Ellwood...If She Could

Long overdue linkage

2008-09-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

Now blogging at Me Want Food.

One door closes, another opens

2007-01-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

Dear readers, forgive my elusive nature. I've been waiting to make this announcement, but since it appears other authors are "coming out," so to speak, I suppose I should make a formal statement as well.

Officially, I am no longer with Venus Press. I have received the rights back to my three works there, and have placed all of them with Phaze for future publication. Under Covers will be expedited for rerelease in February, while The Healing and Standing Guard will be revised for later publication. This was not an easy decision to make, and I will not contribute anything more to the rumor mill, except that I am grateful to VP for the opportunity to share my work with their readers.

I do not know what the future of Venus Press will be, but I wish all the authors and staff the best in their endeavors.

Tricks and treats

2006-10-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

Just learned I'm getting something nice in my pumpkin to enjoy with the mini Twix bars and Tootsie Pops. I recently turned in the print proofs for Dare Me, and I hear back from Phaze that the book can be ready for sale as early as this week! I'll have an exact date for certain, and in the meantime I found I'm getting a new cover as well. Should be interesting to see. Can't wait to see this book alongside Truth or Dare at Borders.

In addition, Love's DoMINion has a release date of November 6, just in time for Christmas shopping, and A Winter's Dare snuggles in on November 20.

Don't you love this cover?

2006-10-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Kudos to April at Liquid Silver Books for this awesome new cover! I am on a cover roll this fall, with the hot number Kathryn did up for me at Phaze for Daring Young Man - which, by the way is OUT NOW! Go get it. Phaze has a new shopping cart, which is much easier to use than the last one, plus it's available at Fictionwise! And I hear we're going to be distributed elsewhere, I'm excited about that.

I don't have a release date for Love's DoMINion yet, but I imagine no later than spring given the quick-paced editing schedule. Next up, A Winter's Dare is going to be included among the Phaze Snugglers. Fourteen titles, the most of any themed HeatSheet, which makes me wonder if these will be bound into print soon. I hope so, but Winter is part of Dareville, so maybe I could talk Phaze into an all Dareville anthology one day. Between Double Dare (also out now), Dulce, and Winter, it wouldn't take much to add more stories. Maybe if I wrote a Dareville story for every upcoming Phaze theme sheet, I would have enough for an anthology.

Speaking of anthologies, my story "Midnight Treasures" will be featured in the first Phaze Fantasies, four-author anthologies to debut in 2007. I'll be in with Bridget Midway, Alessia Brio, and Ann Regentin!

Love the smell of fresh blog paint

2006-09-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

It's almost that time again, where I look at the blog, go ugh, and contemplate a new design. Had I the funds to hire somebody to do it I would, but I think I have the wherewithal to come up with something less...pink.

I found some nice, sepia-toned pics on a royalty free that I might use. Now that I have a lull in between Love's DoMINion edits I can think about redesign now. May have to remove or shuffle book covers. Don't like the way they look now, too small. Besides, my collection is growing too large and I'll soon have nowhere to put everything. LOL.

Flying Under Radar, Covers

2006-09-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Soooo busy with so many things, I didn't realize Under Covers was released until I got the latest Venus Press newsletter! Well, it's here, and I'm here finally, so I hope you're at Venus Press ordering it!

UNDER COVERS
Venus Press , 1-59836-373-5, $3.98
Buy now from Venus Press...

This book includes: scenes of graphic heterosexual sex

Part of the Mystical Sign series from Venus.

Libby Hoffman is an undercover reporter with a tabloid paper devoted to the important issues, like vegetables that resemble celebrities and shapeshifters living among the populace. Just as she's had enough with the job, along comes a story that too juicy to resist, one that might launch Libby to work in a real newspaper.

Fellow reporter Mark Grimes proves too much of a distraction for Libby, yet Libby sees the potential for an even bigger story - among other big things - by teaming up with the sexy hunk. When she discovers Mark is not entirely what he seems, Libby realizes she's stumbled upon more than just Pulitzer material.

Double Dare is on the way as well...but I'm going to wait a bit before holding a contest. Maybe mid-September I'll have something to coincide with this flood of releases! and Daring Young Man and Sinful Sundaes 2 aren't far behind, either.

Posterity

2006-08-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever cracked the Top 20 at Fictionwise. Truth or Dare had lingered in the Hot 100 in the past, but this is the highest rank I've been able to catch. Maybe next week will bring better news. Thanks, everybody!

While you're there, pick up TASTE THIS

2006-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

FABULOUS SALE & CONTEST AT MBAM!

Lots of prizes this week - all you do is make a purchase to be entered! Winners will be chosen to win a variety of print books!

ALSO, from now until September 30, 2006, every purchase will count toward a drawing for an ebook reader! The winner may choose between an eBookwise, a Palm Tungsten E2, or an HP IPAQ rx1950!

PLUS, you can enter the drawing without making a purchase by sending a postcard with your name, address, phone number, email address, and how you heard about MBaM to this address:

My Bookstore and More
2932 Ross Clark Circle #384
Dothan AL 36301

All postcards must be received by October 31st, winner will be announced on November 1st, 2006

Come see our SALE PRICES on ebooks!
http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/

All Trade PRINT books are ON SALE too! 10% off cover price plus FREE Shipping!

Presented by Millennium Promotion Services, Inc.
http://www.millenniumpromotion.com

New covers!

2006-08-19T09:21:00.001-07:00

New covers have arrived for pending Phaze releases, Double Dare and Daring Young Man! I could not tell you if recent cover snark action is the reason for Phaze's gradual move to photographic covers as opposed to past CGI efforts (some of which I like, regardless), but I will say I do like what will be seen on my coming books.

Double Dare marks the first standard Phaze HeatSheet to feature the new cover:

And Daring Young Man just nice:

Double Dare is due late September, and Daring will finally be ready a month after that.

Can world DOMination be far behind?

2006-08-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

My squeeeee for the day, I have been offered, and have accepted, a contract with Liquid Silver Books. My category fantasy/BDSMish book, Love's DoMINion, will hopefully be for sale in 2007!

Shall We Samba?

2006-08-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

I may have mentioned, either here or in my free newsletter, that I had written a work for Phaze's Samba line. The work went through a number of drafts, and titles, before I settled on Dulce, meaning "sweet" or "candy." TPTB at Phaze really liked the work, but saw that it was a semi-Dareville story (meaning you'll see reference to some Dareville characters, but the hero is a new guy. Also, you'll see Chelsea, who has been mentioned in previous books). I was asked if I minded holding off on the work, maybe lengthening it for a full-fledged release? I didn't have a problem with that, since Daring Young Man is in the can and I have Double Dare as a short to look forward to. I hope you're looking forward to it as well.

Well, I get a message a while back informing me of a vacancy in the Samba line, could Dulce fill it? I admit it took some time to decide, between a novel release or a short. Time, however, made the decision for me. I have a few contracts to honor, and don't have the time to work on a longer piece, so Dulce, to my surprise, is here!

Dulce

Phaze, published August, 2006
Buy the eBook ($2) from Phaze...
Read an Excerpt

This book includes: scenes of graphic heterosexual sex

When musician Neil Randall rolls into Caracas at three in the morning, it is with the intent to commit wanton acts of kindness until he can barely mount his motorcycle again. That the lovely and legendary singer Chelsea is in town further inflames his desires to get back at his ex for her infidelity.

Yet a chance encounter in a hotel hottub with a lovely young expatriate throws Neil for a loop. Suddenly he is torn between leaving a girl in every port and leaving the port with this girl. Are Neil's feelings for the one everybody calls "Dulce" genuine, or is he fooling himself?

Enjoy Caracas at three in the morning with this hot Samba by Leigh Ellwood, a pseudo-Dareville short.

Standing Guard now available

2006-08-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

Standing Guard
Venus Press, Sexy Confessions to Venus
Buy the eBook ($1.50) from Venus...

This book includes: scenes of graphic heterosexual sex.

A Venus Press Sexy Confession!

From the latest line of sexy short shorts from Venus Press comes Leigh Ellwood's Standing Guard. This first-person "confessional" conveys the erotic fantasies of a young women missing her soldier as he serves and protects overseas. At home, his woman serves and protects her lover's memory, waiting for the day he comes home.

This story is dedicated to all military wives, husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends missing their loved ones in Iraq and other parts of the world. May they come home safely, and soon.

Sweet Italian Hills will be going off to its next lucky viewer this weekend. It's been so busy over here, with visiting relatives and switching sitters for baby. Also, planning for the NYC Phaze in the City trip, too. I have to decide what to read and what to wear, so as not to outshine or be outshone. This is a first for many of the Phaze ladies, I've done signings but not a reading before. Very nervous. Good thing it's being held in a bar, I don't have to walk far after I'm done.

Sweet Italian Sausage

2006-07-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know if many authors of erotic romance find inspiration or research in adult films. I don't make a habit of watching them myself, but when fellow scribe KM Frontain suggested a "porncrossing" experiment I decided I couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate to see me some sweet manlovin' for free. Those free sample loops provided by the porno sites only provide so much.

The idea is this: a group of authors (or interested parties, heh) pass around an adult all-male feature and blog a short review. I don't know what exactly inspired Frontain to share this particular video, but if I could hazard a guess, it was probably to get it out of the house so it would no longer sully an already impressive collection of classics. Or maybe the parents visit often, who knows? I can't speak for Frontain's current DVD collection. ;-)

So we come (shut up) to Sweet Italian Hills, a foreign feature that appears as though it was shot with one hand-held camera operated by somebody in love with the zoom feature. This film was directed by Franco Minelli, I'm guessing no relation to Vincente. As this film is not in English, features very little dialogue (yet there is screenplay credit by TWO people - Minelli and one Etienne Villa, no relation to, uh, me), I can't provide names for the characters, so I will call them all Fabio. Easier for me to remember.

Simple, dull credits accompany Fabio One and Fabio Two on a walk along a dusty road, with the names Minelli and Villa popping up the most often. Direction, writing, cinematography, costumes, moose choreographed by, etc. Apparently they did everything but have sex during production, and several minutes into this short feature I wondered if anybody else was going to. Fabios One and Two clearly enjoy their exercise...eventually my mind wandered into a makeshift tour guide. And we're walking, and we're walking, and we're stopping in front of a Volkswagen with doors wide open. Both men hop in and go for drive to an ever remoter place for some you know what. I set the vibe to stun and think finally.

Alas, Dee and Dum are only teasing the viewer. After some intense, clothed making out (including a passionate attention to the insides of elbows), a bit of tense Italian is exchange and Fabio One storms off in a huff. Vibe off.

A shot of two shirtless Italian hunks shoveling gravel later, and Fabio One strolls into an Italian field populated entirely by half-nekkid men. I'm thinking hel-looooo, orgy! So this is going to be the scene where the Van Cliburn classical piano soundtrack ceases and the wacka-chicka soundtrack takes over to accompany the group fuck'n'suck. No, Fabio One just sheds his clothes and produces a Speedo from out of nowhere (why was he just not wearing it, though? He didn't have on underwear?) and lies in the grass. Van Cliburn does fade but is replaced by the sound of chirping and buzzing Italian insects, signalling (at last) a sex scene.

Fabios Three and Four appear short and thin. One has very dark hair pulled back and the other has a buzz cut. Neither appears very comfortable with the other as they kiss and cuddle, and I had to wonder if both are new to porn. What I do find interesting, too, about this scene is that for one there is no music soundtrack, only the knocking wind against the boom mike (at least it didn't dip into focus) and the insect. And they were loud. I hope Minelli and/or Villa provided some Deep Woods OFF for this venture.

The action is mainly oral, in fact it's mainly oral for the entire film, with the only anal scene happening in the last five minutes (between Fabio One and Fabio Seven or Eight, I lost count at that point)! Coincidentally, that's where the bulk of the dialogue takes place, too; five lines written by two people. I'm in the wrong business.

Anyway, I won't divulge into the whole film, but will offer that if wall to wall m/m oral is your bag, give this one a try. If you like a story, there isn't much one here to find. I don't have a set address to send this film, but I would like to move it before Mom comes to visit, so voice your interest in the comments box.

Some light reading for you

2006-07-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

the Declaration of Independence. Happy 4th.

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred. to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Thus endeth the streak

2006-06-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

A bit of sad news followed by better news: it would appear my quest to collect the entire set of themed HeatSheets at Phaze has come to an end. Dulce, my submitted work, did not make the final list. However, it was not wholly rejected. I have the opportunity to lengthen the work into a category and add it to the growing Dareville series. Dulce was not meant to be a Dareville work, per se, but there were references to Cal Briscoe and lyrics to a Brady Garriston tune featured. Dulce followed the story of a drummer friend of Cal's, slumming in Caracas to forget the demise of his marriage. In retrospect, I do feel the story is larger than the 12K word limit.

So, I will make Dulce a category length, at the very least. Rather than reference Cal, I'll bring him into the story at different points to interact with Neil, the drummer. How much interaction, I haven't decided. ;-)

Coffee and Cookies, mmmm

2006-06-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

Four stars for Taste This from Coffee Time Romance!

If you are looking for a story with lots of sex between men then this is the book for you. This tale is chock full of hot males who will get your engines revving. Tobin and Kelly are all over each other. This tale even has a ménage á trios and orgies. So put away the box of chocolates and indulge instead in reading this flaming hot story. - Candy Cay

Bizarre

2006-06-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Seems I may have been the target of a spring cleaning at Photobucket. Two covers and my blog banner are mysterious deleted. Weird, considering the Truth or Dare cover is still up and active, and that's probably the raciest one!

Well, it's time to redesign this damn thing anyway. Maybe I'll hire a designer this time. Meanwhile I should probably get my covers over to my own site before others disappear too.

Last chance to see Stars

2006-06-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

For a little while, Ged willing.

After much consideration, I have decided to end my association with Silk's Vault Publishing. As I had only one short title with them, very little of my catalog will be disrupted, but all the same I am a bit sad to leave. However, I believe the decision is best for all parties concerned. Despite the good reviews for the short, I believe The Stars Look Down would be best served with a tune-up, maybe extended to a novella or category. Then I will seek to have it published again.

So, as of July 1, Stars will be off the market until I decide what to do with it. It will no longer be eligible as part of my free eBook promotion, either. So, if you have a hankering for some hot, first-person anonymous erotica, get to Silk's Vault while you still can.

Ten-SHUN!

2006-06-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

And here is the latest cover, this one for Standing Guard, my Sexy Confession for Venus Press. Edits are on the way, and I suspect this will be ready for sale sometime in July.

This story is dedicated to all military wives, husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends missing their loved ones in Iraq and other parts of the world. May they come home safely, and soon.

The Return of the Podcast

2006-06-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Could it be my audio problems are soon to be solved? My laptop is in the shop for repair, I'm hoping that the problems I had experienced with the audio will also be solved. Happy thoughts.

In the meantime, I feel like I've lost an arm, not being able to work. :-(

Now available

2006-05-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Taste This
Samhain Publishing, 1-59998-120-3, $4.50

Buy the eBook from My Bookstore and More...

Read an Excerpt

This book includes: scenes of graphic heterosexual and homosexual M/M sex, menage and orgies

Some may say sex and chocolate go together, but cafe owner Kelly Landry prefers to spend his time kneading dough instead of needing desire. When an odd yet handsome man dressed as an alien disrupts the lunch rush Kelly is miffed, yet so intrigued that work is temporarily forgotten.

Tobin loves Kelly's chocolate chip cookies as much as he loves being with Kelly. When this sci-fi geek reveals himself to be an actual alien Kelly is resistant. Can a mutual fondness for food, and sexual desires, help Tobin win the baker's heart?

If you liked Taste This, you might also enjoy:

Jack of Hearts

Jack of Diamonds

The Healing

I am so pleased to announce this book is finally for sale. Special thanks to my editor, Sasha, for helping make it possible!

Greetings from Sunny Florida

2006-05-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

I'm beat. Spent Saturday in Daytona Beach for the RT Book Fair, and now I'm at Grandma's trying to unwind. Other authors have told me how exhausting the week has been for them, I just went ONE DAY and I'm bushed! I don't know how I'll make it through Houston next year when I do the entire convention. At least I'll have EPIC in Virginia Beach as a primer, and that's much closer to home.

Anyway, I thought I did fairly well at the fair. If you came to say hello, thank you for stopping by table. Turns out my tablemate never showed, so I was able to spread out. I enjoyed watching all the readers and authors interact. I had Lori Foster behind me and phellow Phaze lady Jayelle Drewry just a few seats down. It was nice seeing Bridget Midway, Devi Sparks, and Jessie Verino again, and I finally got to meet Adrianna Dane, Trixie Stiletto, and Madeleine Oh, more great Phaze writers. Ran into Mandy Roth from my new pub, Samhain, too.

Check out a later post to see what I bought.

How to blow your tax return in 15 minutes

2006-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't blow the whole refund. A good chunk is in the bank, and since it was a fair amount this year hubby and I decided to each take a hundred bucks and go wild. Of course, I hightailed it to Borders because I had a coupon - they are very clever in doing that, giving you a good sized coupon every time you go. Addict that I am, I keep coming back.

Speaking of, if you ever get those coupons in the e-mail, you can use them toward a purchse of Truth or Dare, which is now shelved at Borders in the erotic romance section! AND, if you buy from Borders, scan in the receipt to me and you can get a FREE ebook! Check the Free eBook page of my site for details.

Anyway, as to what I bought, it's a rather eclectic mix. You would think that I read a lot of romance, and I do, yet my first love is mystery. Though I love writing erotic romance, there's a part of me that wants to try romantic suspense and mystery, and I intend to very soon. Until then, I'll be happy to enjoy:

Murder Between the Covers by Elaine Viets. I've not read any of her books before, but I've heard good things about them. Elaine writes the Dead-End Jobs mysteries, stories set in hourly wage jobs; I believe this one is set in a bookstore. I'd hardly call that a dead-end job, though. One of my first jobs was with Barnes and Noble, and I loved it! True, I wished I could have made more money working there, but to be surrounded by books all day was an absolute dream. I got to hear Viets speak at Malice Domestic a few weeks ago, and I kick myself for not getting the book there for her to sign. Maybe next year, when I have more in my collection.

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen. With the exception of his children's books (on my TBR list), I've read and love just about everything written by Carl. Being from Florida, I can relate to many of the theme put forth in these books - the overflux of tourists, the continued destruction of the environment for the sake of progress. Besides that, the books are just damn funny. I am looking forward to the film version of Hoot, and I hope it's much better than Strip Tease - maybe the Jimmy Buffett soundtrack will help, maybe the absence of Demi Moore will, too. Who knows? I expect to take this one to the beach when I get some free time.

Hell Kat by Vivi Anna. I've seen this one advertised all over the Net, and since I've yet to pick up a Kens Aphrodisia release...why not? The cover looks hot, the blurb is intriguing, and I suppose I need to do some recon work if I ever decide to send Kens something their way soon. I have an idea or two in the cooker, always do, but it's been a while since I've read a good romance for pleasure instead of review. I have a feeling Hell Kat is going to be one for the beach or for one of the many airplanes ride I'll be taking this spring and summer. One to Cali, one to Florida, one to New York. I feel so cosmopolitan lately, and I still don't own a cell phone. Imagine that.

The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl. This one I just picked up by virtue of the back cover. Let this be a lesson to authors - make the cover text count, and get your friends to strategically place your books where they will be seen. My husband happened upon this one on a display of da Vinci knock-offs. (Think I could get away with arranging Truth or Dare on that table? I mean, it's like The Da Vinci Code, except that there's no code, or paintings, or Vatican conspiracy, etc.) This story is a mystery featuring real-life figures as sleuths, Holmes and Longfellow among others. I do enjoy books where real-life people are featured in a fictional setting, so we'll see how this one reads.

This should keep me busy until the next deadline.

Speaking of Book Joys...

2006-04-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Check out the cover for my upcoming Samhain release! This is my first M/M story to actually feature two men on the cover. There won't be any confusion as to the nature of this book.

Why the cookies? They are an important part of the story, but I won't detail. Let's just say everybody in book words hard to burn off calories, 'kay?

Podcast Woes, Book Joys

2006-04-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

What a time for my microphone to go kablooie, right when I have two new releases to celebrate and share! Guh!

If you listened to the last podcast, you'll notice it sounded like I was broadcasting from an empty beer vat because of the echo. To be honest, I don't know why or how it started behaving this way. I can only guess my little gremlin, who thinks all of mommy's toys are hers, too, did something to the microphone.

I just did a podcast for Jack of Diamonds (out now!) and it sounded so terrible I couldn't upload it. I would rather not do a cast than deliver a sub par one to you. So until I get this figure out, please check out my excerpts and listings for

Jack of Diamonds
M/M Erotic Romance
From Phaze

Dragons, Elves, and Myths, Oh My!
Paranormal Erotic Romance
From Midnight Showcase

I'm not in a wind tunnel

2006-04-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the sound quality of this week's podcast. I don't know why it sounds like I'm sitting in an empty beer vat. I tried Audacity and Freecorder and got the same result. Will try to have this resolved before the all-Surge Podcast.

Until then, why don't you amuse yourself with a trip to Borders? You may just find a copy of Truth or Dare on the shelves! Details in this week's podcast and on the home site.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (04/03/06)

Cover to Cover

2006-03-28T19:56:00.000-08:00

Received some nice covers over the weekend, for my "Leading Lady" short and Jack of Diamonds. April and May are going to be busy, with three releases and RT Daytona coming up. Taste This was moved up to a May 23rd release, right after the convention!

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (03/28/06)

Deal...Or No Deal?

2006-03-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

Had to be said, because I read Jude Mason's The Deal on the latest podcast. Be sure also to check out the sequel to Jude's hot vampire romance from Venus Press.

Speaking of Venus, they have contracted my ultra-short, ultra-hot Standing Guard for their new Sexy Confessions line. This is a revised, somewhat longer version of the short that appeared on Playgirl.com, and I have to admit I was pleased for the opportunity to work on the piece and perhaps broaden its audience. I think I could get the hang of writing flash fiction.

In the meantime, I'll have to be happy, too, with the novella contract from Samhain Publishing! They will publish Taste This, my hot multi-M/M, on the Fourth of July. I enjoyed writing that one so much that a sequel is definitely in the works.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (03/10/06)

I Came, I Dared, I Came Again...

2006-03-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

...then I took second place in the Forbidden Fruit Awards given by Erotic Romance Writer International! I've gone from writing ho' to an award-winning writing ho'. Let's hope the good luck passes to the CAPAs.

Megan Hussey of Playgirl.com sent me a good catch, hear all about it.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (03/02/06)

CAPAing off a good year

2006-02-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

Sinful Sundaes is up for CAPA nomination, for Best Erotic Anthology. Given annually by The Romance Studio, we'll find out on St. Patrick's Day if we won.

Congrats, too, to Petula Caesar for her 4-star review of Lipstick and Other Stories in RTBook Club Magazine. The latest podcast samples some of Tula's work.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (02/20/06)

Yes, it is and I am glad to see you

2006-02-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Huzzah! Yes, we're still allowed to say that.

The first draft of Jack of Diamonds is completed. I have no doubt it will be polished and refined before the Phaze Surge deadline. In fact, I'm feeling confident I might have time to write a second submission, if only a shorter one. Diamonds thus far is close to the 12K limit.

The latest podcast features Lani Aames' Santa's Lap. Thanks, Lani, for sending it. For everyone else, I've opened the podcast officially to any erotic romance author wishing to send excerpts for me to read. Drop me a line if interested.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (02/12/06)

Feel the Surge! Listen to the Voyeur

2006-02-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Feel the SURGE!

Phaze is now accepting submissions for their Spring HeatSheet promotion!

What: Erotic fiction, romance preferred, wherein electricity is rampant, even pivotal. We're talking stick-your-finger-in-a-light-socket, get-struck-by-lightning actual amperage.

Length: 5,000-12,000 words

Deadline: Midnight of March 10th, 2005

Submissions: Please be sure to include the word [Surge] in your subject line!! Otherwise your submission may not get to the right people. Send all submissions to the Phaze standard submissions address (found on the submissions
page).
Questions: Please consult Phaze Submission
Guidelines, FAQs and Sample Contract. If you still have questions, you may contact Phaze at the address found on the submissions page.

ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST ADHERE TO PHAZE Submission Guidelines.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (02/02/06)

Playing with Hearts

2006-01-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

Just got word I have another piece up at Playgirl.com! It's in the members only section, so check out the site for information on the exclusive membership there. More pictures, more erotic...more fun. ;-)

The third Spellfire anthology from Midnight Showcase, Spellfire Hearts, is now available. I haven't contributed to this installment of the franchise, but you will see me again in Sinful Sundaes 2: A Second Helping with the story "Marriage, Mayhem, and Marizpan," about a werewolf with an insatiable appetite for wedding cake...among other things.

If you don't have the entire Spellfire Collection, best stock up now before month end. Midnight Showcase books are buy two, get one free, and they're still marked down to $4.99. Sample a bit of Hearts in the latest podcast, with a bit of Mae Powers' story, "Tricks of Love."

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (01/28/06)

Just Erotic, Justly Designed

2006-01-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

Just Erotic Romance Reviews gives LeighEllwood.com four stars in their latest newsletter, writing in part:

Ms. Ellwood's website has undergone some minor change since I last visited. Knowing that an author takes the time and care to update this environment regularly is a positive indication that they're serious about their craft and want you to know that too. After all this is the "store front" advertising their wares. And this multi-published author seems to take pride in her home.

I do, indeed take pride in the home site, which I update myself, as well as the podcast, which I hope you enjoy.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (01/22/06)

Feeling Lucky?

2006-01-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

I'm chatting tonight at Romance at Heart, then tomorrow I host the Venus Press Chatters list on Yahoo! My latest podcast, though, features Laura Bacchi and her latest release, Lucky in Lust.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (01/17/06)

Silk's Vault gets wise

2006-01-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

Fictionwise.

The Stars Look Down is now available at Fictionwise for download, and is only $1.70 for a limited time. Stock up now. This now makes three of my titles available at the Amazon.com of eBooks.

I've already podcasted an excerpt of the story, so this time I cover Alessia Brio's fine flickering hungers. Enjoy.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (01/12/06)

We are fam-i-leee....

2006-01-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

...get up everybody and cheer on the Jags!

JJ Massa's award-winning prose and RT news, have a listen.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (01/01/06)

A New Year's Starry Night

2006-01-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

I wish I did have a sexier NYE story to share, but the closest to a threesome I got was watching Mariah Carey and Dick Clark on TV. There's an image for you.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (01/01/06)

Another One Bites the Lust

2005-12-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

Daring Young Man is completed, first draft anyway. Still, it's done. Woo hoo! Dareville is now 3/4 done, not including the novellas I may write on the fly, as the inspiration comes. Now, I take a short break from my favorite little town to work on Under Covers for the Venus Press Zodiac series. You can warm up to Dareville again with a bit of Truth:

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (12/27/05)

Over 69 entered

2005-12-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Christmas giveaway, the winners have been chosen and will be notified when I'm sober and less sleepy. Hah. Actually, I'm feeling no pain, having sent off the family ahead of me. I'll be joining then later, but until then...woo hoo!

Bridget Midway is doing her own version of the Snoopy dance, celebrating a new release. You can hear all about it in the latest podcast.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast - adults only (12/22/05)

Vision of Sugar Plums and Cherries

2005-12-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Don't forget Mae Powers's Christmas party at Maejical Powers. I may be generous with a Muse download or two, depending on what else the other authors have in their stockings. ;-) While we wait, have a taste of a sinful sundae:

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast (12/16/05)

Inspired and Awake!

2005-12-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

Muse is now available for purchase! Along with Jayelle Drewry's Waking Annabel, this is the latest from Phaze.

Today's podcast celebrates the release with a reading from Annabel.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast (12/14/05)

Bang, Bang, Bang

2005-12-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

4 1/2 Unicorns for The Healing from Enchanted in Romance!

Praise for Sinful Sundaes from Romance at Heart!

Praise for Jack of Hearts from Romance Divas!

All this and Andy Rooney tonight on...

Sorry, he wasn't available.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast (12/10/05)

Tommy, can you hear me?

2005-12-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe you don't have an MP3 player, otherwise you could be listening to my podcast.

That's right, I bit the bullet and clipped the mic to my shirt and recording my first ever podcast of Ellwood...If She Could, which features a read excerpt of Jack of Hearts. Future podcasts will feature readings of not only my other works but the works of other Phaze, Venus Press, Midnight Showcase, and Silk's Vault authors...whoever is willing to send over something for me to read.

Give a listen. I hope you enjoy it.

Ellwood...If She Could - the Podcast (12/7/05)

Glory Not in Vein

2005-12-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Slowly, surely, I've become hooked on the Erotic Romance Writers Forum for authors and aspiring writers. Phaze author Emily Veinglory maintains the forum, which features a number of M/M erotic authors. So, if you like The Healing and Jack of Hearts, why not stop by and what else there is in the genre to read? That is, until The Commoners and Jack of Diamonds are completed.

Dodged Another Bullet

2005-12-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

A friend sends word that some bloke named Giles Coren won the annual bad sex in writing award this year, dethroning Tom Wolfe. Color me relieved; perhaps I'll eat this month when the royalty check comes.

Bye-bye, Bosom Buddy

2005-12-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

I loved watching "Bosom Buddies" when I was younger. There's something about putting a man in a dress that guarantees instant laughs; it's a formula the folks at Monty Python milked for years, and I think it worked with this show. If you think about it, you realize Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari did very little to keep up the ruse beyond slapping on wigs and pantyhose. Very little makeup, bobbing Adams apples...nowhere near the attention to detail Michael Dorsey gave to his alter ego in "Tootsie." And it worked! They won housing in an all-women's hotel and the opportunity to ogle Donna Dixon week after week. Of course, in real life they would have been found out instantly, but that doesn't play on television.

But I really liked Wendie Jo Sperber on the show, and it broke my heart to read her obituary this morning. That she didn't make it to 50 and battled breast cancer for nearly a decade made it especially bittersweet; as the daughter of a six-year survivor (and counting), the possibility that I might be next weighs heavily on my mind. It's why I pay special attention to the "girls" during monthly checks, and why I contribute when I can to various awareness organizations (Wendie had founded one herself, I read). The Phaze ladies made a point of breast cancer awareness at our recent In the Pink signing, and though I know it's going to take more than wearing a pink rubber bracelet (which I do) to eradicate this awful illness, I'll do what I can.

For now, I can only bid television's favorite bosom buddy farewell, grateful for the joy she brought us through her talents, and happy with the hope that Amy Cassidy did manage to shag her beloved Henry, dress or no dress.

You can do a lot of living (and loving) in a year

2005-11-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

So some Italian scientists think passionate love lasts only a year. I wonder if this explains, somewhat, the popularity of romance fiction, that readers seeking to recharge that spark seek out such books for inspiration. I'm more than happy to provide, and I'm happy to know favorite authors are equally willing. I picked up Chey McCray's Forbidden Magic and am looking forward to reading it, if I have time.

I'm pulled to finish what I have started as far as two projects go. Both are sequels to some degree, but I did finish and submit Double Dare, which clocked in just under ten thousand words. This is a mini-Dareville story, bridging the events between Dare Me and Daring Young Man. I won't go into detail, but I'll leave you with two words to ponder: limo sex.

One from the vaults...

2005-11-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

If you missed my interview with Sally Painter early early early Thanksgiving morn, you can listen to the archived show through Global Talk.

While you're at it...

Enter today for a chance to win Leigh Ellwood's "Sugar and Spice" Christmas Giveaway!

Make this Christmas red hot with a Leigh Ellwood gift pack!

In celebration of the holiday, I'm giving away not one but FIVE prize packs for Christmas. I've made my list, checked it twice, and saw everybody is naughty. Wouldn't have it any other way. To thank my readers for a wonderful year, I am happy to give away the following:

One (1) Grand Prize of a signed print copy of Sinful Sundaes (sugar) and a Tabasco Sauce gift pack (spice), plus a pack of assorted author goodies.

Four (4) runner-up winners will receive a signed disc of one of my books (readers' choice, depending on availability), plus a pack of assorted author goodies.

You must be 18 or over to enter. To enter, just out the form below. Winners will be selected December 20th. Good luck!

If you are experiencing trouble with the form, send your entry to christmas@leighellwood.com.

And afterward we're going to Bill Mauldin's house to quaff a few root beers

2005-11-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. If you tuned in last night/this morning to Sally's show, thanks! We're off to have a "Thanksgiving dinner that can't be beat," to be follow by twenty-seven straight hours of football.

"Ever notice how nobody seems to get laid on Thanksgiving? Must have something to do with all the coats being on the bed?" - George Carlin

"George hasn't been to Dareville." - Cal Briscoe

Listen!

2005-11-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to tune in at midnight EST, for Sally Painter's Paranormal Hour, where I am the guest! I'll be talking about my paranormal erotic romance novels, and calls and emails will be taken and answered. Call 1-800-773-0355 or 1-310-328-9300 for international calls. You can also leave a comment or question on Sally's Blog.

Turn the pinker shade of pale...

2005-11-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

A fun time at The Pink Banana was had by all. Thank you, Crystal and the other PB ladies, for hosting us a second time. Thanks to everybody who stopped by the tables to chat and sign for the gift basket drawings, and to those who bought our books. It was an especially good day for me, as I arrived for the signing to find disc copies of Muse available for sale! I had not expected to see the book live for another month, but there it was in my hot little hands. Muse should be available in the Phaze store sometime this week or next, so be on the lookout for a flood of PR, contest announcements and general crowing. Muse was actually written before Truth or Dare, but underwent sooooo many edits before the final final draft. Like waiting for an egg to hatch, this was, but I feel so much better knowing Stacey felt it was time to release the book.

Now, I have to worry about Boone, the followup, as well as a followup to Jack of Hearts. A recent review from Just Erotic Romance Reviews praises the characterization and description of the story, but found disappointment in the ending. If you haven't read Jack, I won't go into detail, but the question of a sequel was posed. I hadn't considered one, but enough readers have requested it, so why not? Jack and Lars were wonderful to me, easy to write, too. They deserve to be heard more.

Anyway, back to the signing. I had already met Laura Bacchi and Bridget Midway, but this was the first time I met Robin Slick, Jessie Verino, Petula Caesar, Jayelle Drewry (who got her own surprise when she saw Waking Annabel ready to sell), and Devi Sparks. What a great bunch of ladies with whom to be associated! We had a wonderful time getting to know each other and experiencing first-hand life in a BDSM dungeon.

That's right, dungeon. The Friday before our signing, we were invited to panel a program on writing erotic romance, and in exchange learned quite a bit about the lifestyle. Now, I don't see myself as a domme or a submissive, and I don't know if I would ever embrace the lifestyle to any degree, but that night I came away with a better understanding of people who do "submit" to the life, as well as the people to whom they submit. For some, it's not like a night out at a club...it's a 24/7 way of life on their terms, and the people with whom we visited couldn't be happier. I wish them well, as I wish well all of the great Phaze authors.

A-Muse-d

2005-11-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

At long last, I have the cover art for the upcoming Muse. This cover's been a long time coming, and you could have knocked me over with a feather when Stacey King present me with the printout and a bag of cover pins for the booksigning tomorrow. She had a time designing this one - we had talked at length about the concept for this one. This is the book that was originally a "novel within a novel," but has since turned into at least a two-book project. Boone, if I ever get my other stuff done, will be the follow-up, and will be the book Tania (my Muse heroine) is writing in Muse.

Either way, I like this cover, kudos to Stacey. Should it go to print, it will have to be altered a bit, of course. I had suggested putting those green smiley shorts on Tania (you know, the ones on the alternative Sparkler covers). Stacey suggested something less...smiley. We'll see.

Anyway, the cover is here, so the book is imminent. Hopefully we'll see it early next year.

Please, Mr. Postman...

2005-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Come by so I can thank you. The Healing arrived in Brooklyn early yesterday morning. Hopefully it will make the March RT Book Club for review along with the Venus Press Ad. Lack of funds, unfortunately, forced me out of the April co-op buy in, but I don't think I had anything for that issue anyway. Still waiting to hear on release dates for Muse and Midnight Treasures. Don't want to jump the gun just yet on those.

The price of procrastination is exactly $17.85

2005-11-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

I thought I had plenty of time to get a printed ARC of The Healing to RT for inclusion in the March, 2006 issue. You can imagine my horror when I get an email yesterday afternoon from Venus Press letting me know that if I wanted the review the book had to be there today! $17.85 for overnight delivery to New York, and I'll be checking my tracking number today so it had better be there. There's no sleet, no snow, no hail, no cow blocking the road, and no reason why it shouldn't deliver when the nice lady at the post office said it would.

At least I didn't have to pay that much when I sent Sinful Sundaes for the February ad. Did I mention we finally cracked the Top 20 at Fictionwise? I think the greatest compliment, however, came from a reader who let me know that instead of entering a contest for a giveaway, she went out and got the book because she couldn't wait to read it.

G'Day!

2005-11-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

For all you Aussie fans of erotic romance, Rosemary's Romance Books in Brisbane now stocks Phaze paperbacks! Canadian readers can try The Satin Pillow in Woodstock, NB. Of course, if you're in Virginia Beach this Saturday there's The Pink Banana Boutique. We're not on the shelves permanantly there (not yet, anyway), so be sure to visit if you can. This is the first time many of the Phaze ladies will be meeting face to face. That's true for me, I was unable to get to RT last year...but Daytona is fast becoming a reality for 2006.

But you know you can't wait that long for a signed Leigh Ellwood. :-)

One week 'til pink...

2005-11-13T16:07:00.000-08:00

Next Saturday I'll be in the pink when Phaze in the Pink comes to The Pink Banana Boutique! Already The Daily Press has made mention of the event, and we're hoping to get some local radio involved as well, as the event will benefit breast cancer research. Buy a book, save a boobie. Unfortunately, nobody seemed interested in that slogan. :-P

Have a gander, too, at the cover of Spellfire Seasons, the second Spellfire anthology from Midnight Showcase, to be featured this Christmas. I don't a story in this digest, but I plan to help promote it alongside Sinful Sundaes, which is still hovering just under the Fictionwise Top 20 in erotica! One copy, is all I ask. Did I mention it's on sale?

Ten HUT!

2005-11-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

If you are a member of PlaygirlTV.com, you can now read my sizzling short, Standing Guard! I can now add "contributor to Playgirl" in my bio, whoo!

Also completed my latest contribution to SUITE. December's issue will feature reviews of "Freddie," "Surface," "I Love the 80s: 3D," and "Everybody Hates Chris." Membership to this site is also required to read the reviews.

Bibbity Bobbity Boobs

2005-11-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

I reported yesterday how Truth or Dare spiked in the low 100Ks on Amazon.com. What I didn't report yesterday was that paired next to my book (one of those combo offers) was the anthology Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down, by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Melanie George, and Jaid Black. Good company, if I say so. Today, though, I check and find this:

The Disney Songbook?

People ask me if I listen to music when I write (most definitely: Rush, Zevon, Traffic, Zappa...), but I have yet to ask my readers if they listen to anything while reading my books. Never has it occured to me that "Under the Sea" might make for a suitable soundtrack. Maybe for Anna Fallon's Sea Lover, also at Phaze, BTW.

Elves, Dragons, and Myths. Oh, My!

2005-11-10T05:48:00.000-08:00

Wrote the last word of the first draft of "Leading Lady" last night. Clocks in at just over 11K words for the erotic romance anthology Elves, Dragons, and Myths. Oh, My!, due this spring from Midnight Showcase. I received the contract for the story the other day, but I definitely want to give it a once over before I send it to Jewel. I still don't like the ending, it doesn't seem to ring true with the rest of the story, and I know I could inject a bit more eroticism toward the end as well.

Stand by for a blurb on "Leading Lady" as I receive news on the digest. Now, it's off to finish Double Dare and Daring Young Man for Phaze.

Today the posse page, tomorrow the centerfold...

2005-11-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

...and I just know he'll be cute.

Here you have it, my mention in the December issue of Playgirl magazine. This page was devoted to the ladies of Phaze, in celebration of our playgirlishness, if that's a word. If not, it should be. If bootylicious can make the OED, why not?

Robin Slick commented to us today that her Amazon ranking for Three Days in New York City spiked in the wake of this issue, so to test the theory I checked Truth or Dare. Lo and behold, it's reached an all-time high in the low 100Ks whereas it usually languishes in seven figures! I'm quite proud of that number considering the millions of books available on Amazon, and because I tend to push readers more to the Phaze catalog listing, where the download of Truth is still the bestseller, I might add.

So thank you, Playgirl, and Megan Hussey, for the added boost.

eCataRomance Reviews Sinfuls

2005-11-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

Sinful Sundaes is a delightful group of stories. Each one has something different to offer. I certainly hope there will be another edition for our reading pleasure.

- Read more...

Free Fallin'

2005-11-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

If you missed the Phaze chat last night, you have another chance this week to chat me up at Fallen Angel Reviews. Tonight at 9 I'll be with the Silk's Vault ladies talking about our books. If you don't want to wait that long (and I don't blame you), come by FAR's Yahoo group anytime today, as I'm the featured author. I'll be giving away at least one copy of Jack of Hearts, maybe another book if I'm generous *G*.

And Sinful Sundaes is ohsoclose to cracking the Top 20 in Erotica at Fictionwise! Get it now while it's still on sale.

The First Review...and Future Endeavors

2005-11-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Shivers are getting much-deserved attention:

"A different kind of love story, JACK OF HEARTS will appeal to readers who love the unexpected." - Terrie Figueroa, Romance Reviews Today

Alessia and Selah and Ava, too, have received kind words for their efforts. If you stop by the Phaze Chat tonight at 9PM be sure to congratulate them. Now that the laptop's back, I'll finally be able to connect at night. I'm hoping, too, tonight we'll discuss the upcoming Snugglers, the winter HeatSheets.

How SUITE It is!

2005-11-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

If you subscribe to SUITE Magazine, you will have seen my reviews of American Dad, House, Rescue Me, and Snapped! Each month brings four new shows for review, and I'm due to send in another installment. I think for December I might check out Freddie and Invasion, maybe a celeb-reality show to cleanse the palate.

What I didn't know myself until today was that SUITE posted a nice review of Sinful Sundaes in their September issue. It reads in part:

Looking for a quick, tasty treat to heat you up? Then SINFUL SUNDAES is the anthology for you. Each of the seven stories are set to a day of the week and sweet flavored ice cream treat. This collection of stories is the first for the Spellfire line, a series set in the paranormal and magical town of Spellfire, Texas. Covered by and teeming with magic, you can't help stepping aside from being a tourist and staying.

Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and witches are only the start of what's walking down the street in this Texas town. You get the grand tour through the magic that happens between two people in this town through the places of the Sinful Sundaes Ice Cream Shoppe, the Witch Academy, downtown, and the woods filled with nature objects that used to be humans. When you get a taste for these stories, your sweet tooth will be aching for more to come from the Spellfire collection.

~Lysa Demorest
SUITE Magazine

Reading this makes it all the more sweeter to know that not only is Sinful currently the top seller for Midnight Showcase books in Fictionwise, but we're in the Top 50 overall for Erotica! AND...plans are in place to go to audiobook! I can't wait to hear one of my stories read. I have to say, too, it is fitting that a story about a women trapped in her delivery truck will soon be heard by people driving to work! Ha!

In Transit...

2005-11-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

That's where my laptop is. Could be going still, could be coming back. Who knows? Certainly not the young man with whom I spoke earlier, but I can't fault him. Well, I could if I were feeling particularly sadistic today, which sadly I am not. Otherwise, I would be five thousand words into In Transit, an exciting romp through the world of retail electronics and repair. Clean up in aisle five, indeed.

Final Frontiers...Vulcans Welcome

2005-11-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

If anyone experiences a hiccup while trying to visit the home page, it's because I'm in the process of switching servers. I've decided to try a new home where LeighEllwood.com will be comfortable. Also keep on the lookout for new additions to the site, including book recommendations and articles. I caught the non-fiction bug reviewing TV shows for SUITE, and I hope that becomes a regular gig. Once my ill laptop comes home from the shop, that is. I'm going certifiably insane without it. I can't write, I can't promote, and I haven't realized before how terribly dependent I've become. If you read my latest newsletter (now in HTML), you'll know how I've been passing the time until I'm hooked up again.

It's not what you're thinking...I wish!

Vote for me and I'll set you free...

2005-11-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

Run, run, run, but you just can't hide...

Come on, somebody else has to know that song.

I sing it because I am a featured author all this month at The Romance Studio BLUE. I hope you will stop by and vote for me as the Feature of the Month. Great fortune will come your way if you do. Traffic will disperse, the planets will align, Simon and Garfunkel will reunite and it won't cost three hundred bucks a head to see them...general merriment.

Getting Wise

2005-11-01T05:52:00.000-08:00

Sinful Sundaes is now available at Fictionwise, for those of you with accounts there. The listing looks great, I just wish there was a way my name could appear in the listing with the others. I'll have to see about contacting somebody...could be there is a limit to how many can be listed. It would be nice, though, because a browser could click on my name and be directed to Truth or Dare and future works as well.

Midnight Showcase is also offering a sale on Sinful and other titles...through December, all eBooks downloads are on sale for $4.99, that is nearly a $3 savings on Sinful, so get your sugar fix now!

I'm the one in the fishnets and Jermaine Dye jersey

2005-10-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

I kid. I didn't get to Chicago for the World Series win, but I have a relative there, and she blew off work with the rest of the city to watch the parade. One day, I'd like to see something like that in person. Where I live, we have a Triple-A ball club that farms to the Mets, but it's been forever and a day since I saw a game. When a beer costs more than the price of admission, it's time to rethink your Saturday evening activities. Of course, sex is free.

Now, sex at the World Series...swinging a big bat, one strike, two balls, and it's a home run! See how quickly a picture can inspire a thousand dirty words?

New Blog, Free...

2005-10-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

My blog is worth $6,209.94.
How much is your blog worth?

Cutesy graphic that places a price tag on months of blood, sweat, typing, and tears: free.

A e-mail from a fan that reads in part, You are becoming one of the few authors whose
books are an auto-buy: priceless.

My blog might not be worth the price of pre-owned Dodge Neon, but Maria's kind words about The Healing are worth more than gold to me. This is why I do what I do. Perhaps if I keep on doing it, my blog will be worth enough to save toward retirement, or at the very least a lengthy vacation to think up more ideas. I might just have another one brewing thanks to Commander Sulu. This took me entirely by surprise, an interesting observation given my previous post on Star Trek slash fiction. Of all the stories I've read, I don't think I have ever seen a Sulu story on the Web. Perhaps we're long overdue. Either way, it doesn't change my opinion of the man. I'd kick Romulan ass with him any day.

Light My Fire

2005-10-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Yeah, let's start one. You get the sticks, and I'll bring the heat.

If you've paid enough attention to this blog, I haven't done too many "meme" posts. I still owe you a 100 Things list, as soon as I can come up with 99 more compelling facts about myself. Reading Bonanza Jelly Bean's threesome post (it's not what you think, damn it) gave me the idea to attempt a chain of events myself. Let's see if it works, eh?

Three screen names that you've had: As far as web IDs, I've used majhoulihan, disco stu, and leighellwood

Three things you like about yourself: My uncanny sense of timing, my ability to type 70+ WPM, and my rack

Three things you don't like about yourself: My ass and both of my thighs

Three parts of your heritage: my stubborn streak, my nose, and ability to make lasagna, all from Grandma

Three things that scare you: heights, rottweilers, Bill Maher

Three of your everyday essentials: My laptop, a nice tube of lavender face lotion, and music

Three things you are wearing right now: Vans, Benetton sweater, Victoria's Secret bra (how's that for product placement?)

Three of your favorite songs: "Natural Science" - Rush; "Dear Mr. Fantasy" - Traffic; "Lawyers, Guns, and Money" - Warren Zevon (Love how Google still brings up the description on his site as listing "tour dates." Is he opening for Frank Zappa?)

Three things I want in a relationship: humor, flexibility, health

Two truths and a lie: I once sat on the lap of an Oscar winner; I once kissed Geddy Lee; I toured an aircraft carrier

Three things you can't live without: Sex, rum, Fritos

Three places you want to go on vacation: LA, Iraq, Greenland

Three things you just can't do: lose weight, sing, trill my Rs

Three kids names: Larry, Moe, Curly

Three things you want to do before you die: visit London, publish with Avon, Geddy Lee

Three celeb crushes: Geddy, Alex, Neil

Three of your favorite musicians: see above

Three physical things about the opposite sex that appeals to you: great smile, strong hands, big heart (minds out of the gutter, thank you)

Three of your favorite hobbies: writing, sex, sloth

Three things you really want to do badly right now: sleep, eat, f*ck - at the same time, even

Three careers you're considering/you've considered: law (don't laugh), library science (beware the quiet ones), Hooters waitress (shut up)

Three ways that you are sterotypically a boy: I wear pants, I watch NASCAR, I watch dirty movies

Three ways that you are sterotypically a girl: I smell nice, I wear lacy things, I run funny

Three people that I would like to see post this meme: Bridget, Laura, Alessia

The game is afoot.

Curse of the Were-Computer

2005-10-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

It had to happen right as I'm about to launch a mad promotional campaign for Jack of Hearts...my laptop screen burns out! The hard drive is fine, thank goodness, so I won't have to rewrite Daring Young Man from memory, but I had to send the computer away to be fixed. It's under warranty, but it will be a week before I get it back. I feel as though I lost my arm. You should see me at the house, I'm pacing like a nervous cat, not knowing what to do. All those chats listed on the calendar I will not likely attend because of this. Drat.

"Go for a walk," hubby suggested last night. So I bundled up, plugged in the iPod shuffle and barreled into the wind listening to Rush. Small comfort, but walking helps me form ideas for future works. What stinks about this whole thing is that I was nearly finished with my piece for Elves, Dragons, and Myths. Oh, My! for Midnight Showcase when this happened. I need to get back to work before the inspiration goes away.

Where's my iPod?

Jack of Hearts, now available!

2005-10-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

Jack of Hearts, a Phaze Shiver HeatSheet
ISBN 1-59426-549-6, $2.00 download
Order today from Phaze!

Immortal Lars has waited centuries to reunite with his beloved Lila, his soul mate. And now, on this Halloween night, he has found her. But she is not at all what he'd been expecting...

Do we love the soul -- the very essence of a person -- or is our love contingent upon the packaging? Lars struggles with this question in a tale that will leave you aching for more! Sexy, evokative and poignant. - Alessia Brio

Getting Anal

2005-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

A poster in a recent chat commented that "anal is the new black," in reference to erotic romance. I suppose one could risk being disgusting and amend the statement to read "anal is the new brown," but I want to build my readership, so I'll pass. The remark, though, did give me cause to ponder. Do readers of erotic romance like to read scenes containing anal sex? I have written a few myself (Truth or Dare features one prominent scene, and an MMF, and of course The Healing has its moments). I hadn't considered whether I'll continue the trend in future books, though it seems a given with any future M/Ms I write, and I have at least one contracted.

Speaking of, if you're in the mood for a laugh, check out the most popular anal sex position in the world (no nudity, though not sure if it qualifies as NSFW).

Jack of Hearts Excerpt

2005-10-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Per request from The Romance Studio chat, Jack of Hearts will be published October 24:

The soothsayer said nothing as she pocketed the cash, then turned the heart-shaped quartz in her palm. He had given it to Lila nearly two hundred years ago as a promise to marry; she had been wearing it the day Lars was changed, the day his creator slashed past the ribbon around her throat as she blocked the vampire from Lars in a weak attempt to protect him. The memory of that terror - Lila's shrieks of pain, his creator's cold indifference - bubbled in his memory as he watched card after card slide through the dark woman's fingers. Lars swallowed back the pain and tried to focus on the deck. This was not a time to mourn; he would not let his anger overshadow what could potentially be the rediscovery of his joy.

He let the whisper of each turned card absorb the echoes in his head, until there was nothing but steady breathing and rapid shuffling, quiet yet tense. The woman's voice was a honeyed purr that tickled the back of his neck and slithered up his skull.

"Something very important was taken from you."

"Don't tell me what I already know," he countered tersely. Her retort was a frown that pinched her lovely face. Lars watched her rifle through the remainder of the deck until nothing remained facing upward but three cards, all hearts. She bit her lip. Dark eyes widened. Lars edged forward in his seat.

"Lila came back?" His head throbbed. The blood consumed from a recent kill coursed fresh through his veins, warming his body and enhancing the anticipation that hardened his cock. He had waited so long…the thought that he would once again hold his beloved, and finally make love to her, nearly caused him to erupt with an orgasmic cry right there in the woman's parlor.

Had not his desires been reserved for Lila, he might have taken the woman right there, and tore through her blouse to take a thick, dark nipple between his teeth while he palmed her healthy, round ass.

The woman appeared unmoved by Lars' growing arousal. "Your Lila lives," she said plainly, her face still bent over the three cards. Slowly her eyes rolled upward to peer at him through her lashes. "She is here...she is not the same."

Moonlight and Vampires

2005-10-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Moonlight Fantasy newsletter is running an excerpt of The Healing. Be sure to sign up; it runs every Saturday and doesn't cost a cent.

We're Pinheads All...Jocko Homo...

2005-10-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

We are not Devo, but a small group of M/M fiction fans that hopes to become a large group. HomoPromo is devoted to M/M erotic romance, like The Healing and Jack of Hearts. If you enjoy M/M, consider joining. The group will be having author days and other events once the numbers grow.

Is it any wonder I'm so wired?

2005-10-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'm on a iced cinnamon roll with Coffee Time Romance. Five cups for The Stars Look Down.

Cherokee writes in part: The way Ms. Ellwood tells the story draws you well into the web as the man at the top of the hill awaits a woman that he is to meet. I did not want to stop reading...Ms. Ellwood has written a story that is quite remarkable. I was truly amazed at the outcome, and I highly recommend this incredible read to others.

I'm happy to receive such good feedback for this story, because this is not a romance, like my other works, and it's told in first person, which is unusual for the genre. The story began as a dare on a message board I frquent, and blossomed into a story everybody read and liked. I'm happy Silk's Vault took the chance with it, and I really need to go over there and promote more. Seems everytime I think about it I have a book released by somebody else! Right now, between Sundaes and Jack of Hearts, I'm afraid some of my other children are being neglected, and I can't do that. It's said that the average shelf life of a new release is only a few weeks...well, who wants to be average? I want to be like Mercedes Lackey, and still see books I wrote twenty years ago on the shelves when I go shopping.

Of course, I have to get on the shelves, and I will one day. You can already buy Phaze books at The Satin Pillow in Canada, and Rosemary's Romance Books in Queensland is considering us, too. G-day, indeed!

Some coffee with your ice cream, eh?

2005-10-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Susan White at Coffee Time Romance gives 5 cups to Sinful Sundaes. Susan writes in part about the whole book:

This terrific book is a collection of short paranormal stories by seven wonderfully gifted authors who really know how to engage a reader's attention. All of the stories are tied in together through Spellfire, Texas, and the Sinful Sundaes Ice Cream Shoppe which is owned by Electra Spellfire. This awesome anthology makes for a perfect read for those who enjoy reading about supernatural beings. Sinful Sundaes is a fabulous book that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read on a crisp fall night or at any other time of the year. More Spellfire, Texas please!

...and about "Fairies and Cherries":

The sex scene is hotter than a bushel of cayenne peppers and left me begging for more. Kor is one sexy faerie who really got my motor running! The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and I hated to see the story end. Ms. Ellwood is a gifted author who never fails to totally enthrall me with her scintillating stories. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes tales of magic and love. Fairies & Cherries is a sensational story that I am sure others will love just as much as I do.

Susan will get her wish. I know two more Spellfires are in the cooker, though I won't be participating in them. I will, however, have my hand in a few other Midnight Showcase delights to come. Congratulations to all the authors!

It, like Tim Curry in that scary clown suit

2005-10-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

I got tagged by Bridget in the comments section:

You have to answer these questions/instructions then tag three other people. As I told Anna, do NOT tag me again! Once is enough for me. Enjoy!

1. Delve into your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas.
5. Tag three people to do the same.

After a brief search, I have concluded that the fith sentence of the 23rd post doesn't exist. That post was only three sentences long, the last sentence being:

If you liked Truth or Dare, I hope you'll enjoy Dare Me, once I get it finished!

Not much to ponder here, I was sincere in that post. I did hope you liked Truth or Dare and Dare Me, and I hope more people do. I hope more people buy these books, and that they'll like Daring Young Man when I finish writing that!

So, who to tag next?

What's in your Sinful Sundae?

2005-10-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

I held a brief contest over at Maejical Powers, asking readers to concoct their own Sinful Sundae ice cream flavor. If there were to be an ice cream made for the book, what would be in it? Got some interesting answers, which I'll share once I've selected a winner.

I love Ben and Jerry's, so I would have to say my Sundae would have to have a combination of the now retired Cool Britannia (love those little shortbreads) and New York Super Fudge Chunk, my all-time favorite flavor. I used to looooove Haagen-Daaz's honey vanilla, but they don't make it anymore. :-( If they still do, I haven't seen it in 15 years.

Speaking of suite deals, I may have a regular gig at SUITE Magazine. More details to come.

Zappa-ed Between the Eyes

2005-10-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

or, I'm Only In It For the Money
or, Nanook Rubs It, Over and Over

Just like me to learn to appreciate something after it's long gone. A friend introduced me to Mr. Frank Zappa and I'm hooked. I've listened to "Joe's Garage" so many times now I nearly wrote the lyrics in one of my chapters. Can't say whether or not Frank would have appreciated it, but I doubt his lawyers would be very amused.

And, if anything is likely to threaten my yen for M/M fiction, it's probably the picture to your left. I found this gem at Sick Sad World, who snitched it from Boing Boing, who snitched it from the All-Ages Kirk/Spock Archive. I've been aware of the rather large Kirk/Spock following (I've the origin of the term slash comes from the multitude of Kirk slash Spock pairings in fan fiction, and look, Wikipedia agrees with me), though for some reason I've never been into the K/S stuff. I'm not much of a fan of TOS in general, though I loved TNG. And yet, I never much cared for Picard/Riker stuff, either. Now, Troi/Crusher and Troi/Data I could get into. I've read some good, erotic stuff featuring all flavors of the Federation, though I wouldn't know where to look for it now. Besides, I need to write more original fiction and not be sucked into universes where I don't own the names involved.

The Pink Rabbit Consortium is a great place for F/F fanfic. Mostly Xena and Buffy, natch, but you can also find the occasional ER and Law and Order bit (mainly starring Abby, guess Claire wasn't slashy enough). I noticed, though, there's very little TNG action there. A shame. Of all the Trek ladies, Troi is the only one who could send me to the Lambda quadrant.

Wow, from Zappa to Trek Smut in 60 seconds. New record.

Good times...These. Are. The. Good. Times.

2005-10-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Ah, yeah. Everybody on the dance floor.

Just got my copy of the November RTBookClub and was floored to find Leigh Rowling's 4-star review of Dare Me in the erotica romance section. The co-op ad that features the book looks very nice; I like, too, that's it featured close to the front of the mag. More eyeballs that way, I'm hoping.

And for the cherry on top, Romance Junkies just gave Sinful Sundaes 4.5 Ribbons! Shayla writes of the anthology: "Each story in the MIDNIGHT SHOWCASE SPELLFIRE’S SINFUL SUNDAES is excellent. I laughed at the humour, and shivered at the fantasies that were taking place. I craved my own special sundae, and paranormal hunk to go along with it. This book comes out just in time for Halloween. I look forward to reading more of the digests about Spellfire."

I just sent a copy of Sinful to RT for review in February, too. Yeah, a Halloween book reviewed in the Valentine's issue, but I believe a Spellfire book is planned for February release, so the timing is good. One book will hopefully sell the franchise. More about the fun involved in placing an ad in a romance magazine to come.

A Sale is A Sale

2005-10-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

So Bridget Midway is rapping at the Phaze chat, like she normally does, when she oh so casually mentions that she's trying to get us local Phaze ladies another booksigning. I'm thinking, wonderful, we had such a blast at The Pink Banana, and I'm looking forward to the In the Pink event next month...I'm wondering where Bridget has us selling our wares next.

That's when she reveals a possible June, 2006 date at the White Tail Park, a nudist camp.

As in naked nude. Not nekkid nude, mind you. You remember what Lewis Grizzard said about the difference betwen naked and nekkid: Naked means you got no clothes, nekkid means you got no clothes and you're up to something. This is a family camp, not Hedonism. Seems every year they have an open house with an accompanying art show, and Bridget's trying to get them to add books. Will be interesting to see if they'll take us.

Which, of course, begs the question: where do naked people keep their money?

Healing the Junkies, Interviewing the Angels

2005-10-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Romance Junkies gives The Healing 4 ribbons!

Leigh Ellwood always pours such emotion into her lovers whether they’re male/female or male/male in this instance. Julian suffers from his grief and like many, believes happiness will not find him again. While his feelings for Dan are new and different, what they have together will be just as fulfilling and fraught with love as what he had with Jessie if he doesn’t wake too late. THE HEALING is Ellwood’s first venture into the paranormal and proves her talents are boundless!

...and check out my interview with Fallen Angel Reviews.

Ooh-ooh-ooh...Jackie Blue

2005-10-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Phaze is the featured publisher all October long at The Romance Studio Blue. Perfect timing, considering the coming release of the six Shivers (among them my Jack of Hearts). Stop by and vote for us as Feature of the Month, then come back in November when I am a featured author.
Edits for Jack of Hearts are now completed and sent for consideration. Now it's on to finish "Leading Lady" for consideration in Elves, Dragons, an Myths. Oh, My!, forthcoming from Midnight Showcase. 4K words in, minimum is 10K. I hope to have it done by November.

Sex on the Beach?

2005-09-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

Not exactly, but I did sell a few books today, enough to make up for the cost of my planet ticket. That's always a good day when you're close to breaking even. A few more books, and I'll have covered the cost of long-term parking at the airport.

So Sunday it's on to the Romantic B&B Tour of St. Augustine to see what havoc I can wreak.

Beach Party

2005-09-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Books, beach, and hothothot times...of course I plan to be there. If you're attending the Books at the Beach party on Friday, September 30 look out for me. I'll have discs of Truth or Dare, Dare Me, and Voyeur, and a few paperbacks of Truth as well to sign and sell. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain any discs of The Healing in time, maybe for In the Pink in Virginia...for all the ladies with the M/M vampire fetish. LOL

Sweets for the not so sweet...

2005-09-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Sinful Sundaes - Halloween Erotic-ahh
Midnight Showcase, published September, 2005
Buy the eBook ($7.79) from Midnight Showcase...
Buy the paperback ($15.59) from Lulu...

Read an Excerpt

This book includes: scenes of graphic heterosexual sex

Welcome to Spellfire, Texas, where things aren't what they seem...they are so much hotter! Sinful Sundaes Ice Cream Shop of Spellfire is a special type of novelty dessert parlor. This a very unusual town in that its inhabitants are mostly made up of hot-blooded paranormal beings and some unusual normals; most have a sweet tooth or sweet fetish in some form or fashion. In this first volume of spicy Spellfire stories, seven wonderful erotic authors will make you think twice about how to further take pleasure in sundaes and other deliciously hexed, sweet concoctions.

There's a special treat every day of the week! Lick your lips and dive right into this collection of spectacularly, spooky and sexy tales, including:

Sundae - Strawberry Veinilla & Vamperians by Mae Powers
Mondae - Mummies & Marshmallows by Jennifer Metz
Tuesdae - Toppings & Temptations by Ann Regentin
Wednesdae - Witches & Walnuts by Anne Leland
Thursdae - Twilight Shadows & Just Desserts by Katrina Marlowe
Fridae - Fairies & Cherries by Leigh Ellwood
Saturdae - Shifters & Hot Fudge by Leanne Strange

You can imagine my shock when I got the e-mail from Mae Powers informing us of the book's release. I thought we at least had another month to sweat it out before launching a campaign. Well, it appears we've been caught with our thongs around our ankles, so while I'm editing Jack of Hearts and writing Leading Lady (more on that later), I'll be plugging away the faeries. Good thing Ann Regentin is on Jewel's Way radio Wednesday, she'll get in the first big promo.

Why we'll never want for material

2005-09-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked where I find ideas for stories. I'm fortunate in that an idea comes to me literally every day. I see a leaf on a tree, I come up with a story. I see Demi and Ashton have made it legal, I'll think of a story based on that. Me, and about thirty million other romance authors.

Of course, the May-December romance tilted in the lady's favor is a common theme in romance and other genres. Susan Isaacs did it rather well in After All These Years, for example. It's not a theme I've tackled yet - all of the Dareville men have been significantly older than their ladies, and Jake in Daring Young Man is twice Lauren's age! Doesn't mean, however, I won't touch the subject. In fact, I may just have an idea brewing. :-)

Shake, shiver, and shout!

2005-09-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

It's official: Jack of Hearts has been contracted as one of six to claim the title of Shiver, a Halloween HeatSheet by Phaze (which, by the way, has dropped the .com from its logo...like Cher without Sonny, but different).

The Phaze Shivers are horror-themed erotic romance - you might see werewolves or haunted houses, stains that won't come out (hey, that can be scary), and other sexy-spooky creatures. You will definitely see vampires this time around, and you're in for a treat if you enjoy M/M vampire fiction. Jack of Hearts is just over 5K, perfect for a quick read on a backlit eBook reader while you're carting the kids around the block this year, nobody has to know you aren't reading Lord Jim. Just be careful where you walk, in case somebody or something wants to take a bite out of you.

Jack of Hearts will share space alongside:

Moondance, by Selah March
Erotique, by Alessia Brio
The Invitation, by Ava McKnight
Ebb Moon, by Emily Veinglory
Fearfully Delicious, by Adrianna Dane

Congratulations to everybody contracted. Be sure to check the calendar for the Shivers chat schedule for your chance to win a free eBook or two.

Speaking of Phaze, my phellow booksigning partner Laura Bacchi has taken the healm of the Love Romances Yahoo group today to promote her romance stories. She's giving away copies of Chella's Quest and Sweet Revenge. Stop by. And don't forget the Maejical Powers party tonight.

Roll up, roll up for the Maejical Mystery Tour

2005-09-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

Be healed and indulge in a sinful treat when erotic romance author Leigh Ellwood preps you for some spooky, sexy fiction this cumming Halloween. Lusty vampires, incorrigable faeries, mysterious strangers bearing gifts...all joining Leigh at Maejical Powers this Saturday night, September 24, starting at 9PM EST.

Sign on to Maejical Powers at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MaejicalPowers and starts posting. This is an e-mail loop chat, so you're free to set to digest or read off the board at your leisure. But don't skip too many messages, as you might miss the planned giveaways...free eBook downloads and a special prize to accompany Leigh's special announcement!

Join the Maejical Mystery Tour tomorrow night...who knows where we'll end up, and who knows if we'll get back! ;-)

I love Mae Powers' e-mail loop. It gets pretty wild on Saturday nights, and I'm always happy to take the wheel when she needs a break. This weekend, however, will hold some bittersweet flavor as Mae evacuates to avoid the wrath of Rita. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her community; hopefully damage will be minimal this time around.

Categorized!

2005-09-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

4 stars for Voyeur from eCataRomance: "Leigh Ellwood has coupled heart breaking tragedy with hope and come up with story that gives the reader a desirous book with characters full of strength."

I like that I'm still getting reviews (good ones, to boot) for a summer release with a specialized summer promotion. It shows that although the novella was part of a seasonal launch, the story is good enough to transcend summertime. Voyeur, obviously, can be enjoyed any time of year, and I find it flattering that most readers enjoy the unusual story line. I strive not to get too predictable in my work, and with the good reviews on this one I am contemplating a follow up story.

Phaze has not yet selected the Shivers for Halloween, but talk is already generating on the Snugglers, novella with a winter theme. I had thought to write a Voyeur follow up, focusing on Sheila, the nurse. She's always looking for Some of That, I should probably give it to her.

Lovely Rita, Hurricane...where would I be without you?

2005-09-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Safe at home, most likely. I've been too busy to keep up on this 'cane's path, but knowing it cruised through Key West reminded me too well of the time we dodged Andrew while vacationing in the Keys. We managed to get one of the last planes out of MIA before the storm hit. A Knight's Inn, where we stayed near Marathon, was razed completely. I hear Rita may be just as bad...good thoughts and prayers headed south.

Writing wise, I hit 3K on "Leading Lady," a short I'm writing for a January deadline for a Midnight Showcase anthology called Elves, Dragons, and Myths. Oh My! Looks to be an interesting mix of fantasy erotic romance. My piece will be about elves, but not the kind who live in trees and make crackers, of course. More like the Orlando Bloom kind, yummy.

A Healing at the Studio

2005-09-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

The Romance Studio gives The Healing 41/2 hearts! Janalee writes in part: "The passions that spark between Dan and Julian is like a thunderstorm - electrifying and blinding. If you are a fan of Ms. Ellwood or are just looking for a new exciting vampire tale to cozy-up to, then this story is for you!" I can't say how flattered I am by this, considering that this is my first straight M/M story (is that a contradiction of terms?). I've wondered how the regular circuit of romance reviews sites would approach a work of this nature, even though there are more established M/M authors out there like Willa Okati, who do rather well.

Phaze's own M. Barnette is no stranger to M/M either, though she only alludes to it in Apocalypse Dance. I understand the later works will touch more on it. I look forward to reading it.

Shoes and Socks and Sex

2005-09-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Bad news from B&J (get your mind out of the gutter for two seconds, please?) The Cherry Garcia socks I had planned to send in the Spellfire gift basket are out of stock, as is the free pint coupon. So, I'm scrambling for alternatives. I found some kicky, Romanesque sandals here on BottomDollarShoes.com, but I fear I might keep such a gift for myself...you know, for research. I could write off the purchase that way.

But the Obsessive design, I don't know...my arches ache just looking at them.

Bridging the Gap

2005-09-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

If you missed phellow Phaze author Bridget Midway's show on Jewel's Way Radio, the archive episode is still up for your listening pleasure. Check the schedule for Ann Regentin and Mae Powers, and of course my November 23rd appearance with Sally Painter's Midnight Hour. I'll be chatting up my paranormal and fantasy fiction, particularly Midnight Treasures, Sinful Sundaes, and likely Jack of Hearts if Phaze accepts it for the Shivers line. The big announcement from Phaze about the six lucky ShiverSheets is supposed to be made next week. I'm not even sure how many hopefuls were submitted. I do know Phaze is getting quite a bit of queries for the standard line of erotic romance, which is good because authors are hearing of the pub's growing reputation. I've had authors from other pubs tell us that Phaze seems like a better place to be, and I feel very complimented to have been one of their anchor authors.

Now I need to show my appreciation by writing more.

Hello, is this thing on?

2005-09-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I've altered the blog template to something more stylish and less pink, something to match the regular site as well. I've been noodling with Dreamweaver again and think I've come up with the perfect image for my site. I'm using the cover of Dare Me for the masthead - it says what I want to project perfectly...at least until Stacey King wows me with another great cover.

If things look awry...

2005-09-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

I'm prepping a new template for the blog. New design, new look, done mainly by myself. Brace yourself.