My writing and BDSM

So, of course I've read the "Fifty Shades" trilogy, but it sure wasn't my first introduction to the world of bondage and domination. I became interested in domination quite a few years ago. My husband has always been a bit dominating in the bedroom, but I didn't really notice it as such until I started reading erotica which included domination themes. Once I realized how similar the stories were to my real life, I became interested in learning about other aspects of BDSM as well. I have since discovered a whole lot about myself, my husband, and the way we interact with each other--both during daily family life and playtime--but the biggest difference I've seen is in how I write the characters involved in these kinds of 'taboo' activities.

Recently, I joined an online community called Fetlife, and I love it. There is more information there than I could ever inhale, and the people are amazing. There are so many sites that say one thing and end up being just bad dating sites, but this one is the real deal. There's tons of information about just about anything you could ever want to know: bondage, domination, submission, sadism, masochism, etc., and asking questions doesn't get you any dirty looks. On the contrary, I have found the members to be more than helpful and friendly.

The reason I'm writing all of this is because about a year ago, I started writing BDSM, mainly domination, into my erotica. I look back at those first scenes I wrote and think about how mild my fantasies were back then. ;) Seriously, though, over the months of reading and writing and living, I started to get confused about what a dominant should be like. Loving, caring, cruel? Some people write it one way, others another way. But really, after actually researching BDSM, reading blogs from Masters and Subs, experimenting, and so on, I've found such a range of styles that I don't think anyone could ever pinpoint exactly what works. It really all depends on the people and what they like and what they don't like.

Which finally brings me to my point. I can honestly say that most fiction novels and stories I've read that portray BDSM do it without actual knowledge on the topic. I suppose it could be just that my idea of it and theirs are different, too, but it seems to me that the majority barely scratch the surface. The biggest element of a relationship between people in the world of BDSM is trust. All partners must have absolute trust in each other. I can't even begin to explain how much that revelation has changed my view of what is and isn't 'acceptable' or arousing to me. Relationships and scenarios that seemed dirty before have taken on a whole new level of intensity, and characters I once wrote as dominating and powerful were really just bossy and superficial.

And I'm really glad I realized it before I finished my novel in progress and ended up having to rewrite the entire thing. ;)

Publication in Anthology!

This anthology was edited by Elizabeth Coldwell and published by Xcite Books. In it, you will find Icebreaker by yours truly, along with four other great short erotic shorts by Mikey Jackson, Clarice Clique, Valerie Alexander, and Carol Anderson. Follow the Xcite Books link and check it out!

The Bet

Hiya!

My sexy short story, The Bet, will be available to read at Every Night Erotica as of tonight. Use the link and check it out. Let me know what you think!

Review of "Club Justice" by Mara McBain

5 stars


Mara McBain delivered a fast-paced, compelling, and intriguing read with Club Justice. The characters were well rounded and intense, and their actions and reactions were realistic and believable. I really fell under a spell reading this book. 

Ginny, with her fresh, sarcastic attitude and formidable inner strength, will have you crying and laughing all at the same time, and Zeke, her rock-solid protector and husband, will have you torn between snickering and smacking him upside the head. Together, they create a world full of action, drama, suspense, and romance, all wound up together so tight that it's almost impossible to put down until the very last word. 

Definitely a must read! 

Club Justice

Anthology Calls for Submissions

As of late, I have been actively seeking publication in anthologies to get some more publishing credits for when I start marketing my books next year. I have found a few places that are looking for submissions for themed anthologies, so I thought I would share my knowledge with all of you. The following publishers are seeking all different kinds of erotica from soft and romantic to hot.


Xcite Books


Xcite Books is looking for submissions ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 words with several different themes. They are a UK publishing company that does both print and e-book formats. To check out what they're looking for go to http://www.xcitebooks.co.uk./write-for-xcite.html



Forbidden Fiction


Forbidden Fiction is seeking submissions ranging from short story to novella length for themed anthologies. Check out their guidelines and calls for submission at http://forbiddenfiction.com/specialcollectioncalls



Silver Publishing


Silver Publishing is seeking submissions for mainly the 10,000+ word count range, and their main focus of interest is in M/M scenarios. They have several themed calls all with specific guidelines and requirements. Check them out at https://spsilverpublishing.com/pages-title-page-24



Ravenous Romance


Ravenous Romance is seeking short story submissions between 2.500 words and 5,000 words. They also accept novel submissions. Check out their submission guidelines and requirements at http://www.ravenousromance.com/general/submission-guidelines.php. All calls for anthology submissions are published on their blog at http://www.ravenousromance.blogspot.ca/


There are, of course, many others who are seeking short stories for individual sale and/or for anthologies. A great place to find these calls and publishers is http://duotrope.com/index.aspx


Happy writing, everyone!!

Make Your Characters Bleed

Make your characters bleed. In my years as an author and a reader, I've been told over and over that making your characters bleed (metaphorically speaking) will keep your readers reading. It's always in the back of my mind when I write, but I never realized before the other night just how true it is. I was watching Being Human like I always do, when it hit me. In this episode, each one of the main characters suffered a huge loss or came to an unsavory realization about themselves, and it just about drove me crazy when it ended because I needed to know what happened next. How did each of them deal with the conflict? What effects would it have on them in the future?

I went out for a cigarette and thought back through the episodes, trying to figure out what it was about the show that compelled me to watch it every week. Of course there was the obvious: intriguing characters, a sexy vamp, a fumbling but charming 'wolf, great setting, believable minor plot lines... but beyond all that, I discovered that almost every episode included some kind of hardship for at least one of the characters. The good things were few and far between, but they were enough for me to believe that good things could happen. So, even though the last episode ended on a negative note, as the audience, I have hope that good things can happen.

This realization sent me back to my novella in progress and I ended up writing well into the wee morning hours with this old but new piece of advice: make your characters bleed.

Good News

I just received email confirmation that my erotic short story The Haven will be appearing on Every Night Erotica. Check it out and let me know what you think!