Man, I swear! Is it 2 weeks or 2 months that take place between one chapter and the next? Is that enough time for such-and-such to happen? But If it takes that long/little time, then what the heck is someone else doing in the meantime. Nope, it’s gotta be… but wait, if it takes that long, then it’s still summer/winter and it’ll be hot/cold. That doesn’t work. Have I introduced this character before? Is it feasible that they haven’t thought about…? ARUGH! Read the rest of this entry »

On July 3rd, I celebrated a new release but it wasn’t just any release. It was also the debut of my soultwin as an author. Twin Flames of Imbolc is a collaboration from mine and Shar’s minds with the added benefit of the Twin sisters in the story are characters we’ve developed through the years. I’m so proud of my sister, especially as she juggles many things– from being a review site owner, digital artist, crit partner, home schools her kids, is the go-to person for her family, and she writes. Now she’s published and for me, it’s a great excitement because she’s more than deserved this.

Let me share a bit of Twin Flames of Imbolc with you all. I hope you enjoy the story as much as we had writing it. *grins* Read the rest of this entry »

In my recent release, Death by Delilah, the spirits of Delilah’s grandparents play a major part.  Because they are disembodied voices, we cannot see what they’re doing.  Heck, they can’t even see what they’re doing!  LOL.  Anyway, since my books are often “experimental speculative fiction” I sometimes need to qualify what readers are reading with a bit of explanation.  As soon as you get into the swing of the story, you’ll get it. My fellow LAW members are more apt to ask, “What’s not to get?” but that’s because we share the same wild writer’s imaginings.  Enjoy! 

Death by Delilah

Ashlyn Chase

Delilah Mills, a navy enlistee, is on the verge of finding true love. All she needs is a little push or so her grandmother believes. The elder Delilah can’t resist the urge to meddle with her namesake—even if she’s a ghost and her influence is limited.

Joshua Sparks, a naval officer attracted to Delilah since their teens, discovers the crush has been mutual all these years. Back then, he let her mixed race and his parents stop him.  Now, the Navy says they can’t date.  One night they throw caution to the winds and not only can’t undo what they did, but don’t want to.

Can two Navy lovers, equal in resolve but not in rank, secretly live together off base, without discovery getting one of them transferred to the Middle East? 

<i>Publisher Note: A shorter version of this book was previously published elsewhere under the same title.</i>

R Excerpt:  To clear up any confusion—the ghosts do NOT observe the couple having sex.  The elder Delilah (ghost) just loves to tease her husband.  Here’s the clip where that happens.

“For heaven’s sake, Delilah. They’re about to grind their coffee.”

“I still don’t know what—”

“Roll in the hay, bury the bone, shake the sheets, ride the rocket, sink the soldier,

dance on the mattress, knock boots… You know damn well what I mean.”

“You mean they want to have sex now?”

“Genius!”

“Well, why didn’t you just say so?”

“I did. About a dozen times.”

“Yeah, in some kind of World War II code. How the heck was I supposed to figure

that out?”

“Do I really have to keep telling you to give the kids their privacy?”

“I turned my back five minutes ago. I knew they wanted to have sex.”

“You what?”

“I knew they wanted to have sex, not doodle their canoodle or whatever the heck

you said.”

“You’re killin’ me, Delilah.”

“And I keep telling you—”

“I know, I know. I’m already dead but if I was alive again, you’d be killin’ me.”

“If we were both alive again, I’d be doodling your canoodle right now.”

“Now you’re talking! Let’s get to the second part of that continuing education class

on out-of-body sex.”

“Sure. What’s it called, ‘Knocking Boots When You Don’t Have Feet’? Or might it

be something like ‘Burying the Boneless Ham’?”

“It’s called ‘Making Love in the Astral Realm, Part Two’.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“No. Why? What’s wrong with that?”

“We can learn to have sex but you leave my astral realm alone.”

* * * * *

“Are you feeling what I’m feeling?”

“If you’re horny, then, yes.” Delilah wrapped her arms around Josh’s neck and

pulled him down close enough to nip his earlobe.

They groped and wriggled to loosen and shed their clothes as fast as possible.

Delilah, caught in her pantyhose, toppled off the bed and onto the rug. “Oomph.”

“Are you all right, sweetheart?” Josh extended his hand, ready to help her up.

Instead she yanked him toward her and said in her sexiest voice, “Why don’t you

come and see?”

He grinned and kneeled beside her. “Let me take a good look.” He ran his hand

from her ankle, up one leg to her knee, kissing it and then caressed his way to her thigh.

“This leg seems all right. I’d better check the other one.”

She leaned back on her hands and stretched out both her legs. Josh rubbed teasingly

in circles from her other foot to her other thigh. He avoided the spot in between and

continued up her sides with both hands.

As he reached her breasts, he cupped them and rubbed her nipples with his

thumbs. She closed her eyes, arched and moaned.

“Ah, there seems to be a couple of sensitive spots here. I think I should kiss them

and make them better.”

“Oh, yes. I want to feel your mouth on my breasts, Josh. Please.” Delilah arched,

thrusting her breasts forward.

He dipped low, drew one nipple into his mouth and ran his hot tongue around the

sensitive pebble. Sucking gently, he massaged the other breast. When he released it, he

asked, “Better?”

“Ohhh… Yes, that’s beginning to feel better.”

Take a trip on over to Fiction with Friction to read my fireworks post “Glory Boy” for the Fiction with Friction fireworks week.

Pairing: m/m

Eric’s ready for a typical, boring town picnic for the 4th of July. He’s not prepared when the town’s glory boy starts to talk to him.

Reviewers are Giving Me Mood Swings!

Okay, I can’t claim to be even keel all the time but seriously folks, a 5 one day and a 3 the next?  Then another 5 and then no rating at all, but a few unkind words.

I’m trilled and motivated to continue on and strive for excellence when I get a extraordinary review; and then with the next reviewer’s lackluster opinion, wonder why a mediocre writer like me doesn’t throw in the towel?  I can’t be alone in this, can I? Actually, I’m not. I know a New York Times best selling authors who no longer reads her reviews for the same reason.

My critique partner, who gets consistent 4’s, 5’s and top picks, blast her, says it’s because I’m a risk taker. I don’t write the same, expected thing over and over. To that I say, “Well, duh!” I—I mean, well done! That’s what I’m aiming for. Entertainment is my only goal. Maybe I’m easily bored, but I like my entertainment to vary from time to time. And in all honesty and modesty, I can’t say I don’t deliver. (Pardon the double negative.) To bring laughter and love to a world that badly needs it is my aspiration. To provide a healthy escape from today’s stress is a lofty ambition but I hope to accomplish it. I know these are tall orders, but on good days I feel as though I’ve succeeded and maybe I’ve chosen the right profession. On those other days, I think I should take up truck driving.

I’ve had some health problems lately and even though I was told I have to remain on this strict diet for the rest of my life doesn’t help my mood, it doesn’t affect it nearly as much as a crumby review. I cried in my doctor’s office last week. I’m embarrassed to say it was from grief and nobody died—just my “indomitable” spirit. He gave me his philosophy. He said, “Don’t you know the number one rule of life? It’s: There is no gratitude.” Yikes. I made sure I thanked him.

Okay, here is where some a**hole is going to tell me to grow a thick skin. Before you do that, be sure you can tell me where to buy the fertilizer and the “how to” book. Constructive criticism is welcome. Admonishment for being human is not.

Do I expect stellar reviews all of the time? Of course not. I’m actually my worst critic and uniquely surprised when a reviewer praises my book to the skies. So, if I want to keep this job, how do I get off the roller coaster? I guess I’ll have to do what my best selling friend does. Wear blinders and count my blessings. I have a wonderful supportive husband who pays the bills while I pay my dues. I have my health—such as it is. I can still work in my garden, walk on the beach and enjoy a beautiful day.

I know it’s against the rules to tell reviewers anything but “thank you.” Still, I’m going to do it. You can be nice when being honest. One of my recent reviewers admitted to being a “stick in the mud” when it came to what she liked and said that other readers who might enjoy something a little different would enjoy the twist in my story. That’s fine. A 3 isn’t enough for the overachiever in me, but the review was honest and respectful. And yes, though disappointed, I thanked her.

I recently decided to try a different genre. I know it’s starting all over, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t hear that constructive feedback. I think my style might be too audacious and not sophisticated enough for adults, thus I’ll be writing for young adults or those young at heart.

My first step is to read. I read every day, but now I’ll read what people in that genre are writing. So far, I’m pleasantly surprised. These books seem to run the gamut. The next step is to plot my own book—or series of books, and I have a great idea. Third step (and this is the one I’m not looking forward to) is selling the book. Try to find that needle in a haystack known as an agent who loves my voice as much as my present editor does, create a website, and promote my new pen name so my YA readers find the new me and not my erotic romance! 

Want to suggest a new name for me? I’m having a contest on our chat loop and the one who comes up with my new name wins a pink, Chanel silk scarf. The “rules” are simple.

1)      I must like the name and choose it from the entrants

2)      I must be able to look like a ____ (fill in the name.) I’m blond with green eyes.

3)      It needs to add up to #9 in numerology.  (My destiny or birth path number) Here is a quick numerology lesson.

Each letter is assigned a number. A single number from one to nine and then the order begins

A=1 J=1 S=1

B=2 K=2 T=2

C=3 L=3 U=3

D=4 M=4 V=4

E=5 N=5 W=5

F=6 O=6 X=6

G=7 P=7 Y=7

H=8 Q=8 Z=8

I=9 R=9 Nine is my destiny (or life path) number.  This is what you get by adding up all the numbers in your birthdate. 

> >

> > Start making suggestions!!! The ride won’t stop until we have a winner!

To see what your number adds up to go here: a site for beginners which is all I can handle without my head exploding…
http://members.aol.com/AspireA1/index5.html

Have fun!

Ash

Happy Birthday to our Brigid aka Jeanne Barrack! May you have a fantastic day and be blessed always and more for all that you do.
From the LAW ladies

I just received my first review for Death by Delilah.  5 stars from JERR!  This is a review site I respect and I tell you why in a moment.  First.  Read this, please!

Title: Death By Delilah
Author: Ashlyn Chase
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: www.ellorascave.com <http://www.ellorascave.com/>
Reviewer: Elizabeth Marie
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat level: H

What a fabulous read! A couple who have been attracted to one another for
many years, a military setting, ghostly involvement and complete fun! You
will enjoy this read, there’s no two ways about it. The characters are well developed and very likeable. They know what they want and will find a way to achieve it. Their chemistry is fantastic.

Elizabeth Marie
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/join>

I like the JERR review site (as well as TRS blue and FAR and a few others) for three simple reasons.

1) They review only erotic romance so they know what our readers expect.

2) They never criticize a novella for not being a novel.  A lot of erotic romance is too intense to keep up throughout an entire novel.  It tires the reader as well as the writer.

3) And speaking of readers, the third reason I love JERR is that its review staff is made up ONLY of avid readers.  They are intelligent, well-written reviews, but no authors, editors or publishers work there, this skirting any issues of bias.

To fair and honest reviewers, I raise my glass in a virtual toast.  It’s not an easy job you do, but when it’s done well, you are a boost not only to our egos, but also to our careers.  Thank you.

Ash

I am so thrilled to share that I finally have a cover for The Sweet Flag, my m/m paranormal historical, vampire romance for Loose Id!
The artist, Marci Gass, really got the feel of the story and the guys are just about perfect!
The story is set during the 1860s and present day America. i did a slew of research for this story and hope to revisit the period again.

Check out my blog at http://jeanneworldsnewsletter.blogspot.com/ and let me know what you think.

Let me know what you think of the cover!

I happen to like that David Bowie song. At least the title. Occassionally, in my life, it’s applied to me. I’m quite happy to say that I’m in one of those periods now.

Late last year, we started renovating the house. Parts of it at least. First time in the nearly 10 years I’ve lived in the house that we’ve made major changes. Frustrating, annoying and expensive, yes, but the end result is something to look forward to and it’s not that far away now *crosses fingers* renovations will include a new office space for yours truly.

In December, I bought a new car. An ‘08 Mustang GT. Sweet! Bright orange that sometimes looks yellow.  Gaudy and loud? yes. Impractical, yes, but what the hell? Read the rest of this entry »

What do I mean? I finally did my income taxes (I get a refund-finally!), I’m getting back on track with my writing, I’m helping set up some things that will let me play in various areas, and I found someone to help me with promotion work. This is a good thing for me. I’m forgetful. I have Blondeheimers, and rumour has it that it doesn’t get better with time. *grins*

April is a crazy month for most people. It’s tax time (if you’re in the US), it’s spring because it really starts to feel spring-like(unless you live near the Great White North– then I think you’re doomed to semi-eternal darkness), Mother Nature likes to change up the spring weather with rain followed by sun followed by gods only knows what they call it. Then there’s the start of convention season. This year, I’m bummed, I can’t do anything- but that said, I’m saving up for next year. I can do that now I got my refund and such. But convention season is craziness personified. If you’re an innocent bystander, you know that those people must be nuts to be talking about how much sex you give or not give, how much touching is good versus overdone. *grins* But once you find yourself caught up in it– conventions are a blast. (Try bartending for a small one sometime. You’ll never look at editors, agents, authors the same way again– I swear!)

April is the time of year when you finally get over the blahs of the deepest winter coat that Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess has tossed throughout the land. We’ve done the introspection, pared away the dead wood, and now we’re ready to start fresh. In some ways– this is truly our new year for those who are solar based. (I’m Celtic based– so come Samhain– I’m partying hard. LOL) This is the time when the need to be outside outweighs my need to keep my sinuses safe. I love starting back up on my walks. (I’ve gone out twice for short ones, but took two separate ways to get to them done.) Seeing nature bloom, even in the ever-blooming state of Florida is a joy. There are shades of any season, but April for me is when things truly come back alive.

This is a crazy month. Embrace it and do something totally zany at least once. Make a small change and stick with it until the end of the month. You’ll feel like you’ve truly accomplished something if you do. It’s the little things that make a huge difference. This is truly the time to embrace this changeable time-for if not now, when the world is changing its skin– then when?