Thursday, January 27, 2011

Sassy Brit asks...

 
THIS WEEK SASSY ASKS THE AUTHORS: 

Do you play music while you write? If not, why not? Please explain your answer and feel free to provide your playlist if you have one! 






And my reply to this is an adamant NO!

The very thought of having music playing makes me shudder. I need silence, thank you very much. I need quiet which allows the characters to whisper their words and I'm able to hear them. 

There are stories or even books that music has inspired. Roses have Thorns is one. A series called Slippery When Wet another. I just can't have the racket while I'm actually putting the words down. They may be in my mind. They often are. But no noise please. 

I think many authors feel the same. It's often difficult for us to find the quiet we need, what with children, husbands or lovers who really mean well, but can't seem to understand that when we walk around looking lost, we really aren't. We're listening to that character who refuses to open a door, or won't climb the stairs, or who... fill in the blank. Having silence is a treasured time. We prefer it, need it, crave it. 

Hugs


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Special BWL contest

The Books We Love Organization has a special treat for the winner of this month's "Vote for Your Favorite BWL Author" contest. Not only will one reader win the ebook of his/her choice from any BWL author's titles, but the author who garners the most votes will receive this lovely Valentine's Basket.


Hurry over to BWL: http://www.bookswelove.net/ 
Vote for your favorite author. 
Voting ends February 7 on this contest. Good luck!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Undeniable adult truths

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5.. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again..

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Ladies......Quit Laughing.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Wanton Quill

Newsletter #68- Januay 2011 Edition
I hope you've had a spectacular month. Mine has been busy, which is good, and productive, which is very good. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and I'll tell you all about it.
                          What you'll find in this issue:
What Jude's been up to:
Happy 2011! I’ve gone crazy and am revamping my website. OMG! 

Where to find Jude:
Website, Twitter, yahoo and more…oh so very much more

Coming soon:
Sex in San Francisco, edited by the renowned M. Christian

Jett’s Gift, A six hundred year old vampire finds love, but will it, can it, last when AIDS pokes its ugly head up?
Free Read:
A sexy sneak peak of Alex’s Appeal. If you like your men hot, you’ll love this one!

Contest information:
Congratulations to Audrey M, Kathy B, Patricia K and Cathy M. find out what these women won and why. And, find out what my contest for the new year is.

Website updates:
You betcha. New stuff and here's the url: http://www.my-haven2001.com/

To read a slightly condensed version online, go here:

 If you'd like to join Jude's Yahoo Chat/Newsletter group, the url is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jude_Masons_Newsletter/ 

To have your name added to my mailing list, please email me at:
 
Take care and have an amazing day! 

Hugs
Jude     

Friday, January 07, 2011

Welcome Destiny Blaine, and her new release Steam Toys

Steam Toys Just Released Today
Available Now at Aspen Mountain Press

Revenge is a hot, bitter dish when served up enthusiastically by someone empowered by extra steam.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Blurb: 

Heidi Labeidi, a successful Nevada brothel owner, had the world by its tail until her deceptive lover Stan Graves disposed of her. Lost somewhere between life and the afterlife, Heidi materializes in her former home thirty years after her death. She has a second chance and she’s hell bent on solving her own murder.

With a knack for creating pleasure-inducing trinkets and furniture, Edward Brady is an eccentric mad scientist on the verge of greatness. He’s also in desperate need of an assistant and his problems are solved when he discovers a sensual ghost enjoying his sex toys.

Heidi has something to offer Edward but her assistance comes at a price. And when Edward becomes an assassin’s mark, only Heidi can help him. Will Edward barter with a ghost who can save him and if he does, will the former madam become the one woman Edward is unable to resist?
Excerpt:

Heidi squeezed his fingers. “You’re a thoughtful man, Edward, but trust me when I tell you: I’ve ruined many a man’s reputation. You’re considered a genius in this town. You don’t want this city to turn its back on you right now. You’re on the verge of something great and I want to come along for the ride.” She slid her arm under the table and touched his knee. “And I want a lot of rides with you, Edward.”

His damn prick was ready to negotiate the terms.

You do?” Edward asked, engaging himself in what must’ve looked like an odd one-sided conversation. By the time he realized what he was doing, half the restaurant’s customers were now turning around, staring at him with marked curiosity.

Heidi tilted her head toward some of the patrons. “You’re seated at a table for two. You requested a couple of wine glasses. Two meals have been served. This seat is vacant and you’re holding a hand that doesn’t exist.” She looked down at their entwined fingers. “Your thumb is jerking as if you’re massaging my wrist. You don’t think this is newsworthy for the Las Vegas Lifestyle Magazine?”

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Edward admitted. “If I can see you, then they must.”

“No, Edward,” she said, standing.

He stood too as a polite gesture.

“I don’t exist in your world. You’re the only one who can see me.”

“Then I’m one lucky guy.”

Heidi held her shoulders back. A quick tilt of her head sent ringlets tumbling across her shoulders. “That depends on who you ask at the moment. In public situations like this, I recommend that you listen and let me do the talking. Some here are ruthless snakes when it comes to tearing down a man’s reputation, especially one like yours, and they’ll be anxious to poke fun at the crazy man, the man who inevitably will catch the eye of their women because of his deep pockets.”

“What’s that mean, exactly?”

“You’re about to make millions, the kind of money this city hasn’t seen since the days of Howard Hughes, and you’re acting as crazy as Hughes himself.”

“I’m not hungry,” he told her, feeling like he’d known her at another point and time in his life. “I want to take you home and—”

“And what, Edward? Get to know me?”

“Yes.”

She took a deep breath. “Oh for heaven’s sake, sit down and finish your meal and then meet me at the curb. As long as you’re looking at me like I’m dessert, there’s no way you’ll enjoy your dinner. Besides, you’re drawing too much attention.”

“I would think someone in your line of work craves center stage.” he pointed out, snapping at her.

Heidi leaned forward. “Careful, Edward, everyone is staring now.”


Excerpt Two:


A few seconds after the hand-job, she tucked him in his pants and redressed quietly. He stared at her in disbelief. “You are most definitely a tease.”

“No, Edward. I’m not,” she assured him, adjusting her simple sleeves.

‘Then do you mind telling me why you didn’t finish what you started?”

“Of course not,” she said, crossing one long leg over the other. “Lesson number one is just for you, Edward. You may have a whore in your lap, with your cock in her cheek, but you never, ever make the implication you believe she’s old, used and cheap.”

“I made you feel that way?”

She tilted her head down and with wide eyes, she confirmed it. “Yes you did, Edward.”
“You’re the one who said you’d given head a few times. Not me.”

She smiled, placed her hands in her lap and looked straight ahead. When they pulled into the parking lot of the towers where Edward lived, she said, “And you suggested I may have been out of practice which was a direct slam to my age.”

“It wasn’t.”

“It was, Edward,” she said, pushing her hair over her shoulders. She tilted her head toward the driver approaching them. “Try not to act like a scorned lover when you get out of the car. Remember, he can’t see me. I’ve learned from experience those employees closest to you are the first to run their mouths when things begin to spiral out of control. The last thing you need is your driver telling a reporter you’ve lost it.”

The limousine driver opened the door. Edward stepped out. He was brewing. Not only did he have a hard-on, he had a complicated woman to credit and blame. Not only did he have someone to blame, he couldn’t publicly point an accusing finger her way.

“Did you have a nice dinner, sir?” the driver asked, trying to make small talk while Edward retrieved his wallet.

“We did,” he reported. “Thank you.”

The driver accepted his tip and arched a brow. “Did you meet friends while you were out?”

Heidi studied her fingernails. “You didn’t listen.”

“How the hell was I supposed to listen when I’m standing here with blue balls?”

“I beg your pardon, sir?” the driver fired back.

Heidi yawned. “Since your dick seems to be the only thing you can think with, see if it can help you worm your way out of this. I’m waiting upstairs.”

She was gone in a flash and Edward wished he could disappear just as rapidly.

“Sir, are you feeling okay?”

“No, Truman,” Edward replied. “I’m not. I apologize for the outburst. I’m hearing voices tonight.”

Truman frowned. “Sir, I’d strongly advise against telling anyone else about voices. You know how people like to talk.”


Aspen Mountain Press

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

You like your men hot? Check this out

From fellow author, Genella deGrey:

Dear Romance Readers - Now Serving eye-candy on the following link:

And if you happen to know any hunky males who might enjoy strutting their stuff in front of a thousand or two women, forward the link to them as well.

May your heroes steam up the pages and may your heroine's sassy shoes be exactly your size.