New Year's Resolutions!

It's that time of year where we all say the same as last year...."I'm going to quit smoking. I'm going to eat healthier. I'm going to train for the marathon."

Well, this time I'm going to make a longer list, so if I achieve one thing I'll have made progress.

1.  Be more organised. Spent this year chasing myself and still haven't caught up.

2.  Cut down on the smokes. An easier target than quitting altogether.

3.  Tone up the flab. Because I'm actually okay with my weight, just not the fact that it's all heading south.

4.  Ease up on the coffee. 10-30 cups of the stuff a day is possibly a bit too much....

5.  Treat myself more often. I swear most of my clothes are older than my 12 year old!

6.  Make more of an effort with family and friends, even the annoying ones, before I turn into a hermit.

7.  Go abroad. Been far too long.

8.  Find time to read more. So many books I'm missing out on!

9.  Have a good clear out. My bedroom is more of an obstacle course than a boudoir.

10.  Last but not least, remember to start xmas shopping at least two weeks before, so I don't have to rush around on xmas eve in a blind panic like I usually do!


So, if I manage to tick off one of those, I'll be happy. Good luck with yours and all the best for 2014! May it kick 2013's backside.

I'll Read, You Count!

I've often been told I should write a post about proofreading, or why people need to hire a proofreader, to promote my job as *drum roll*..... a proofreader!

Proofread carefully to see if you any words out...Author Unknown

I can understand why people tell me to do that, from a business sense, however, I'm just not that kind of person. "You're crap at English, hire me!" "Spell check is an idiot, hire me!"

Sorry, but no. That's just not how I feel. 

When authors write, with a thousand words in their heads, it's too easy to write "discrete" instead of "discreet". Most authors are too concerned with a plot line than with spelling. Half the time, the author is probably aware of the difference between "bear" and "bare", but their mind is writing "The End" before they think about how to spell.

The first draft of anything is shit.........Ernest Hemingway

And then, when the story is finished, not all authors want to check over their work. Most of my regular clients do, which my eyes appreciate, but some just don't. And that's cool, because when I go shopping, I don't work out the cost, I let someone (or something) do the maths for me. It's easier and quicker, because numbers aren't my strong suit. Therefore, I can't expect words to be someone else's strong suit.





We all have our areas of expertise, be it words, numbers, or which poison won't be detected (I can advise you on anything but numbers.....), but even then, it's nice to leave the fiddly bits to someone else.


Skill alone cannot teach or produce a great short story, which condenses the obsession of the creature; it is a hallucinatory presence manifest from the first sentence to fascinate the reader, to make him lose contact with the dull reality that surrounds him, submerging him in another that is more intense and compelling....... Julio Cortázar

Muscles vs. the Tardis!

Whether it's Facebook or Twitter, I'm often bombarded with photos like the following:





http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=06KRUcEjU73RbM&tbnid=HSdqogry3GugHM:&ved=0CAcQjB0wAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestmusclesupps.com%2Fwhy-do-we-need-testosterone%2F&ei=PGeeUoLhDcWN7AbbkYGgDg&psig=AFQjCNG8N_tbpHz8aAXT_KtSihviqZ-PdQ&ust=1386199228314328



https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1475977_580948228626564_615016498_n.jpg


I'm a young(ish) woman with a, ahem, healthy appetite. I'd much prefer this:




Or this:





Although, if you really want to turn me on, all you have to do is show me this:






Yep, I'm easily pleased!

Shirley Slaughter's Blog Tour!

THIRD STOP ON THE BLOG TOUR --THE UK


Hello Lauren. I want to thank you so much for having me here on the third stop. I never thought that twitter could give me such a far reach. Can’t get over it! It can be so impersonal when you don’t know how to utilize it. So here goes!



Hello My UK Friends! This blog tour is basically about me introducing myself to all of you and what motivated me to write.


My name is Shirley Harris-Slaughter and my twitter handle is @motorcityauthor. I was born and raised in the USA. With all its warts and political craziness it’s still the greatest place to live, although I think that’s about to change. I was born in the great state of Michigan and raised in the Charter Township of Royal Oak. I spent most of my time dreaming of the day when I could get out and start my life elsewhere. Then I discovered we were a historical community founded by a runaway slave on the “underground railroad.” I began to appreciate my roots. I discovered all this history way before ever thinking about writing.


My mother was a gifted poet and writer of children’s stories. She also was a great speaker. So what in the world could I contribute to this family? My parents were activists in the community and I watched them not realizing they were shaping me. I became a community activist before I started to write and I developed an appreciation for historical places and buildings which led me to try and save our local train station. Wrote a thesis on The Implementation of the Most Comprehensive Approach to Restoring the Michigan Central Depot. This project brought lots of attention and publicity to this neglected historical site.


All of this led me to try and capture the history of our Catholic Community which is now gone. So I wrote about my experience growing up in this environment. I titled the book, Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African-American Catholic Community. The title kind of stuck although my intention was to change it. This book had been gathering steam in my head for a long time before I actually set down to write. I felt that our history was gone because the church has merged and the school was razed after sitting empty for years and becoming an eyesore. I was invited to speak about this to the Fred Hart Williams Geneological Society affiliated with the Detroit Public Library’s Burton Historical Collections. Mark Bowden tagged the book a Narrative History. They asked me to speak to them because they never had history told in narrative form before. Geneology is normally written in a chronological order. You can get more details on the complete story from the book. This history is who I am.


Lauren, I’m going to stop right here because I could go on and on. I appreciate you for allowing me to blog at your site. I am enjoying this tremendously.


Anyway, now that you know a little bit more about who I am please stop by to get the full story.






Click on this link to catch the sale while supplies last! http://rememberourladyofvictory.com/?page_id=24






Here are some additional links:


gallerybyleslie@gmail.com
iUniverse.com
http://unfoldingofarose.ning.com/profile/ShirleyLSlaughter
www.facebook.com/sslaughter3
http://Twitter.com/motorcityauthor
www.linkedin.com/in/historybuff
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EXRCH20
Website blog: http://rememberourladyofvictory.com/











***GIVEAWAY***
For each comment left (1 per day) on each day of my tour, your name will be entered into a drawing. ONE (1) lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of my book "OUR LADY OF VICTORY: THE SAGA OF AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY" and a $5 Amazon Gift Card. 1 daily comment = 1 entry into my giveaway. Thanks again for the support and good luck in winning!!!

Calla's Honey Flapjacks!

My 12 year old has finally caught the cooking bug! We've enjoyed flapjacks, soup, stir-fry, fried mushrooms....

So, if you're looking for something easy that your little ones can try, check this recipe out:

HONEY FLAPJACKS

200g unsalted butter
200g demerara sugar
200g honey
400g porridge oats

Put the butter, sugar and honey in a saucepan and heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sugar's dissolved. Add the oats and mix well.

Put the mixture into a greased cake tin, 8in by 12in. Spread to about 2cm thick, then smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C/Gas 4 for 15-20 minutes. It should be slightly golden around the edges, but slightly soft in the middle. Once cooled, turn it out and cut into squares.

If you like your dried fruit and nuts, add 50g at the same time as the oats.






Picture is from the Telegraph; Calla's flapjacks didn't last long enough to have their pic taken!

Guest post by Nonnie Jules

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting Nonnie Jules. Please check out her guest post below. :-)

 

DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND Book Intro!

Blurb:  

"She was one horrible mess.  Always looking over her shoulder, avoiding becoming too friendly with the neighbors, never letting her kids out of her sight for fear of human monsters lurking around corners, waiting to cause them harm.  That anxiety stemmed from her own childhood memories.  Always fearing  that someone would recognize her face, she kept to herself and didn't go out much.  And when she did, no matter the season, she wore some kind of hat or covering on her head, enough to shield her face.  HE had done this to her even though he was dead now.  

Walter never understood why she was such a loner, avoiding  people as much as she could, and just being extremely anti-social outside of the house.  Houston was originally her home, not his, yet she didn't even want her own family and friends to know that she had returned.  The only person she found herself able to really open up with was him.  And although she tried to make him feel otherwise, he knew that there was still a huge wall up that even he would never be able to see over or climb.

Marisa had a secret and if it was ever discovered, it could cost her her life and her freedom."

Review:

"I couldn't put this book down! Every chapter that I read kept me on the edge of my seat, excited about what was to come in the next chapter.  I want more...so hope there's a sequel! Lifetime Television...watch out for DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND.  You're going to want to turn this script into a movie!"- P.J. Soemer, Book Lover

Trailer:

http://youtu.be/qbUK3XQ5-dA

BUY LINKS:

Nonnie's Book Store

Also on Amazon 

Nonnie Jules, Author

"...and her words breathe life onto paper"

If you're interested in keeping up with this author, please check out the links below!  Thanks for joining us on this collective 25 blog BOOK INTRO!!!

CONTACT:
General Blog
Parenting Blog
Nonnie's Book Store - Signed Copies & more
Twitter:  @nonniejules

BOOKS:
"The Good Mommies' Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters,"
100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love!
www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56
www.createspace.com/4355124

TRAILERS:

"THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE ..." 

"Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" 

4* review for Teased and Pleased by John Satisfy

Teased and Pleased is an anthology of five short stories by erotica author John Satisfy. You can follow him on Twitter.......twitter.com/jsatisfiction

John has a unique style of writing; in a first person's point of view. He draws you in, detailing everything that's happening.

Each story has a domination element but it's not too hardcore. The main objective of these stories is pleasure, which the characters and readers can enjoy. It's mainly the man doing the pleasing/dominating but the woman sometimes gets to take a more active role, however, not enough for my liking.

I'd like to see this author be more adventurous, as I think he shows a lot of promise for his genre.

4* for Teased and Pleased: an erotic anthology!


You can find Teased and Pleased at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Teased-Pleased-An-Erotic-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00E55HTCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383536085&sr=8-1&keywords=john+satisfy

Birthdays make me sleepy!

So, yesterday was my girl's 12th birthday. She spent the day with friends, we all went out for a meal....and now I have 3 young ladies bouncing around the living room! They're still partying - literally, the music's going - and I'm writing this in bed, half asleep.

Most nights I'm wide awake. But give me a few brats to keep an eye on, I'm ready to sleep for a thousand years....

Been a fab day though and the girls get to enjoy this for breakfast:

5* for The Cat's Whiskers!

PRINCE OF THE CITY: 1. THE CAT'S WHISKERS

by Mackenzie Brown

This is an interesting crime story, centred around a private detective - Vic Prince- in 1940's Liverpool. The book captures the details of what life must have been like then, in the middle of a war, and what life was like for people from other cultures.

The story starts off for Prince with a missing son case and a missing cat. You wouldn't think they were connected, but nothing is as it seems.... With a policeman for an enemy and a friend controlling the black market, this promises to be no easy ride for Prince.

Well written and realistic, with good attention to detail (I now know Liverpool so well!), the story kept me hooked. Can't wait for the next instalment!

5* for the book AND the author!

A Day From Hell

Wednesday started off with an extremely sore throat and a fever :-(. Despite having tons to do, I could barely move from the sofa! So it was with great relief when I started to feel slightly better, at least enough to move and finally get in the bath. The plan was to get myself decent enough to get down the shops.

After a nice hot bath, I got out and for some reason didn't bother with a towel. So I'm dripping wet....and a few years back, my mum got rid of the carpet and put in laminate flooring everywhere.....even in the upstairs hallway. I remember saying to her, "Great, that's an accident waiting to happen."

Today, that accident happened! I stepped into the hallway, felt my foot slip, then stared at the wall for the next few minutes thinking, "I hope I haven't broken anything". I proper flew into the air, tried to stop it so luckily landed on my whole left side rather than my back, then thought how ridiculous I looked with one leg in the hallway and the other in the bedroom.....wet, naked, legs well spread and all for the wrong reasons!

I am still in pain, can barely move, but must be making progress as I've managed to get onto the laptop (typing one-handed). I've had a good few painkillers though, so feeling sore and drowsy! Apologies to anyone I've ignored, put out etc.,.....and remember, bath towels are there for a reason!!!!!

Ideas For Halloween

                                                             

It's almost Halloween! And the best part is we get to dress like a freak and no-one cares, for once....

If you're bored of plastic masks and the same old boring costumes, for you or the children, then try some of these tips.

1. GLUE!

Using a suitable glue, put some on your face and keep still for a few minutes. Then scrunch your face up to create wrinkles! If you put some foundation on once it's dried, it'll look more realistic.

2. TATTOOS!

Okay, I'm not suggesting you get your kid down the local tattoo studio! But you can get temporary tattoos in the form of scars etc. Handy if you're not a dab hand with make-up. You can find them on Amazon and eBay.

3. BONES!

Skeletons are a favourite costume, but why not do something a little different? Instead of a skeleton costume, just put on some black clothes, paint your face and all visible skin black, then paint on the bones with white body paint. Messy but fun!

4. DECORATIONS!

If you can't afford the stupid prices that some decorations cost, or just like making your own, you can't get cheaper than leaves! Spray them white then add on facial features for little spooky ghosts to hang up.

Forgot the pumpkin? If you have a bucket lying around, paint it orange or wrap it in orange paper. Draw on a face, then pop some candles/lights inside.

5. PARTY GAMES!

When we were kids, hide and seek in the dark was a top game! Just don't blame me for any breakages.....

Bowling's good. You can decorate your pins to resemble scary characters: comic book villains for the little ones, the likes of Michael Myers for the adults. If you don't have bowling pins, try making some yourself out of card. Look online for ready to print templates.

6. GRUESOME FOOD!

Make some chocolate cake balls, then decorate with icing and sweets to create eyeballs!

Or how about these ghost cupcakes?

Find the recipe for these at http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/halloween_ghost_cupcakes_04170


Whatever you choose to do this year, have a safe one!

A NON-POEM

A NON-POEM

by Lauren Prasad

I'm not a poet and I know it.

I don't long to stare at your nose

Or compare you to a rose.

I'm not a poet and you know it.

You don't crave my "meaningful" words

Or think I'm talking 'bout birds.

I'm not a poet and we know it.

But it's fun to write a poem

And end it without a rhyme.

Please note: This non-poem begins and ends my new career. Next week I will attempt knife-throwing ;-)

Review of Oenone by Agatha Rae

This paranormal romance was slow to get started, concentrating on the lives of four characters: single editor, Evelyn; her best friend and co-worker, Laura; Laura's husband, Bruce, and Evelyn's boss, Jeff.

A crisis in Laura's life leads the two women to a mysterious character, Alyssa. They ask for her help, but don't stop to think about the consequences. This is when the story starts to pick up a bit.

The plot isn't hugely original, but interesting nonetheless. It also deals with important issues, which is good, but at times felt a little bit preachy. I think there was a nice balance between the romance and the paranormal; neither element was too full on. And the side story with Jeff gave it an added boost.

The writer created believable characters and gave good descriptions of them, allowing you to get to know them well.

My only main criticism is the lack of editing. It's clear that the writer isn't English. A lot of wording was wrong and words were missing, to name but a few of the mistakes. If the mistakes were rectified, it would be a much more enjoyable read and I think the author has promise. I would certainly read another of her books.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Guest Post by Nonnie Jules!

Something a little different for you today. I'm honoured to say that my blog plays host to its first guest author, the lovely Nonnie Jules. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

Hello and thanks for having me here at RandomtoRandom, Lauren.  This is the 2nd stop on my STILL ALL ABOUT DAUGHTERS Blog Tour which runs 7/20/13-7/27/13 and I'm hoping that your readers will join in on every leg of this tour.

Although I'm touring to promote my book "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS", 100 Tips To Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love! and my upcoming, highly-anticipated novel "Daydream's Daughter.  Nightmare's Friend", I want to share with all of you some things that I've learned on this writing journey of mine.  In the beginning I didn't find much support, so what I'm sharing will probably appeal to those who are just starting out on their own writing journey.  I hope all that I leave you with, somehow guides you in a positive direction for your writing.

I began writing "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." in April, 2013.  It only took me 17 days to pen this book from start to finish, with a few more days of proofing, editing, formatting and tears, it was ready to hit Amazon on the 7th of May.  I was very proud of this piece of work and even prouder that I had the opportunity to share it with the world.

In speaking with another author, she mentioned that Authors sort of frowned on books that were written in such a short period of time.  My response to her was "that was their issue and not mine."  I am very aware that it takes some writers many years to write books, and that is great.  There is no way I could have written my novel in 17 days, but each book is different.  I didn't have to do much research for "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." as I had lived the book.  I was writing directly from my own experiences of having raised my two beautiful daughters. 

As a new writer on this journey, you will encounter many who want to give you their wonderful advice.  I say take it all in, process it and if it doesn't feel right to you and for you, go with YOUR own gut feeling.  There's nothing at all wrong with that.  I now know that some of those that were trying to advise me, had no knowledge whatsoever in the art of writing.  Perfect example, one was a high school student!  Do you see the point that i'm trying to make?  Lots will have Lots to say and to share.  But it is up to you how you will handle it.  My advice, take it all in with a grain of salt....very cautiously.

Then you will encounter those who want to do nothing but see you and your book fail.  Yes, there are some.  How will you be able to pick them out of a crowd?  Well, they will be the ones front and center, yelling very loudly that "Writing is SOOOOO hard!  Get out now while you can."  Thing is, you'll never see them leaving.  These are the folks with the very small minds who think that this is some major competition.  It is not.  There is enough room for ALL OF US in this big pool of writing.  I suggest you learn early on how to decipher who is there to help you and those that are out to harm and derail you.  I don't need to tell you to steer clear of the latter.

Finally, put yourself on a writing schedule.  To my detriment, I have found that writing can consume your life.  It has mine.  I have not slept very well since I became an author, sometimes I forget to eat and my family has all but forgotten that I live in their house.  Why, because I'm always tucked away in my office, door closed, at my computer......WRITING.  I started off too fast and now have come to realize that I need to slow the pace.  I am tired.  I am sleep deprived and I'm sure I'm probably hungry.  I want to rest.  So my best advice to you is to carve out some time each day and keep yourself on that schedule if at all possible.  Writing is fun and it's supposed to be, but if you let it take over every area of your life, it can quickly lose it's luster.  I have now decided to take my own advice.  I will sleep, I will resume my perfectly tuned every 3 hour eating schedule and I will live outside of the world of writing, if only for a little while to breathe.  You do the same.

Before I leave let me share a little about this new AWESOME parenting guide called "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS".  The 5 star reviews that are coming in on this book, are so greatly appreciated and so well written.  I am receiving wonderful email correspondence from readers who are thanking me for this book, who wishes that this book had been around when their daughters were children and even those who say "These tips even work well for sons!" I'm happy to hear it all.  But what I have to say about this book is this:  It can truly change the world!  If every parent, young and old, who now has charge of raising a daughter, a niece a granddaughter or son, had this book in their possession several things could happen:  1) the world would be a much safer place;  2) the world would be filled with respectful, kind daughters who grow into respectful, kind young ladies who have much to offer society;  and  3) our legacy left behind for our children would be a world filled with kindness, love, understanding and acceptance.  What parent wouldn't want to leave this kind of world to their children?  I for one, am all for it!

"THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." is in ebook and paperback form athttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56 and paperback editions can also be purchased athttp://www.createspace.com/4355124.  Looking for the PERFECT baby shower gift?  "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." would be a hit!

My upcoming novel "Daydream's Daughter. Nightmare's Friend" has a release date of August 22, 2013.  Watch for it and read an excerpt here at http://wp.me/P3sUCq-gj.  There is a one-question poll there and I would like your opinion of the piece so please, take a quick second to share.

You can find me on Twitter @nonniejules, on FaceBook (Nonnie Jules) and if you enjoy a variety of really good writing, do FOLLOW my blog at WATCH NONNIE WRITE! at http://www.nonniewrites.wordpress.com.

Lauren, thank you once again for having me and to all the readers, I hope that you got what you came here for...some very useful information.  Please get your copy today of "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." even if you don't have a daughter and even if you're not a parent.  We all know someone, somewhere who could use a little help, and this guide was written solely for that purpose.  That parent will be ever so grateful and the world will be a much better place because of your little purchase.

Take care and if you keep reading, I will definitely keep writing!

Aspiring Author: Jason Mueller

I got an interview with the very creepy Jason Mueller, writer of horror/supernatural fiction!

Hi Jason, tell us a bit about yourself.

What do you want to know? I've seen things, I've done things and I've thought a lot worse....

Lol that's very helpful....why horror?

Why horror? They say write what you know, so I do. I had a crazy childhood and looking back on things, I believe that the house I grew up in may have had spirits in it.

I've seen shadow people, seen things move, had strange feelings in various places and I tend to be somewhat empathic. I also used to play as a kid in some of the areas that were known to be haunted and are talked about in the Troy Taylor book, Haunted Decatur. I also saw one of the places on the Most Haunted TV show.

Also, in the woods in that area, my friends and I would frequently find goat skulls. Why would there be goat skulls and pentagrams painted everywhere, hmmmm?

I look at it all differently than most. Before getting derailed, I studied for the Ministry for a long time. I am on my 8th time through the Old Testament and my 16th time through the New Testament.

I have read countless books on theology and possession.

You clearly know your subject well and are very passionate about it. Are you working on anything right now?

I'm working on another short story and a full length novel, called "Soul Whispers", a frolicking tale  of when the Old Testament demon god Molech possesses a ten year old boy. I also have several other starts on books and over 30 titles ideas for books.

Wow, that's a lot! Where can we find your stories?

My work can't be found at the moment. Getting ready to take all the short stories down, redo them and release an anthology.

Cool. So, apart from religion and the paranormal, what else are you into?

I play bass, I'm an excellent cook (even though I hate doing it), and I have a real desire to make knives, swords and armor.

Thanks for the interview, Jason!

You can find Jason on Twitter: @jasonmueller71 and Facebook: Jason Mueller a.k.a. Jake

The satisfying John Satisfy.....

I'm very pleased to say I got to interview author John Satisfy. Find him on Twitter...John Satisfy@jsatisfiction. He won't disappoint....

Hi John, tell us about yourself and your writing.

Hello Lauren, well that's kind of a broad topic. :)

I've been writing for most of my life, I've explored all sorts of genres, from drama, to sci-fi, to humor, and of course erotica. I've always enjoyed reaching out to people and being able to touch them with my words. It wasn't until recently that I decided to try publishing my work. It has been an amazing experience thus far, and I'm honored at how much praise I've received. My guiding philosophy is to write from at least one character's point of view and bring their emotions into the actions. And I feel that surprises are extremely important, especially with erotica, because it's those surprises that keep the reader engaged and wanting to turn the page to find out what will happen next.

When I'm not writing I enjoy reading and cooking. My specialties in the kitchen are baked goods, and I love to experiment with new recipes or tweak existing ones. I love a good challenge and push myself to excel at new activities. I get a thrill at exploring the outdoors and travel in general. There is something invigorating about going on a trip and seeing a different part of the world, even if that part of the world is only a few hours away. If that travel just happens to involve an amusement park with roller coasters, or a chance to speak with the locals, well, so much the better.

Creative AND adventurous!

Who or what inspires you? Especially when it comes to erotica.....;)

I find my inspiration in many different places. As far as writing style, I am influenced by whoever I'm reading at the time. Michael Crichton is one of my favorite authors and I appreciate his simple style and driving narrative, and I think he's influenced me a bit, even if the genre isn't the same. I've tried to craft my own style, so that I can have a unique voice in the erotica realm.

I have a tendency to continue with something, a movie or a book, even if it's not very good. The "train wrecks" are are fascinating to me, especially when it comes from a creative mind that I respect. I think I learn as much from the horrible as I do from the sublime works of art. Trying to see where these things fail, and often it's not the general concept because it caught my attention in the first place, is helpful in avoiding those same pitfalls.

Sometimes I see a glimpse of my inspiration and the story just flows from that. It's kind of like having sex, it's not planned out completely, but something, an article of clothing, a look, a mood, inspires the way the night is going to unfold. Often my stories are formed by an idea of where I want to push things, although I don't outline it, I just let it happen naturally. Many times I've tried to force a story into a place that I want it to go and it rebels. So the idea just doesn't work, so I have to drop them from it. However, I do try to remember the best ones and they will find their way into future stories.

You currently have a book out, Sin City Stripping. Tell us a little about it and where readers can buy it.

I actually have two eBooks out, Sin City Stripping and The Ravishing. Sin City Stripping is the story of somewhat shy Jessie who decides to throw her husband, Ryan a birthday party he will never forget. Ryan's fantasy has always been to be with Jessie's two best friends; strong, dominant Nicole and fun, bubbly Erin. So Jessie sends Ryan down to Las Vegas, puts him and his two friends, Neil and Kyle, up in a luxurious suite. They think they are just there for the pleasures of Vegas, but Jessie and her two friends surprise them at their suite and put on a little show for them. Nicole and Erin have no problem loosening up and by the end of the night, Jessie has managed to put the Sin into Sin City as well.

While it might sound like a male's fantasy, it's really from Jessie's point of view and it's written so that the female readers can get into her head space and escape the confines of their everyday lives. Erotica is a safe outlet for the mind and I like to give readers that escape. It is available on Amazon (US, UK, CA, etc), B&N, Smashwords, Kobo, Diesel, the major retailers.

So what's next for you?

Right now I'm working on my first anthology. Something a little different than the long form stories that I've published to date. The first one is "Teased and Pleased" and will be out in a week or two. The underlining thread connecting these stories is a little power/control play, a little pampering, and a lot of hot scenes.

Also, every Thursday morning, eastern time, I publish a new story, or story snippet, on my blog, eroticsatisfiction.com. Everything on my blog is free and there are links to my books there as well. It's been great to have received a few comments and to interact with the readers there. So between writing new stories, editing books, promoting and working on the blog, I've got a pretty full plate. However, you can still expect a lot more content in the upcoming months.

That's good to hear and the anthology sounds like something to look forward to.

Thanks for the interview John!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Ravishing-ebook/dp/B00CXEG1YK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372942429&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ravishing+john+satisfy

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sin-City-Stripping-ebook/dp/B00CTXUL6E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372942927&sr=1-1&keywords=sin+city+stripping+john+satisfy

One of those mornings....

Ever start your day like this?





Followed by this?




Then you just wanna....



But, sometimes you just have to....



before you take someone out!

The Dating Game Begins!

Being a permanent singleton, I recently decided it was time to start dating. I was advised to try online, so off I went. Unfortunately, most sites you have to pay for, which left me with very few choices.

A friend suggested Tagged. I joined, completed my profile.....within minutes I'm getting messages, winks, friend requests. You might think, "that's great!" But, no...

I'm getting marriage requests from Tunisia, pregnancy proposals from Turkey, pleas for pictures of my feet and requests to suck my toes....I'm cool with foot fetishes, but I don't get my feet out for just anyone!! There are some nice men on there, don't get me wrong, but they just don't fit the bill.

It's safe to say I'm doomed, if these are the only men left available to me! However, there is one who is ticking my boxes. He's young, decent looking, runs his own business, into spanking.....the problem is that he lives miles away!

I will keep searching and wading through the muck, but for now Mr Spanker is at the top of my list, or rather the only one. Maybe I should widen the net and give the toe suckers a chance......

Quick Interview with Mackenzie Brown

I had the honour of interviewing the fabulous author Mackenzie Brown. Here's what the Liverpudlian had to say....

Hi Mack, when and why did you start writing?

Hi Lauren,

I started writing stories when I was a child, but in truth I was much more interested in sketching and as I reached adulthood writing won in the end. I think it was my over active imagination and a burgeoning love of all kinds of literature that helped me focus on writing. Like most writers I cut my teeth on some pretty poor short stories and didn't really attempt a bigger piece of work until about 8 years ago. That was when the very first draft for The Book Of Souls was written. I wrote it originally as a story for my daughters and both the book and the writing of larger pieces progressed from there. 

What genres do your books come under, and would you consider other genres?

I write novels and stories that often involve an element of fantasy, but always seek to thrill the writer. To date I've published a young and adult fantasy novel (The Book of Souls), a fantasy thriller (The Shifting) and a thriller (Lost Boys) plus three short stories of varying genres, but two have a fantasy element as does a fourth coming soon. I'm working on a five part detective series (set in 1940's Liverpool) at the moment, hope to complete a sequel to The Shifting and edit a book about the early lives of my grandparents by the end of 2013. I don't think any author likes to be confined to a solitary genre and as an independent author I try to write about subjects that genuinely interest me, although I think writing stories involving the same characters in series of books helps to win an audience in the long term.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

The best advice I can think of giving to would be writers is as follows;

1. Always finish what you've started, without discipline you'll never finish a piece of work. Even if you think the work is the worst thing you've ever written.

2. Once completed, edit it until you're sick of the sight of it. In my opinion the first draft is only ever a hardly formed lump of clay.

3. Get your work proof read and find a couple of people you really trust to give you an honest opinion and take any criticism on board, after all these people are your friends, strangers are likely to be less constructive.

4. Consider the indie route, after all if you're looking to impress an agent or publisher, why not build up a fan base and reputation. There are lots of helpful and supportive writers in the indie community and it has never been easier to self-publish.

5. If you're a complete novice get some help with e-book formatting and book cover design.

6. Last of all, be true to yourself and your writing and do it because you enjoy it. Write the stuff you'd like to read and never assume you've nothing new to learn.

Other than writing, what else keeps you occupied?

I love reading. I think every writer should read. I like to run about 10 miles per week to keep mind and body together. I have a wife and 2 daughters, plus a varied group of friends I like to socialise with. I like most sports, in particular Football and tennis. I support Everton FC and British Tennis. In my younger days I was a school boy sprint champion and played football, rugby and cricket.

Thanks Mack for letting me interview you! :-) X

People, click on the links below and download now for some great reading!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Boys-Black-Knight-Series/dp/1482754940/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369304545&sr=8-1&keywords=MACKENZIE+BROWN

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Souls-Imelda-Stone-Adventure-ebook/dp/B008036ZM6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369304545&sr=8-2&keywords=MACKENZIE+BROWN

In 1981....

I was born (you lucky people) in 1981. I know lots of other interesting things that happened that year!

Bucks Fizz won Eurovision with "Making Your Mind Up".

Aids was formally recognised.

Ronald Reagan became President of the USA.

I could go on and on and on....but what I've never known is, what good books were published that year! So I've done some quick research and come up with these gems:

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris.

A charming tale about a cannibal.

Then we have Cujo by Stephen King. One for the animal lovers, it's about a rabid dog. Aww...

Goodnight Mister Tom, by Michelle Magorian, is a childrens book about a young abused evacuee. Were any cheerful books written that year?!

Yes. Yes, there were....

The perfect book to be created the same year as me :-)

Anime: Anime is hand drawn or computer animated productions, ranging from T.V. series to full length films.The subjects range from educational childrens programmes to horror.

My friend, of 16 years, has a weird love of Anime. I say weird, because after all these years of trying to "educate" me, I still don't get it.

However, I love to try new things and I think you should too. So, here's my list of recommended viewing, as suggested by my dear friend, Mr. Paul Skelton.

These may not be to all tastes but this is what he likes.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Rebuild of Evangelion: Evangelion 1.11 You are (not) alone and its sequels

Jormungand

 Psycho-Pass

Fate Stay Night/Fate Stay Night - Unlimited Blade Works

Check these out and hopefully, unlike me, you'll find something you like! I'm still searching.....