Genderf*cking a Classic: Setting Traditional Sexuality on its Ear, and Loving It by Lula Lisbon

WMS_blogtourHow can one ever retell such a well-known classic as Cinderella without repeating what’s been said a thousand times before? Sure, helpless damsels and larger-than-life alpha males have their place, judging from perennial sales figures, but as a self-described queer woman, I am pretty tired of it. Before I came out, I had two long-term boyfriends and a love of romance novels — but eventually I felt as if I were chafing against the norms, knowing somehow that there was something else in life, a perpetual hunger and longing for something to which I could barely put words.

I don’t mean to crassly distill the coming-out process like this, but simply to shed some light on the evolution of my own mind as well as the thought processes which led to Cinderella: A BDSM Retelling’s conception. How much hotter, I thought, would it be for Cinderella and her prince both to explore and break through notions of traditional gender roles as well as gender itself?

As humans, we are complex creatures: we can be both male and female, submissive and dominant, shy and bold, without necessarily being pigeonholed or burdened by these concepts. We don’t have to pick one and stick with it, despite what society says. It’s okay to explore, to try different ideas on for size; wearing them every day, keeping them in storage for use as needed, or discarding those old rags entirely — and it’s okay for all these things to change as you grow into, fluctuate within, and learn about your own sexuality.

I think it’s probably a common fantasy to think about being a gender not the one you were assigned at birth; despite my misgivings about Freud, I think penis (and vagina!) envy merits discussion, if in a more sexually open-minded way. And I don’t think that such fantasies necessitate perversity or unhappiness, or even homosexuality. What I do think is that it’s okay to be curious, that it’s natural to explore and fantasize, and that it’s sad that so many people need permission to do so.

Cinderella as a character is sexually fluid; I’d describe her as heteroflexible. She has sex with women and men, but her main fantasies involve men — specifically, dominating them and forcing them to serve her with body, mind, and soul. Kink-Bottom Prince, a well-known submissive, is quite straight – despite enjoying anal and receiving forced feminization from his Mistress. Sexually underrepresented in society, sure, but deviant? I beg to differ. I think that this sort of free exploration is exactly the sort of fresh challenge that will blow tired tropes and outdated roles out of the water.

Could the concept of genderf*ckery indicate the beginning of a fresh Wave of Feminism? Embracing gender or the lack thereof, embracing roles or the lack thereof… it could level the sexual playing field in an entirely new way. I find the idea thoroughly refreshing.

 

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

With the raucous noise of the Ravyns’ party in the main hall echoing up the stairs, Cinderella nibbled on a bit of stale bread and butter. She had taken it from the kitchen while the chef had had his back turned, but she didn’t possess much of an appetite for food that night. In her dimly-lit attic room, she undressed slowly in front of her cracked and age-spotted looking glass. Taking her time to caress each part of herself, looking deeply into her own eyes in the mirror — dilated wide and black with desire, the emerald irises nearly as dark in the dim room — she longed for a perfect slave of her very own. Little miss Candi had been amusing, but he was not her ideal.

Her perfect submissive would be the one to unlace her corset, to undo her garters and slip off her shoes. He would take her toes in his mouth, one by one, swirling a hot tongue around each in turn as he looked up at her shyly through the veil of his eyelashes. He would pull off her gloves with his teeth, and give each finger the same treatment. He would worship every bit of her body, thinking only of serving her and bringing her pleasure however he might. His own pleasure would always be a distant second to hers.

Her perfect slave would be on his knees, begging with his eyes for her to strap on and fuck him senseless with her thickest cock. He would put the harness on her, and she would choose the cock — smirking at the wide-eyed look of alarm when he saw it, and she knew he was wondering how he’d take such a big shaft. His fear was a spur, and it would be a delicious struggle to keep herself in check. He would still be on his knees, and she’d slip two fingers into his mouth, forcing it open to accept her cock. His eyes would slit half-closed in pleasure, head bobbing, and with every stroke he’d take it that much deeper into his hungry throat. She loved that it was his job to service her: to service her cunt, service her cock, even service her ass if she so chose. Pleasing her would be first in his duties, always; and if he did so sufficiently, perhaps he’d be rewarded with permission to cum.

Cinderella laid down on her hard, lumpy bed, hands skimming sweetly over her nude curves. Her skin was prickled with gooseflesh, partly from the chill air of the sparse room and partly from her fantasy. Her breath was coming quick and shallow, and she couldn’t help but moan a little with each exhalation. Her left hand kneaded her breasts, pulling on the nipples, pinching them, while her right middle finger danced lightly over her hot, smooth slit. Teasing herself, she circled her clit a few times before dipping lower, feeling the soft crinkled flesh of the edges of her labia contrasting with the pure slick heat between them.

Her slave would be forced to swallow his own cum, of course — nothing else would do. He would probably hate it at first, but that would, in fact, give her no end of sadistic delight. And as he grew accustomed to it, he’d begin to associate the taste of his own passion with what she did to him, with what she meant to him, until he craved the taste of his own cum as much as he craved her body, her cunt, and her cock. She would get him to the point where the thrusting of her cock deep in his ass, combined with the taste of his own cum, would make him climax, truly climax — full-body ecstasy just as women experience it, shuddering with it for minutes on end. His eyes would roll up into the back of his head, gasping and uttering feminine, high-pitched moans. He would be her little sissy girl, coming for her just like the sweet slut he was.

 

CinderellaBLURB:

Dominas Arabelle and Druscilla Ravyn’s talented apprentice, Cinderella, wants to become a Mistress, but the cruel stepsisters thwart her at every turn. When famous rock star Kink-Bottom Prince is seeking a new Mistress from all those in the City, poor Cinderella doesn’t think she stands a chance. But a kind Fairy Kink Mother magically appears to help Cinderella win her Prince’s collar — and heart.

This 21,000+ word erotic novella contains menage, femdom, a submissive rock star getting fucked in front of his fans, spanking, whipping, magical strap-ons that come to life, pegging, face-sitting, forced feminization and sissification, a self-satisfied Fairy Kink Mother, squirting, fisting, exhibitionism, comedy relief, and much more!

 

AUTHOR BIO:

A femme queer-identified woman residing in Philadelphia, Lula Lisbon enjoys penning LGBT erotica and romance. Lula’s interests include historical fashions, dark music, and craft beers. She loves to bicycle as much as possible, and stays tight and toned with a grueling regime of pole dance fitness classes.

Lula’s femdom story “Icing on the Cake” is her first to be included in a print anthology — editor Rachel Kramer Bussel’s The Big Book of Orgasms. It will be released by Cleis Press in October 2013.

Lula loves to hear from her fans, and they can find her on Twitter: @LulaLisbon; on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlulalisbon; on her website: www.lulalisbon.com; or they can email her directly at Lula.Lisbon@gmail.com.

Cinderella: A BDSM Retelling is now available at Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Rainbow eBooks, and soon available on Sony, Diesel, and iTunes.

As for Lula’s entire catalogue, it is available at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Sony, Kobo, Diesel, and Rainbow eBooks.

 

GIVEAWAY:

Leave your email address and your thoughts on this post in the comments section to be entered to win an eBook copy of Doubled: An Erotic Science Fiction Novelette by Lula Lisbon.

High-Sticked by Lily Harlem

High-StickedHigh-Sticked is Book #5 in Lily Harlem’s popular HOT ICE series – http://www.lilyharlem.com/hot-ice.html. All of these sexy hockey books can be enjoyed as stand-alone stories though if you read them in the order you’ll meet the hero of each next book as you go along. High-Sticked is the only M/M in the set and follows the story of Rangers player Todd Carty and professional photographer Matthew Foster. It’s hot, it’s spicy and is sure to hit the spot!

 

Blurb

Dating Todd “Pretty” Carty was a trailblazing, headline-grabbing ride that shocked and divided a team, a sport and a nation. While controversy ruled, our feelings exploded and we couldn’t deny the desire that sizzled between us. Nothing, however, was easy outside the bedroom. Not when my world-class, fearless athlete wanted to shout from Everest that he was in love with another man.

But laying my heart on the line and having my picture dominating the papers was worth it. Everything about Todd turned me on. His bold hockey skills, his courageous attitude and the way he melted in my arms when I kissed him. I melted too, because he knew how to press my buttons, remind me of the man I used to be and take me to those places where ecstasy ruled.

The world might have trouble accepting us, but we’d committed to each other, mind, body and soul, and nothing could change that.

Buy Links

Ellora’s Cave

Amazon UK

Amazon US

 

Excerpt

He looked so damn sexy standing next to the bed. Tall and broad but with a certain vulnerability about him that made me want to get all alpha and protect him. Though I knew that with those fine muscles of his and that sharp speed he needed no physical protection. But I couldn’t help myself. I just wanted to make things right for him—more than right, perfect.

I stepped up to him, my cock already swollen well past a semi. “Lift,” I said, gripping the base of his jersey.

He raised his arms and allowed me to peel it over his head. I dropped it to the floor where it landed silently.

His chest was beautiful. I’d seen it many times on the shoots, but now I didn’t need to disguise the lust or admiration in my eyes. Now I could feast on the sight of his dark little nipples that were small and permanently erect. Stroking my hand over his sternum, I circled each one in turn. Felt him tremble beneath my touch and heard his sigh when I brushed over the slightly pliant stalks.

“You’re bloody gorgeous,” I breathed.

He didn’t answer. I guess he’d heard it enough times before.

My cock was full-on hard now. But I was under control. I had to be, for both our sakes.

Todd wore jeans and a brown leather belt with a silver buckle. Luckily my hands were steadier than the tripping of my heart as I released the clasp and popped open the buttons on his pants.

He was hard too. I could see his cock straining forward. The outline of it was visible beneath the material and the swollen head butted the tip of the waistband.

My mouth watered and my hands tingled at the thought of holding, tasting, worshipping his cock for the first time.

But that wasn’t what I had planned. Not yet, anyway.

After loosening his pants, I pushed them down his legs. It took all my willpower to leave his white briefs in place and not expose his cock, but I did it. I couldn’t trust myself. If I saw him all hot and hard then I would devour him. In one go.

He stepped out of the jeans and slipped off his socks.

I tugged back the thick navy duvet. “Get in bed,” I said, my voice husky even to my own ears.

Without a word, he slid in and lay on his back, his arms bent behind his head, his cock tenting his briefs.

He watched me as I began to strip. When I wore only my boxers, I scooted in next to him.

A small shiver moved over his body.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Sure.”

“Cold?”

“A little.”

I pulled the duvet so it covered both our shoulders then pressed the length of my body to the side of his. He wasn’t cold, he felt warm and solid and his leg hairs meshed with mine. “Turn this way,” I whispered. “Face me.”

He did as instructed, sliding one hand over my waist and tucking the other beneath his cheek. We were nose-to-nose.

“Remember when we first kissed on the sofa?” I asked against his lips.

“You know damn well I do.”

“Well, that’s what we’re going to do again. Only this time there’ll be no ordering me to leave.”

“If you left I’d die.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, you’re a sportsman not an actor.”

He laughed and as he opened his mouth I kissed him. Probed my tongue in and tangled it with his.

Instantly he kissed me back, a small moan filtering up from his throat and swirling out from between our lips. I ran my hand down his arm, onto his waist and stopped on his brief-covered hip. “Like this,” I murmured, “but closer.”

I tugged him toward me and he helped the movement by shuffling.

Our cocks came into alignment, only the barrier of our underwear separating them. “Matthew,” he gasped, gripping my hip the way I was his. “Fuck, you’re so hard.”

“Hard for you.” Damn, he felt good. His cock was as long as I’d suspected it would be from our brief introduction through jeans. It felt thick and wide too, a steel bar of burning rigidity.

“Feeling you against me makes my nuts so tight,” he groaned, shifting his hips so his shaft rubbed up mine on a long, concrete stroke.

I sucked in a breath of warm air. “Yeah, I know what you mean.” My balls were getting the familiar achy pressure that meant they’d be building to an explosion soon. “Lose these,” I said, plucking at the elastic waistband of his briefs.

He didn’t need asking twice.

As he pushed his down, I shoved at mine. My cock sprang free and a modicum of pressure lifted from the turgid shaft.

He gripped my hip again, tight.

I groaned and allowed the wondrous fist of desire to claim me, clamped my hand on his ass and squeezed our cocks firmly against each other.

“Matthew,” he gasped.

“That’s it. Fuck, it’s good.”

“Yes, oh god, yes. More. I want us to come together.”

“We will.” I began to shift my hips, a rhythmic grind that rubbed our cocks together, up and down. The shafts generated a scalding friction that heated with each and every movement.

He copied me, met me roll for roll, thrust for thrust. His fingers were pincerlike on my butt and his mouth covered mine.

We kissed, rubbed, slid into each other until our breaths were erratic and my heart pounded. My brain was sparking, firing from a hundred points all focused on Todd.

I wanted to reach down, fist our cocks in a clamping grip, but I didn’t. When I touched Todd’s cock for the first time I wanted to be calm and savor every moment. Right now I was on the brink of climax.

“Ah, I’m coming,” I gasped into his mouth.

“Yes, come, fuck, come now.”

Blistering pressure raced up the center of my cock, the intensity almost dragging my balls with it. I couldn’t breathe, my stomach pinched into a tight knot and suddenly it was there. A beautiful moment of fulfillment. Warm heat burst from me, another shot followed, fizzing and popping onto my stomach in a gooey slap.

A sharp cry escaped Todd and I let the sound swirl within me. He too was coming. The sound of his orgasm was gloriously uninhibited, unlike earlier when he’d tried to suppress it.

I tightened my fingers on his butt, holding him as he shook and shuddered and moaned through his release. More cum landed between us, sticky and hot, basting our abdomens.

He ran his hand to the back of my neck, supporting my nape as his tongue delved into my mouth. His breaths were erratic and noisy against my cheek. The smell of sex and cum and fresh sweat circulated upward, the stuffy air of the duvet intensifying the scent.

Suddenly hot, I flicked the covers off. A cool waft of air caressed my sticky body and I sucked in much-needed oxygen.

“That was fucking amazing,” Todd gasped.

“That was just foreplay.”

“Fuck!” He grinned and a wild, happy flash seared across his eyes.

I laughed and flopped onto my back, staring at the shadow-strung ceiling. “Yeah, fuck! Foreplay to fucking.”

hot ice

Lily Harlem Bio

Lily Harlem lives in the UK and is an award-winning author of contemporary erotic romance. She writes for publishers on both sides of the Atlantic including Ellora’s Cave, HarperCollins, Total-E-Bound, Xcite and Sweetmeat Press. Her HOT ICE series regularly receives high praise and industry nominations.

Before turning her hand to writing Lily Harlem worked as a trauma nurse and her latest HarperCollins release, Confessions of a Naughty Night Nurse, draws on her many experiences while nursing in London. Lily also self-publishes and The Glass Knot and Scored have been blessed with many 5* reviews since their release in 2012.

Her latest m/f novel, Breathe You In, is a super-sexy romance with a twist that will not only heat you up but stay with you for years to come.

One thing you can be sure of, whatever book you pick up by Ms Harlem, is it will be wildly romantic and down-and-dirty sexy. Enjoy!

Lily Harlem Links

Website http://www.lilyharlem.com/

Blog http://www.lilyharlem.blogspot.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/lily_harlem

Facebook http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Lily-Harlem/100003519563064

Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lily-Harlem-author-page/200182030094568

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/lilyharlem/

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4070110.Lily_Harlem

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/106837751333678531161/posts

Ultimate Gift by Candy Knight

Ultimate GiftBlurb

Ultimate Gift

Elizabeth needs a stiff drink and a hug from her friend after spending six torturous hours in the car with David. On their arrival they meet two stunning guests; the smoking-hot porn star, Suzy, and the dark enigmatic Toby. As the evening progresses inhibitions relax and sexual tensions start to rise. Could this diversion be just what they need to spice up their humdrum marriage or will it go too far?

Dream Surfer

Layne has a passion for impromptu sex in the open air. Her sporting accident prevents her from joining her lover in the surf and he leaves her sunbathing on the secluded beach. As the sun beats down on her near-naked body, her mind starts to drift to the inevitable passion she will share with her lover when he returns cool from the sea to soothe the heat from her body.

Lapping It Up

Married for eighteen years, frustrated housewife Trudy lusts after the passion she once shared with her husband. Recognising that something drastic has to be done, she asks her best friend to help. At first Dawn is flabbergasted by Trudy’s disclosure but agrees to work with her to plan a passionate evening that their husbands will not forget. Will they discover new appetites for their husbands or for each other?

Disciplining Jayne

Jayne fantasises about having sex with a stranger in uniform, just thinking about it makes her hot and wet. She arranges a birthday treat for herself, a night of passion to fulfil her dream. She gives very explicit instructions for the evening’s entertainment. However, her handsome escort has other ideas.

Rumour Has It

The mysterious Kate meets her perfect man when she spills water over his impeccably polished shoes. Tim instantly falls for the striking red-head and spends the nights fulfilling her every need until an unexpected phone call reveals Kate’s secret. Will the revelation rip them apart? Or will lust really overcome?

Unintentional Mistress

Bethany meets Max at a Christmas party and their mutual desire cannot be controlled. Events take an unexpected turn when Bethany discovers that she’s the ‘other women’. She knows that she should walk away, but can she bring herself to leave the sexually-charged Max? Or will she stay and have her heart torn apart?

 

Excerpts

Ultimate Gift

Guy proffered me a black shiny olive on a cocktail stick. I opened my mouth and hooking my tongue around it I plucked it off. He smiled seductively and stabbed another suggestively, this time a green one stuffed with bright red pepper. He held it to his lips and kissed it before popping it into my mouth. I had never perceived that anything so innocent could be so sexually electrifying.

Dream Surfer

I unzipped my too-short shorts and wriggled them down over my hips. I had my bikini pants on underneath, well what there was of them. I couldn’t help thinking that it was a good job my dad couldn’t see me or he would have a fit. I pulled my tight white tee shirt over my head and tossed it to one side.

Lapping It Up

Martin had pushed his chair back from the table and was about to stand up but I went behind him and put my hands on his shoulders. “Stay there”, I commanded. “I have a surprise for you” I murmured, in my best sultry voice.

Disciplining Jayne

She adored men in uniform, any uniform, they made her hot and wet. The Captain smiled lasciviously pushing a room key card along the bar toward her. ‘Room 401. You go up and I will join you in a moment.’

Rumour Has It

Moving his warm hand to my breast he caressed it over the smooth satin of my blouse, pinching my nipple between finger and thumb. I put my arm around his neck and pulled him towards me and slid my other hand up the inside of his thigh. He had long muscular legs that I just couldn’t help wanting to explore.

Unintentional Mistress

He pushed her into the corner of the back seat and parted her legs and ran his hand up the inside of her thigh. The soft skin between stocking and pussy yielded to his touch. Apart from the beautiful dress tightly knotted around her slim waist and hold-up stockings she was completely naked.

Buy Links
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Kobobooks.com
Diesel eBooks

 

Author Bio

When Candy Knight gets home from work she cannot wait to start typing. Busy wife and mother she enjoys writing sensitive and erotic stories that will make women wet and men hard.

Further inspired by the positive comments and feedback she received whilst attending an erotic/creative writing course she decided to continue to apply what she had learned. Striving to write what she refers to as ‘decent filth’, she is so driven to achieve her erotic writing passion that she has given up two days a week ‘paid’ work in order to follow her dream.

Having self published her first short story, ‘Unintentional Mistress’ on Amazon, she’s excited about writing more erotica. As well as releasing her first anthology ‘Ultimate Gift, Candy has also completed the first of three erotic paranormal voyeur stories from the ‘Flight’ series.

Candy’s work is strictly for adults who want to unwind at the end of the day and get hard and wet. So pour a glass of wine and enjoy this writer’s work.

My Post-ETO Self-Indulgence

1013521_612085342134839_1505935476_nAfter my amazing evening at the ETO Awards in Birmingham, which followed fast on the wild time at Smut by the Sea, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a winner. Though some chick named E.L. James nabbed the Best Erotic Author award at the ceremony, and that right after we had just finished our very phallic, very creamy dessert, Kay Jaybee and I have talked a lot since about how we felt like, ultimately, we came away the winners. First of all it was totally amazing just being nominated for such an award. For a writer to know that her craft is appreciated is a very big deal. And certainly just experiencing the excitement of ETO itself, and dressing up in our party frocks with our blokes on our arms and drinking fizz and feasting with the big names in the erotic industry was a recipe for a great time.

Plus it was wonderful to see so many of the people we admire and care about taking away those shiny trophies and bottles of champagne. These lovely winners were people who have supported us and encouraged us and helped us get where we both are as writers. Plus they were all people who promote the celebration of sex and erotica as a celebration of life itself. Okay, K D, now you’re just sounding soppy! IMG_1058But really, it’s true. It was great to see people who had done so much getting much-deserved recognition for work well-done. In all honesty, there were several categories in which we didn’t know who to cheer for because everyone on the list deserved to win in our eyes. In fact they were all already winners, regardless of who took the trophy home.

Congratulations to Xcite Press for winning Best Erotic Books Brand. Really, that felt almost like winning in itself, since they do such a fab job with our books.

Congratulations to Sh! Womens Erotic Emporium for winning Most innovative Retailer. I’m sure I don’t have to say how much we love the Sh! Ladiez and all that they do. On a list of my heroes, they are pretty damn close to the top.

Congratulations to Lovehoney, who took away the award for Best Online Retailer. No one has done more to promote my novels then Lovehoney, and they are on my love-you-forever list big-time.

Congratulations to Cara Sutra who won Best Erotic Journalist. I love her dearly for her promotion of my work and her encouragement. Plus her blog is fab.

And congratulations to Ms James for changing the playing field for all of us in exciting and interesting ways. We all owe her big-time for that, I figure. So hats off and salute.

And now, with that all in mind, I got to thinking what my award list would look like if I were ETO and I got to vote all the votes and choose all the winners –preferably while enjoying one of those yummy bottles of bubbly, of course. So with that in mind, I’m being a bit silly and self-indulgent and making my own list of winners It’s list that’s much closer to my heart, and it’s only a partial list. If I put all the amazing folks I’ve had the pleasure of associating with because of erotica this post would be endless. But here it is, the First Annual-ish KDO Awards!

IMG-20130623-00010And the winners of the KDO Awards are:Vic and KevSharing-the-Love

*Winners of the Sharing the Love Award are Victoria Blisse & Kevin Mitnik Bliss for their tireless efforts to promote and celebrate erotica and to help other writers do the same. You two are amazing!

Sh! most courageous

*Winners of the Most Courageous and All-Around Lovely People I know Award are, without a doubt, the Sh! Ladiez! I’m in awe at all you do and how you do it in such a sexy, compassionate, fabulous way. Massive hugs to all of you! You are my heroes!

lovehoneygood-golly

*Winners of the Good Golly, Ms Holly’s-in-the-Daily-Mail Award are LoveHoney. I didn’t see that one coming, and my heart still races when I think about it. Thanks for all you fabulous promotion of my work, much of which I don’t even know about as the results come rolling in. You’re the best!

Xcite books you're my pub and your cool

* Winners of the You’re My Publisher and I think You’re Totally Cool Award are Xcite Books for obvious reasons. What a wild and wonderful ride it’s been. Thanks for sharing it with me!

Tabithaloveliest-smile

*Winner of the Loveliest Smile Award has to be Tabitha Rayne. I can’t look at your smile and not feel better, Tabitha. Thanks!

Brit Babesgroup-most-honoured

IMG_1051*Winner of the Group-I’m-Most-Honoured-to-be-Apart-of Award are the Brit Babes. Your support and camaraderie are invaluable to me. Thanks so much for all you do!

Bowness familybest-pet-namers

*Winners of the Best Pet Namers Ever Award without a doubt goes to the fabulous Bowness family. Hope Stella and Tino are staying out of trouble!

remittance girlfrom-both-sides

*Winner of the I’ve Looked at Erotica from Both Sides Now Award is the brilliant and naughty Remittance Girl. Thanks for helping me look at erotica and romance from some seriously new and thought-provoking angles. You’re amazing!

Ashleybest-ode

*Winner of the Best Ode to an Inflatable Doll Award is Ashley Lister. I’m still moved to tears (of laughter) when I think about you delicious tribute to Betty.

Raymondgood-care

*Winner of the Best at Taking Good Care of this Writer Award could be none other than my lovely husband, Raymond Dickey. Volim te mnogo, Slatki!

Rosesexiest-reading-voice

*Winner of the Sexiest Reading Voice I’ve Ever Heard Award goes to the delicious Rose Caraway for her sultry reading of my short story, Pharomones. Your podcasts are totally amazing! YOU are totally amazing, Rose!

Lucyevil-pr-publicist

*Winner of the Best Evil Publicist and PR Person Award could be none other than Lucy Felthouse. EP, what would I ever do without you?

kaypartner-in-crime

*Winner of Best Partner in Crime and Terrible Twin Award is, of course, Kay Jaybee. The writing journey wouldn’t be nearly so much fun without you, Hon.

Sorry, but as much as I’d like to oblige, you lot don’t get a shiny trophy or a bottle of champagne. You don’t even get a cheap can of beer. But what you do get, and already have, is my respect, love and undying gratitude for being endlessly amazing and totally fabulous.

Muah! Muah! Muah! from my virtual podium on my virtual stage as the Self-indulgents — the troupe of virtual dancing girls I’ve hired for the grand finale, twirl their nipple tassels and kick up their heels to bring this years KDO Awards to a thrilling close.  I can hardly wait for next year!

A special thanks to the very fabulous Kevin Mitnik Blisse for creating the gorgeous KDO Awards badges! You’re the best, Kev!

Telling Stories at Smut by the Sea

I’ve been waiting anxiously for Smut by the Sea to happen ever since I first heard the idea mentioned by the fabulous Team Blisse. Victoria and Kevin Mitnik Blisse are always planning and scheming something amazing which is always designed as a win-win experience for all the writers and venders who participate. I love that about them, and I love being involved in Blisse events, not only for that reason, but because they’re so much fun. And Smut by the Sea was no exception!  To Date Smut by the Sea was the biggest event the Blisses have hosted, but knowing Victoria and Kev, today Scarborough, tomorrow the world! And I’ll be the first in line to buy my ticket. Thanks you two! You are the best!

In spite of the tombola, the book stand, the wonderful presence of Crowned Jewels, and FUJ’s fudge that was to die for, the very best part of SBTS, at least for me, was that it was so totally and completely a celebration of erotica. It was a writer-centric celebration of sex on the printed (and  eBook) page, complete with the rowdy, costumed launch of Slave Nano’s novel, Adventures in Fetishland. It didn’t feel like a workshop, because it wasn’t.  There was only one  panel, and that was a how to get published panel, without which no gathering of writers would be complete. It was a panel that resulted in some wonderful discussion from the audience.  What I liked best was that to me, the whole event felt like we were the modern version of the primal gathering around the campfire in front of the clan cave to hear and share the clan stories. If your curious about who all was seated around that SBTS ‘campfire’ check out the list of fab story tellers here.

I was elated that so much of the day was centred around reading – not just because I love to read my work, but because I love to hear the stories that other writers are reading. I’ve loved to be read to since I was a child on my mother’s knee. And I especially love to listen to first-time readers. I love to share their excitement, and I love to be one of the old timers who can encourage them and tell them not to worry it’ll be amazing. I love the looks on their faces when they’ve finished their first ever reading for an audience, the look that always tells me they’re hooked, just like I was, just like every one of us who has stood on that stage is.

For a writer, sharing a story is like breathing. We can’t NOT do it. That’s why we write. And to be able to read it out loud to an audience that’s there specifically to hear our words is like the rich, thick, butter cream icing with sprinkles on the cake. It’s a very physical reminder of why we do what we do. It’s an initiation for new writers and it’s something that those in the audience who are novices anticipate and dread at the same time.

There were three reading panels at Smut by the Sea, each with four readers. Along with Tabitha Rayne, Lucy Felthouse, Victoria Blisse, Ashley Lister, Lexie Bay, Janine Ashbless and myself, there were a good number of first timers, who all totally rocked it, by the way! Rachel Kincaid, Jennifer Denys, Slave Nano, Gemma Parkes, Liv Honeywell, Domitri Xavier and Tilly Hunter. You all were fabulous! And when our burlesque performer, Moorita had to cancel at the last minute because of car problems, the intrepid Victoria Blisse just invited more people to read. We drank wine, ate Victoria’s scrummy homemade cookies, and read and listen to readings. It was another great opportunity for newbies to pop their reading-in-front-of-an-audience cherries. I was in heaven!

In between the readings there was another key component that made SBTS such a fantastic experience, and that was the chance to chat, to share ideas, to meet people face-to-face who we had only ever talked to online before and to discover that they were just as amazing face-to-face as they are on social media. I was particularly pleased to finally meet the lovely Kerry-Ann McDade, who had come all the way from Northern Ireland to be at SBTS.  I knew from her sassy ‘Reading a Little Bit of Everything’ blog.

The other thing writers love to do almost as much as they love reading their work out loud is to talk craft with other writers, and there was a lot of animated talking shop that went on in Scarborough that day.  We talked fears and pleasures, we talked nuts and bolts, we talked failures and successes. We talked works in progress, we talked new and old publishers, we talked self-publishing and self-promoting, we P1000729talked about our characters and about our plots, we talked about what fun it was to be who we are and do what we love most. The celebratory atmosphere was very contagious.

In fact it spilled over into the Black Lion Pub after hours for a lovely buffet and a wild night of karaoke and laughter and just plain silliness. Raymond and I toddled off to bed somewhere around 1:30, but it was a long time before I could finally sleep, as I lay there listen to the gulls and reliving all the fun and camaraderie of the day and thinking about all the lovely people I’d spent time with — not listed here because the list is a long one — and mostly just feeling very happy to have been a part of it all.