Julia Barrett

Pushing Her Boundaries

2011-03-04T09:32:00.002-06:00

Blogger doesn't like me.

I came out of hiding yesterday to upload a post - in draft form. Saved it, was very conscientious, but it somehow vanished. Gone with the Wind!

So here's the news. I have a new release, a contemporary romance, Pushing Her Boundaries, with Siren.

Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/pushing-her-boundaries

I'm also running a contest on my site, a mucho grande contest! http://juliarachelbarrett.net

I'd stop by if I were you because I think this will be the last contest I ever run. Seriously. Not to cause a panic, but sometimes when life gives you lemons, it takes you a while to make the lemonade.

I do plan to return to my weekly Friday blogging here on SSS - so that's a positive!
See ya! Julia

Sarah from Smart Bitches Trashy Books

2010-01-24T20:19:00.003-06:00

was kind enough to answer some questions for me.

I love the site: http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books is amusing, irreverent, informative and it tops my daily must read blog list. When I emailed Sarah about an interview, I didn’t really expect a response. I figured…why would she bother? But sometimes you want to know a little about what’s behind the public persona. Here ya go!

I’ve read about you on your site, but I’d love to hear, in your own words, where you are coming from. I’d like a little background, nothing too personal, but…for instance, have you been reading since you were, say, three years old? Was reading valued in your family? What genres do you read? Only romance, or do you throw in some nonfiction, biographies, straight science fiction? Do you have a favorite all time book?

I learned to read late, and had a lot of trouble with it. I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t want to read or because of my eyesight or what, but I was moved backwards in reading groups and got it into my head that I wasn’t intelligent. This is how I discovered romance: when I saw the class valedictorian in high school reading a huge thick paperback, I got all angsty but worked up the nerve to ask what she was reading. It was Catherine Coulter, and she dragged me over to the romance paperback rack to tell me all about the different books. I was hooked from there.

Reading was valued in my family, but my tendency to go completely deaf and become completely absorbed into the book was not terribly valued or popular!

I read romance, mysteries, nonfiction, and a LOT about cooking and the science thereof. I don’t have an all-time favorite book but I have some that never lose their power with me:

Lamb, by Christopher Moore
The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn
Bitten, by Kelley Armstrong
Cry Wolf, Patricia Briggs
Charms for the Easy Life, by Kaye Gibbons

Be honest, do you read romance for the sex? Or do you read romance for the story? Or are both a must? How do you feel if a book has great sex, but the story sucks, or if the sex is merely insert tab a into slot b, but the story rocks? I would like to know what you think about the fact that romance/erotica has become increasingly graphic – both scenes and language - in recent years.

I absolutely do not read romance merely for the sex. I read for the story, the emotional power of a writer who can truly communicate the risk and fulfillment of a happy ending, knowing that no matter how bad the circumstances may become, it will all work out in the end. Sex is optional. I dislike it intensely when sex is, pardon the visual, wedged into the story for whatever reason. Sex is a complication, a form of progress or regression in a relationship – and its role or absence in a romance is important, but not the only reason I read.

I think erotica is popular for the same reasons that paranormal stories are popular: there are a lot of people who want to read them, and if that’s what someone wants to read, more power to ‘em. I think people should be able to read whatever they want, without comment or judgment.

How do you feel about authors who jump on the bandwagon, say switch from historical to steampunk or YA simply because it sells? Do their voices sound inauthentic, or can a very special artist successfully pull it off? Among the authors you’ve read or follow, who is able to switch voices and genres in a very satisfying way?

It always depends on the author. I don’t think a writer needs to be limited to any one subgenre. Many have written across genre lines and done marvelously well with it. Some haven’t. It depends on many factors, most of which rest on the talent of the writer.

Are vampires dead? LOL! Is the genre dead or is there life within it yet? Has it been done to death? Do you miss the good old days of bad vampires or do you like the new and improved versions? What about the shift to were-animals? Interesting? Not? I’ve skimmed a couple stories in which the characters have sex while in animal form and I’m not a big fan.

I’m very tired of vampires, personally. I am way over tales of angsty courtship with maudlin immortals. I do love were stories, particularly those that explore violence, anger, and gender roles, but I haven’t encountered many that feature graphic depictions of sex in animal form.

I may be taking my life into my hands here, but are you a Twilight fangirl, or would you prefer to say, no comment, and sparkle on your hard as marble merry way? Oh, and I must ask, Eric or Bill?

I read Twilight and gave it a D, but was very fascinated by the power and draw Edward as a character had and continues to have over a large group of fans. If folks are into Edward, they can sparkle on, though I wish they wouldn’t do creepy things like mail actors pictures of the hey nanner nanners because Lord that’s unnecessary. Eric or Bill? Neither, thanks!

Are you a BSG-er? Or perhaps you prefer Lost? Or are you more of a Thirty Rock kind of gal?

I’m a big ol’ loser in that question! My favorite shows to date are Bones and NCIS, and a few cooking shows I cannot get enough of. Sorry!

Tell me about your toughest post? I mean, what did ya’ll put on your website that drew the most ire or caused the most controversy? Do you ever back off because of controversy or do you dig in your heels and stick to your guns?

Toughest post? I honestly don’t know if there’s one that was hardest to write. I know the post I wrote after Kate Duffy died was among the most painful to write, because I wanted to say so much about her, and was afraid I wouldn’t say nearly enough.

The posts that drew the most controversy and ire were those that revealed the rampant plagiarism of Cassie Edwards. I didn’t think the story would get that much attention but it grew over the course of a week until The New York Times covered it in the weekend edition. We didn’t back off, though, even though a lot of mud was slung our way for being the bearer of unpleasant tidings.

Favorite meal/wine/do you cook? What do you think about fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and would you like my insanely good recipe?

Favorite meal: it’s cold out, so soup with barley, please. Wine: cabernet or malbec are my current faves. And yes! Cookies! Bring it on!

Favorite weekend away? If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

Favorite weekend away? Anywhere with a beach and a book. And visiting: I’m absolutely hopping to go to Australia and New Zealand. Someday I will.

Anything else you’d care to share with my readers and your fans? Books? Movies? Politics?

I think the best part of running my website is the fact that I’m always meeting new and enthusiastic romance fans. I love how many intelligent, savvy people read romance and love to discuss it.

Thanks for answering my questions, Sarah. I have to come clean…I am an NCIS addict. Got it bad!

Welcome Afton Locke!

2009-12-22T20:32:00.006-06:00

Coming December 23, in time for Christmas -
Candelabra, by Afton Locke.

Genre: paranormal/light BDSM

Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

Release Date: 12/23/09

eBook ISBN #: 978-14199-26525

www.aftonlocke.com

Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8038-50-candelabra.aspx?skinid=11

video trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF1Jmpx38sM

Tandy travels to Scotland ’s Loch Enya castle to attend a BDSM convention she hopes will overcome her control-freak tendencies. When Bryne pulls her into his room of fire, she fears she’s stepped into the lair of a crazy man. But as he mesmerizes her and sears her with his hot passions, she consents to a BDSM session of hot wax play that turns out to be the most intense journey of her life. Entrusting her body and mind to him might heal her, but the elemental fire fairy has an agenda of his own that threatens to consume them both in flames.

Excerpt, rated XXX!

An Excerpt From: CANDELABRA

“Are you ready, Tandy?” Bryne asked.

“Yes, Milord” she replied in a small, hesitant voice unlike her own. “I think so.”

“I will test you first to make sure you can handle the wax the entire time I fuck you.”

The first drop of wax, a molten raindrop, landed on her lower back. Her breath hissed as her skin adjusted to the heat. After he smeared the hot puddle with his finger, a long pause followed.

The smell of hot wax filled the room. She felt so helpless with the hood on. She needed to see the tipped candle and falling wax. Every muscle in her body tensed with expectation of the next hot drop since she had no idea where it would hit next.

Another drop fell several inches to the right of the first. Since it was hotter, he must have held the candle closer. Without vision, her skin became her primary sensory organ and it was completely at Bryne’s mercy.

“You handled the test drops very well,” he told her. “Are you ready to proceed?”

Let’s get this show on the road. “Yes, Milord. It feels good and I want more.” Wax me. Wax me and fuck me already.

This time, several drops fell in succession from her back to her ass cheeks, making her gasp. The multiple drops were hotter than just one. While her skin smarted, she breathed through it. It almost hurt but not quite. Heat built in her abdomen, swelling her pussy even more than before. A rivulet of fresh, hot cream inched down her thigh.

“Your skin is so beautiful and pink,” he said, fondling the curve of her ass.

Her hips jerked when a large, hot drop landed just above the crease between her cheeks. She wanted more. She wanted to feel that hot wax drip down the groove all the way to her pussy to mingle with the hot juices there. Tiny spasms of pleasure kept her hips continually dancing as more hot wax dripped on her ass.

“You like that, don’t you?” he asked.

The sound of a condom packet being torn open tightened her pussy. Just when she expected another drop, the wet, heated head of Bryne’s cock nudged against her cunt.

Amber Skyze is in the House!

2009-12-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Body Shots!

Got Tequila?

Sierra does and Reed isn’t afraid to use it. He’s determined to do shots on every inch of her skin, but Sierra has insecurities preventing him from exploring intimate areas. Her insecurities won't stop her from lavishing his body with the heady liquor.

Ten years ago an accident tore Sierra Allen and Reed Walker apart. Now a chance encounter has them burning for each other. A bottle of liquor and a pool table has this duo ready to quench their thirsts with one night of Body Shots.

Will one night be enough to fan the flames of desire?

Excerpt:

Reed Walker leaned his massive frame against the wall. His leg bent, his boot-clad foot tapped against the wall to the rhythm of the bass drum. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, as his eyes gazed upon the singer crooning the soft rock ballad. She was gorgeous by every standard of the word. Long flowing black hair, dark mysterious eyes, her arms sleeved in tattoos. Dressed only in black leather pants and a matching leather bra, her rock-hard stomach revealed she worshiped the gym but Reed wasn’t here for the singer. She wasn’t his type any longer. Another time, another place maybe. Not tonight. Tonight, he was here for the owner of the bar.

Looking to make some extra cash doing something they loved, Reed and his fellow band mates decided to reunite after a ten year hiatus. Reed having always been the businessman of the group took on the task of going around to different bars and clubs to see if they were interested in adding his band Foul Play to the line up.

When he walked into Crimson Nights he thought he was walking into a dream. Never in his wildest imagination had he thought he’d come face to face with the only true love of his life—Sierra Allen.

The look on her face when he walked up to the bar and asked to speak to the owner was one of shock. Like seeing a ghost. And that’s how he felt. Oh, she’d cut off most of her long red hair but she couldn’t deny the scar on her right cheek. It had faded some over the years and she tried covering it with her hand most of the time they spoke but he knew it was her. She told him her name was Laura but Reed knew better. Those haunting green eyes couldn’t be mistaken.

He went along with her charade, though it killed him deep inside. She had run away from him after the car accident without so much as an explanation. The weeks he spent by her side, holding her while she cried over what she felt was a deformed face. The painful recovery from the shards of glass that cut her, when the windshield shattered. He stood by her side, loving her, wishing he could take away her pain. Wishing it was him who suffered instead of her, only to have her up and vanish when she was released from the hospital.

Now she was pretending she didn’t know him. It didn’t make sense. He’d let her go a long time ago but this time he wasn’t going to leave without finding out why. It was the least she could do. She owed him an explanation.

She shocked him when she agreed to let his band play. He fully expected a flat-out “no”. Why would she want his band playing there if she was hiding her identity? Was it a ploy to make him believe she was this Laura she pretended to be? Or was she feeling the connection too? If it was to prove her charade, she was sadly mistaken. Reed wasn’t stupid enough to be fooled by a haircut or name change.

Reed would wait until the night was done and the bar empty before he confronted her but he would and when he did, Sierra had some explaining to do.

Fran Lee! Part Two.

2009-12-13T00:01:00.001-06:00

Get to know author, Fran Lee.

So Fran, tell me, with the release of Jillian's Job, how many books does this make?

I have six books and novellas published. One is an anthology series short. Two are full length novels, and three are novellas. I have one more coming in February from Resplendence titled A Brief Moment of Pleasure.
Out of Her Dreams http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7256-out-of-her-dreams.aspx
Hallie's Cats http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-7389-554-hallies-cats.aspx
Dictated by Fate http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=131-200-101-446-1
First and Ten http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=157-201-101-446-2
Her Own Set of Rules http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-7637-554-her-own-set-of-rules.aspx
Jillian's Job http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-7850-554-jillians-job.aspx

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing professionally since this time last year. However, most of the books I have submitted were written 20 or more years ago. This was the first time I really tried to submit anything to a publisher.

I understand you have quite a following. I'd love to hear what your fans have to say about your books.

LOL! The good, or the bad? I find that my fans put me on auto-buy, then let me know when I disappoint them! Mostly it appears that my readers simply want longer books...they want more. Everyone seems to have adored my debut book, Out of Her Dreams, released in June by Ellora's Cave. It was 128 pages, and I have had many wonderful e-mails and reviews on it. I've had excellent reviews on my shorter novellas, as well, and great reviews on my super length 258 page release, Dictated by Fate, that came out of Resplendence in August.

Which publishers are you currently writing for?

Ellora's Cave and Resplendence.

What are you working on now? What do your readers have to look forward to?

I have just finished another novella (18+k words) that is a hot m/f/m menage. It isn't contracted yet, but I'm pretty sure it will be. The tentative title is "Double Your Pleasure". I am also working on a sequel to Hallie's Cats, taking Cal into his own story. Readers and reviewers all seemed to want Cal to get his own story, so this is a labor of love. I love shifters.And Cal will hav e a surprise twist in the story.

Which of your books is your favorite and why?

I actually have no favorites. I loved writing all of them, and have a soft spot for every one of them. I suppose Out of Her Dreams was my debut novel so that will always have a warm spot in my heart. My very favorite book has not been submitted to any publisher yet. It is very long and very different, and there are three different but intertwined stories unfolding in one book. I'm not sure either of my current publishers will want it. It is a hot, sexy erotic romance, but it not just one hot sexy romance...it is THREE hot sexy romances in one book. I think I will have to shop around to find a publisher who will run with it.LOL!

What do you do in your spare time? - I know you have soooo little of it!

I read. I create cover trailers. Sometimes I even write for fun. Just to see what comes up.

Where can we find you on the web?

I have several sites of my own and four that I share with other authors. I have sites for each of my releases plus a main website http://www.franleeromance.com
My own blogs are at:
http://franleesromanceblog.blogspot.com
http://franleesbookreviews.blogspot.com
http://franleesensuousromance.blogspot.com
http://jilliansjob.blogspot.com
http://outofherdreams.blogspot.com
http://halliescats.blogspot.com
http://dictatedbyfate.blogspot.com
and you can also find me on Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook. I also have a column with Examiner.com.
http://www.examiner.com/x-5288-Salt-Lake-City-Romance-Novels-Examiner

Welcome Fran Lee! Part One.

2009-12-11T21:14:00.003-06:00

Jillian’s Job

Fran Lee

What good is a dream income, access to a private jet, all the perks that go with being Mike Furie’s überproficient personal assistant, if Jillian has no life? She wants a life with a man in it. And staying with overbearing, totally sexy, self-serving bachelor Mike, will lead nowhere.

A trip to Aspen to “rescue” Mike from the clutches of the latest woman seeking to sink her claws into him, an excess of champagne to fortify her, and she tells him what she thinks of his high-handed tactics. She’s quitting. Again. So how the hell did she end up in bed with him in a Tahoe honeymoon suite, naked? Why can’t she recall how her signature got on that marriage license?

Mike discovers talents he never knew Jill possessed. Now he has her right where he wants her. And he wants her again…and again. In his bed and under him. But it’s not all about the lust, and if he gets his way, Jillian won’t be leaving his side, or his bed—

Yuletide Enchantment

2009-12-07T21:07:00.007-06:00

From my Friend!

Cindy Spencer Pape

Coming December 9, 2009

From Ellora’s Cave

The company Christmas party goes awry in an erotic way when quiet accountant Shelby Carter is magically whisked into a miniature Victorian village with the boss’s gorgeous son Noel Holiday. Noel has always honored the policy against fraternization, but when he’s trapped for several days with sweet, sexy Shelby , he knows it’s time to start breaking the rules.

While exploring the enchanted surroundings, they delve into their deepest fantasies, even acting out scenes from a collection of erotic Victorian postcards. After all, what’s Christmas without a little magic and a whole lot of sexy fun?

Though Shelby ’s crazy about Noel, she’s sure he’ll forget all about her once their interlude is over. But Noel has fallen head over snow boots in love with Shelby . Now he just has to convince her that holiday wishes can come true, and his devotion will last beyond their Yuletide Enchantment.

***Excerpt: Warmish

But the next house wasn’t there. All that surrounded them was an impassable wall of pine trees. They also couldn’t see any signs of the conference room, or of giant eyes lurking beyond the tree line.

“So, I guess we really are alone,” he told her as they walked back toward the big house that she’d already begun to think of as theirs. “I’m sorry.”

She squeezed his arm. “It’s not your fault, is it? I mean, this is an awfully elaborate ruse to get me alone. All you’d have had to do was ask me to dinner.”

“I thought about it,” he stunned her by admitting. “But my father is very picky about his offspring mixing with the employees. I think he’s terrified of sexual harassment suits.”

That or he thinks none of us are good enough for the precious Holiday clan. Shelby liked Mr. Holiday, but she’d never really gotten a feel for the man, who seemed aloof at best, snobbish at worst.

“What’s it like working with your whole family?” They climbed the steps to the house and Shelby could almost feel the warmth radiating from inside. It was as if the house welcomed them back.

“It’s nice, most of the time.” Noel held the door and ushered her ahead of him. As soon as he’d closed the heavy oak portal, he helped her off with her cloak before doffing his coat. “We all get along and it’s cool to know the company has been in family hands for over a hundred years.”

There were five Holiday children and each of them played an integral role in the company. Noel’s brother Val managed the IT department while his sister Summer handled sales and marketing. Sam was in charge of the new holiday décor product line, while sister Star was the head writer for the greeting card division. Even their mom ran the personnel department. None of them threw their weight around, which helped make Holiday a reasonable place to work.

And getting involved with Noel, even temporarily could ruin that. Shelby tried to keep that thought in her head.

“Do you want something to drink? I think I saw the liquor cabinet earlier.” He stepped away from her quickly and she felt a flash of hope that he was trying to avoid temptation.

“Actually, what I’d really like is the rest of my chocolate cake,” she said. “And maybe a cup of tea.” She moved toward the kitchen where she remembered there being a fire in the old cast-iron stove. She’d bet anything there were tea fixings somewhere.

“Well, now this is weird,” she heard him call from the dining room.

Pausing in the hallway, she detoured to see what he was talking about.

Weird didn’t begin to cover it.

The table was perfectly clean.

No dirty dishes, no leftovers, nothing. Just a pristine white tablecloth, a fresh centerpiece of holly, ivy and red roses and unlit candles. On the sideboard was a crystal domed cake plate with the leftover cake. On a tray beside it rested a bottle of champagne, a dish of strawberries, two china plates and two crystal glasses.

“Maybe a drink is a good idea,” she allowed. “This is too freaking weird to contemplate.” She stumbled on her high-heeled boot and would have fallen smack into the cake if Noel hadn’t caught her.

One look up into those intense blue eyes and she forgot all about why keeping her distance was a good idea.

He held her waist with both hands, drawing her inexorably toward him.

“Okay, I give up. We could take our snack upstairs and get more comfortable,” he suggested huskily. “If we’re going to be together for three days, I’m just not going to be able to resist you. Not unless you tell me to get lost.”

“That’s probably a really bad idea.” But oh, it sounded so very good. Her hands weren’t paying any attention to her words—they slid up to rest on his broad shoulders.

“Tell me you don’t want this,” he said. “All you have to do is say no and we’ll be back to just working together to get home. No pressure, I promise.”

“I’m not going to scream sexual harassment, Noel.” She loved the sound of his name. “And I don’t want you to get lost. It’s just been a long time for me and I guess I’m a little nervous.”

She watched his expression go from questioning to certain. He’d made up his mind and Shelby quivered with excitement.

“Maybe I can help with that.” He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her.

The kiss started out soft and gentle, coaxing and teasing. As Shelby ’s hands crept up around his neck to toy with the ends of his black, silky hair, Noel tightened his grip on her waist until she could feel it even through the boning of the corset. That slight pressure sent a zing of sensation straight to her pussy and she knew she was soaking her lacy drawers.

She opened her lips and he was right there, sweeping inside in a show of dominance she could tell he was trying to restrain. She went up on her toes and tipped her head back, silently asking for more.

When they were both gasping for breath, he pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers. “Wow. Upstairs?”

She gave him a shaky nod. “Yeah. That would be good.” Her heart was racing like crazy and she could see the pulse in his neck throbbing just as rapidly.

Taking his hand, she let him lead her toward the ornate curved staircase that dominated the foyer.

“Well, I always wondered what it was like to be Rhett Butler.” With a wicked grin, Noel swooped her off her feet and into his arms and strode up the staircase.

Cindy Spencer Pape

www.cindyspencerpape.com

My Apologies

2009-12-07T15:08:00.004-06:00

I Am So Bad!

I haven't updated this site in weeks, but that's about to change. I will be hanging out here and using this blog to connect with my fellow authors - announcing new releases, contracts, doing interviews...anyone who wants a promo, email me at Julia@JuliaRachelBarrett.com and we'll hook up! Meanwhile, you can head over to my new website - http://juliarachelbarrett.com/
Announcement - Just signed a contract with Cobblestone Press for the re-release of my romance/suspense, My Everything. I cannot wait!

Pardon My Dust

2009-11-17T20:48:00.003-06:00

New Website Under Construction

http://juliarachelbarrett.com/

Go visit! Make a comment! Check it out! I'll be working on it all week long so wish me luck!

Now That's What I Call A Cover!

2009-11-02T21:35:00.004-06:00

Daughters of Persephone
Book One, Exile
Book Two, Return

Coming 2010 from Resplendence

'Nuff Said!!!

A Sample...

2009-10-27T13:23:00.004-05:00

The Artist

Book one of the Dream series

By Julia Barrett

My husband called this morning to tell me he’d changed his flight and we had a huge argument. It was about his family and how they suck. He didn’t try to defend them, but neither did he stand up to them and I thought… Jeez, you fucker, you just cut off your own balls to spite your face. How am I supposed to have sex with you ever again when you’ve just emasculated yourself in my eyes?! You stupid fuck.

I drove to the damn Oakland Airport later that same day, navigating on freeways I’m not familiar with through heavy traffic, holding my MapQuest directions in one hand, trying to steer with the other hand, watching the road with one eye and reading with the other… fuming.

Of course, we made up on the ride home. After I calmed down and put on my listening ears, I found out that he’d tried to defend me but his jerk of a brother had drawn a line in the sand and wouldn’t relent, so my husband decided retreat was the better part of valor. He realized he was fighting a battle he couldn’t win and he walked away. He’s not like me. He’s conciliatory. I’d just as soon beat his brother about the head with a rolling pin, and that’s me being nice. I have a bit of a red-head temper. Just a bit…

* * * *

Last night, my husband came to bed after I’d already fallen asleep and I woke with his teeth biting down on my nipple and his cock pressed against my thigh. Oh. My. God. Was he hard. Like… explosively hard. He’s always big—I’m a very lucky woman—but holy shit! He was a bloody rock. Maybe it was the argument about his family, or maybe it was the fact that he’d been out of town for ten days, could have been either, but I was slippery wet in seconds. He tossed me onto my back and rolled on top of me, spreading my legs with his knees and ooh that first thrust… he was so hard, so big, he couldn’t get in right away—that’s my favorite part of sex, feeling him press against me, intruding into my space inch by glorious inch, while I open for him, you know, give it up.

Once he was in me, once he was buried to the hilt, as they say in romance novels, he began to move, not like a jackhammer, but with slow, sensuous thrusts, pulling nearly all the way out and then rubbing against me as he plunged in over and over and over again, his lips on mine, his hand on my breast, his thumb rubbing my nipple until I found myself breathless and whimpering and crying Yes, Yes, Yes, Oh God, Yes. Oh Yes. And we both managed to come simultaneously. We seem to do that a lot. I’m not sure why, but I think it has something to do with the fact that we are each very attuned to the state of arousal in the other. His thrusts grow harder, deeper and he feels as if he’s expanding inside me and I guess my noises, as he calls them, which he says excite him, give me away. Oh yes, they do indeed. When it comes to sex, I am an open book. Make up sex, mad sex, get even sex, love you sex—it’s all there, plain as the nose on my face.

And the dream sex. I have to count the dream sex, like last night’s episode.

I did fall asleep quickly, sated, and I do mean sated. Toward morning, I dreamed a dream. It was less like a dream and more like a visitation. Something happens every so often… men come in the night, in my dreams. No two are alike, they do different things, say different things, they don’t look alike. One… and he’s come a number of times… is a vampire. I don’t know them, but I want them and in my dreams, I always fuck them… well, one time the vampire bit me but it was as good as fucking. My orgasm on that occasion was out of this world.

In this particular dream, the guy came to me as a blond. In real life, I’m not attracted to blonds, other than Brad Pitt, especially the Brad Pitt of A River Runs Through It. In the dream I found myself at an art exhibit. I didn’t know the artist and I didn’t know why I was there, but some organization was apparently honoring the man. He stood on a stage in front of a large crowd, and accepted some award. I watched from the very back, knowing this was a dream and wondering why it was necessary for me to be present.

Chairs had been set up in rows and someone had arranged for a media presentation. A screen dropped down from the ceiling and everyone took a seat to watch… what? The story of the artist’s life and work? A photo essay of his paintings? I wasn’t quite sure. I remained in the back by myself, and found a seat on a couch that had been pushed against the far wall. I guess the organizers wanted to get it out of the way.

The lights went down and everyone’s attention focused on the screen. I wore a short jean skirt and a tight black sweater. My skirt hitched up when I sat, so for the sake of discretion, I covered my thighs with my leather jacket. From out of nowhere, the artist stood in front of me and he asked if he could sit beside me.

“Of course,” I murmured, scooting over to make room for him. The man was good looking in an older, distinguished, masculine kind of way, not my usual type, but… who cares… it was a dream, right?

Before I had time to protest, he’d reached down and grabbed my legs and pulled them across his lap, forcing me to recline sideways on the couch. I must admit I felt some surprise, but I decided to go with it, curious to learn what he had in mind. He kept my jacket over my thighs, but I felt his hands move beneath the leather and he shoved my skirt up to my waist. Should I protest, I wondered, already wet with anticipation. No. This is a dream, I reminded myself. I can do whatever I want in dreams.

Free Read!

2009-10-25T17:06:00.004-05:00

Check Out the Resplendence Site
for a Free Read from Me!

http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/108.html

Just wanted to try something different since my works are all scheduled for 2010 and 2011. The story will be part of a larger work - so I hope to drop tantalizing freebies for a while! Enjoy!

Met a Fellow Writer Today

2009-10-23T18:31:00.004-05:00

Coffee with Anny!

How often do you get to spend time with another writer on another coast without meeting at a conference? I mean, a woman you know only because you've had an internet friendship? Oh...hardly ever!

This morning my daughter and I were thrilled to have coffee and a bagel with the delightful Anny Cook - one of the very first writers who congratulated me - online - when I signed my first contract. And to think, we live about as far apart as two people can live in this big United States. I was so excited to meet her, she's a total crazy woman, and can't wait to see her again when and if I visit my daughter - just one more enticement to come out East, besides the fact that I find Charm City to be a very cool place and I'm crazy for the crab cakes!

Here's Anny's website for those interested: http://www.annycook.com/

Oh. My. Gawd.

2009-10-21T18:37:00.004-05:00

Moving...

It never goes all the way right. In Baltimore, helping my daughter set up her first apartment. The city is very cool, by the way - totally New Englandish with lots of trees. Can't see much for the trees. Everyone is very friendly, helpful, and as recent studies have indicated, the drivers are considerate, especially when the nav-system in your rental car is dyslexic and says right when it means left and left when it means right!

We've been hitting the second hand stores, Goodwill and Target and we've been waiting for the moving company to get her furniture and boxes out here - they were expected yesterday or today at the very...very latest. Of course, after calling multiple times because I hadn't heard a thing from the movers and no one returned my messages, I finally learned that the driver is, oh, I don't know, in New Mexico, and he was told that we didn't need the stuff until the 31st!
&%*@#$!!!!

So I'm sitting on the floor in her apartment - we had to quickly get some linen, towels, all the things we were expecting today, and we'll be sharing a cheap mattress on the floor. It's an adventure! I'm just sorry she'll have to take off work the first week of her new job to meet the moving truck - which is why we planned very meticulously for everything to arrive this week.

Ah well...on a lighter note, I have a freebie accepted with Resplendence Publishing, part of what will become a larger erotic work - The Dream Series - The Artist. Can't wait!

Off To Baltimore!

2009-10-18T11:24:00.002-05:00

Image-Uploader Ain't Workin' Today

I'll be in Baltimore, helping my daughter move for her first post-college job. So we plan to hit the waterfront and the aquarium and Camden Yards and eat a lot of crab and crab cakes.

Waiting to hear from publishers about new submissions - I'll post if I get any updates!

Happy Halloween!

Heading to the East Coast

2009-10-13T11:12:00.004-05:00

I'll Miss My Baby!

Lots going on, helping my daughter move to her new job on the East Coast so things have been absolutely nuts! She's lucky tho, one of the few kids in her graduating class to get a job - she interviewed last March and was offered the job in April...

So, busy, busy, busy! Trying to find time for my Work In Progress and all the other things that come with writing. All I can say is, life is always a trip!

The Dixie Kane Memorial Contest

2009-10-10T13:48:00.004-05:00

4th Annual

My first contest and I placed in two categories! I received the official results today from SOLA - Southern Louisiana Chapter of Romance Writers of America. I'll try to copy them - not easy for a tech-challenged writer like me:

The Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, Inc. congratulates the winners of its 4th Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest:

Inspirational:

First Place Defending Hope by Diane K Burns

Second Place The Road to Love by Anne Wolfe

Third Place Murder on Ocean Drive by Gloria Ferguson

Honorable Mention Light the Fire by Mary Manners

Short Contemporary:

First Place No Bull by Whisper Ellis

Second Place The Perfect Holiday Mix by Wendy S. Marcus

Third Place Beauty and the Feast by Julia Barrett

Honorable Mention A Thread of Shells by Lucy J. Dixon

Single Title Contemporary:

First Place Marryin’ the Librarian by Wendy Qualls

First Place (tie) Murder, Curlers, and Canes by Arlene McFarland

Second Place Chasing Miracles by Linda Chubbuck

Third Place Courting Disaster by Ellie Kirkland

Honorable Mention Worth Fighting For by La-Tessa Montgomery

Novel With Romantic Elements:

First Place The Choice by Pamela Kopfler

Second Place Tragic Choices—Far Off Places by Margot Pleasants

Third Place Odin’s End by Dawna Fichtner

Honorable Mention Wild Rodeo Nights by Sandy Sullivan

Historical:

First Place A Mad Passion by Laura Hirnesen

Second Place The True Confessions of a Lady Novelist by Emily Becher

Third Place A Frenchman’s Secrets by Rhoda Fort

Honorable Mention Theft by Night by Connie Queen

Paranormal:

First Place Rocky Mountain Howl by Kinsey W. Holley

Second Place Intergalactic Brides Series: The Triple Bride by Whisper Ellis

Third Place Demon Soul by Christine Ashworth

Honorable Mention A Vision of Death by Gretchen Stull

Romantic Suspense:

First Place From Baghdad With Love by Gail Zerrade

Second Place The Light of Truth by Shelley K. Masoc

Third Place Anytime Darlin’ by Julia Barrett

Honorable Mention Saving Sarah by Robena Grant

Winner of the Highest Overall Score resulted in a tie:

No Bull by Whisper Ellis

From Baghdad With Love by Gail Zerrade

In case you managed to miss my oh-so-obvious highlighting, my works placed in Short Contemporary and Romance Suspense.

Beauty and the Feast, by Chana Alexander - Third Place, Short Contemporary.

Anytime Darlin', by Julia Barrett - Third Place, Romance Suspense.

Gol' Durn Dang It!

2009-10-08T12:43:00.003-05:00

You Ever Have One of Those Weeks...

When nothing seems to go as planned? I'm in the midst of an extended period where things are sort of messed up and I cannot, for the life of me, focus on what I need to do! What I need to do is work on Daughters of Persephone, Book Three, Reborn and I cannot get past 10,000 stinkin' words!

I'm too distracted by personal issues. I did managed to write a quickie in one day - 'cuz I dreamed it, easy as pie. I've sent it off to my publisher as a freebie - to get readers interested since I don't have anything releasing for a while.

Okay...back to work. Wait...is that the doorbell? Another distraction? Yee-hah!

Nothing New Under the Sun?

2009-10-06T14:58:00.001-05:00

Change Is Inevitable

Lots of upheaval in the family, many disparate points of view and emotions running hot and heavy. Change is coming!

I have never feared change. Change can help us grow and become more than we already are. If you shrink from change, you shrink your heart and you close yourself off to possibility. Never underestimate the power of possibility!

So I’m branching out into the realm of sci-fi and futuristic romance and I love it. Perhaps all those hours and hours spend inhaling science fiction as a teenager are paying off.

By the way, George R.R. Martin – where is my next installment of A Game of Thrones? And it better not suck like the last one!

Cougar Up!

2009-10-05T00:12:00.005-05:00

Trying to Cougar Up a Friend of Mine.

I don't know if she's game, I don't know if he is...but I think the idea of a mature woman, younger man has a lot of appeal. Let's face it, women reach their sexual peak in their thirties, forties, and even fifties...men reach theirs in their twenties. So why not?

This notion that men get better with age...women just get old...has always bothered me. Why the double-standard? Why is it socially acceptable for an older man to enter a room with a beautiful young woman on his arm, when the reverse has been considered scandalous?

We women no longer accept the coming of age with grace and dignity, effectively shutting ourselves into...more or less...a closet. I find women in their thirties, forties, fifties and even sixties to be the most beautiful - as we age, we become more self-aware, more comfortable in our own skin and more accepting of our flaws. We embrace self-expression and we're far less tolerant of petty bull-shit. We mean what we say and we say what we mean.

If I could switch skin and become a young man for a day - say...a young man with a functioning brain...I would want to be with a confident woman, a woman who knows herself, knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. A woman who has grown beyond game playing and artifice. Yup...I'd like that.

My cousin is with a man eight years her junior (she and I are the same exact age) and she swears the sex is great. A good friend in her late forties just moved from her twenty-something yoga instructor to a thirty-something international businessman/jet setter. She bought some special lingerie to wear for him last time she was in town - wow, she was glowing!

Go for it ladies, Cougar up!
And a plug - Remember that on next Valentine's Day, The Cougar Book will be released by Logical-Lust and you can read my story, You Might Just Get It!

My List

2009-10-01T14:15:00.005-05:00

Things I Like!

Let's see, favorite foods...chocolate. Just chocolate, not dark, milk.

Favorite movie...tough...very tough...McCabe and Mrs. Miller...but I gotta admit I love All About Eve and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

Favorite book...all time cuz I like a whole lotta books...Shogun.

Favorite actress...again, extremely tough...Susan Sarandon...maybe. Favorite deceased actress...Katherine Hepburn.

Favorite actor...deceased and otherwise...Paul Newman and Heath Ledger...tied.

Favorite restaurant...Redd, beats out The French Laundry in my book. Favorite Mexican dive...Quinto Patio Taquieria. Favorite Thai street food...Thai Kitchen.

Favorite fruit...love 'em all...but cherries top the list.

Favorite vegetable...hmmmm....arugula.

Favorite bug...lady bug.

Favorite bird...all birds, but I'm partial to raptors.

Favorite activity...hiking and sex or sex and hiking, depends upon who's available...and travel to wild places.

Okay, I've bored you enough! Your favorites?

Wish I Had Some!!!

2009-09-29T12:57:00.004-05:00

Like...um...new releases???

I got nuthin' until next year so I'm working and trying to remain patient. Patience is soooo not my virtue! I'm a Do it! Do it now! kinda girl. In the meantime, I'm working on the third book of Daughters of Persephone, Reborn, for Resplendence - a quarter of the way through, and waiting, impatiently, to hear about two submissions to other publishing houses - reminding myself that it takes submissions editors more than two days to reply.
To pass the time, since I'm missing True Blood - boy was that season short! - I'm watching Sons of Anarchy, which is a pretty damn cool show, The Big Bang Theory - very funny and I'm a total nerd so I know exactly what the characters are talking about - you should see my old comic book collection! And I'm thinking of maybe starting Big Love and Mad Men from the beginning - I've never seen either of them since I don't watch much TV other than the above and I've heard both those shows are amazing.
I'm in the middle of my yearly re-read of Shogun, Dune, Jane Eyre and Little Women - been doing this since I was eighteen - my four favorite all-time books.
Wondering what everyone else does in their off hours...

Nicole Hicks is the winner!

2009-09-26T22:16:00.005-05:00

Our Chat was Fun and Fantastic
Seven Sexy Scribes!

Nicole Hicks of Howling Good Books was paying close attention. She caught my post about Beauty and the Feast and answered every single question correctly!

The minute I get my copies, she gets hers! Thanks for joining the chat, Nicole. It was lovely to meet you!

Beauty and the Feast

2009-09-23T17:16:00.004-05:00

Blurb and Excerpt
Beauty and the Feast by Chana Alexander (me)
coming 2010 Resplendence Publishing

Eva Raines is an uncomplicated country girl who’s all about food. Eva moves to the Napa Valley where her culinary skills come to the attention of the owners of a start-up and Eva finds her niche as a personal chef. Now all she needs is a man as perfect as her cooking, but she has serious doubts such a creature exists.

When wealthy entrepreneur, winery owner, and noted lothario, Gabriel Abbott, makes plans to seduce his flavor of the month, his assistant hires All Things to All People to cater a gourmet dinner. Eva expects to use her way with food to showcase the startup. What she unexpectedly discovers is that her culinary skills showcase far more. Gabriel Abbott finds himself seduced by her voice and the sensual flavors and textures of her food and his previous plans are quickly forgotten. He begins to obsess about meeting his little chef in person. He’s not alone. Once Eva hears Gabe’s voice and spends time in his home in the Napa Valley, she begins to wonder about the real man and her dreams of him are so hot they could ignite a barbecue.

When Eva and Gabe finally come face to face, the question is, how hot will their fire burn?

Gabe woke to singing. The room he lay in was dark and it took him a moment to remember where he was. When he smelled Eva, he knew. Gabe reached for her, but the spot where she’d lain was empty. He leaned back on the pillows, crossing his arms behind his head, and listened. It was an old Bonnie Raitt song, one he’d always loved—Angel from Montgomery. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the music. At first he thought Eva had turned on a CD player, but after listening for a few moments, he realized that there were no instruments accompanying the singing voice. It was all Eva. When she finished the song, she launched into a raw rendition of Lowell George’s Dixie Chicken. Gabe found himself grinning. If Eva would be his Dixie Chicken and he would most definitely offer to be her Tennessee Lamb. Gabe reached down to make sure he was covered in case she happened into the bedroom. He was relieved to find that she had thrown a quilt over his open fly. Maybe he’d covered himself. His memory was pretty vague.

Eva must be feeling better or she wouldn’t be up and about, and singing her lungs out. Her singing voice kept a smile on his face. It was smoky, peaty, and right on key. She sounded exactly the way she sounded when he’d awakened her with his late night phone calls. Warm, cuddly, sexy as hell. Just as Gabe began to wonder what she was up to, his nose started twitching and his stomach began to growl. She was cooking. If his nose was right, she was making Reuben sandwiches. Shit, he hadn’t had a good Reuben since the last time he was in Chicago and he’d taken his sister and her family to a deli.

Gabe adjusted his jeans and made sure to zip them up before he climbed out of bed. He stepped into the hallway and looked for the bathroom. When he came out of the bathroom, he ran into Eva just coming to wake him. He took a look at her long legs as she approached and he noticed that she wasn’t quite as stiff as he expected her to be. Despite the scrapes on her knees, she moved with an athletic grace he found extremely appealing. She still wore the man’s boxers she’d slept in. They hung on her slender frame so she’d rolled the waistband several times to keep them up. The ragged tee shirt didn’t cover much. Light from the living room shone through the thin cotton, framing her narrow waist and the gentle flare of her hips. He felt himself stir at the sight of her erect nipples poking against the material. He decided to be polite and look at her face.

“How’s your head?” He asked, studying the bruise on her forehead. She’d pulled her dark red hair back and braided it.

“It’s all right,” Eva replied. “It’s just a bump.”

“And the knees?”

“Sore.” She shrugged. “They’ll be better by the end of the week. Gabe…” she began.

“Hmm?” Gabe raised his eyebrows and waited.

“Thank you. Thanks for bringing me home and cleaning me up. I’m… I’m… I have to admit I’m more than a little embarrassed.”

Gabe felt his mouth twitch. “Why would you be embarrassed? Because I cleaned your cuts or because I stripped you naked and feasted my eyes on your beautiful body?”

Eva’s mouth opened and she sputtered for just an instant before she covered her flaming cheeks with her hands. Gabe heard a muffled, “Oh crap,” and he laughed.

Gabe took hold of her hands and he lifted them away from her face. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Eva. It was my pleasure. Truly. I would go so far as to say you are now in my top ten list of remarkable experiences.”

“Really?” Eva shot back, grinning now. “How high do I rank?”

Gabe ran a thumb across her luscious bottom lip. He heard her sharp intake of breath. “Number two, maybe.”

“Not number one?” she whispered.

“Give it time,” he teased, “I haven’t tasted you… yet.”

Eva lifted her chin. Gabe stared into her eyes, asking permission without saying a single word. He could see uncertainty warring with her strong desire to challenge him to do exactly what he threatened. Taste her. Everywhere. Starting with that delicious mouth of hers. He watched as Eva’s lips parted in anticipation, and he knew which side won. Before she could change her mind, Gabe slid a hand under her braid and he cupped the back of her head. He rubbed his lips against hers, as if testing the waters. Eva sighed softly in response, accepting him, but at the same time Gabe felt one of her hands press firmly against his chest as if holding him at bay. For an instant, he didn’t know which part of her to listen to, but then her tongue flicked delicately over his lips and he shut his mind up and kissed her.

The moment Gabe’s lips touched hers, Eva felt like butter left too long in the hot summer sun. At the same time, a tiny voice in the back of her mind reminded her that she really didn’t know the man at all. She’d been in his home, even in his bedroom. She’d strolled his gardens, picked his herbs, cooked for him, tasted his wines. Yet she truly didn’t know a thing about the man. The idea of pushing him away flashed through her brain, but her body decided not to listen. Her body responded automatically to the delicate touch of his mouth against hers. Before she knew what she was doing, Eva had licked his lips. Gabe’s body replied instantaneously. In fact, he practically combusted. An arm slid around her waist and Eva found herself drawn firmly against his hard chest, while the hand at the base of her skull tilted her head back to allow Gabe easier access to her mouth.

Eva had been kissed, but not like this. Not by a man this hungry. Not ever. His tongue explored her mouth liberally, uninhibitedly. It tangled with her own, tasting her as if she were a rare wine. Without realizing it, Eva dug a hand into Gabe’s thick hair and pulled him even closer, while her other hand clung to his shoulder. Eva felt the wall behind her back as Gabe rubbed his long, hard length against her, the material of her boxers moving with him as he pressed himself against what Eva considered her sweet spot. Caught entirely off guard by the strength of her desire, she heard herself whimper, feeling helpless, pleading for more.

A warm hand slid under her tee shirt and fingers moved up her belly. Eva found herself arching her back, giving him easier access. Gabe wasted no time in discovering the sensitive underside of her breast. He stroked the satiny skin with his fingertips and then, as his big hand cupped her breast, his thumb circled her nipple. Eva’s legs shook when he rolled her aching tip between his thumb and forefinger. She tore her mouth away from his, and tossed her head back, moaning, while his teeth sought her neck and he nibbled his way down her collarbone. Eva knew where his mouth was headed and she nearly screamed in anticipation. Abruptly, he shoved her tee shirt up and he arrived at her breast. Gabe closed his hot, wet mouth around a nipple that had become almost painful with desire. He sucked, closing his teeth around her taut point, biting, the action deliberate yet delicate at the same time.

Eva did scream, at least, she thought she did, and her hands sought the front of his jeans. She stroked his hard length through the taut material. She heard Gabe groan, his mouth still on her breast. He sounded as if he was in agony. In one fluid motion, Eva unzipped his jeans and she moved his boxers and freed him. A single thought raced through her brain as her hand ran down his steely length, Oh my God, and then it disappeared as her tee shirt was torn from her and her boxers were shoved down her thighs. Gabe’s fingers searched the delicate folds between her legs. She could tell she was incredibly wet and very slippery.

“Jesus Christ,” she heard him grit out between clenched teeth as a finger was thrust carefully inside her. Her body welcomed the intrusion and her mouth trembled as he took her lips again, thrusting his tongue inside, matching the rhythm of his finger. Eva teetered on the brink of what seemed like either a precipice or a cataclysmic orgasm. She wasn’t sure which. She slid her thumb over the tip of Gabe’s big cock, finding a drop of moisture there. The image had her panting. She heard him growl deep in his throat and her boxers vanished. She felt his hands reach beneath her bottom. Gabe began to lift her off her feet and… suddenly Eva smelled smoke. She pried open her eyes and watched, puzzled, as a gray haze drifted their way from the kitchen. For an instant the sight didn’t register, then the smoke detector above their heads began to shriek.

“Shit!” Eva yelped. “The potatoes!” Her feet found the floor. She shoved Gabe backward and bolted for the kitchen.

“Fuck the potatoes!” she heard him rumble from behind her retreating back.

Damn This Story!

2009-09-22T03:16:00.004-05:00

Why Am I Not In Bed???

I'm turning into my friend and fellow author, Fran Lee...up at all hours. This is not me! I swear! It's this damn story. I fall asleep and then wake up two hours later with the next chapter in my head and I have to get out of bed and write it down, even when I'm too tired to spell correctly and my vision is all blurred and...and...and...

Wow. I'm rambling. I really am tired. I like my current group of characters so much that even my husband is getting into them. We've been role playing big time, which is kinda weird since he doesn't usually read my stuff until I'm totally finished but he's very involved with the hero's tale. He keeps asking himself - okay, if I was in his place, what would I do? Which in turn leads me in interesting directions. Just came downstairs after one role-play which was, quite frankly, hella fun!

Back to the story! Night all.

Frowning Today.

2009-09-16T13:18:00.004-05:00

Really Pissed Off!

Someone tossed a plastic container of sharp steel sewing needles into the back of my car where my German shepherd was waiting while I shopped for groceries!

Hey, they weren't there when I put him in the car...but they were sure all over the back when I came out to load my bags of food. Fortunately, he's an extremely bright dog and he's not going to eat a bunch of needles, but I was pretty dang upset. I picked up what I could find, then drove home and cleaned out the entire car.

On hot days, we all - at least we better - leave the windows in the car partway open if the dog is in the back. My dog loves to run errands with me and I don't intend to stop taking him, but c'mon! What kind of nasty person would do this? I guess I'm lucky that was all this person did. From now on, I'm parking my car as close to the store as I can get.

Julia's Exciting News!

2009-09-13T18:18:00.005-05:00

Thank you Jolie du Pre!

My story, You Might Just Get It, was chosen as part of The Cougar Anthology. I'm included with a group of outstanding authors and I could not be more thrilled! The anthology will be released February 14, 2010. We're having an online release party on February 15th, a thirty day blog tour, and copies will be available at EPICon, March 4-7 in New Orleans. Yay!

The website for The Cougar Anthology is: http://cougaranthology.net/
Please check it out to see the list of authors and read all other exciting information.
Valerie Gibson, author, journalist, speaker, relationship specialist and radio and TV personality will be writing the intro: http://www.valeriegibson.com/

This is one of the nicest surprises! love, Julia

Julia Dreams a World...

2009-09-10T12:37:00.006-05:00

So I dreamed a little dream

I have no idea why...but the muse who follow me around sent me a compelling dream story and I cannot leave it. I'm skipping my usual bedtime to stay up writing - geez! I sound like Fran Lee! Even when my eyelids are at half-mast, I can't stop, the story just keeps coming! Wow. It's a pretty awesome experience. It happened before with My Everything.

This is what I get for ignoring the muse last week. He/She sent me a dream and I woke up thinking - I really should haul myself out of bed at 4 a.m. to write this down before I forget it, but I didn't. I'll remember it, I thought. Sure enough, when I woke up, I only remembered that I'd dreamed a dream and intended to remember it but forgot it completely.

That's me, by the way, climbing in the Outer Hebrides last September. How I miss Scotland! See? Red hair!

The World According to Me.

2009-09-07T14:03:00.004-05:00

Jackhammer Anyone?

My husband and I watched Sunshine Cleaning – a very enjoyable black comedy featuring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, the luminous Alan Arkin, and a little kid who looks just like my nephew. The movie was well worth watching, but my husband pointed out something interesting.

He said lately, in movies and in TV series, he’s noticed that if the director wants to show an example of a guy behaving like an A-hole, he shoots a sex scene with the man pistoning himself into the heroine. Eeeew…and ouch! It’s kind of like watching a human jack-hammer. Unpleasant. There’s a scene like that in Sunshine Cleaning between Emily Blunt’s character and her boyfriend. I’ve seen the exact same thing in True Blood. I’ve read these kinds of scenes in romance novels where the hero rams himself into the heroine.

My husband asked me, because I’m the expert you know – Do guys really do this and do women actually like it? In my experience, because once again, I am the expert, some guys may do it but women aren’t usually into a repeat performance. I guess it’s an easy out for a director and script writer – a plot device designed to show that a guy is an insensitive boor or, just maybe, it’s the script writer’s personal wet dream.

I think women like good kissers. If a guy takes the time to become a good kisser, chances are he takes his time with other things too. And yeah, occasionally we like it down and dirty, but breaking up concrete sex? Rarely.

In other news – I am so pissed at the makers of True Blood. To repeat an episode?!? That’s two in one season! What? You don’t have the money or the screen writers to write a complete season? Yeah…sure…it was my favorite episode of the second season, but c’mon…the past three weeks have been mega-disappointments! I plan to start watching Sons of Anarchy to get my excitement/sex/violence fix!

Derivative...

2009-09-03T16:01:00.005-05:00

Do You Read Romance When You Write?

Whenever I'm writing, I avoid reading romance. First and foremost, I'm terrified of borrowing. We all borrow, maybe a little teeny-tiny bit on occasions. For example, many authors write about shifters, paranormals, vampires, so of course there's a little bit of give and take that goes on, some small similarities from author to author, but I'm afraid of being influenced by what I read and unconsciously allowing another author to shape my story or my characters. That wouldn't be fair to either of us, so I stick with a strict diet of nonfiction during writing jags. I love to read magazines like, Sunset, Outdoors, Food and Wine, Cooking Light, The Smithsonian Magazine, The New Yorker. And I love the New York Times, especially Wednesday's edition - because of the Food Section. I might pick up a biography or something like, Into Thin Air, or occasionally a work of fiction that has no bearing whatsoever on romance. My fears about being derivative are so strong that as you might imagine, my Romance TBR pile keeps growing!

So those of you who do read while writing, and I know a lot of you manage to do so because I hear from you - how do you keep your work separate? I would love to know.

On another topic altogether, it is ungodly hot here and tinder dry. SoCal is burning and I can only hope we make it through the next two months without going up in smoke! The Santa Ana's will be here in October. Scary thought!

TSTL

2009-08-31T22:35:00.004-05:00

True Blood is bordering on....

losing me in just two episodes. OMG! I'm a huge True Blood fan and I cannot for a single minute believe I just admitted that! But after a brilliant and unforgettably sexy first season, the second season seems to have lost its way. I'm so sick of watching Maryann and all the naked, bloody, muddy insanity surrounding her, I'm about ready to cut out someone's heart myself! Tara and Eggs? Honey, my eggs are so overcooked they are like rubber. Last week's episode was bad enough - they shorted me fifteen minutes! Jason was great, yeah, Jason is always a trip, but after the brilliance of Godric and Eric and Sookie and the Fellowship of the Sun, to return to the All-Maryann...All The Time channel??? I was bored. to. tears.

Where to start? First of all, I want to bitchslap Bill all the way back to the Civil War! Talk about passive and unsexy! Get off your damn ass and do something! Remember Jessica, the teen vamp you made who hasn't eaten in six days? Hello?

Second, after the intensity we witnessed between Sookie and Eric in Dallas, to watch Eric's bland reaction to Sam's request for assistance burned me. Maryann has set up camp in Sookie's house. Eric now knows Maryann is the creature that nearly killed Sookie. At least Eric would want to one-up Bill and play the hero, besides, he'd know there was something wrong.

Three, the Queen of Louisiana -- Yahtzee anyone? ROTFLMAO! How can I take this character seriously? Unlike Loreena, there is nothing threatening about her. Nothing wise in her like Godric. She doesn't even seem particularly sophisticated, aside from her 'dayroom.' Unlike Godric, she not only looks like a child, she acts like one. A spoiled, debauched, obnoxious child. Now I'm clear on the fact that True Blood does not follow the books religiously. I'm okay with that...but things seem to be straying pretty far afield.

The worst is Sookie. Last night, she may quite possibly have joined the ranks of romance heroines known as TSTL. Too Stupid To Live. Yeah...there's this monster who tried to kill me before and she can do it again and she's holed up in my house with the entire town under her hypnotic control but I'm gonna walk right in there and get my house back all by my little lonesome because Lafeyette is really gonna be able to shoot her in the head. Drop IQ points much?

So, I still love me some Jason and Lafeyette. Andy is hilarioius. Sam's hanging in there. Bring back the real Bill back and I want Eric naked. Hoyt and Jessica are a trip. And give Pam some decent material to work with. She can be a great character and I want more of her. I'm sick of Tara, Eggs, Tara's mother, Maryann and all the town crazies. Above all, will somebody please find Sookie's brain and return it to her? I want to continue to love this show!

I Have a New Story!

2009-08-27T12:15:00.004-05:00

My Best Stories Come in the Dark
(No Double Entendre Intended!)

Last night, I found myself unable to sleep. I tossed and turned and bugged my husband, went downstairs to get a bowl of cereal since carbs supposedly make you drowsy - nothing. I had too many story ideas running around in my head, pushing and shoving like little kids trying to be the first in line!

I'm don't sleep long hours, but I do try to get six to seven hours of sleep a night - which is tough because I'm a light sleeper in the best of times. I just think a good night's sleep is important for your physical and mental health and well-being. However, sometimes I have no choice but to give in to the voices in my head and haul my ass out of bed and write. At least I get the first paragraph down and maybe a working title so I can find the document again when I'm ready.

Last night I refused to give in - big mistake. I managed to get maybe three interrupted hours of sleep. Annoying.

There is one other place where story ideas occur to me - it's almost better because I'm wide awake - when I hike, something I do everyday, rain or shine, early morning, late evening. For me there is nothing better than the smells of the forest, the different intensity of colors as I leave the trees and head into the sunlight, my heavy breathing and straining muscles on a steep hill, looking and listening for wildlife - nature is great for clearing the head of extraneous nonsense and clarifying the direction my characters plan to take.

I brought my computer today so I can do what I should have done last night - give in!

Thoughts for the Day...

2009-08-25T13:37:00.003-05:00

Quickies, Shorts, Short Stories

Back in the days before the advent of epublishing, authors wrote collections of short stories. They still do and mainstream NY publishing houses still put them out. But from what I've seen, they are not publishing as many. Short stories used to be a way for a new author to break into the publishing world. It makes me wonder if some of the authors we consider icons would be rejected today, not only because of these economic times, but because of the changing demands and literary tastes of the public.

I started out writing poetry and short stories. Lately I find myself revisiting those familiar forms and it feels comfortable, a lot like coming home. If I were to put together a collection of short stories to send to a NY house, I doubt I'd garner even a reply. But I can write a great short work or a series of short stories and an epublisher will not only read it, if they like it, they'll publish it. The world of ebooks is a great venue for a short story writer.

I know...I know, sometimes we call them Quickies or Novellas, but what they really are is short stories.

Julia's Place for fun!

2009-08-22T11:20:00.008-05:00

Breasts, anyone?

My husband and I had the most hilarious conversation about breast size during our hike this morning. Lucky for me, hubbie likes small breasts, but he says he might look, once or twice, at a woman with large breasts. Just...look...

My husband insists that women with big breasts had an evolutionary advantage over women with small breasts because historically, he's betting they could always find someone to mate with them. He says women with small breasts must have had to get by on brain power and by working cooperatively with other women while bitching about how the women with big breasts got all the best cuts of meat. Hmm...I'm all for having a big brain, but I asked, what about personality? Sense of humor? Long legs? Great hair? Intelligence, drive, ambition, survival skills, adaptability? While he agrees these things are important - to him - yeah, he knows which side his bread is buttered on - he says guys aren't really moved by those attributes, at least not initially. He says guys are pretty concrete and they tend to focus on whatever is staring them right in the face. So I suppose that would be either boobs or a butt.

I have this absolutely gorgeous friend who hated her small boobs and after her divorce, got a boob job so she'd be more appealing to prospective mates. It struck me as so, well, sad. Her beautiful face and body and sweet, sparkling personality just weren't enough in her own eyes to attract a man. I'm thinking that's the key - in our own eyes - we have to be attractive in our own eyes. If a guy is attentive only because of big breasts, then is he really the kind of man we want to be with? Not me. But then, I never labored under the delusion that a man would be attracted to me because of my cleavage. He was going to have to look beyond the perky little boobs and appreciate the woman beneath.

Welcome to Julia's Place!

2009-08-19T23:00:00.004-05:00

Okay...so I'm a red head.

It's true that red heads have fiery tempers...so don't mess with me. I may slap you right upside the head. I fight for what I want and I fight for the people I love, and nobody mistreats an animal or a child or a woman when I'm around.

There's a feeling of freedom in admitting that. I can draw a deep breath and say, "I'm my own person and I'm through taking crap." With my friends lined up on either side of me, I am facing down the opposition, and taking no prisoners. Nothing is getting in my way now, and I am happy I came out the other side in one piece.

I'm a true survivor. Always have been...always will be. It takes a bit of pushing to get my hackles up, but when they're up, honey, watch out. Hey! I heard that laugh! So I'm not the biggest lean, mean, fighting machine out there, but just remember...don't mess with the red head.

You may call me:

Julia
Chana Alexander
Darlin'
Sweetheart
or Love...but don't call me "baby" unless you know me in the Biblical sense.