Talking Vampires...Again

What do you want out of your vampire? Silly question? I want to know. I've been investigating vampires again and wanted to know: What do you really want out of your vampire? What turns you off about a vampire? What is a must for a vampire?
You're probably thinking, Slayer's off her rocker again. Nope. Just reading more reviews.

The reviews aren't even for my work. Nope. I go looking for the next good book to read and check out the reviews. I walk away wondering if the book is really that good/bad and how two reviewers read the same book but have such diverging thoughts.

So about those vampires...Scary? Bloodthirsty? Killing all humans? My thoughts are, if the vampire in that particular author's world is destructive and scary sexy, the kind that's out to rule the world without taking humans as pleasure objects...great. Keep that world that way throughout the story. More power to you. Purists don't want vampires that sparkle, wink, make eyes at a female for another other reason than to destroy her in order to get her blood. Wonderful. Not my thing, but whatever works.

But what if the author stays true to the world they've created, but the vampire does something that's not typical. I'm pretty sure Dracula never sparkled. And yet, this practice of sparkling has created such a heated debate there are denziens of teen girls who think all vampires do nothing but. I cite the reviews of Dracula on Goodreads where the individuals are totally shocked that ole Drackie came first and doesn't shimmer.

Is there a tried and true this is the ONLY thing that vampires can do manuscript out there? If there is, I haven't seen it. Is it possible that one can be totally turned off by a vampire that does something out of the norm? Sure. I'm not one for guys who don't shave their bodies. Sorry, not big into hairy men. I figure it this way, if the vampire does something, say eat food, as long as the author has explained why - survival of the fittest and fitting in to do just that - then go for it. As long as it stays logical for the character and the world, who am I to say that the vampire is written wrong?

Or am *I* the one who is totally off my rocker? I'd love to know. Come on and chatter with me. Pros, cons... I'm all ears.

What's in a Vamp?

The other day I was tolling the Amazon fantastic and happened on a couple books that looked interesting. Both books featured vampires. I love a good vamp. Heck, I love a bad one. But the thing that really caught me on both books wasn't the cover, the blurb or even the first chapter. Nope. It was the reviews.

Why would I care about the reviews? Giggle. The reasons are many, actually. Reviews give insight into readers' thoughts while reading the book. They let us know what worked or didn't work on the book. I appreciate reviews. Besides, it feels good as a writer to know someone is not only reading what I wrote, but appreciating it.

I also look at them for what the reader wasn't impressed by. In the case of both books, it was the vampire. So now to my question, what's in a vamp? The one reviewer pointed out the the vamp didn't act like a vampire. Upon first read of the review and that particular comment, I thought, hmm you actually KNOW what a vamp should act like? The reason I said that was my last visit to an indie book store. There were at least five different subcategories of paranormal books. Shifters, faeries, fairies, vampires and witches. Then there are the zombies. I also had a friend who writes paranormal, vampires in particular. From what I've gleaned from not only her, but the store and the books I've read that are paranormal, the rules are your own as long as you stick to them and keep things constant.

That's where the reviewer had the issue. The vampire wasn't acting like a usual vampire. Now hmm. Is that fair? I'm not sure. If the author stuck to the constructs of the book's world, then the whole thing should be taken and reviewed on the story as a whole. Not the accepted practices of a vampire/zombie/witch/etc. Here's the thing. Zombies don't fall in love. Right? The standard for a zombie is an undead indivudual who wants to eat brains. Love doesn't factor into it. And yet, zombies are accepted within the paranormal community as being capable of romance. Back to my question - what's in a vamp? Just because he can eat/drink/pee, does that mean he's not a vamp? Maybe there was a reason behind what the author gave for him being able to do these things. And if the author stuck to that, then what's the issue?

So I ask, does a vamp have to stick within the standards of what a vamp - or any other paranormal being - should be or is the deviation okay? I'd like to think it is and that the story should be reviewed on the merits of itself. What are your thoughts? Am I off the mark? Losing it? Maybe a little closer than I think? Let me know.

Vampire Mine ~ The Finale

copyright c.2011 Megan Slayer

Cy fisted his hands behind his back. Not because Martin wanted something impossible, but because he wanted to make Martin’s desires come true. Was that crazy? Not as crazy as the need to be inside the man. Cy’s fangs elongated in his mouth. The bloodlust bubbled within him. Oh fuck. The last time things happened so fast, he damned near drained his partner. He turned away and grabbed the bottle of lube from the bureau.

When he returned his attention to Martin, Martin smiled and tipped his head. Sweetness radiated off his body and the scent of his blood filled Cy’s nose. The smile broadened a bit. “I trust you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have come on to you.”

Trust. What a completely common word with such an overwhelming meaning. His baser desires roared within him. Bite. Bite. Bite. Cy shivered and squirted lube onto his hand.

“Hard. Make me feel every last inch.”

Martin wanted it, then Cy would give. Cy wrapped his fingers around his cock, coating himself with the slippery lube. He swayed on his feet, caught up in the overwhelming need to sink his teeth into Martin’s vein. Cy lined his cock up with the tight rosette of Martin’s ass and pressed.

“Oh fuck!” The smile left Martin’s face and his eyes closed. His lips parted. “Yes.”

Cy groaned and pushed deeper into Martin’s ass. His vision blurred like when he bit into a victim. God, it was heady being with Martin. And he hadn’t even moved. Cy grabbed Martin’s hips and worked in and out of Martin’s body. Time and space meant nothing as he lost himself in the tight, hot depths of his lover. He tilted his head back and growled.

“Do it,” Martin gasped. “Please.”

Cy forced his eyes open. Where was his restraint? Where was his reserve? He wasn’t the type to let his vampire instincts just take over. “I can’t hold back.” Frustration thickened his voice.

“I’m yours.”

The world blurred again as Cy slumped forward and clamped down onto Martin’s neck. Sugary sweetness burst on his tongue. The pressure of Martin’s ass around Cy’s cock grew tighter. Fuck. He’d lose his load in a hot second. Cy shuddered and emptied his seed into the condom. He braced himself on his forearms and withdrew from Martin’s vein.
“Oh. My. God.” Martin went limp beneath Cy. “Wow.”

Cy pulled out of Martin and flopped onto his back beside his lover. Wow was right. He wasn’t sure how long they laid together.

“I came looking for you tonight.”

“Why?” Here we go. Cyrus braced himself for the worst. The things he wanted most never seemed to turn out. He stared at the ceiling rather than look into Martin’s eyes.

“I wanted you.” Martin rose up on his elbow. He splayed his hand across Cy’s chest.

“So you said.” Optimism blossomed, but Cy snuffed it out. No hope was better than crushed hope. Still, he liked the feel of Martin touching him.

“I wanted you to notice me. You always seem so low—like someone kicked your cat. Broke my heart.” Martin smoothed his hand up Cy’s chest to his chin. He forced Cy to look at him. “When I see your gorgeous eyes and sexy smile, I can’t look away.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Flatter you?” Martin nodded and caressed Cy’s bottom lip with his thumb. “I don’t, you’re right, but I want to. Call me crazy, but I’ve been a little in love with you since we met.”

“Met? Like a couple hours ago? That’s too quick for love at first sight, even for a pessimist like me.”

“Kinda.” Martin shrugged. “I’ve been coming to the bar for at least six months. Since I made partner at Ellis and Ellis.”

“Partner? Wow.” Okay, that impressed him. The guy had a career and a future. Coming to the bar for six months watching him? That was a little spooky. Was it a vampire fetish? Death wish?

“Yeah, I’d sit in Candy’s area and just take in the sights. She knew about the crush. Hell, she figured it out before I did. Maybe it was the look in my eyes or the bloody Mary. I’m not sure.”

Cy did the mental computation. He’d made so many drinks, but with a name like Bloody Mary, it stuck out. He hated mixing the concoction...so messy and unappealing. “So that was you... but why didn’t you come talk to me before tonight?” If he’d have known it was Martin on the receiving end, things would’ve been different.

“I never said anything. I’m shy. I know, a shy lawyer. What a crock of shit.” Martin rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I have to sound like a lunatic.”

“I don’t think so.”

Slowly Martin turned his attention back to Cy. His eyes widened. “Can I be honest?”

“Please do.” There wasn’t much more Martin could say that would shock him.

“I worked over at least fifteen ways to say hi without looking like a stalker but I couldn’t go through with it. Chicken shit, I guess. I saw how you dealt with customers, how you smiled, laughed every once in a blue moon, and I wanted more than one night. Yes, Candy gave me the extra push, but offering myself was purely my idea. It was exactly what I wanted to do.” Martin’s chest rose and fell with each excited breath.

“Wanted?” Cy cupped Martin’s cheek with a shaky hand.

“Still want to.”

If Martin could be honest, then so could Cy. “You know the mate thing is a crock of shit, right? A tall tale perpetuated by those who know nothing about vampires. We hook up like anyone else and there’s no destined love. Its just attraction and we hope it works out.”
“Good.”
“Good?” The response was so final.

Martin shrugged again and the smile returned. “I’d rather be your boyfriend and lover than some made up mate.” He crinkled his nose. “Besides, mate sounds so primitive.”

Cy chuckled. He still had the limp condom on and Martin’s blood on his tongue. Being with Martin wasn’t anything like he’d expected, but more than he could’ve hoped for. “Boyfriend does have a nice ring to it.”
Martin snuggled up next to cy and wrapped his arm around Cy’s middle. “Cy?”
“Yeah?” Cyrus raked his fingers through Martin’s hair. Things had gone so fast, but hell who was he to question a simple twist of fate?

“Let’s make love again. I like knowing I belong to you.”

“You got it—once I ditch the rubber.” Then they could make love all night long.

“Sounds like a plan.”

Vampire Mine ~ Part Four

copyright c.2011 Megan Slayer

Martin stepped back. He’d opened his heart and poured his thoughts out for Cyrus to do whatever he wanted and all Cy had to say was it’s not that hot. What the hell?

“They say hell’s hot. It’s bad, but not that bad.”

Oh. Wait. Martin processed Cy’s words. “What are you talking about?”

“Hell.” Cy’s voice dropped an octave. “I’ve been there.” He nodded. “Come on in. You’re here.”

Something wasn’t right and yet, he had no idea what the fuck it was. He stepped into the living room of the apartment. Boring. That was the first word to come to mind. Cy’s home, if it was indeed his home, was boring as all get out. No knickknacks, no posters, nothing to give the room personality.

“I don’t usually crash here. This was my grandmother’s place.”

That explained a lot. Martin forked his fingers into his hair, not knowing what else to do with them. There was so much he wanted to say and so many things he wanted to do with Cy—like fuck against the door. “Cy.”

Cy crossed the space and pulled Martin into his arms. He parted his lips and rubbed his thumb along Martin’s bottom lip. “You’re a very beautiful man. I’m a monster. I like you. A lot. Run or stay, it’s up to you.”

Wow. He’d hoped, but Martin wasn’t totally sure Cy would appreciate his coming to Cy’s place. Hell, he didn’t even think Cy saw him as attractive. But beautiful...? Martin swayed on his feet. He had to do something other than just bobble there. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Cy’s. Rough skin met soft slick skin. Martin shivered. Cy tasted like wine and something else. His brain shouted sunshine, but how the fuck was it possible a vampire could taste like the one thing that should kill him?

Cy’s groan, combined with his inching closer to Martin turned Martin on more. Cy was intoxicating. Getting involved with him could be deadly. Why did Martin suddenly not give a shit if Cy killed him?

Martin broke the kiss and dropped to his knees. He’d never been so overt, but fuck, he needed to taste the delectable vampire. Martin rubbed his face on Cy’s groin, memorizing the scent of smoke and liquor on Cy’s clothes. The musk of excited man hung in the air as well. Nice.

“I shouldn’t want you so much,” Cyrus rumbled. “But shouldn’t sucks cock.”

“No.” Martin fumbled with Cy’s button and the zipper on his jeans. “I suck cock.”

Eyes rolling back, Cy forked his fingers into Martin’s hair, tugging the short strands. The rush of pain kicked his lust into another dimension. The definite bulge in Cy’s jockey shorts indicated something was brewing between them. Martin smoothed his mouth over Cy’s erection and breathed in deep. God, he loved the smell of turned-on man.

Cy moaned and slowly worked his groin against Martin’s face. Martin took the opportunity to lick from the bottom to the top of the bulge.

“Fuck.” The grasping got tighter. “Too good.”

No shit. The whole scene was too damned good. Martin inched back and rifled in his back pocket for his wallet. Condom. He always had a spare or two. Too bad he never really got the chances to use them. The foil refused to budge from the thick leather. Fuck. Of all the times he wanted a condom and now the thing wouldn’t cooperate.

“Take your time.” Cy ripped his shirt up over his head and shifted his weight. He smoothed his hand from Martin’s hair and cupped his cheek. “We’ve got till the sun comes up around seven.”

That sounded a little better, but he still felt stupid. Couldn’t even get a condom from his wallet. Martin closed his eyes and took a long draw of air. Settle, he reminded his nerves. Time to settle. As he let out the breath, he gazed at Cy. Even a little weathered, the guy oozed sex appeal. Crooked grin, deep-set eyes. And then there was the body. Lean muscle in all the right places, a thin trail of hair between his pecs...delicious. Martin wobbled on his knees.

“Sheath me so we can find heaven.”

Cy’s command brought Martin from his lust-induced haze. Sheathing. Yes. That would be a great idea. He pulled the pesky packet from his wallet and ripped the foil with his teeth. At the same time, Cy worked open his jeans and shoved the denim towards the floor. The fabric pooled at his feet in a soft thump.

Martin gasped. No boxers. No briefs. Just sexy, shorn cock. Wow. Martin stared up at Cyrus as he rolled the rubber down Cy’s length. Cy shivered and a slow smile curled on his lips.

“Drop you pants.”

Martin scurried from his position on the floor and unbuttoned his slacks. The cotton tangled around his ankles as he shoved his boxer shorts in the same direction. God, he had no grace when he wanted fucked.

“Easy does it.” Cy placed his hand on Martin’s back. “On the bed on all fours.”

“I want you to bite me.”

“Martin.”

“There’s more between us than just lust.” Martin sat on the edge of the bed and leaned back, exposing his ass. “I don’t understand how, but I belong to you.”

Vampire Mine ~ Part Two

copyright c.2011 Megan Slayer


“Um...” Martin tapped the top of his bottle with his index finger. “You’re a vampire?”

“I’m a bartender.” Cyrus glanced away and fidgeted with his towel. “Nothing thrilling.”

“I see.” Martin ran his thumbnail down the line of condensation on his beer bottle. “Candy told me all about you. Crazy. She seemed to think we’d hit it off.” He paused and drummed his fingers on the bar top. Fuck. He never should’ve listened to the bubbly waitress. She might know Cyrus, but the way to really get to know him wasn’t bluntness. Still, he couldn’t help but be drawn to him, vampire or not. “I think we might...hit it off.”

Cy’s eyes widened, but he said nothing.

In for a pound... “If you’re a vampire—it’s cool. I’m not looking for status or a one nighter. I’d like a hot time with a hot guy, absolutely. A glass of wine, good conversation...”

“Hot sex?” Candy elbowed in next to him and nodded to Cyrus. “He wants hot sex, he’s just being a doofus and not saying it.”

A crimson flush crept across Cyrus’ cheeks and down his neck. Although Martin wanted to wrap his hands around Candy’s pretty little neck and wring it, he couldn’t help but smile at Cyrus. The blush was so sexy. Yeah, he did want hot sex with Cyrus and damned soon.

“I’m needed down at the other end of the bar.” Cyrus dipped his head and scurried away.

“Thanks, Candy. How sweet of you. I was making progress.”

“Bullshit,” she snorted. “I saw you. You’re so screwed.”

“No, I’m not.” Angry, more than a little. She had such timing.

“Seriously?” She leaned one elbow on the bar and leaned into him. “Good advice? Good wine? Just say what you freaking mean. You want to go into the office and suck him off.”

Okay, she kind of had him there. Just not in quite such blunt terms. “I thought I’d use a little more finesse.”

“Finesse blows.” She snorted and glanced out over the dance floor. “Look, it’s almost two am. Last call should be...” she pointed at the DJ.

“You know what time it is folks, Last Call.” The DJ waved his hands in the air. “Get those last drinks ‘cuz the bar closes in exactly ten minutes.”

Candy grinned. “See? Right on time.” She leaned in a little closer than Martin wanted and whispered, “He takes exactly twenty minutes to clean up—OCD, I swear. Be here at 2:20 sharp.”

“Candy.”

“Offer him a ride. He always walks and why? He can kick almost everyone’s collective ass. And, no, he doesn’t know I know about him being gay and a vampire, but I’m telling you, a woman knows.” She tipped her head and ambled away into the gyrating group of dancers.

Martin peeled the edge of the label on his beer bottle and thought about her words. It had been quite a long time since he’d had anyone to talk to. Even longer since he’d been in a relationship he enjoyed. He placed money on the bar and strolled into the crisp night air. He had a little less than half an hour to make up his mind.

Stay or go.

He plopped down behind the wheel of his Beemer and scooted low in the seat. He thought about Cyrus. With other men, Martin had no troubles. They saw his blue eyes and crooked smile and the deal was sealed. With Cyrus? No dice. The guy scared him. Was it the vampire thing? No. It was Cyrus, so damn skittish. What was he afraid of? Who hurt Cyrus?

Martin drew a long breath and let it out slowly. He wanted to do this right, despite Candy’s advice. Cyrus deserved honesty and the best Martin could give him. He climbed out from behind the wheel and headed back into the bar.

He’d listen to a little of Candy’s advice.

But just a little.

Vampire Mine ~ Part One

After much thought and talk with the girls, I went with a vampire - I do know a lot about them, living with three - and well, why not. So here's part one. Read and enjoy!


copyright c.2011 Megan Slayer


“Vampire!”

Cyrus jerked up from his place at the bar. Vampire? Who squealed? Techno music blared and sweaty bodies gyrated before him. A rainbow of colors splashed all over the bar top and glittered on the hanging wine goblets and brandy snifters.

“Come on everyone and dance to the latest by Mamie Lala, Vampire.” The DJ worked the tables and switched the track. The first strains of the Mamie Lala song thumped the floor of the bar.

Cyrus rolled his eyes and resumed drying the tall boy beer glass. He didn’t exactly advertise his...persuasion. Once most women found out he was a vampire they wanted one of two things, to say they’d bedded a vampire or to run the other way. The last one to get to know him beyond his name and preferred blood type was Annabel and she left once she realized he couldn’t provide the things she wanted, like long walks in the sunshine or day trips in the convertible. And he wasn’t really interested in getting married in a church. Call him crazy but the possibility of immolation didn’t really sit well with him.

Candy, one of the waitresses wiggled up next to him. “Like this song?” She bumped him with her hip. “I liked War Horses better. Are you finally gonna ask me out tonight?”

Cyrus placed the glass right side up on the drying towel. “Well, hon, I’m actually thinking about cashing in when the night’s up. Not in a cheery mood.”

“You never are.” She drummed her fingers on the bar top. “Oh hell. He’s here again.” Candy dug her elbow into Cyrus’ side. “Since you refused, I’m asking him to dance.”

Cyrus looked in the direction she pointed. Oh hell was right. He wobbled on his feet for a moment. He’d hoped the guy would come back, but then again, he was a terrible judge of character. For all he knew the guy wasn’t even gay or bi.

Oh well. Right now he had drink orders to fill and more tall boys to wash.

“Beer please?”

Cyrus turned towards the voice, ready to get the order. Instead of a club kid or one of the waitresses, his mystery man smiled and tipped his bottle.

His heart hammered in his chest—odd since Cyrus didn’t really need it. He forced himself forward and flattened his hands on the bar top. “Draft, bottle or house?”

The man tilted his head towards the dance floor. “Your girl there hooked me up with a Bud. Got anything by the house that’s better?”

His girl? Crap. His brain didn’t want to work. What the hell did they have for beer?

“Buddy, stay with us. I just meant I wanted a new beer. You okay?”

Shit. He’d been staring way too long. Cyrus bumbled through the beer selections. “What’ll you have?”

“What do you suggest?”

“I’ll ask Candy. She’s tasted everything on the list and a few I didn’t know we had.”

“You don’t drink?”

Not anything with liquor in it. “Nah. Not any longer.”

As if on cue, Candy bounced up next to the mystery man and pressed her breasts into his shoulder. “Since neither of you want to take me home, why don’t you two go fuck each other.”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh Martin, stuff it—in Cyrus. You can say you had a vampire.” She giggled and shrugged. “Or not.” Giggling again, she flopped her hair over her shoulder.

“I see.” Martin averted his gaze. “Awkward.”

And thanks to Candy, his secret was out and his mystery man not interested.

Shit.

Monday Author Interview ~ J.P. Bowie

Today we’d like to personally introduce a talented author and one of Megan’s favourites, JP Bowie.

Heck, yeah, man. I love the Vampire Series. We’re glad you’re here. So, JP, where are you from?


I was born in Aberdeen on the Northeast coast of Scotland - a bloody cold spot on the map. I moved to London when I was 19 and got involved with theatre work as a singer. My partner at the time was offered a dancing job in Las Vegas so we pulled up stakes and headed west where I have remained ever since living alternately between California and Nevada.


So you’re near Kealie. Road trip!! *g* Now, tell us your latest news.

Yes. Dish!

Currently I have 3 books in various stages of being edited and proofed and I have been doing some audio work for Audiolark which keeps me very busy. Audio work is fun to do though, as it lets me use some of my theatrical tendencies - you know, you can’t keep a good drama queen down!

Oh so now we very much have to go hunt those down. A good voice always brings the book to life—especially if there’s a brogue. What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book A Portrait of Phillip came about after I’d read about a coma patient who suddenly woke up after 10 years - I thought, Wow, that must be an amazing experience, so I wrote the story based on a young artist who was gay-bashed and in a coma for 3 years. I thought 10 years was a bit excessive for the storyline. When he wakes up he finds his lover had died in the bashing, then with the aid of a hunky PI he discovers that it wasn’t a gay-bashing at all, but a deliberate plot to silence his lover. That one story developed into a six consecutive stories, which I’m happy to say are getting a whole new lease of life as ebook releases through MLR Press.

Wow. Now that’s some research and heart string pulling stuff. Since you’re talking about realism, how much of your books is realistic?

I have written 8 vampire stories, so although they could be called unrealistic, for me, and from the emails I get from readers, for them too, the characters in the books feel very real. Paranormal stories are favourites of mine, apart from zombies. Can’t quite get past all that drool and pus - ugh. Not something I’d want to kiss. But vampires have a special allure, and I enjoy writing about them. The good thing about vampires is that you make anything of them you want, as long as you don’t take away the supernatural aura that must exist. The beautiful hypnotic eyes, the superhuman strength and the undeniable sensuality they exude. Plus I like their vulnerable side - their need to be protected from sunlight and silver tipped weapons. Realistic? Yeah!

What do you mean they aren’t real? I live with three vampires. *g* Love them all, so they are real to me, too.

You keep collecting new ones, too. What I want to know is, who is your favourite character?

I have three of four favourite characters actually. Jeff Stevens, the private investigator from the Portrait series, Marcus Verano, the master vampire from My Vampire and I series, and Nick Fallon, another private investigator from the Nick Fallon Investigation series. All these guys have strengths and frailties. They can charge in like the cavalry at the eleventh hour, but they can also make mistakes which for me makes them endearingly human - yes, even the vampire! I recently added another favourite - Sergeant Jack Caruthers, an Aussie soldier featured in one of my recent novels, Nowhere to Hide. Jack’s the kind of guy you definitely want at your back in moments of crisis - and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eye and a great kisser!

Le sigh. Love a good kisser, especially if he’s hot.

Oh good grief. Stop or go fan yourself. Back to the interview. How many books have you written and which is your favourite?

I think I’m going on 46 books with three of four waiting in the wings. Some of those like Cruising and Lunches in Laguna are part of anthologies for Total-e-bound but most are single releases. A Portrait of Phillip was my first book and for that reason probably it’s my favourite. My Vampire and I was my first vampire story and still remains my pick of the series. In a way, it’s hard to just say “that’s my favourite”, because usually when I finish writing a story I’m pleased with it - like With a Little Help From My Friends and Trip of a Lifetime. I love the characters in both of those books.

With a Little Help was a favourite until I got a chance to devour the Vampire series. Hey, I’m a fan. And since I’m a writer, do you have any advice for other writers?

For new writers waiting for their first release I share their excitement. For those awaiting news of their first submission, I know what that feeling of dread is like. For those who have had their work rejected, I say there’s nothing like stick-with-it-ness. It’s the old adage, if at first you don’t succeed, etc. For those who receive a lousy review for the work they created, sweated and cried over for weeks or months, sometimes even years, just say, “Sod it!” and move on. A review is only one person’s opinion after all. And for those writers who give other writers lousy reviews I say, “Sod you!”

Can I say I am in love? Seriously. He got it totally right. I haven’t gotten my first review, as my book isn’t out yet, but I’m working on the thick skin aspect.

Yanno, I’m grinning, too. We’ve both been on the poor end of reviews, even if it’s for our free reads and we certainly know the sting of rejection/revision. But let’s move onto the fun stuff. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I had a boyfriend who was determined to get me to like sushi. I never fancied it, but you know when you’re keen on someone you go along with it, so...in we went to this quite expensive sushi place, and I did all right until the eel...OMG...I can still remember the godawful texture. The expression on my face must have been a picture. I spat it out into my napkin and said, “Let’s go!” The boyfriend was not impressed.

I’ll be right back. I’m going to be sick. Eel? Sushi? Shudder.

She’s got a weak stomach. Shrugs. When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?

What happened?

Now, now. You look fine. We both love the thunder. Do you like thunderstorms?

Love thunderstorms - we get some big ones in the desert that are truly awesome. I stand outside - I know, not clever - and let the rain pour down on me. I’ve actually used thunderstorms a couple of times in books.

Isn’t that what thunderstorms are for? Well, that and nookie, but...

Hush, you. She’s incorrigible. Can you tie a cherry stem in a knot?

Can’t everyone?

Yeah, then throw in a race to see who can first. That’s an icebreaker. Last question: What is your favourite animal?

Scottish terriers - I’m dogless at the moment but plan on fixing that soon. I had two Scotties, Angus and Sheena and they were the best dogs I ever had. So full of personality - no other dog could swagger like Angus could!

Awwwwww. We love dogs, too. Thanks for stopping by and for those interested in his book, Nowhere To Hide, here’s the blurb and the linky. Thanks JP and you’re always welcome to come back. We’ve got lots of room on the couch.

An American doctor meets an Australian soldier in the wilderness of Darfur, and soon their passion burns hotter than the desert sun.


Doctor Mark Hamilton working for Doctors Who Care International and stationed at a refugee clinic in Darfur, never thought he'd meet and fall in love with someone like Sergeant Major Jack -Boomer- Caruthers in the middle of the strife torn territory-nor could he ever imagine being sold as a sex slave to an exiled Prince!

Fortunately for Mark, it's Jack to the rescue. The two men make a daring escape into the desert and are picked up by Jack's team, but Mark ignores Jack's warning not to return to the clinic, with dire results.

Once again made captive by the slave traders, Mark can only cling to the hope that Jack's love for him is strong enough to face the dangers he will encounter in the vast deserts of Somalia.

Sending it Out into the World...What if...?

So...I've got this neat little WIP. I've worked and worked on it to make it shine. Well, shine in my opinion. It's time to get it out of my computer and get it into the hands of a CP.

Here's the scary part. Well, the first scary part. I've worked and worked on this short story. I love the characters and feel like they are not only a part of me, but a part of my family. I've heard some authors say their books are like their children. I wouldn't say Tory and River are my children, but rather some damn sexy men I got out of the closet.

I've known the sting of working on a story and polishing the diamond only to find it's a very clean turd. Blunt, but the truth. I hate working on something and finding out there is a huge plot hole or a gigantic TSTL moment or something in it. Drives me crazy.

So, I'm scared. I love Tory, but I'm uncertain that he doesn't come off a little too good to be true. It's possible, but will readers buy into his feelings. And then there's River. This guy has been put through the ringer at the hands of another person. I want to make sure the reader feels his feelings and can understand him. I want them to like both men.

(I'm shaking a little here.) So, out into the world it goes.

How do you deal with the stress? Ladies? I'm asking you, too. How do you cope and feel less twitchy when the work you've slaved over has gone out to be picked apart?

I'm game to know, so I can at least keep myself occupied. (Well, the boys have offered several creative suggestions, and I'm completely open to trying the suggestions, but that's neither here nor there.)

Resolutions....

So yesterday Mysti asked if anyone had any resolutions. I do. I want to have a story pubbed. I mean really pubbed.

I've got two going (Well three). One's M/M, one's M/F with BDSM elements, and one (a set of four eventually) with Kealie.

M/M one is done...not polished and not edited enough to send anywhere, but it's done.

So that's my resolution. To get at least one story pubbed this year. It's a goal I've got anyway, so why not make it a resolution and something I can hypothetically achieve. (Don't want to toot my own horn or undercut myself...that's the best on the fence I can come up with.)

Stop back tomorrow for our First Hottie of the New Year. Oh, and the poll for Best Hottie of 2010 is coming very soon. Promise.

Pretty Paper and Fancy Bows

I love wrapping presents, but I have a question. Do you shop for specific paper for specific people? Or are you one paper fits everyone?

I'm the first type. I have about 15 rolls of Christmas wrap. Gerard and Luke have a secret (well, not now) love of Batman. So they get Batman paper. Jeremy loves Scooby Doo. So he gets Scooby paper. The youngling? He gets Star Wars. Loves ole Darth Vader. Mom, she gets something with pretty birds or snowmen. You know, the sparkly, glittery kind. Except this year, because I fell down on the job--long story--I tend to give those I truly love presents with lots of bows. I don't put tons of ribbon cuz I'm good with whips and chains, but not knots. (not knots...heee heee). Dad gets something with tractors on them.

Oh, and yeah, I shop for the cats and the dogs. Sure. They love having Christmas socks and getting things. Who doesn't like getting things? I love giving, so it all works out.

One more thing: What do YOU want for Christmas? I don't have a very long list this year. I have the boys already. Have the pets. Have the youngling.

So what do I want? Something sparkly!!! Ruby, Garnet, or Sapphire and I'm good.

What about you?

I Made It! Introducing Megan Slayer

Helllllooooooo to all of you beautiful people!

Yeah, I'm a bit late... call it fashionable.

I'm Megan Slayer and I'm a wild one (gave you an ear worm, he he he). I like to walk a little left of center, but no one's complaining--yet.

I write dark romance. Vampires, Were-creatures, bondage, hey, I'm easy to please (depending on who you ask.).

I have two Cabana boys (why have one when two are better), Luke and Jeremy and occasionally Gerard (Can't blame a girl for being popular). I have an extensive whip collection and a school-age child.

I have my own blog, but I rather like it here, too. Friday's are my day to blog so stay tuned.