Thursday, May 20, 2010

Rambling...


A quick note about some awesome news: "Shut Up and Kiss Me" earned its first review and it was pretty darn good!

Got Erotic Reviews gave it 4 Diamonds and said, in part: The characters won me over early on and I found the internal and external conflicts believable. Plus there was the added bonus of some nice, hot sex while the characters struggled with their needs and their feelings.

In other not really newsworthy news, I'm finding it difficult to maintain any one train of thought lately. I'm bouncing between the release of "Shut Up and Kiss Me" (TOMORROW!!!!), completing interviews and guest blog posts for my virtual tour, editing one completed short, writing a new story and just day to day living.

More than once I've been in the middle of something, stopped and then wondered: What was I just doing?

Or stood and walked into another room and completely forgotten what I wanted to do in there.

The days are speeding by (how can it already be MAY?) and I don't know what it is that I do all day to keep busy, but I am certainly busy and the hours pass in a blur.

I'm thinking I need a set schedule. What do you think? Anyone else have this problem? If so, what do you do about it?

Monday, May 17, 2010

Author Interview ~ Juniper Bell


Good morning, everyone. Today we have with us for our interview, Author Juniper Bell. Let’s all make her feel nice and welcome here at The Menagerie! :::snapping fingers::: Caban Boys, make sure you take care of her!

Welcome Juniper, our boys will take good care of you, and hopefully so will we. LOL Megan’s gonna get us started today, so take it away, girl!

Hello, Juniper. (Ooh that sounded all Hanibal-esque... hee hee). We’d love to get to know you. Where are you from?


First of all, thanks for inviting me to your couch! It sure is cozy here. I’ve lived in so many places, I’ve lost count, but right now I live in Alaska most of the time, and Hawaii some of the time (not nearly enough.) We’re headed back there shortly, and I’m counting the days. In Alaska, I live outside of a little town known as the “Halibut Capital of the World.”


Sounds very interesting, although I’m sure you didn’t think so at the time.

I love me some sand and surf, too. Not too sure how I feel about halibut, but someone’s gotta live there. Tell us your latest news?


I’m very excited about my newest books, Her Three Lords is coming soon from Ellora’s Cave and Training the Receptionist, which is coming out on March 2 from Samhain Publishing. It’s an erotic novella about one girl’s naughty dream job and her two extremely naughty bosses. It was a ton of fun to write. If it’s okay, I’ll share the blurb:

It’s her naughty dream job—if they’re satisfied with her performance…
Eager to escape her miserable existence in Low-Life, Long Island, street-wise Dana Arthur jumps at an entry-level position with the consulting firm Cowell & Dirk. As her training period begins, she quickly discovers she’s required to do more than take messages and order office supplies. Her job description contains some deliciously naughty duties that give receptionist a whole new meaning.
Simon has almost given up on finding the right woman who will please his clients as well as his demanding partner and mentor, Ethan Cowell. No one measures up—until Dana. Her inner fire and fearless nature are perfect for the job. No matter what wicked punishment he devises to chastise her for her on-the-job mistakes, she accepts with a relish that leaves him wondering which one of them is really in control.
The last thing he expects to discover is that she’s a perfect sexual soul mate he can’t bear to share. But share he must—it’s part of his business agreement. Unless he makes Ethan the deal of a lifetime…
Warning: This title contains explicit sex, bondage, ménage, ingenious use of office furniture, lingerie, and the occasional sex toy. Oh, and did I mention the package delivery guy?

Looks interesting!

Saucy and a tad raunchy in a good way. I love those kind of books. But I gotta know, How much of the book is realistic?


LOL! None! Well, the office job setting and the dead-end town where Dana lives are realistic, but the things that go on at the firm of Cowell & Dirk are not exactly professional! Hopefully readers will keep in mind that this book is not meant to be a manual for proper on-the job behavior.


LOL that could cause some issues if they took it as a manual. *snor*

Not a manual... sheesh. Take all the fun out of it. Hee hee. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?



That question almost made me spill tea all over my keyboard! Um, no, the events depicted in “Training the Receptionist” are completely fictional and based only on the kind of daydreams that flit through your head when you’re totally bored at work. I’ve done my time in office job cubicles, and sometimes my imagination gets a workout. This book is the result.


You mean you never … misbehaved in an office?

A worked out imagination is either the best thing in the world, or totally dangerous. I like dangerous. The book had my attention. Do you see writing as a career?


I do see writing as a career, and I’ve been a professional writer in one form or another since I started working. (Well, after the chambermaid and grill cook stints.) Mostly I’ve worked in TV news promotion, writing teases for upcoming newscasts. (You know, “Tonight at 11, Lose weight while you sleep! Plus, another robbery spree stuns local dry cleaners.” That kind of thing.) I started writing erotic romance about three years ago, and I hope I can make a career out of it because it’s so fun and so satisfying and I love it so much. But no matter what, I’ll be writing.

Seems like you have a lot of practice.


Yup, so glad you came on over to the dark side with us. We have cookies! How long does it take you to write a book?


Some books go quickly, some take longer because I decide they need more rewriting. I’m a big rewriter. I’m not satisfied with a book until I’ve let it sit for a while, then gone over it a few more times. Sometimes I change entire plot lines that don’t seem to work. I seem to be getting faster the more books I write. I admire authors who are able to write a lot of books while keeping the quality high. Maybe someday I’ll be like that!

See, that’s why I’m a pantser. I, too, never finish editing. Then again, maybe you can take a discarded plot line and use it for another book? Oh, but I’m getting away from topic.What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Did you know that iridescent tattoo ink is hard to find and considered dangerous? I wanted a character to have an iridescent tattoo, but I had to change it. Maybe I’ll write a paranormal set in a future world where a non-toxic iridescent ink has been invented.

Hmmm... sounds all CSI to me, but I like it.


Me too, love that side of it. What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?


Besides a man? But seriously, I’m obsessed with yaks. We don’t have one but I want one. My sweetie thinks I’m insane. I know people here in Alaska who have yaks on their farms. Yaks like this climate. They’re playful and weird-looking and have curvy horns and shaggy coats. I think it would be the coolest thing ever to wake up in the morning and go play with my yak.

Some people might read that and think you’re referring to a wayward demon—curved horns and shaggy coat. Wait, that could be the next hero for a book!


Megan, lol, you crack me up. We are not here to mine ideas for our stories.

Yeah, yeah, back to the topic... When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought?


I haven’t looked in the mirror yet today. I’m sure I look fine, but hm, maybe I should go check … AAAAAGGGHHH! Okay, I’m back. My first thought was maybe I should have done that earlier. How many people have seen me looking like this?


ROTFL, I think we all have to reaction at one time or another during the day!

Oh hon, you look fine to us. No one blames anyone else for wandering around in PJ’s. They’re comfy. Speaking of comfy, what is your favorite pizza?


I love pesto pizza. With black olives and feta cheese. No meat, no pineapples, no onions unless they’re caramelized, mushrooms are okay but not required, and please do NOT put a sun-dried tomato on my pizza. Those shriveled little things freak me out.

Ew... just the description sounds gross.


Yeah, no kidding, :::shudder::: But to each their own, yanno.

Blech, I’ll have nightmares thinking of shriveled things. On to less icky thoughts .Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?


I cry at almost every movie. I’m the type that cries during tampon commercials. The last movie I saw was Avatar, and yes, I cried. Several times. But when Home Tree went down … I could hardly watch for all the tears.


OMG, I am so glad that I wasn’t the only one sobbing when Home Tree goes down. I almost couldn’t see what happened next through the tears.

I’ll have to say. I haven’t seen that movie, but I can relate about the commercials. There are some that are total tear-inducers. Are you a morning person or a night person?


I used to be a night person, but I trained myself to become a morning person because when you’re working it’s the best way to get things done. So I used to get up at five every morning to write. Then I met my sweetie, who’s a total night person. So I’m having to retrain myself so we can actually spend time together. Turns out it’s not so hard to let go of years of getting up before you really want to. I’m liking the new schedule.

But you get to be with sweetie, so it’s all worth it. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Pepsi all the way. Yes, I can taste the difference. Come on, blindfold me, I’ll prove it.

Never give us the option of using blindfolds... we’ll take you up on it. Hee hee.


Ah… yup, we will definitely pull Cabana Boys aside to… distract you while you’re testing. :-D If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?


Other than a yak? I feel guilty wishing for anything because I’m very lucky. There’s a little prayer I like that says, “May all living beings be happy and free.” I’ll go with that. Oh, and I hope your readers will check out “Training the Receptionist” on March 2, it’s hot and it’s fun! Just don’t read it at work. I also have a linked Free Read called “Thanking the Receptionist” available for download on my blog.

Thanks so much for having me, it was a blast!


Thanks for hanging out with us today. It’s been a blast being here. So glad you enjoyed it..

Juniper Bell lives with her sweetie in a cabin in Alaska with no running water and a spectacular view of glaciers. She wound up in the frozen north after leaving her career as a stressed-out Los Angeles TV writer. Luckily, her love for writing survived the move. She’s been writing erotic romance for three years. “Training the Receptionist” is her third book, her second with Samhain Publishing after “Doll.” Her first book, “The Extremist,” was published by Liquid Silver Books. Visit her website at http://JuniperBell.com, her blog at http://AuthorJuniperBell.blogspot.com, friend her on FaceBook or follow her on Twitter.

My Three Lords by Juniper Bell

How is one innocent country girl to choose between a Duke, a Marquis and an Earl?

Must she?

When Miss Alicia Silverwood marries the Earl of Dorchester, he whisks her off to Notre Plaisir, a country manor where erotic surprises await at the hands of three powerful lords and longtime friends.

The young Earl needs a wife and heir. The cynical Marquis de Beaumont needs a playmate. And the commanding Duke of Warrington needs a reason to live. As for the new Lady Dorchester, she’s just beginning to discover the true nature of her own sensual needs. To complicate matters, she’s falling in love.
It might take a miracle for Lady Alicia and her three lords to come to an arrangement that makes everyone happy. Or maybe all it requires is a little scandalous rule-breaking…

Thursday, May 13, 2010

One Week!!

It's only one more week before "Shut Up & Kiss Me" releases. How did the time fly by so quickly? If you're interested in finding out more about the story, you can look here.

I have to admit to being more nervous than excited right now. I know that the story has gone out to reviews sites, and I'm terrified folks will read it and say, "THAT REALLY SUCKS! HOW DID SHE EVER GET PUBLISHED?"

I'm not the only author who feels that way, right?

In any case, I'm rather trying to forget about all that and just keep writing new stuff ... hoping it will keep my mind off of my debut erotic romance offering.

What about you? How do you feel when you have a release? Excited? Nervous? Both? And what do you do to stop yourself from worrying about how it will be received?

Monday, May 10, 2010

Author Interview ~ Lakisha Spletzer



Howdy, everyone! I hope y’all had a wonderful Mother’s Day. :-D

Today we have with us on the couch author, Lakisha Spletzer. Let’s all make her feel welcome.

Welcome to The Menagerie, Lakisha. Make yourself at home, have a drink, sit back and relax and let our Cabana Boys pamper you a bit.

By now, all of y’all know Megan.

:::Megan waves:::

Okey dokey, let’s get down to brass tacks, ‘cause we are a nosy bunch here. Where are you from?


I was born in Wise County, Virginia and lived in a small town called Coeburn which is located in the southwestern corner of the state in the Appalachian Mountains.

A mountain girl? Bet there was lots of rustic...scenery.


LOL, and I’m sure you mean the trees, Megan. So, Lakisha, tell us your latest news!


I’ve made my debut as a published author with the first book in a planned series. It's called “Jewels” and the series name is “The Alien Encounters Saga.” Also, my newest book, Werelove: Dusk Conspiracy, a dark YA Paranormal about shapeshifters, has just released. Both titles are available at Amazon.com in print and Kindle edition, as well as smashwords.com.

Aliens and shapeshifters. Interesting. These are your first published books, but when and why did you begin writing?

I wrote my first fantasy story called “The Elf and the Fruit Bowl” when I was eight. I've written poetry, stories, fan fics, and participated in online writing rpgs on and off through the majority of my life. I write because I love it and it provides a great outlet for my angst when I need to vent.

Gotta love those outlets, ‘cause we all need them. It’s fun when you can do it through writing.


And that is the God’s honest truth! When did you first consider yourself a writer?


January 2004 when I decided that I wanted to become published.

What a big step.


And I have to admire the way you just… went for it. What inspired you to write your first book?


There's a story behind this question. My actual first book that I was inspired to write has yet to be completed as a first draft. It's a high fantasy story called “Moonbeams and Moonlight,” and it's the first book in a series which follows the main character who is half-elf female warrior. My goal is to finish it this year, at least a first draft of it.

As for the novel that will be released on February 19, “Jewels,” it came about due to open submission call for a Space Opera anthology from Samhain Publishing and a blog entry that I had written that explored writing in the first person.


Yep, a contest is pretty good incentive to get that story out of your head and down onto paper…. er, computer screen…

Space operas. I love new-to-me genres. Speaking of writing, do you have a specific writing style?


Not sure if I have a “style.” I know that I tend to use the third-person viewpoint rather than first person.

I’m still thinking of the space opera and picturing little green men and ray gun whipping heroines. Sounds exciting.


LOL, whereas the first time I heard that phrase I thought, “How can they have a SPACE opera? You can’t hear anything in space… yeah yeah, I’m blond.. How did you come up with the title?


The title is the name of the heroine and it is symbolic too. Jewels Enbran is unique and precious for various reasons and to different people. But also like a gemstone in the rough, she has to be molded and shaped to become the jewel that everyone knows she can be.

Heroine’s that grow through the story—nice.


Yup, gotta love when they actually mature throughout the story. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?


I want readers to see that being different doesn't make a person or species evil and that when we set aside differences and work together, many things can be accomplished.

Yup, good things happen when you work together.

“Can’t we all just get along” is my CB’s favorite saying. Are there experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?


The underlying themes about bigotry, racism, discrimination and lack of fulfillment in one's personal relationships, are all things that I have experienced first hand. On the flip side it also celebrates life, friendship, loyalty and love.

Speaking of loyalty and love, if you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I would have to say Elissa Malcohn and Dianne Dykstra have both helped me the most when it comes to writing and to the publishing industry.


It’s so great to have authors you look up to. What book are you reading now?

Wow, I usually read about three books at once, I know bad multi-tasker, but right now I'm reading “Betrayals,” by Lili St. Crow, “The Virtu,” “The Sword and The Lady.”

LOL, I always have a lot of books going at once. You’re not the only one. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

The authors Richelle Mead and Lili St. Crow, to name a few.

Yes, urban fantasy is a favorite of mine, too. I love things that are dark, mysterious and a little off-beat. What are your current projects?

“Moonbeams and Moonlight” I've been working on since 2004. It's a high fantasy story.

“Mine Dreamer” was started in November 2009 during NaNoWrimo and I'll probably have it done by April. It is set in the same universe as “Jewels” but deals with civilians.

My other story, “Sierra's Protection,” was started in September 2009 and will be finished some time during the summer. It's my first time using normal people as characters. So no superpowers or magical elements in this one.

Sometimes it feels like you need super powers to write and keep up with everything. Do you see writing as a career?

I would love to have it be one, but for now, I do have other work that I do.

Everyone says they’d change some things if they knew the outcome. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? Not really, I love the story the way it is.

We all gotta start somewhere. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I wanted to put down the stories in my head and share them with others.


Yup, we all gotta start somewhere, lol. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I'm writing two things at once. Again, I know, multi-tasking, but “Moonbeams and Moonlight” is the top of the priority list.

I also have “Mine Dreamer,” which was my 2009 NaNoWrimo project. It lacks two chapters and the first draft will be finished.

Last but not least, I have “Sierra Protection,” which is my first attempt at writing a story that contains no fantasy or paranormal elements. I'm writing it because of a personal challenge Dianne Dykstra and my friend Angela Markham issued last year.

We all have our own little quirks. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Grammar and those pesky commas. Also I love repetitive words so I keep a thesaurus nearby now to spice things up.


ROTFL, I have the same issues with commas (one CP likes to say, “Commas are our friends…. Use them!”) and with repetitive words (clenched anyone?). Nice to know I’m not the only one. Who designed the covers?

There is a story to that question. I put up a tweet/blast on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook, that I had finished writing “Jewels” and that I was going to start hunting for a cover artist. Within a day, a former college friend of mine, JD Hollyfield had myspaced me and said he wanted that honor. I was surprised and humbled.

He did not one but two covers and we ultimately picked the one you see today, though I liked both covers.

Isn’t it awesome to have friends with skills? Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don't be afraid of critiques. Join online support groups or local support groups for writers.

In fact, I started an online writer support community at http://writersupport.ning.com just for that reason.


Nope, can’t beat good CPs. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Enjoy the action, romance, and adventure of “Jewels.”

How long does it take you to write a book?

Each book is different. “Moonbeams and Moonlight,” I've been working on since 2004. Whereas “Jewels” took a total of six months from start to finish.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

My days are taking up by my kids. I'm a single parent so writing during the day is hard. I'm also attending college too so that takes time.

I'm a night owl, so once the kids are asleep it's just me and my characters.


I’m a night owl, too, which doesn’t come in handy since all the other Menagerie ladies are on the east coast while I’m on the West. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I'm not writing, I'm usually

A) teaching hip hop to beginners (adults and children)
B) reading
C) web designing (I have my own company Kichan Designz)
D) playing with my kids


Wow, busy girl! Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Use personal experiences, read up on the genre(s) you will be writing in, get someone other than you to read over and critique your work. And above all else, have fun.

God advice. What do you think makes a good story?

Plot that flows, characters need to be real and easy to relate to.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a mommy, be a teacher and be married. I know, lofty goals for a 5-year-old.

LOL, but at least you knew what you wanted. :-D And now it’s time for our “absolutely-nothing-to-do-with-writing-questions”: What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

I love cats and dogs but hands down a cat, if you want low maintenance but still one that you can love on. Fish don't count.

Ah yes, cat people. My favorites. Now, what I really want to know: what were you doing at midnight last night?

Writing “Mine Dreamer.”


LOL, Megan, you and your cat people… Lakisha, what’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Vegemite that some of the Australian foreign exchange students were daring us Americans to try.

:::shudder::: I’ve had Vegemite… never again I tell ya.

Dares are the best. Gets me and Kealie in trouble all the time. Since we’re all animals here, what is your favorite animal?


Felines of all shapes, sizes and colors.


What is your heritage?

Native American, African-American, Caucasian and possibly some Hispanic. Basically I'm a mix.

You’re not the only mutt in the house, lol. Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

I'm a very sensitive person and I will cry if it's emotional enough. The movie that gets me every time is E.T.

Even though I know he's going to wake up and phone home I can't seem to stop my tears from flowing.


HEY, I cry every time too, it’s heartbreaking to see Elliot sobbing his little heart out. What is your favorite pizza?

Meat lovers though in my household cheese pizza rules because my kids don't like anything else.

Yeah, the sacrifices we make for our children. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Most definitely a night person. I'm such a bear when I wake up first thing in the morning.

LOL, join the club… my kids steer clear of me for at least an hour in the morning… Lord help them if the wake me up before my alarm goes off. If you could wish for anything, what would you wish for?

Does wishing for my book to do well count? If it does that would be cool, but if not, hmm, I guess wishing that I could make enough money to pay off my debts and still living comfortably.

I don’t see why not! Makes sense to me. Well, we’ve come to the end of our interview today. Thank you so much for spending time with us today, Lakisha. Stick around, chat with our company, and keep the Cabana Boys on their toes. :-D

Lakisha Spletzer is a single mother of two, who keep her on her toes while inspiring her to write.

A native of Virginia, she moved to Citrus County, Florida in 2004 and has enjoyed the warmth ever since.

Lakisha has a Bachelors of Arts in Communications from the University of Virginia-Wise.

She can be found reading stories from authors Elissa Malcohn, K.L. Nappier, and Piers Anthony, to name a few. She loves writing down the adventures rattling around in her head as well as poetry that strikes without warning.

She describes her writing style as a blend of her favorite genres. This is her first novel.

You can keep up with her on the web at these sites:
Website: http://www.kishazworld.com
http://www.kishazworld.com/blog
http://www.twitter.com/kishazworld
http://www.myspace.com/kishaz_world
http://www.facebook.com/kishazworld

Jewels by Lakisha Spletzer

Special Lieutenant Jewels Enbran, a human telepath unable to shield her mind from thoughts, uses telepathic anchors who protect her vulnerable mind. Her current anchor, Colonel Jeremy Lingley, is nearing burnout. An alien race is seeking an alliance with Earth and the pair are assigned the mission of discovering the aliens' secrets.

Crown Prince Dex LoudRoar is a Gatoan warrior and a royal with a terrible secret. His people wage a constant war against their enemy, the Lupinious empire. But the tide of battle is turning and his people seek help from a new source: the humans of Earth.

With an interstellar war looming, Jewels and Dex seek salvation for their planets and find their destinies changed forever.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Book Commercial ~ Jewels by Lakisha Spletzer



Jewels by Lakisha Spletzer

Special Lieutenant Jewels Enbran, a human telepath unable to shield her mind from thoughts, uses telepathic anchors who protect her vulnerable mind. Her current anchor, Colonel Jeremy Lingley, is nearing burnout. An alien race is seeking an alliance with Earth and the pair are assigned the mission of discovering the aliens' secrets.

Crown Prince Dex LoudRoar is a Gatoan warrior and a royal with a terrible secret. His people wage a constant war against their enemy, the Lupinious empire. But the tide of battle is turning and his people seek help from a new source: the humans of Earth.

With an interstellar war looming, Jewels and Dex seek salvation for their planets and find their destinies changed forever.


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