing (woo, alliteration)

I've been thinking a lot about my style, and about my favorite genres, and I want to hear from readers! Do you like my historicals? contemporaries? My mysteries?

Let me know what genre you think I do best. I'll give away a copy of my Arcana, Rock Bottom, from Torquere Press to one random commentor!

have I pimped Crash and Burn?

I think I have, but I bet I haven't posted a snippet! :D

Here's a wee bit from Crash and Burn, my sip over at Torquere Press

***

"Danny! Danny, quit it!" There was Todd again, grabbing him, pulling him out into the tiny hallway. "You're not helping shit."

No. No, Todd was the helpful one, wasn't he? Danny turned and drove his hand into the wall next to Todd's head, his face inches from Todd's nose. "Why don't you quit? Why are you still fucking here? I'm a fucking lost cause."

"I… I don't know. You're still paying me?" Those green eyes were so wide, so shocked, and it kinda revved his motor.

"True enough. I wonder how helpful you really want to be."

"What?" That pretty mouth fell open, and somehow Danny had never noticed how sweet Todd's lips looked, how hot that square-but-lean face was.

"I need to blow off steam." He leaned, trying to press his mouth to Todd's, but Todd ducked.

"No. No, I won't do that unless you mean it. I'll… I'll find you someone."

"What if I want you?" The thought had never occurred to him before, and Dan wondered why not. Now, with Todd pressed up against him, he thought maybe it was the best idea he'd had in ages.

"You don't. You're just pissed off." Pushing Danny away, Todd stuck his hands in his pockets, shoulders hunched like Danny had actually hit him. "If you had ever once looked at me before now? I'd be naked in a heartbeat. I'll make a couple calls."

Todd left him standing there with his mouth hanging open, just like that.

When the hot young thing showed up, though, Danny gave him a fifty and told the kid to go have a beer on him. Somehow, it just wasn't the same.

***

Another story finished!

go me

I can't talk too much about it yet, but I can definitely say it was worth the work...

As for what all is out there, I'll be updating that very soon!

How's y'all?

a wee book review

I adore zombies. No, really. From Dawn of the Dead to Shaun of the Dead, I love zombie movies. I love Zombie stories, too, including the one Lorne Rodman did, tongue in cheek. http://www.stemsandfeathers.org/rodman/free.html (scroll past the moose...)

So it's no wonder I love Autophobia by Lydia Thorne You can buy it here.

Jake is traveling toward Montana, avoiding the main roads and big towns in a world where a terrible infection is making people into half-dead predators. He meets Sam, another real, live person, the first he's seen in ages. Can they survive, or has Jake already started to succumb to the disease?

What I loved about this book was the way Sam is young and scared without being a whiny twink, and how Jake is the hero without being perfect. The story has a very non-traditional ending, very original, but I would argue that it's a happy ending, the only kind these two can have.

The story is very much a zombie tale, with a lot of the traditional imagery, but there's nothing wrong with that. It just makes sure you know what genre you're in. I think Lydia manages to be original for all of that, and give us a short, intense tale that's well worth reading!

waves

have y'all read my Sip? Have you? It's out at Torquere Press. It's called Crash and Burn, and it's about motocross star Danny and his assistant, Todd. Danny is about to crash in a big way. Can he convince Todd that he needs help not to burn out completely?


www.torquerepress.com

in other news, I have a wee bit of content up at the Torquere Birthday candle dealie!

http://torquerepress.com/birthday/index.html

My day was the third.

Also Also, I'm a participating author in the scavenger hunt!

http://torquerepress.com/contest/scavengerhunt.html

That's one heck of a prize!

Scavenger Hunt!

Hey y'all! There's an Anniversary Scavenger Hunt going on at Torquere Press. We authors got together and helped donate the prize, which is a fabulous Sony Ebook reader!

See how to play here: http://torquerepress.com/contest/scavengerhunt.html

My website is http://thegates.net/juliatalbot You can hunt there for my letter!

News!

I have new Sip out at Torquere Press. Sips are short stories, and at $1.29, they're a heck of a bargain. It's called Crash and Burn, and it's about Danny, a Motocross rider who loses his job, and his sponsors. In face he loses everything but his assistant Todd, who he realizes he needs more than anything else.

find it here!

http://www.torquerepress.com/fiction/sip019.html

okay, so I'll quit whining!

grins

have an excerpt instead. From Jack and the Big Old Beanstalk, my story from Torquere's Torqued Tales:

They lay in a sweaty tangle of arms and legs, both of them panting and smiling for the first time in what seemed like weeks. Jack took a lazy, sloppy kiss, his body feeling like it had been run over by the plow.

“You sure tore me up, Dane,” he said, watching his hand as it slid up Dane’s ribs.

“You brought me candy,” Dane said, kissing him right back. “I’m sorry I made you sleep in the lean-to.”

“I ain’t, if it gets me this.” He sighed, though, knowing it was time to get up. “We should see where that stalk goes.”

“What?” Dane pulled back to stare at him, just like the night before. “Why?”

“Well, that tinker feller said there was riches involved. Now, you know I ain’t inclined to flights of fancy, but it did grow to the sky without no water.”

“Huh. Well, get yer clothes on, then, and let’s go ‘fore it gets too hot.”

They got dressed without any more argument, and started climbing, both of them huffing and puffing long before they reached the top. They had to be crazy. They ought to be out plowing. But they climbed on, both of them resting a bit on one big bean shell.

When they finally popped up at the top of one big ‘ole bean that had split out of the shell, they gaped in amazement.

“Dane. Do you see?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you believe?”

“No.”

There was a whole ranch up there. Hell, the cows was as big as their little house, no lie. Giant cows. Giant everything. And a ranch house sat back along the line of the bean, looking like a fortress to a pair of rag dolls.

“Should we?”

“Hell, yes.” Dane took off like a shot, dodging cow flops bigger than their whole bodies.

“Well, shit. Now who’s a believer?”

working hard

have so many deadlines I can't think...

and so many mediocre reviews that I'm thinking of hanging up my hat and just doing non-fiction...

sigh

I hate being hormonal

an exceprt from Come and Take It: England

available from Torquere Press

London, 1845

Leland August figured London was a pretty strange place for a man who grew up in Texas. It just seemed so damned civilized. All those streets paved with cobbles, with more folks on them than he'd ever seen in one place save the battlefield.

The Texas Legation was on St. James' Street, which made it even more intimidating to a bumpkin from Waterloo. Oh, it might be called Austin now, but Leland had been born there when it was just four families and a settlement before, the new government had decided to call it after Mr. Austin. Wasn't much to it, really, but a map and a plan.

Not like London, that had been there for hundreds of years and soared up so a man could hardly see the clouds.

He'd been there for nearly a month so far, working at the Legation office, which mainly seemed to involve having a drink with the gents at the exclusive clubs on Pall Mall and riding about in the park, showing off horseflesh.

The streets always seemed to have people on them in London, even late in the evening while Leland made his way back to the Legation office. His own accommodations were nearby, and he itched to get out of his starched and yet drooping clothing, but he needed to stop in and leave the packet of papers he'd retrieved from the shipyards.

Sighing, he turned the corner from Pall Mall to St. James, quickening his steps as the wine merchant the Legation hovered over came into view.

Which was, naturally, when he slammed into another body, sending his leather bound packet flying and his own body stumbling back almost into the street.

"Damnation, man! Watch where you put your enormous feet, will you?"

"My feet?" Leland saw red, his hands clenching into fists. "I, sir, was watching where I was going. You came from thin air, I assure you.

Lord, he hated fellows with that snooty tone.

"Indeed? Well, then, certainly the fault is all mine. My abject apologies, you insolent backwoods oaf."

"Oaf!" Growling, Leland straightened his clothing, making sure nothing was awry. "I might be forced to take offense, Sir."

"We are in the right place, then."

***

get it at www.torquerepress.com

My new books are out!

My Arcana came out last week at Torquere Press. It's called Rock Bottom, and it's based on the 10 of Swords tarot card. Yeah, that one... The one with the pincushion sword guy. I took it from the card definition of troubles that you bring on yourself, but also troubles that are at an end. Mitch is a Colorado boy who likes the outdoors and likes to play, but can't keep a job to save him. His boyfriend Gus loves him, but can't live with him like he is, and asks him to move out. It takes a life-threatening flash flood to make Mitch clean up his act, but will it be too late?

My Chaser comes out today, and it's called Come and Take It: England

It's the first story in a set of three about Leland, a misplaced 1830's Texan in England. There he meets Ford Mayhew, who he thinks is just about perfect. Except that Ford's boss has some ulterior motives, and sets Ford to spying on Leland. Can they learn to trust each other?

Find them both at www.torquerepress.com

a lot going on part 2

I have 2 new releases coming out this month from Torquere Press. A Chaser, called Come and Take It: London, about a Texas boy in 1830s London, when Texas was its own country. The second is an Arcana, and it's called Rock Bottom. It's based on the tarot card, the ten of swords, and it's about what happens when a canyon guide in Utah gets about as down as he can possibly get before clawing his way back up.

Look for them in a few weeks!

lalala

just checking in. I have a lot of projects in the works, but man am I behind. O.O

ack

how's y'all? (chirp, chirp)

re-release!

my Torquere Press Single Shot Love Dot Com has been released again as a Single Shot Classic! If you missed it the first time around, it's the story of Virgil and Willie, who meet in an online dating forum, and find out that you really can find love online!

www.torquerepress.com

Check it out!

An excerpt, from my Torqued Tales story!

From Jack and the Big 'Ole Pinto Bean

by Julia Talbot

“Goddamned dried up old cow,” Jack muttered under his breath, kicking a clod of caliche dust out from under his boot. He spit a little, just because he could, because he was so damned mad. “Time to take you off to auction, lady.”

“She’s not giving at all, huh?” his lover Dane asked, coming over to rub a hand up and down his back. “She’s the last one we got, Jack. We’re gonna dry up and blow away.”

“No we ain’t.” Jack wasn’t no quitter, and he wasn’t gonna let Dane get all down in the mouth. He spit again, drawing up to his full height. “I’ll take her in tomorrow, sell her off. We’ll have us a feast.”

“A feast? I’d settle for some flour and sugar and maybe some lemon candy.” Dane’s blue eyes twinkled. “Some coffee.”

“You don’t want much, buddy. But I’ll do my best. Now come on, let’s leave her alone to enjoy her last days on this earth.” Both Jack and Dane took their hats off and held them over their hearts, having a moment for Bessie, who had served them well. Bless her. Even if she was a dried up old bitch.

get it here! www.torquerepress.com

Torqued Tales!

Torqued Tales is an anthology of twisted fairy tales from Torquere Press. I'm in it! It has 19 fairy tales, traditional like, all twisted up into hilarious gay romance and heat!

I did a take on Jack and the Beanstalk called Jack and the Big 'Ole Pinto Bean!\

I'll try to get an excerpt up in a bit. :>

for now, you can find it here:

www.torquerepress.com

A little rant

You know, I am well aware that not everyone will like my books. Heaven knows, even my favorite authors have clunkers that I go o.O about.

But what I don't understand is a reader who consistently bashes an author or a press, buying book after book and running them down. If you know you don't like Harlequin romances, why are you still buying them at Wal Mart?

Somewhere it becomes the reader's responsibility to buy what they like, not my responsibility to write what they want me to.

Also, before spreading misinformation about a business that a lot of people work hard to make good, or you know, agreeing blindly with the person who made the statements, people ought to check their facts.

back to your regularly scheduled promo now...

working hard

I have a zillion things due

A few little coming soons will follow.

Just wanted to say I'm still alive

Hi

just a little ramble

RT was fun. Did I mention my first fangirl experience? That so rocked. I got to sign things and I got hugs and all. I hope I made a few new fans, too. I got a reaming from my editor at Changeling for not getting CDs to sign... grin. I should have read my email huh? I'll know next time.

back from RT

there were some panic inducing moments, but all in all, it was a great ride.

I hope that nothing happening right now will affect my chances of going back next year, as I think the exposure was great.

I sold *and* signed books for the first time, really, and it was a rush!

Thanks to all the great fans :D

New Books!

some promo!

I have a story in Torquere Press' Galleons and Gangplanks! http://www.torquerepress.com/fiction/galleonsandgangplanks.html

Pirates! Captives! Sword fights and ship battles! We love our precious yes we do!

And!

I have a new book out from Changeling Press. The third and last book of the Pack Mentality series, called Big Bad Wolf.
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=577

This one may appeal to even those readers who didn't want to read books one and two. It follows Steve, who appeared in book two, Myra's Mate, and his new stalker... er, love interest, the pack alpha, Kamen. Yup. All m/m, this one. ;) My editor said it was the best of the three, and who am I to argue? (Though I admit, there's a scene in book one with Sasha and Liam that remains the hottest scene I've ever written for Changeling...)

The whole series can be found here: http://www.changelingpress.com/catalog.php?upt=book&ufilter=series&sid=85

Starts with Alpha Bites, then Myra's Mate, then Big Bad Wolf! Woot

Galleons and Gangplanks

A new quartet of stories from Torquere Press, debuting in one book! It will be in print and ebook, and comes out next week!

Featuring me, Sean Micahel, Willa Okati and Mychael Black, it's all about historical priates, baybee!

a little of this

a little of that.

I'm amazed at how many people can't count change back.

I'm amazed at how unhappy my dad is with every day life.

I'm amazed at how many books I have out

I have another book coming out with Changeling in April. It's a m/m, the final book in the Pack Mentality series. It's called Big Bad Wolf, and it's about what happens when Kamen, the werewolf pack alpha, hooks up with Steve, Myra's ex from Myra's mate. Check it out!

working on that deadline

but you know, it just went by like a freight train...

ack

grins

still, working is good, right?

working working

yeah, I'm behind as usual

what are y'all up to?

back from EPICcon

what did I learn this year?

Promote. People have not heard of me. Hell, people who have published me have no idea who I am. Huh. What's up with that? Also, do not slight people who have published you. Not that I did, but I saw a lot of people dis publishers who helped them get where they are, and it will always bite you in the butt in the long run.

I had a lot of fun on the cowboy up panel, talking rodeo, which is my passion. I think it went well and people said they enjoyed it.

congratulaitons to Lee Rowan, who won the GLBT award. I was very pleased to see her win. Congrats too to Sean Michael and Willa Okati, who were fellow nominees to Lee, with very fine books indeed.

Going to sleep now ;)

J

so where was I?

in the Bahamas!

Ahem. Yup, had a great time on the Tim McGraw cruise

Now, for the stuff I neglected to pimp:

To Hell You Ride! It was a Turn of the Screw Serial. Now it's an ebook. You can find it here: http://www.torquerepress.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_list&c=1198

It's about hard rock miner Big Roy and his new 0bsession, actor Clancy. Set in late 1800s Telluride, it has all the lovin' you could ask for, lots of fighting, and a cave in! What more could you ask for.

Upcoming:

Taking the Leap - Ross Thatcher's story, and my final Thatcher book... Feb 28

April: a pirate story in Galleons and Gangplanks, an anthology from Torquere

and Big Bad Wolf, the third and final story in the Pack Mentality series from Changeling Press

there's probably more, but that'll do for now

rodeo tonight. Woot. More inspiration is always a good thing ;)

blargh

okay, so. Texas is the land of sun and heat and all, right? So why has it been icy, rainy, and not above 40 degrees for 2 weeks!?

I'm so over it. SO OVER IT

it's killing the writing, because getting out of bed? Impossible

blargh

wow, it's been awhile

thanks to all of you who come check for new stuff

I am alive

I have a Single Shot out at Torquere, called Christmas Fire. It's not just for Christmas, so in case you missed it, go forth and get it! It's about smokejumper Toby and cowboy Buddy, and their matchmakers are a very familiar Thatcher and his own smokejumper, Eli Marshal. Check it out!

http://www.torquerepress.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_list&c=1081

I'm also in Alleys and Doorways, a smashing anthology of urban fantasy! My story is about a young man who has a very special scrying talent. It also has Sean Michael, BA Tortuga, AJ Grant, Steve Berman and many more.

http://www.torquerepress.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_list&c=1125

Look for other stuff, soon, like Taking the Leap, the final Thatcher novel, featuring Ross and his new love interest!

did y'all think I forgot you?

been out of town 3 times and then had the death flu... I am here. I will pull winners for the contest. I will put out more fun stories...

lalala

new book out from Changeling Press

www.changelingpress.com

Myra's Mate is out! The sequel to Alpha Bites, Myra's Mate focuses on Myra, the bad luck kid of choosing men, and Colin, the werewolf she's getting set up with on a blind date.

Check it out today!

mas pimpage

http://www.ladyaibell.com/product_info.php?products_id=142&osCsid=4g3mkm84v9696m7be10nfhioh6

Yes indeed. On the Menu is finally out (they had server issues) with Lady Aibell, which is a subsidiary of Chippewa Publishing. It's only 2.00! It's a short tale, admittedly, but come on, you know you want it. Het warning! But I know some of you like my het. Go. Shoo. Buy it. It has an aphrodesiac menu and some very smokin' hot sex...

Also only 2.00 is Torquere's Offerings, which is my Opal birthstone story. Set in ancient Rome, it has gods and soldiers and a favor to Mars... yum

And finally, I want to re-pimp Tomb of the God King. I can't rave enough about this book. (www.torquerepress.com) I love the cover, I love the tone and subject, and I love the folks who inspired it.

go forth and read me!

It's out!

tomb of the god king that is

wooot

check it out, and the faboo review from CB Potts, who I would love to be like when I grow up...

http://www.torquerepress.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=631

I'm in love with the cover. I mean really. It's like a 1950s horror movie poster. Twirls

less than a week

to Vegas, baybee

Friday morning I wing off to the first round of the PBR championships. Cowboys... *bliss*

cowboys in the morning

so I'm out on my morning constitutional, and the neighbors down the way have made a scarecrow type thing where the pumpkin is not the head, but the butt, and it's mooning everyone. This cute cowboy in a city utilities truck drives by, then comes back around and stops, takes a picture of it and grins at me, then leaves.

And people wonder where I get my inspiration...

Contest!

In light of my new releases coming out, I have a contest!

For Myra's Mate, my Nov 3 release from Changeling Press, I have a smoothie kit, as that's what Myra does for a living.

For Tomb of the God King, from Torquere Press, I have a book on Ancient Egypt!

Email me at juliatalbot @ gmail.com for a chance to win! I'll draw winners the first of November

rain!

it's pouring. Thunder booming. Generally splatting.

What's your favorite rainy day activity? Besides the obvious first two choices!

upcoming stuff

Opal birthstone from Torquere - Offerings comes out Oct 25

Tomb of the God King - Top Shelf from Torquere comes out Oct 28

November 3 - Myra's Mate comes out at Chanegeling Press - The sequel to Alpha Bites, the first book in the Pack Mentality series.

Sometime in the near future? On the Menu, a short piece from Chippewa. It was to come out 2 weeks back, but they had server issues, so keep an eye out and I'll let you know when it's coming

What else?

Locked and Loaded, a Lesbian anthology from Torquere Press is out, and I have an old west lady gambler in it

There's more, including a Christmas single shot that features Jed Thatcher playing matchmaker, and more goodness early next year...

for now, I'll go back to watching bull riding...

new releases

I have a new release coming out at Lady Aibell. They're the erotica offshoot of Chippewapublishing.com. No exact date yet, but woo! Should be this week or next.

hit deadline one

now I just need to hit numbers two and three O.O

plugging away

deadlines deadlines

Lord have mercy.

How do you know you've really moved to Texas?

You look in your closet and see that you now own:

3 pairs of shorts, an article of clothing that I've not owned since I was in the south, 15 years ago

14 pairs of flip flops, which are still multiplying

tank tops and camis, all with little shrugs

3, count em three gimme caps

yup

I am officially in texas...

She lives!

well, sort of. I thought I might die in Atlanta in the end of July. Went to RWA, or romance writer's of america, and let me tell you, they say Texas is hot? Ha. Georgia really is hell. The best part of that trip was wending up 85 to see my brother in South Carolina.

People wonder where I get my ideas, but I tell you what, all you have to do is live to get writer's ideas. Sitting in a rental car at the armory in tiny town south carolina while a torrential downpour the likes of which you haven't seen in 15 years since you moved west, and the car is literally rocking while the the rain washed under it... yeah. That's a horror novel waiting to be born. At least I had cigarettes. And hell, I quit smoking 8 years back...

anyhoo, upcoming for me is a novel from Torquere Press in Oct, a new novella from Changeling press in late October or early Nov and a couple of print stories.

New from me is a print story! In Cowboys: Gay Erotic Tales. Actually, I have 2 stories in this one, a modern bullrider and an old west desperado... you can get it from Cleis Press, or here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1573442410/sr=8-2/qid=1155518141/ref=sr_1_2/104-1512940-3577519?ie=UTF8

I know, it's a long link. I'm just too lazy tonight to make it all html-y and pretty.

Take a look and take it to bed and...well, don't tell me what you do from there.

lalala

I'll keep you posted

Oh, and for those of you who want to know, I promise, there will be a Ross story, early next year


J

New Print book!

http://www.torquerepress.com/cart/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=438

Yes, indeed, Torquere Press has put more of my work in print! The book features A Gentleman of Substance, Post Obsession and 2 Single Shots. Thrust and Riposte, which is out of print in ebook now, and Remembering Pleasure. Historical naughtiness abounds. There's spanking, pearls, crops, and all sorts of Colonial through Victorian era hijinks...

Check it out!

So I've been away

but I'm back just in time to pimp my new Single Shot, A Pirate's Paradise. It's sort of a Lost meets Pirates of the Carribean. It's a historical, about West Indes captain Darien, who gets stranded on a very special island with a man who was born 150 years before he was even alive...


get it at www.torquerepress.com

Another great review of Alpha Bites

Title: Pack Mentality: Alpha Bites
Author: Julia Talbot
Publisher: Changeling Press
Publisher URL: www.changelingpress.com
ISBN: 1-59596-437-1
Reviewer: Tallyn Porter
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat Level: H

Jenny is attracted to both Sasha Leonovid and Liam O’Meara. She loves both men and doesn’t want to have to choose between the two alpha werewolves. The men do not know of each other’s involvement with Jenny and she would like to keep it that way. What’s a woman to do when her perfect mate comes in theform of two men?

Julia Talbot has created a sensual tale with romance and ménage a trios. Jenny is secretly dating both Sasha and Liam at the same time, but the men have a secret of their own. All three are alpha werewolves make for an interesting read. Jenny refuses to let either man go because she likes how they are both complete opposites. Sasha is a city boy while Liam is a country boy. Both men bring out different sides of her; the tomboy and the proper lady within her. I can sympathize with Jenny and her inability to commit to either men because they are both so scrumptious that choosing
between the two would be too difficult. The sex scenes between Jenny, Liam and Sasha were quite hot. The male/male and ménage were tastefully done and a definite turn on. I found that the “majority rules” works quite wonderfully in the bedroom. A character that I found to be quite interesting is Jenny’s roommate Myra. Her quirkiness and charm had me giggling out loud. I can’t wait to read how Sasha’s matchmaking abilities will work on Myra.

The fast-paced storyline brought out the intense passion between Jenny, Liam and Sasha and the lightheartedness between Jenny and Myra. I quite enjoyed how Jenny, Liam and Sasha’s relationship was not just physical but they love and trust each other to pursue this kind of relationship where jealousy is non-existent. Although at the beginning, since both men are alphas, possessiveness was quite prominent, working out the kinks to make their relationship work made for an interesting story. Pack Mentality: Alpha Bites is a delightful start to an intriguing series and I look forward to
Reading more from Ms. Talbot.

Tallyn Porter
Just Erotic Romance Reviews

books! News! hot sex!

Okay, so the only hot sex is in the books, but it got your attention, yeah?

My novel/novella Masque, which has been running on Turn of the Screw, is now available as a downloadable ebook. Woo! You can go here: www.torquerepress.com/cart and find me by author and there you go. If you like my Rossi family from Mysterious Ways and the Peacock and the Firebird, you'll like this. Or if you just like a good Renaissance romp with intrigue, revolving bedroom doors, and hot loving, check it out, too.

Also!

You can find my short story, Coyote Kate of Camden, in the new anthology Sleeping Beauty, Indeed. If you liked my Chance Encounters story (Torquere Press), or if you've read my other lesbian work, like my story in Rode Hard and Put Away Wet (Suspect Thoughts Press), then go get this collection today. Coyote Kate is a reworking of the Pied Piper, and there are tons of other good stories here, from popular myths redone to original fairy tales. It's yummy. Buy it! It's also available from Torquere Press!

Look at me and my bad self

I got a lovely review of Alpha Bites:

http://sensual.ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&id=150

Yay!

Upcoming, there's a Single Shot due out in um. June or July. From Torquere. About Pirates. Go me

woo hoo

The new book is out from Changeling! It's called Alpha Bites, and it's on the front page! www.changelingpress.com


Jenny is torn between two Alphas. With Sasha the dark-eyed Russian, and Liam the red-headed Irishman, she has an embarrassment of riches. They're both strong werewolf males. They're both amazing in bed, and they both love her.


The problem is, she just can't choose, and the more she tries to keep the relationships separate, the more she worries that they're starting to catch on.


It's Sasha who finally takes things into his own scheming hands, deciding that he, Jenny and Liam will make a fine pack of three.


Now all he has to do is convince them both it's a good idea.

New Book!

Landing With Both Feet is out! The sequel to my most popular book ever, Jumping Into Things, Landing has all the Jed/Eli goodness you could ever want! Ross and Kev are in there too, and all of the supporting characters from Nancy to Ken to Lloyd to the new guy, Brodie.

Go see!

Www.torquerepress.com

It even comes in paperback!!!

Less than 15 days

Until Landing with Both Feet comes out! So I'm celebrating. Who wants a copy of Jumping Into Things, Landing'd predecesor, in PAPERBACK. (woo, paperback?)

If you do, just email me at juliatalbot at gmail.com and tell me if Jed Thatcher is a dog man or a cat man. Nope, you don't even have to read the book to guess, you have a fifty fifty chance. And hey, this is me. If you read my blog/forums/website, you can find the answer pretty easily ;)
So, get those answers in! I'll draw a random winner on April 9th!

New Turn of the Screw

If you've been waiting for To Hell You Ride, my new Turn of the Screw serial over at Torquere Press, wait no longer! The first chapter is up. Yes, you have to be a member to read it, but hey, you get a *ton* of other great stories every month. You can find it here:

http://www.torquerepress.com/subs/index.html

Here's a wee excerpt from chapter one:

A light skiff of snow covered the ground, the air crisp as anything. The mountains above rose white against the lightening sky, pure and good. He'd have to be careful getting back up to the mine, for sure.

Perhaps ten paces from the steps of the hotel Roy stopped dead, his feet refusing to move anymore. Sir Edward Clancy was coming down, wearing a fine wool coat and a top hat.

Heavens above, no man should have eyes that green.

Roy dithered, almost too long, but he finally got himself going, snatching his hat off and stepping right into the man's path as he reached the bottom of the steps. Turning his hat in his hands, near squashing it to a pulp, Roy stuttered.

"Mr. Clancy," he said, his voice shaking. "I just wanted to tell you..."

"That's Sir to you," the man snapped, pulling on a pair of pristine gloves. "Now out of my way, if you will. I have errands to attend."

Eyes wide, Roy stood there, gaping. "But sir, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed…"

"I said move." And Sir Edward Clancy shouldered past him so rudely that Roy stood, stunned, for at least a full minute after, watching the retreating figure with a strong sense of being cheated.

Nothing that pretty on the outside should be so ugly.

not dead

Just tired and busy.

Look for Landing with Both Feet, the sequel to Jumping Into Things, to release April 15! It comes out in ebook *and* print from Torquere Press (www.torquerepress.com) These are my best and brighteset muses, from the bestselling novel I've ever written. Jumping Into Things has sold well over 1000 copies, and I couldn't be more tickled, so check it out.

If you're here more for the het, keep an eye out in June at Changeling Press. I have a new novela coming out there called Alpha Bites. It has m/m elements as well, because it's about three werewolves who form their own pack, Jenny, Liam and the mastermind behind it all, Sasha, who's a naughty boy.

More to come, so keep looking here for updates!

For the ERWF Blog Circle - Emily Veinglory

Star Crossed by Emily Veinglory

Simon is a hardened soldier rising through the ranks of the Thene army. When fate leads him to cross paths with the gifted psychic Slyn during a routine diplomatic assignment a deep bond forms between them, leaving them vulnerable to intrigue and danger.

For years their differences in social standing and culture keep them apart, making them both feel the pressure as the bond tries to bring them together again. Finally Slyn can stand it no longer and seeks Simon out˜with disastrous consequences. Can the two of them find a way to be together? Or are they destined to be Star Crossed?

www.torquerepress.com

New Single Shot!

From Torquere Press!

That's right, Remembering Pleasure is out. If you like your gay erotica Victorian and kinky, go here http://www.torquerepress.com/cgi-bin/ccp51/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F3614894&rnd=4590765&rrc=N&affl=&cip=71.211.158.129&act=&aff=&pg=cat&ref=ss039&catstr=HOME:singleshots

yay! Check it out :>

For the ERWF Blog Circle

New Release from Kay Derwydd: (URL for cover: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/iasomie/melindo_cover_small.jpg )

Melindo: My Lover Adrian is an elf living in a mortal world. He’s almost given up hope of ever finding others like himself, but then he meets an enigmatic singer named Erik. Adrian quickly learns to accept his true identity, as well as a love that will surpass all time.

Genre: Gay Erotic Paranormal Rating: Adult Length: Short Story, 8,300 Words Available at Chippewa Publishing: http://chippewapublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=91

EXCERPT: Adrian nearly dropped his cup, but the man caught it with an unnoticed move of his wrist—unnoticed by all but Adrian. He looked up at the man and smiled for the first time in several months.

“It’s always difficult, this time of year,” Erik said as he set Adrian’s cup on the bar beside them. “I promise it passes; you become accustomed to it after a while.”

“How did you know?” Adrian asked him, still in shock from finding another like himself. The man smiled and slid his fingers through the parti-colored twists and braids to reveal the faintest hint of a pointed ear. Adrian dropped his gaze, part from shame, part from embarrassment.

Erik slipped his other hand under his chin and lifted his head. “Don’t hide who you are,” he whispered.

If it had been anyone else, they wouldn’t have heard him, but Adrian heard him clear as day. In an odd twist of emotion, he suddenly felt ashamed for being ashamed. It wasn’t a feeling he was used to. Erik’s next move served only to unnerve him even more. Without another word, Erik leaned forward and opened his mouth on Adrian’s. Adrian’s breath left him when Erik’s tongue slid between his lips, parting them slowly and gently. The kiss was short but left Adrian lightheaded and breathless nonetheless.

“I have to go to work now,” Erik said quietly. He hadn’t released Adrian’s hair and his grip had tightened with their kiss.

“I finally find someone else and now you’re leaving?” Adrian asked him, feeling hurt and utterly confused. Erik smiled and pulled him close. Adrian gasped as their bodies met and pressed tightly together.

“Not at all,” Erik whispered close to Adrian’s lips. He nodded his head slightly in the direction of the stage. “I’m not going far. Won’t you stay and listen to the band?”

“You-you’re in the band?” Erik smiled. “I’m the singer.” He kissed Adrian softly, then left him and went to the stage.

“Who was that?”

Adrian turned to see Jacob giving him a rather quizzical look. Abby stood beside him, her arm linked in his, a knowing smile on her face. Adrian grabbed his cup and downed half the rum and Coke in one nervous swallow. Well, he thought, here goes. He turned to face the two of them and smiled sheepishly. “I guess I have some explaining to do,” he said as he looked from Jacob to Abby.

“You don’t have to explain,” Abby said, “but we’re more than willing to listen. It’s obvious now why you’ve never shown any interest in women.”

Adrian sat down on the barstool beside Jacob and sighed. “Yeah, I guess that probably is obvious now.” He looked up at them—at Jacob mostly—and said, “I’m sorry. It’s not something I’m extremely open about, but I suppose I should’ve said something a long time ago.”

Jacob shrugged and grinned. “Nah, no big deal, man,” he said. “You like guys; so what? You think it’s gonna change our friendship?”

Adrian let his gaze slip away, not wanting to confirm that very fear. Jacob’s hand on his shoulder told him that all was not as bad as he would imagine.

“Adrian, we’ve been friends for over ten years. Men or women, it doesn’t matter to me; you are who you are.”

“You’re not freaked out?” Adrian asked, raising a dark eyebrow.

“Not in the least. Although I am curious as to who that guy was,” Jacob grinned.

Adrian looked to the stage and remained quiet for several minutes as he watched Erik set up his mic. “I don’t know,” he said, “but I want to.”

lalala

I need more time to write. And these days more concentration. I Just haven't got it. O.O

deadlines loom

ack

Confessions of a vanilla erotica writer

I write erotica. I would love to say it's more high brow than that, but it's not. Probably for those who want to be technical you'd say I write erotic romance, because I tend toward relationship sex. Even my one night stands have a reason. A purpose. Something besides rubbing two bodies together.

Not all. *winks* but most.

I have written frottage and fucking, fisting and spanking. I have done threesomes and foursomes and even co-wrote moose smut. (Two moose, not a man and a moose. And they were weremoose, but still)

The point is, I am not easily squicked.

I'm really not.

So, recently, I was squicked. Not by the acts being talked about, so much, as the way they were bandied about. I'm not opposed to anything you want to do in your bedroom. Really. But sometimes, I don't want to hear about it. And frankly, making it into a one-upmanship contest where you try to shock people really makes me think maybe I *am* the vanilla erotica writer. Maybe it's the southern in me. Some things you just keep to yourself. Or maybe it's because I think erotica should be, well, erotic. Not gross.

I'm not in this business for dominance or humiliation. I'm in it for the love of good, hot sex. And it's a business. If that makes me sound callous, so be it, but you don't need to know what I do on my own time. And you don't need to try to shock me with how much you know about sex acts.

Just give me hot sex, with your average everyday folks loving each other.

I'll eat it up like vanilla ice cream.

rambles

got an idea for a new piece, hopefully for Changeling. The editor says werewolves are big, so I'll give it a shot ;) I just have to remember to tag my dialogue, as that's a pet peeve over there, where editors at other places would rather let the action tell you who's talking.

It's funny, how editorial styles differ between houses, and how everyone gets a wee defensive about it. ;) At least from the author's point of view. It's like, just tell me what to do and I'll do it. I promise.

I need to finish up the new Turn of the Screw for Torquere. It starts in March and I'm behind schedule.

Keep an eye out for contests and things to come!

lovely review

from Fallen Angel Reviews, for Recipe of Love out with Changeling Press.

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/January/Gretchen-RecipeForLove.htm

Does anyone ever go read these things? I do, and I want all of the lovely folks who have reviewd my books to know how much I appreciate them. I have more I need to find and post, from Just Erotic Romance Reviews, who are great peeps, but I'm scattered like chicken feed.

I think it might be time for a contest! I must ponder this

Slight correction

I indicated in an earlier post that the new single shot, coming in February from Torquere Press, would be set in 1920s Egypt. As is the way of fictional characters, they balked, and now I have a lovely Victorian piece with naughty spanking and multiple partners! Look for Remembering Pleasure in Feb. from www.torquerepress.com

Posted for the ERWF blog circle

Gay Fiction Discussion

Have you ever wanted a place to discuss gay fiction, no matter the genre? Well, look no further! Gay Fiction Disussion was created solely for that purpose. Erotic or not, from horror to historical, so long as it's fiction and focuses on GLBT characters, it has a place here.

Please visit us at http://gayfiction.forumsplace.com/ and help us to make this a wonderful community!

blink

blink.

I wish I had something profound to say but at this time of the morning I can only say I'm sleeepy

wow, look at all that time passed

Yeah, okay, so I went on a holiday for the holidays. Imagine me in a flannel nightie, sacked out on the couch, a Ding Dong in my hand and a chocolate stain around my mouth.

Or you know, not. Becuase I should maintain my writerly mystique, yeah?

In actual news, a book of mine made it as a finalist in the Fruity Awards. http://www.erwintl.com/finalists.php Check it out and keep your fingers crossed for me.

What else? New novel coming out in um. I keep forgetting. April. April? Hmm. Anyway, if you liked Jumping Into Things, which is my most popular novel, having sold some obscene 800 or so copies in a few years (hey! that's more than a copy a *day* people) you'll like Landing with Both Feet.

Or I hope you will. Because I think it's some of my best work. Period.

What else, you ask? Greedy guts. There will be a new serial on Turn of the Screw, Torquere's Serial fiction site. It will feature an old west miner and his fancy man. Did you like Partners on the Trail? Well you'll like To Hell You Ride. Also, I'm working on a new Single Shot for Torquere about 1920s Egypt.

I have other stuff in the works, some new het, hopefully for changeling press if they're kind enough to take more of my magical meanderings, and I have a mainstream romance idea that I have no idea where to send. Lalala.

Happy New Year to everyone! Much love and smut for the coming year.

what people are saying about Magic Touch

http://www.romrevtoday.com/Erotic%20Shorts/magic_touch.htm

The new short story

Recipe for Love, is available at Changeling Press. http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=258

It's a short story, a little less than 5000 words, but it's 1.99, so it's a steal. It's about Megan, a magical bakery owner, and the man she finds irresistable. Check it out!

Nope, haven't forgotten

I've just been crazy busy. That time of year, after all. I have a new story coming out over at Changeling Press, www.changelingpress.com. Het, for those interested in my non-male/male stories, and short and sweet. It's called Recipe for Love, so look for it soon.

The Magic Touch has been garnering reviews, so keep an eye peeled her to see more once I get them posted.

On the m/m front, I have a new novel out in April from Torquere, as well as a new Turn of the Screw serial slated to start in um. March I think. Yay.

I've been a busy bee writing shorts, and have had one accpeted for Lipstick on Her Collar, a collection of lesbian shorts due out next fall. I'm excited to be working with these editors again, as they were great to do business with on Rode Hard and Put Away Wet (available from Suspect Thoughts Press)

On the personal front, I'm trying to singlehandedly keep the post office in business, getting all my stuff mailed, and trying to clean out my house for an eventual move. Christmas looms, and I have very little done, but am determined to put up the silly tree this week and dig out the sparklies. I could use a little sparkle, after all.

I got a lovely review

here, look! A lovely review for The Magic Touch

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/November2005/Anita-TheMagicTouch.htm

many thanks to Anita at Fallen Angels Reviews

posting for the ERWF blog circle

Press Release from ERWF Member Kay Derwydd: "Novel Visions" by Kay Derwydd Available at Chippewa Publishing http://www.chippewapublishing.com $2.00

Jonathon Cayle is a horror novelist visiting New Orleans for a two-week long book signing stint. Unhappy with his life back in Atlanta with his girlfriend, he is grateful to be able to explore his preference for men while he’s out of town. What he finds in New Orleans, however, is the last thing he ever expected.

**Excerpt** He sat down on the bed, kicked his boots off, and draped his coat over the end of the bed to let it dry out. The stability of a regular mattress was a welcome relief. He was sick to death of Nadeen's obsession with waterbeds. He switched on the television to the news then began to undress. He only watched the news half-heartedly, feeling a bit out of the loop with the local bits, but he left it on as he went into the bathroom to fill the tub. He had an hour before Jess would be back and a nice soak in hot water would do him some good. As he sank down into the steaming water, he felt calmness sweep over him. Now this was heaven. No Nadeen, no ringing phones, no socialite visitors; just himself, a hot tub, and the decadence of New Orleans right outside his window. With the soothing effects of the water, he was finally able to think about his next book. He was in town to do the signings for The Hart Files, but he knew the plotline demanded another book. Rather, the main character demanded another book. Kain Hart: now there was a man to be reckoned with, and what better place to do a book signing for a vampire novel than New Orleans? Jonathon smiled and closed his eyes; if only Kain Hart were real. He chuckled quietly. If Nadeen knew he lusted after men, she would have a fucking heart attack. Jess knew, however, and she was constantly trying to set him up with some cute guy she knew. Jonathon groaned at the thought of finally touching a man again. The last time he had was nearly a year ago, long before he started dating Nadeen. Within two weeks of the beginning of their relationship, she had made it clear she was not fond of gays and lesbians. Jonathon's heart collapsed in on itself that day, but he stayed with her; only the gods knew why. As the steam wafted up around him and the tub, Jonathon felt himself drift off to sleep several times. If he had more time, he would give in. Every time he did, he was treated to a delicious dream of Kain Hart, his darkly sensual vampire from his latest novel. Oh, if only he were real. With a Kain Hart to keep him company, Jonathon would never return to Atlanta or Nadeen. He could not help but grin at the thought of the socialite bitch's reaction should that happen. So lost he was in his daydream of Kain, he did not hear the knock on his suite door until the person was nearly banging on it. **** http://chippewapublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=65&osCsid=39c41bcf9792a7e07f1c663e8c0f0712

New Single Shot!

from Torquere Press!

Called Partners on the Trail, this one is set in the old west. If you liked Cowboy Up and my story there, well, this one is for you!

www.torquerepress.com

dude

check it out. I got featured in a newsletter!

http://www.laceysavage.com/newsletter.htm

an excerpt from the new book

The Peacock and the Firebird, available from Torquere Press
www.torquerepress.com

Anthony is a maskmaker. Santino is a wealthy modern Venetian who has hired him to make masks for mid-summer. They have a definite attraction, but is it real, or is it an echo of the past?

***

"I am sorry. I think it was more of a rendezvous chamber. A..." he paused, searching for the words. "A love nest."

"Oh."

That caused Antonio to blush, which made Santino smile and move closer, brushing shoulders. "Oh. Yes. I the Lord of the house had liaisons he wanted to keep secret. Will it shock you if I tell you that all of the clothing I found in the trunks here were for men? For many different sizes of men in fact."

"Don't be silly, Santino. I've already opened my fat yap and told you how attractive you are. I think that makes it obvious that I agree with the Lord of the house."

Those fine cheeks were bright red, but Antonio looked at him from under dark lashes, flirtatiously, he thought. Irresistible. Putting an arm around Antonio's waist, Santino turned them both so they faced one another.

"Good. I do as well, you know." He laughed. "Of course you know. I all but admitted I got you tipsy to take advantage of you."

"I wish you had been able to."

Eyes wide, as if he could not believe he said it, Antonio stared at him. So close, those eyes and cheeks and lips, and Santino could not resist kissing them. All of them, pressing light kisses to Antonio's eyes as they closed, one of each cheek, then gnetly on the lips.

Soft and sweet, Antonio's lips, and they opened for him, letting him in. Santino would not resist such an invitation, how could he, and he pushed inside Antonio's mouth with his tongue, tasting wine and heat and spice. Antonio returned the kiss with enthusiasm, hands coming up to hold him in place, aggressive suddenly, pushing against him.

They hit the wall beside the door and the torch in his hand hit the floor, shattering, pieces of plastic scattering wildly. The sound and motion seemed to jolt Antonio, who pulled away, staring at him. Lips swollen, hair mussed, Antonio was the very picture of sudden passion, making Santino's prick throb in his trousers.

"I want you."

"I..." Poor Antonio looked so confused, both aroused and frightened. "I don't do this."

"What?"

"Kiss strange men. Have sex with a client. Any of this."

"But you want to." Please. Please say yes, he thought.

"Yes. Yes I do."

"Thank God."

my second book for the month!

This one from Torquere Press! www.torquerepress.com Look for The Peacock and the Firebird. Yes indeedy a new Rossi novel. If you liked Mysterious Ways, or even if you've never read it, you'll like Peacock. I promise ;)

New Book

Is now available!

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=222

I'll post an excerpt etc soon. Yay!

From the ERWF blog circle

Press release from ERWF member Fiona Glass: 'Elfmeet' by Fiona Glass

Chippewa Publishing LLC http://www.chippewapublishing.com $2.00

New and just released by Chippewa, this is a short fantasy tale about an elf who has grown up believing he is human. His life changes for good the day he runs away from home and meets a real elf in a village inn.

Extract: As they reached the door, the landlord glanced up, and called out in alarm. “Hey, young ‘un, don’t you be going off with the likes of him. One of the fairies, he is, or as near as dammit, and you know what they say about folks what goes with the fairies.” “They say they never come back unchanged,” Jon replied. “But that’s all right, I’m not sure I want to stay the way I am.” With that, he grasped Kes’ hand more tightly and followed him out of the door. The night was cool and clear. A new moon was rising over the village roofs and tiny snowflake stars dusted the sky. As they left the houses behind, the stars grew ever brighter until they filled Jon’s sight, sparkling like jewels against the black cloth of the sky. He breathed deep. “They’re beautiful,” he said. “I never really stopped and looked at them before.” Kes smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist. “Yes, they are beautiful. There are lots of beautiful things in this world that men never take the time to see.” Just past the last straggling buildings, he led Jon along a narrow path and into the woods. It was quiet in here with the deep silence of air that was rarely disturbed, and Jon felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. There was magic in the air, and a faint, silvery music that tinkled in the breeze, and if he wasn’t much mistaken, there were eyes amongst the leaves. “Who are they?” he whispered, holding as close to Kes as he could. “Just the rest of my tribe; don’t worry, they will watch over us and bless our mating,” Kes whispered back. Jon found himself in a clearing full of white flowers and the longest, softest grass he had ever seen. The trees formed a circle; their branches raised high to give a clear view of the sky. The moon had vanished behind some wispy cloud but the stars were still there, larger and more brilliant than ever, forming a vast and glittering necklace around the world. He stood and stared in awe until Kes tugged and he tumbled down amongst the grass stems in a tangled heap of leggings and limbs and hair.

_________________

E-books: One Degree of Separation from http://www.torquerepress.com Elfmeet from http://www.chippewapublishing.com

an ode to cowboys

oh, to see their fresh, clean cut faces under hats, their triangular torsos with the wide shoulders and narrow hips, their tiny butts framed by chaps...

what a wonderful world.

God, I love cowboys.

This rhapsodizing brought to you by the PBR... (www.pbrnow.com)

If you like cowboys, check out Cowboy Up from Torquere Press. It's a fab anthology and I'm more than a little proud of my story in it. (www.torquerepress.com) Also be on the lookout for Partners on the Trail, a new old west single shot from me at Torquere, out this month.