My house is a good size. Not huge, but there are six room totaling 1,800 square feet plus lots of room in an unfinished basement. My sons have their own rooms. There’s a television in the living room and basement. We live on a quiet street with a nice green backyard. So why, I ask you, does it seem that my boys must always be within a 12 inch radius of me? You’d think I was covered in double sided tape the way they stick to me.
I wasn’t one of the fashionable girls with my own clique growing up so you might expect me to appreciate my ongoing popularity now, and I do to a degree. But that fact that I can’t walk without tripping over someone, write without needing to referee, or read without there being a snack crisis drives me crazy some days. I sit, they sit. I move, they move. If it weren’t sweet, it would be a little disconcerting. It’s like having three shadows, two of which are corporeal.
And what is it about the ringing of the phone? If my kids have, for some reason, been leaving me alone, as soon as I pick up the phone… whoosh! There they are. Next to me, needing me, and forcing me to have a minimum of two and frequently three conversations. Does the ring set of some sort of internal kid alarm? “You must go to mommy, now!” it says, and they do. Suddenly everything is urgent other than my need to talk to another grown-up.
I know that all too soon my sons (who are almost 8 and almost 5) will be ignoring me plenty. They will want their own space, their own friends, and an invisible mom. I know to cherish this time where they still fit in my lap, want to be tucked in, and need my hugs and kisses when something hurts. I will miss reading to them, playing Candyland and Trouble with them, and yes, tripping over them.
Still - I’d like to go to the bathroom by myself, please.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Proud to be e-pubbed.
I recently entered my first book, ROLL PLAY, in the EPPIE awards, which is sponsored by EPIC, the electronic publishing internet connection. I am up against some very talented writers. Yes, there are talented writers who the NY publishers have never heard of.
When I dreamed of being a published writer of course I dreamed of seeing my book on the shelf of every bookstore I walked into, reviews in major papers, and the title rapidly rising up best seller lists. It didnt happen that way. I read my first book from Ellora's Cave years ago and thought that my writing "voice" would fit their needs. It took several years to actually finish a book that I wanted to submit, but I was right. We were a good match and I enjoy writing shorter erotic romances. What I write and enjoy writing is not what NY is currently publishing. So what... there's a market for me with e-publishing and I am happy to be there.
I think of the indie/e markets like independent films. In indie movies, filmmakers take chances and tell stories that Hollywood wont, and some of these movies are amazing! When indie films became more popular, Hollywood took notice, hiring some of the actors and directors and even making some smaller films themselves. Some of these people have stayed in Hollywood. Some go back and forth. I'd like to be the Laura Linney of the publishing world, enjoying the best of both sides.
Indie/e pubs have such a great reaction and response time. When something works, they can go for it right away. NY responds as fast as a cruise ship making a turn. Slowly, carefully, over time. In indie/e... we're waaaaay ahead by this point and off looking for the next exciting adventure.
NY pubbed doesnt necessarily mean better. It means "found an audience". 'Cause let's face it - even Hollywood has it's share of bombs (what were they thinking making some of those Rob Schneider movies!). I am proud to be e-published and hope I always will be.
When I dreamed of being a published writer of course I dreamed of seeing my book on the shelf of every bookstore I walked into, reviews in major papers, and the title rapidly rising up best seller lists. It didnt happen that way. I read my first book from Ellora's Cave years ago and thought that my writing "voice" would fit their needs. It took several years to actually finish a book that I wanted to submit, but I was right. We were a good match and I enjoy writing shorter erotic romances. What I write and enjoy writing is not what NY is currently publishing. So what... there's a market for me with e-publishing and I am happy to be there.
I think of the indie/e markets like independent films. In indie movies, filmmakers take chances and tell stories that Hollywood wont, and some of these movies are amazing! When indie films became more popular, Hollywood took notice, hiring some of the actors and directors and even making some smaller films themselves. Some of these people have stayed in Hollywood. Some go back and forth. I'd like to be the Laura Linney of the publishing world, enjoying the best of both sides.
Indie/e pubs have such a great reaction and response time. When something works, they can go for it right away. NY responds as fast as a cruise ship making a turn. Slowly, carefully, over time. In indie/e... we're waaaaay ahead by this point and off looking for the next exciting adventure.
NY pubbed doesnt necessarily mean better. It means "found an audience". 'Cause let's face it - even Hollywood has it's share of bombs (what were they thinking making some of those Rob Schneider movies!). I am proud to be e-published and hope I always will be.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Top 10 Reasons To Read eBooks
10. Save a tree - read online
9. You can change your font size to be able to read it clearer.
8. If you do print it out, you can bring it to the beach and now worry about it getting wet or sandy. Just print another when you get home.
7. Do you like reading in the bathtub? Once again, no worries about it getting wet.
6. Price. As it says on the Ellora's Cave website. Books are getting expensive, and I firmly believe it shoould never be a luxury to buy I book.
5. You can get it as soon as you buy it. No driving in bad weather. No waiting for delivery. I love instant gratification.
4. They take up less space. Read online, keep or delete as you wish. Want to print a hard copy? Only do so for the books you love best.
3. It's fun to try new things. Your kids will think you're cool. Well... maybe
2. Some great writers are available this way 'cause the NY houses only want to publish sure things. And some new popular NY writers (Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, Cheynne Mccray) all started this way.
and the number one reason?
1. 'Cause that's the only way to read ROLL PLAY on August 17th.
Ok... that last one was totally biased, but hey, it's my blog... I get to write about my book :D
Have a great weekend,
Rowan
9. You can change your font size to be able to read it clearer.
8. If you do print it out, you can bring it to the beach and now worry about it getting wet or sandy. Just print another when you get home.
7. Do you like reading in the bathtub? Once again, no worries about it getting wet.
6. Price. As it says on the Ellora's Cave website. Books are getting expensive, and I firmly believe it shoould never be a luxury to buy I book.
5. You can get it as soon as you buy it. No driving in bad weather. No waiting for delivery. I love instant gratification.
4. They take up less space. Read online, keep or delete as you wish. Want to print a hard copy? Only do so for the books you love best.
3. It's fun to try new things. Your kids will think you're cool. Well... maybe
2. Some great writers are available this way 'cause the NY houses only want to publish sure things. And some new popular NY writers (Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, Cheynne Mccray) all started this way.
and the number one reason?
1. 'Cause that's the only way to read ROLL PLAY on August 17th.
Ok... that last one was totally biased, but hey, it's my blog... I get to write about my book :D
Have a great weekend,
Rowan
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Well... I havent been very good about blogging, have I?
You'd think a writer would be a better blogger. But this is still rather new for me, so I am just getting into the swing of things. Since my last blog...
1) Ellora's Cave... BOUGHT ROLL PLAY. Yahoooooooooooooo!
2) ROLL PLAY is being published on August 17th
3) I joined Passion's Muses (http://www.passionsmuses.com) with several other authors to help get the word out about mine and their books.
I couldnt be happier about all the things that are happening in my life. And I promise to blog more regularly :D
1) Ellora's Cave... BOUGHT ROLL PLAY. Yahoooooooooooooo!
2) ROLL PLAY is being published on August 17th
3) I joined Passion's Muses (http://www.passionsmuses.com) with several other authors to help get the word out about mine and their books.
I couldnt be happier about all the things that are happening in my life. And I promise to blog more regularly :D
Thursday, January 18, 2007
I am giddy with excitment
I received an email today from Ellora's Cave and... they want to read the FULL MANUSCRIPT of Roll Play.
I am dancing!
I am thrilled!
I scared my four year old son when I screamed with joy!
I am excited beyond words!!
Well... maybe not beyond words as I have just added a few here. This is the next step forward in a nearly lifelong dream and I could not be happier!!!
I am dancing!
I am thrilled!
I scared my four year old son when I screamed with joy!
I am excited beyond words!!
Well... maybe not beyond words as I have just added a few here. This is the next step forward in a nearly lifelong dream and I could not be happier!!!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Synopsis of ROLL PLAY
Here's hoping my book finds a publisher soon!
-Rowan
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Roll Play
An Erotic Romance
Roll Play
An Erotic Romance
Synopsis
Normally content to write her fantasy novels in comfortable isolation, AMARA KENNISON arrives in Los Angeles to help turn her book, The Heart of the Sword, into a screenplay for Champion Studios. Already concerned that she is out of her element, Amara is stunned to discover that GRIFFIN CURTIS, the man who stole her heart when she was barely a teen, is the head of the studio and the sole force behind the contract deal. More surprising to her, is realizing that her feelings for him are as strong as ever.
Amara met Griffin when she watched and then participated in role playing games with her brother and his friends. She fell in love with his daring, humor, and cleverness during those long afternoons but assumed that he didn’t return her feelings, seeing her only as a kid. In truth, Griffin, who played a sorcerer during those afternoons, was equally attracted to the wild and enthusiastic Amara, but not only was she too young, she was the sister of his best friend. Before they could act on their feelings, Griffin’s family moved away. Amara never again met a man who could make her feel as special, as alive, as Griffin.
Griffin has been planning to have Amara back in his life since he left. The publication of her book and the success of his company have given him the perfect opportunity not only to invite her to come to him, but to seduce her with magic that he has discovered exists beyond the games they once played.
After a short first day meeting people and reviewing the work that has been done so far, Amara is surprised to find Griffin in her limousine prepared to take her to dinner. In the car, they share a passionate first kiss that leaves them both dazed. Conversation at dinner fluctuates between intimate and intimidating as they each struggle with surging emotions that for different reasons they are not ready to show or share.
By the time Amara arrives at her hotel, she is exhausted and ready for sleep, but another surprise awaits her. A ten-sided role playing game die inlaid with gems and accompanied by a poem tells her that Griffin has other plans for her. She rolls a ruby and is still wondering what it means when she falls asleep.
Amara next finds herself in a forest. On the branch of an apple tree is a key with a ruby. Taking the key and mounting the horse that arrives for her, Amara is taken to a nearby castle. Inside she follows lit candles to a door inlaid with a ruby that matches her key. Entering, she finds everything within the room is red, including a lacy negligee and a ruby bracelet. Shortly after changing into her gifts, Griffin joins her. In this room of dreams there is no need for them to physically or emotionally censor themselves, and they indulge in the passion that has always been real for them.
Amara wakes the next morning restless from the dream and shocked when she finds that she still wears the ruby bracelet. The jewel tells her that Griffin experienced the same night she did. She goes to the office unsure how she can face him after all they shared and said to one another in his dream realm.
Unfortunately, they are not able to see each other much at work and the days pass for Amara in a flurry of writing, rewriting and learning about the movie business. Nights pass in heated bliss as each poem and roll of the die – sapphire, emerald and amethyst – bring more vivid sexual dreams (and pieces of jewelry). Amara knows that she is feeling more confident professionally and sexually, but it is not enough for her. Games were fine when they were children. Now she wants more and if Griffin doesn’t, if he is going to leave her life again, then she needs to end things him with him. She promises herself she won’t roll the die again until she and Griffin can talk.
Amara returns to her hotel suite determined not to play any more games, but Griffin has one more surprise for her. The die has been rolled for her, this time showing a diamond. Next to it lies a final poem that sends her to the bedroom. There she finds Griffin waiting for her, tied to the bed. Amara revels in her new sexual power and her chance to be in control. Now, face to face, Griffin reveals the truth of his love for her. Amara accepts his love and final piece of jewelry – a diamond ring.
Normally content to write her fantasy novels in comfortable isolation, AMARA KENNISON arrives in Los Angeles to help turn her book, The Heart of the Sword, into a screenplay for Champion Studios. Already concerned that she is out of her element, Amara is stunned to discover that GRIFFIN CURTIS, the man who stole her heart when she was barely a teen, is the head of the studio and the sole force behind the contract deal. More surprising to her, is realizing that her feelings for him are as strong as ever.
Amara met Griffin when she watched and then participated in role playing games with her brother and his friends. She fell in love with his daring, humor, and cleverness during those long afternoons but assumed that he didn’t return her feelings, seeing her only as a kid. In truth, Griffin, who played a sorcerer during those afternoons, was equally attracted to the wild and enthusiastic Amara, but not only was she too young, she was the sister of his best friend. Before they could act on their feelings, Griffin’s family moved away. Amara never again met a man who could make her feel as special, as alive, as Griffin.
Griffin has been planning to have Amara back in his life since he left. The publication of her book and the success of his company have given him the perfect opportunity not only to invite her to come to him, but to seduce her with magic that he has discovered exists beyond the games they once played.
After a short first day meeting people and reviewing the work that has been done so far, Amara is surprised to find Griffin in her limousine prepared to take her to dinner. In the car, they share a passionate first kiss that leaves them both dazed. Conversation at dinner fluctuates between intimate and intimidating as they each struggle with surging emotions that for different reasons they are not ready to show or share.
By the time Amara arrives at her hotel, she is exhausted and ready for sleep, but another surprise awaits her. A ten-sided role playing game die inlaid with gems and accompanied by a poem tells her that Griffin has other plans for her. She rolls a ruby and is still wondering what it means when she falls asleep.
Amara next finds herself in a forest. On the branch of an apple tree is a key with a ruby. Taking the key and mounting the horse that arrives for her, Amara is taken to a nearby castle. Inside she follows lit candles to a door inlaid with a ruby that matches her key. Entering, she finds everything within the room is red, including a lacy negligee and a ruby bracelet. Shortly after changing into her gifts, Griffin joins her. In this room of dreams there is no need for them to physically or emotionally censor themselves, and they indulge in the passion that has always been real for them.
Amara wakes the next morning restless from the dream and shocked when she finds that she still wears the ruby bracelet. The jewel tells her that Griffin experienced the same night she did. She goes to the office unsure how she can face him after all they shared and said to one another in his dream realm.
Unfortunately, they are not able to see each other much at work and the days pass for Amara in a flurry of writing, rewriting and learning about the movie business. Nights pass in heated bliss as each poem and roll of the die – sapphire, emerald and amethyst – bring more vivid sexual dreams (and pieces of jewelry). Amara knows that she is feeling more confident professionally and sexually, but it is not enough for her. Games were fine when they were children. Now she wants more and if Griffin doesn’t, if he is going to leave her life again, then she needs to end things him with him. She promises herself she won’t roll the die again until she and Griffin can talk.
Amara returns to her hotel suite determined not to play any more games, but Griffin has one more surprise for her. The die has been rolled for her, this time showing a diamond. Next to it lies a final poem that sends her to the bedroom. There she finds Griffin waiting for her, tied to the bed. Amara revels in her new sexual power and her chance to be in control. Now, face to face, Griffin reveals the truth of his love for her. Amara accepts his love and final piece of jewelry – a diamond ring.
(31, 000 words)
Monday, January 8, 2007
Wishing, and hoping and thinking and praying....
Well... I did it!
Three weeks ago today I submitted the synopsis and chapters of my manuscript Roll Play to Ellora's Cave (www.ellorascave.com) for consideration. I have wanted to be a published writer for as long as I can remember so submitting my first novel is a major event for me. My family stood around the computer with me (the adults had champagne) and we all cheered as I pressed the send button on the email that started the manuscript on the next part of it's journey.
Roll Play is the erotic romance of Amara Kennison and her first love Griffin Curtis. It involves rekindled love, role playing games and lots and lots of heated sex in both a fantasy realm and the real world. I will post the synopsis at a later date (it's not filled with heated sex, but I think it is still pretty good).
So now... I wait. And hope. And think. And pray. And wait some more. Must mean that it's time to start writing my next erotic romance.
Three weeks ago today I submitted the synopsis and chapters of my manuscript Roll Play to Ellora's Cave (www.ellorascave.com) for consideration. I have wanted to be a published writer for as long as I can remember so submitting my first novel is a major event for me. My family stood around the computer with me (the adults had champagne) and we all cheered as I pressed the send button on the email that started the manuscript on the next part of it's journey.
Roll Play is the erotic romance of Amara Kennison and her first love Griffin Curtis. It involves rekindled love, role playing games and lots and lots of heated sex in both a fantasy realm and the real world. I will post the synopsis at a later date (it's not filled with heated sex, but I think it is still pretty good).
So now... I wait. And hope. And think. And pray. And wait some more. Must mean that it's time to start writing my next erotic romance.
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