Learning from Writers: Zane, the Erotica Queen

So I finally got to meet the notable erotica queen, Zane today. I always strive to learn something new when I go to see writers and today I got a vital message. To say that the woman is a powerhouse is putting it mildly. A writer, a screenwriter, publisher and entrepreneur, I was in awe as she stood before us detailing her many projects both past and future. I can still recall, back in the day, when her books were the hottest things smoking and visible in nearly half of the women’s hands who rode the metro in to work with me. To say that she became wildly successful from a spicy read in the days when erotica was barely ‘out there,’ isn’t even her greatest accomplishment. In the days before ’50 Shades of Gray’ Zane was tearing it up with the spice. I would be lying if I said that she didn't inspire me to write naughty, wild fic because she did. When I first started writing, I looked to her example for what I wanted to one day achieve. I still do.

But the remarkable thing about Zane is that she didn’t just sit back and write. She gave birth to and expanded an empire. She created a publishing company, edited and published over a hundred authors of not just erotica, but romance (gay and straight), non-fiction, she contracted with cable companies for the development of television shows and soon feature films. She has even branched out in sales of adult toys and herbal supplements all while performing charitable and uplifting deeds.

Every empire has its base and what I learned through Zane’s presentation was that if your base is strong then you can build upon it. She spoke about the underlying message of female empowerment in her body of work and I just sat there stunned as I tried to think of what message my body of work had and how I could use it to unite my readers. Zane is a brand unto herself and yes much of it derives from hard work but focus is just as important. Whether she is working on non-fiction with famous politicians, performing philanthropic work, serving as executive producer on her hot erotic cable show or just giving real talk to a room full of avid readers, I get the impression that she holds true to her message.

She has surely empowered me! And yes, I haven't figured out how to keep my eyes open for decent pics...

Con Report: Capclave and Pushing an Introvert to the Max

Capclave is a convention sponsored by the WSFA, Washington Science Fiction Association and it is within thirty minutes of where I live, depending on traffic. So taking into consideration proximity and theme, Capclave is always a tempting event. It is located in Gaithersburg, MD at the Hilton and is a three-day affair of science fiction, fantasy, some horror and a surprising amount of attention to YA. One thing, I have to say about this convention, is that the attendees are brilliant, smart, mature and laid back. You will see very few children, few cosplayers and the parties will not incur the wrath of the police. The panelists know what they're talking about, have been in the trenches of lit, from New York style to Independent. The history that they share regarding everything from the evolution of genres over the years, to publishing trends, to their incursions with literary giants is quite interesting to behold. All that was to say that I was not really surprised that this year's Guest of Honor was none other than George R.R. Martin.

My mother finished the Song of Ice & Fire Series before I did, I must confess. While I kept up with the HBO series, I was a little late getting to the novels and so for the better part of this year, I have been reading his massive epic and loving it! So, tempted with the opportunity to meet the literary giant, I not only signed up to attend, I signed up to volunteer, which btw is the best way to attend any con in my book. You see, being a volunteer or staff affords you many opportunities to go behind the scenes, get advanced information and occasionally there are even a few perks! But, back to the convention.

This year, I was really feigning for author interaction. I was unable to attend a romance con that I had planned on going to and I haven't really found a writer's group that isn't just focused on getting published and critiques. So, I was eager to attend Capclave even if it was monsoon season and I had to drive through torrential rains to get there! And yes, it was all that I hoped it would be.

As a reader or a person who enjoys receiving a tale, sitting back and revealing in it, I have to point out that one of the highlights of the convention was listening to Mr. Martin read an excerpt from his upcoming project: Dangerous Women. The excerpt tied into the history of Westeros and the deadly dragon war of the House Targaryen. After he joked about all the projects he was late on as well as a few other topics, he began his reading and I swear to you, I was rapt, the entire audience was for nigh on an hour. He would end his tale by answering a question regarding the actors who were chosen for his audio books, but when I tell you, he is by far the better bard to tell the tales, I am not overly flattering the man.

As an introvert, I like to push myself socially, hence the volunteering, but it does in fact physically drain me. So throughout the multitude of panels I attended and my duty to guard the rear door and direct con-goers and guests to registration, I pushed it this weekend.

After the panel: When the Dark (Fiction) Comes Rising- Where Horror and Fantasy Collide, I walked right up to panelist, Craig Alan Loewen, a fascinating author who I had heard talk at Balticon and last year's Capclave and introduced myself. I got his card and we chatted about horror stories!! I met another author while I was standing guard at my post, who also loves and writes a darker shade of fic, Ms. Betsy A Riley. We had the most exhilarating discussion on dark fic and writing other genres. In the midst of working and controlling a line for Mr. Martin's Saturday reading, I lost her card...and panicked. After the Martin chaos ended, I had to recall which panel she told me that she would be in. And yes, I diligently waited until she got out, to request a new card. You see, she had lit a fire in me to dabble in more horror and I definitely needed to keep in contact with her.

While waiting for the panel: Aircraft Carriers in Space given by Chrisopher Weuve, I managed to accidentally discover another Neal Asher fan, and while I had been running low on energy reserves, I ramped up for an intense conversation concerning the awesomeness of my hands down favorite Sci Fi writer! Talking about massive A.I. starships, the science behind immortality and memcrystals, prattling on about Z.A.s (zero-asset) civilizations, I could barely catch my breath as I entered the panel...and then I really got blown away.

So, hearing from authors and panelists is cool, yeah, but getting schooled is totally awesome and Christopher, a naval and war games adviser, went into detail about not only aircraft carriers, naval history and ship components, he also brought to light flaws in several Sci Fi writers visions of space warfare. The most glaring distinction for me was Star Wars/Star Trek...I mean, in Star Trek the main vessels are capable of much more efficient destruction then fighter gnats of Star Wars. I am still more of a Star Wars fan, but the ineptitude of the Death Star against a one-manned small craft is kinda hilarious when put up against the Enterprise and a Romulan warbird neither of which even need to deploy individually manned fighters. And don't get me started on the runway launch discussions.

All that was to say, the educational sessions for writers, to help them avoid mistakes in the composition of their works and worlds, totally sold me into looking for more panels like his.

Throughout the convention, I had had several run-ins with the most fascinating lady. We conversed about the panels she was on, cats, her adopted first grade class and ways of learning and teaching. I swear, and it may have had something to do with my short-circuited brain, that I had no idea that she was the other Guest of Honor at the convention, one brilliant Sharyn November! No seriously, the ideas that she came up with for teaching kids haiku made me wishing that I had had such teachers in school.

Suffice to say that by the time I finally got to meet Mr. Martin and have him sign my copies of A Feast of Ice & Fire: The official Companion Cookbook and The Skin Trade, a WSFS exclusive publication about werewolves, I was a weary, maniacal mess in need of silence and rest. When I finally came before him, I couldn't even speak. All I could do was smile and you know what, he smiled back at the goofy chick with the afro!

In summation, this year's Capclave was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend it for those who like a mellower con. They had a fabulous and very well stocked con suite and an extensive selection of games for those who love a good game of Dominion, cough cough. The vendor's room isn't massive but it’s well stocked and the bar at the hotel was spacious and served a good burger and beer. I am sure I am leaving out a great deal, but I am still flying high from this exciting event and not quite grounded yet.

Next year's guests will be Paolo Bacigalupi, Holly Black and Genevieve Valentine and you never know who else might be there. Introvert or not, getting out and socializing can be challenging but at Capclave, even with a massive feature draw like Martin, it’s not excessively difficult.

Loving Day Blog Hop: Opinions on Interracial Relationships

A staunch supporter of an individual's ability to love whomever they choose, I refuse to dream in one skin, shape or gender. If you have ever read anything of mine (fan fiction included), you should know that skin color is only the first of the thresholds that I will cross in my erotic dreams! Bigotry, xenophobia and racism are all instruments of fear, but even worse, they are a matter of...Well, let me introduce you to today's guests. First we have Freya Daniels, renowned bounty hunter and Alpha wolf and second we have Peter Fitzgerald, a powerful, ice sorcerer. Both are involved in committed interracial relationships.

Mya- Good afternoon to you both. I'd like to thank you for agreeing to this interview regarding interracial love. You both are involved with members of a different race, right?

Freya- (the tall, muscular werewolf has a chocolate complexion, dark brown eyes and thick, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. She is wearing a tank, sweatpants and combat boots and is five months pregnant. She smirks, adjusting her wife beater tee over her round, brown belly) Are you fucking kidding me?

Peter-(a pale, blonde with ice blue eyes and curly hair, Peter's stare is a cross between bored and severely menacing) Color not race. Micah and I are both sorcerers, what does skin color matter, or hair, or eye color.

Mya- Well, Freya, Why are you looking at me like that? Both of your mates are Caucasian, correct?

Freya- They're pale. Pink in some places, and pinker in others but they are wolves. We're really from the same race, like the Iceman just said. Wolves come in many colors. It's you guys that have to sweat the details. Red, yellow, pink, blue...Who gives a fuck?

Mya- Well. Peter. Your mate is of African descent? I realize that bonds are made regardless of color but did you ever think that fate had thrown you a curve ball?

Peter- Micah is the most gorgeous creature I've ever met but the biggest hurdle wasn't his color at all, accepting how much I craved another man was.

Mya- So I assume you've had curious stare. Ever had to deal with maybe a racist or homophobic remark or two?

Freya- (laughs) From humans, she means.

Peter- Sometimes. But then sometimes I might freeze an ignorant bastard solid. Shit happens.

Mya- O...Kay. So um, we're all adults here. Do you think that color has anything to do with enhancing or stimulating your passions.

Freya and Peter look at one another as if they aren't sure how much to reveal. Both smile.

Freya- I ain't gonna lie. Rayne's got the cutest pink cock and Fenris, well he's got this deep peach thing going...Visually, it can be a rush. Contrasts and all.

Peter- Indeed. I drown in chocolate every chance I get. Chocolate and fire. Vanilla inside of chocolate...

Freya- (Freya leans over and slaps Peter on the shoulder) Church! Just got this cute little chocolate omega. He has a cute, dark, cocoa ass. Bubblebutt. Rayne terrorizes him. But heh, I've gotta Bun on board. (pats belly)

Peter- (scowls at the physical contact but lightens up Freya fingers a protective rune bracelet) Yes. A berserker or a witch no doubt.

Freya- Hey. Cut the prejudiced shit. Witches and sorcerers should get along. (guffaws)

Peter- I need a drink.

Freya- Don't even play. I could slaughter some Hennessey.

Mya- (wincing) Indeed. Boy or girl?

Freya- Cub

Mya- Well. When your cub is born, do you think that color will be an issue for it?

Freya- Just because I'm brown as the day is long and Bun's dads are light and bright?

Mya- Yeah.

Freya- You do know I am a werewolf and my cub will be too. The cub could be dark brown, high yella, brown, blue black or it could be pale. I don't give a rat's ass and a quarter. It will be mine and I will love it regardless.

Mya- Well, Peter have you and Micah given any thoughts to children?

Peter- I would love to see Micah's children. He has even mentioned it. I would hope that they could wield fire or ice. I am not sure that I could deal with a water sorcerer.

Freya- That whole color thing is a human concept. Now, interspecies....that's a whole other topic.

Peter- (snickers.)

Mya- So in closing. What would you say about interracial/multicultural relationships?

Freya- It ain't for me to say shit about other folks, but there ain't nothing wrong with a swirl here and there.

Peter- I say people should mind their business and stop worrying about what others think.

Mya- Or else, right...(laughs nervously)

Peter- (deadpan) Exactly.

Mya- Well, that concludes this interview. I would like to thank you both for agreeing to this little chat.

Freya-Yeah, whatever. You still owe me for saving your ass from those goblins. There are less volatile fiends to play poker with.

Mya- Um... Yeah, of course. (dreading tonight's Texas Hold'em Tournament)

Peter- And I will expect your silence regarding last week's incident.

Mya- No worries, Peter. Not a peep, I swear! (mumbles beneath breath) So not trying to become a frozen slushie...Anyway, Thank you both!

Well, now that that interview is done, I want to inform you that I will be giving away the Serenity Basket during this blog hop (guarded by my precious Cougar). It contains a hot/cold mug, tea, journal, pens, massage oil, candles, a copy of one of my titles and more! In order to win, all you have to do is leave a comment!

You can find out more about the wacky, common and sometimey author, Mya at the following:

Website: www.myaserotica.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyasDen

Let's keep the party going! Check out the lovely IR author Keshia Robertson next!!!

The Loving Day Blog Hop

I will be participating in this fabulous event and giving away a wonderful gift basket. Stay tuned for more information and mark your calanders ;D

Rep Your Squad…I Mean Authors

Having seen great memes detailing how you can help an indie (independent) writers, I just want to put the word out that independents aren’t the only ones needing help. To share a bit of personal information, I for one have a mental breakdown when it comes to thinking of promotions. Seriously, it’s like I catch the flu and can do nothing more than rock back and forth as I lament lost opportunities to reserve blog spots, to arrange reviews and well promo in general, whenever I have a new release. Contests however, I tend to be rabid about. Anyway, many of the memes regarding the best way to help your writer buddies give the following advice:

Click on the “Like” Button on Amazon for the book and the Author (if you purchased it from the juggernaut)

Drop a review on GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, etc. once you have finished the book

Tag the book (if the website you purchased it from has the option)

“Like” or join the author’s Facebook page if they have one

Friend the author’s Twitter account and retweet announcements regarding their work

While I’m pretty sure that there are other ways to get the proverbial word out (feel free to list a few in the comments), any sort of recognition by a reader, good or bad is like money…to any author. It’s validation. A true writer (and by no means am I getting on a high horse) is going to write regardless, they can’t help it. It’s addiction. But as a Reader, I know that we can be addicts too and if encouragement can be donated to authors, those who aren’t so good can improve, those who are phenomenal can turn out more and if that brand of manipulation fails…I’m still doing great work for my favorite charity: Writers!!!

I know a lot of folk tell me: “What if I didn’t like the book?” Ever heard the saying ‘Any publicity is good publicity?’ Well it’s true. Seriously, how many times have I seen a book with 53 one-star ratings or 79 bad reviews and been more than just slightly…curious. 50 Shades of Gray…that’s all I’m gonna say on the matter.

So taking my self out of the equation, I find I have to revisit my policy on never reviewing any writers in my genre. I do read some paranormal erotica, some romance, not a lot mind you but I do read a few per year between numerous horror fiction, bio and eco thrillers and hard core space operas. Anyway as I go back through my Goodreads listing of books read, I vow to hunt down and ‘Like’ every author that I’ve read. While I may not write a review for everyone, I certainly vow to try and do so in the future. It’s not like I don’t know all the hard work writers put into a publication, so it’s almost especially douchey for me to expect reviews on my work and not put out myself.

I don’t have to speak much more on all the hard work that authors pour into their keyboards, the hours and the seclusion, I’m pretty sure that readers kinda know but I am making my own stand, my own personal campaign for Rep’ing the Authors, not just the ones you can’t get enough of but even the ones who cause you to wonder if they own a Thesaurus. A lot of my friends know that I am a rabid fan of Neal Asher (seriously, the cops would be eyeing me hard if I ever went to a book signing of his). I buy his books even the ones that I have to get imported from the U.K., liked his FB page, follow his blog, website and shout him out on any and every venue I can. If he were to announce that he was broke and needed donations, I would be among the first to throw money that man’s way, anything so he will crank out another book! In effect, I am sorta like his promo squad…but then readers can do that. They have that power and it doesn’t take much.

The next time you as a reader survey your vast library, stocked bookshelves and piles of coveted works, think about it. A little support goes a long way :D

My Beta Reader Obsession...

Meet Jamie!! He doesn't tolerate my bullshit and neither should my Beta Reader!!!

Early in 2012 I fulfilled one of my goals to do more public outings and to give back to the writing community who I sincerely wish I could spend more time cavorting with. I proposed, planned and was able to give a panel on one of my favorite subjects, Beta Reading. Like some writers can talk for days about world building, plot structures, characterizations, I love to dig into Beta Editing. OCD Alert, I love speaking about the tools, the processes, the degree of attention, the degree of cooperation involved. I have to admit that most of my study has been born out of dreams of the perfect beta reader. As a writer, I have this hmmm…selfish motivation. I wish that I could just crank out tomes and spend less time editing. Have a reader who could not only point out my inconsistencies, spot my errors and help me to stick to the damn plot. It would surely save me time and embarrassment but well…finding beta readers is not always easy and finding good ones is even rarer.

Now, I don’t toot my horn often, but I believe that I’m a pretty good beta reader when it comes to content. Back in the day when I didn’t have a good deal of writing assignments, I did a great deal of Beta reading for other authors and I loved it. Dissecting a text, writing up a summary, offering suggesting, pointing out brilliant bits and highlighting the awkward portions—Oh but it takes me back to my college days, scribbling notes (okay entire paragraphs) in red on the borders of “The Dubliners”...Yeah so, I am wiping the tears of nostalgia from the corners of my eyes as I peer at my writing schedule and how far behind I am.

So recently, my go-to beta reader asked me, “Do you think that I’m a good beta reader?” Thinking back to all of the times she has ripped into me about bad choreography, character inconsistencies, lack of action and sometimes the atrocious grammatical and punctual errors that I make, I have to say “Hells yeah!” Not to veer off topic but I often have people ask me how did you get published and I tell them that the most important commodity to have is a thick skin. (Not as thick as Jamie’s but thick).

Everyone likes cheerleaders, sure, but I don’t covet my babies, I send them out into the world to fend for themselves, so I would rather someone tell me that my kids are wearing mismatched socks and are lacking deodorant before they reach the door. Anyone who can’t take criticism and is afraid of the color red, has a hard road before them in writing. Submissions, Editors, Publishers can be (okay, mostly are) more keen on tearing your work apart than any Beta Reader. So my goal is to shoot for the least amount of embarrassment when I send off a new submission.

Let me tell you, the fact that my Beta reader is opinionated and picky helps immensely. Every writer’s needs are different, but I expressed to her that plot and choreography errors were my greatest concerns, that I wanted first impressions and opinions and she gives me that in spades. Do I need help with mechanics? Sure I do. [I am currently seeking a grammar and punctuation Nazi as a second Beta] but the fact that every story is a piece of clay which needs to be molded, hewn to the closest perfection before being taken to the kiln is undeniable.

I know several writers who have gotten discouraged over criticism and rejections, but I will always embrace it. I KNOW that there are flaws that I can’t see. I also know that I am often too close to see said flaws and so I love, adore and will do everything I can to encourage more readers to become Beta readers!

So from time to time, I will be posting Beta Reading topics and tools as I wait anxiously for my next opportunity to do a panel…which is also a New Year’s resolution.