Friday, October 27, 2023

This week in The Loft: Australian Author JL Peridot!

Joining me today in The Loft is Australian author JL Peridot. JL writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. She's a qualified computer scientist, former website maker, amateur horticulturist, and sometimes illustrator. But most of the time, she's an author of romantic science fiction. When not writing, JL indulges in cryptic crosswords, pole fitness, books, gardening, and indie videogames. She lives with her partner and fur-family in Boorloo/Perth, Australia, on Whadjuk Noongar country.

Author JL Peridot

S:  Welcome to The Loft, JL! Thanks for joining me today.

Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?

JL:   You know, while reading about book banning in the US, I learned that my country has a history of doing this, too. Here, getting caught for carrying a banned book would mean police involvement and possible conviction. A news story from a couple years ago tells of how in 1970, Penguin Australia arranged for a banned book to be illegally printed and distributed in secret. Supported by lawyers, journalists, academics, and other members of Australia’s literary community, Penguin was only successfully convicted in one state, with another state simply refusing to prosecute. This happened at a time when censorship laws were supposed to be universally enforced, and it effectively “punched a hole in the system," inspiring other publishers to publish more banned books. This carried on for a couple of years until 1972, when Australian voters elected a new government that then dismantled the censorship system. I came across stories of Americans fighting back against book banning as well. Like those booksellers who loaned and gave away free copies of a banned graphic novel about the Holocaust. And the furry community leading fundraising efforts for a public library denied funding because they carry LGBTQ+ books. And the bookshops that banded together against politicians testing the waters on bookselling “restrictions." Penguin Random House and chain bookstores are more Goliath than David these days, but all these stories of solidarity remind me of that Margaret Mead quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We fight this by continuing to create and circulate good books, by writing to department heads and local policymakers, and by voting with both dollar and ballot paper.

S:  I have to admit, I never thought book bans would be implemented in my neighborhood. But just last week, a suburb next to mine pulled a number of books from school library shelves. I was quite pleased when students expressed dismay, but pointed out that the same books are available at the public library and online. Said one student, "And, now I'm going to make an effort to read all of them."

What is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to you as a writer?

JL:  Oh man, the worst thing? Before writing books, I used to make zines and sent one to a community magazine. Their review writer totally went to town on how much he hated it. I was devastated, not just from the harsh criticism of my work, but because it completely shattered the idea I had about a close-knit creative community who looked out for each other. My heartbreak ended, however, when I had a chance to read the reviewer’s own zines. His whole bit was that “punching down” type of comedy, which can be hilarious if done well. His work didn’t appeal to me at all, so it made sense that my writing wouldn’t be his cup of tea either. One of the best things came soon after. A reader on the other side of the world sent me a lovely hand-written letter to let me know my zine helped her during a difficult time in her life. It meant so much, because someone in her shoes was exactly who I’d had in mind while writing. All of this opened my eyes to how most of the criticism you’ll get isn’t really about you, it’s just randoms doing their thing while you happen to be there. What really matters is the feedback you get from the people you care about and the people you’re writing for.

S:  Have you ever shelved or thrown out a manuscript? 

JL:  Definitely! Just in the last few years, I’ve scrapped two novel drafts and four novella plots. Sometimes, you know instinctively that something isn’t working, even if you can’t articulate it. That said, your chat about “heat levels” with J. Arlene Culiner got me thinking. Maybe I tried too hard to control my characters and stories, rather than letting them develop a life of their own. Have you had this experience as well? Sometimes writing feels like you’re trying to carefully brush dirt off a mysterious buried artifact without accidentally taking its nose off too.

S:  I always say my characters direct the story, not me. If the story doesn't go anywhere, I have learned to move on. There is no benefit to forcing it.

Are you self-published or traditionally published?

JL:  My latest book, "Yet We Sleep, We Dream," is my first self-published novel-length work. It took me a year to plan and write, and close to another year to revise and produce, but every step gave me a chance to try something new — like working with a sensitivity reader, canvassing a diverse group of beta readers and critique partners, and connecting with local writing groups and organizations. Stuff I would just never have thought to do with a publisher, because my traditional publishing pathways were so established and on fixed timelines. "Chasing Sisyphus (2017)" and "It Starts with a Kiss (2019)," were both traditionally published by Siren-BookStrand and Kyanite Publishing respectively. Each publisher operated so differently and getting to work with both of them was an amazing experience I’m so grateful to have had. I’d definitely try traditional publishing again, but for now I’m focused on learning as much as I can through the indie route.

S:  If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?

JL:  Seelie, if you’d asked me three months ago, when I was in the throes of final edits, I would have said absolutely not. When I’m in the weeds, I’m right in there with my face in the mud and bugs coming out my nose, and whatever book I’m writing is the bane of my existence. But that’s just part of the creative process sometimes. It’s the mountain you climb so you can be the person you become once it’s over. You hate it and you love it and by doing so, you get to experience a broader spectrum of your humanity. So yes, I would still choose to write books. And I will relish the love–hate every step of the way.

S:  Editing can be a frustrating experience, especially when others don't share you vision for a book.

What inspired "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"

JL:  I’m very open about this book being a retelling of Shakespeare’s, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." There’s an Oberon and a Titania, and characters who mash-up and mangle the Bard’s original roles. This novel was my redemption arc for understanding a text I struggled with in school. In a way, it’s a love letter to my teenaged immigrant self to say, hey, you’ll get this one day. It was also a way to explore my hopes and fears about climate change through the lens of futuristic fantasy romance.

S:   Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"

JL:  It’s never mentioned in this novel that the characters are from Australia, but the language is lifted from the everyday speech I’ve heard since moving here. I was tempted to include more colorful and uniquely Aussie turns of phrase just for fun, like “flat out like a lizard drinking,” and “dry as a dead dingo’s donger," but that would just be inauthentic--I don’t hear those nearly as much as I’d like to in the suburbs! Besides, I reckon non-Aussie readers will have a good enough time with “yeah nah” and all the casual swearing.

Here's the blurb--

Love triangles get bent out of shape when restless gods come out to play.

Relationships are complicated enough when only humans are involved--something the crew of the starship Athenia know plenty about. These children of a changing climate are no strangers to conflicts of the heart. And it seems there's a lot of conflict going on, even out in space.

When an alien dust finds its way on board, the veil between realms begins to fray. Old gods of a long dead planet resume their own romantic bickering while ancient magic wreaks havoc across the ship. Grudges resurface, friends turn to enemies, unrequited love turns to passion — or does it? It's kinda hard to tell with everyone at each other's throats.

Gentles, perchance you wonder at this show; but wonder on, till truth make all things plain. Yet We Sleep, We Dream is a romantic space-fantasy inspired by Shakespeare's endearing hot mess, A Midsummer Night's Dream.


S:  That sounds fascinating! Where can readers buy "Yet We Sleep, We Dream?"


S:  JL, it was a pleasure chatting with you today. If you' like to learn more about JL, please visit--


Mastodon/Fediverse:  @jlperidot@blog.jlperidot.com, https://fed.brid.gy/web/blog.jlperidot.com/followers

BookWyrm:  https://bookwyrm.social/user/jlperidot

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jl-peridot

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17035853.J_L_Peridot
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Thursday, October 26, 2023

Congratulations to Lisabet Sarai...

...on the release of "Serpent's Kiss!"


Blurb--

When a woman atoning for past sins heals the human avatar of an ancient god, she’s drawn into a perilous dance of destiny and desire.

From the first, Dr. Elena Navarro senses that the wounded man she discovers outside the gate of her rural clinic is not an ordinary mortal. With his chest ripped open, Jorge Pélikal still demonstrates unnatural strength and power. Elena is irresistibly attracted to Jorge, although he warns her their coupling could open the gates of chaos and cost her life. Despite his dire predictions, they fall in love. Gradually Elena comes to understand that Jorge is a supernatural player in a cosmic drama that will determine the fate of the earth and of mankind—and that even if he triumphs in his apocalyptic struggle with his nemesis, she may lose him forever.

Note:  Serpent’s Kiss was previously published by Totally Entwined. This new edition has been re-edited, revised and expanded.

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Friday, October 13, 2023

This week in The Loft: Author VR Tennent!

Joining me today in The Loft is fellow Extasy author VR Tennent. She writes contemporary romance filled with love, heartbreak, and spice. She never promises a happy ending, but guarantees a rollercoaster ride of emotion. The third decade of this century marked a lot of changes for VR. In 2020, she emigrated from Scotland to Spain. In January 2022, she decided to put pen to paper and write a book after joining the writer’s group of her favorite author. Five months later, she was offered a publishing contract. VR lives in the Spanish campo with her husband, young daughter, and ever-growing animal family.

Author VR Tennent

S:  Good morning, VR. Thanks for joining me today!

Why did you start writing romance?

VR:  For years I have been an avid reader, and in January 2022, I came across a writer's group headed up by TL Swan. It was a place for women who were interested in writing to come together. I watched her videos and felt completely inspired to try, not that I ever planned to publish the book I wrote. Fast forward 22 months and here I am having just released book eight. It is safe to say, I am hooked on creating stories for people to read.

S:  Wow, eight books in 22 months. That's amazing.

How do you determine the "heat" level in your books?

VR:  I don't. I let readers determine that, and it is completely subjective. My books always contain an adult content warning and will have consensual open-door scenes. However, when I read reviewers' opinions on how spicy they are, they differ. Plot will always come first, and the spice will occur when it suits the story.

S:  I agree with you. If the storyline isn't enhanced by a scene involving sex, leave it out.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

VR:  As far as being an author goes, it came from TL Swan, when I was lucky enough to meet her in June this year. There was a get-together for the girls in the Cygnets writers' group. She told us, "You wrote a book. How cool is that?" A simple but clear message. What we do is subjective, but we do it. And that is awesome.

S:  If you could choose to do it again, would you write books?

VR:  One hundred percent yes. Writing has opened up a part of my brain I didn't know existed. I have made friends across the world. And found something I truly love to do.

S:  Are you self-published or traditionally-published?

VR:  I'm both. My first three books were traditionally published by Extasy books. Gaining the publication contract gave me confidence that someone wanted to read my stories. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I was offered. I also self-publish. This gives me the freedom and flexibility to create a book that is one hundred percent mine. There are benefits to both routes. I am glad I have explored both.

S:  What inspired "Harrison?"

VR:  "Harrison" popped into my head back in January this year. What inspired him, I don't know. In the beginning, he was a rockstar but something didn't sit right. I knew I wanted to write a morally grey man, but I wanted him to love his woman fiercely. Underneath it all, he had to be a good man but the situation he found himself in made it impossible to live a normal life. I looked at all the reviews from my other books. At what readers liked and what they didn't, then tried to create a blend of the good. Harrison morphed into a mafia lawyer, and 90,000 words later--his story was told.

Here's the blurb--

Violet Chase has always been off limits. The girl I wanted...but could never have.

In my teens, her father warned me to keep my hands to myself. Boys like me, don’t get girls like her. His family saved me, and I owed them. Her brothers, my best friends, made it clear where I stood - below them.

We had one stolen moment of passion, then I ran. That was fourteen years ago, and I’ve regretted it ever since. Now, she’s back in London, but life for both us is very different. Her past decade has been filled with lies - that she thought were true. The last place she ever expected to return to was here, begging her family for help.

As my career blossoms, my world darkens. Whether being a lawyer for a mafia don was a wise move remains to be seen. A booming bank account is accompanied by an ever-increasing target on my back. External pressures pull in all directions while my heart knows what it wants. It always has. Violet.

The question is, can we navigate the challenges to be together? Or once again, will we both run?


S:  This sounds like a suspenseful tale! Where can readers buy "Harrison?"

VR:  "Harrison" is free with Kindle Unlimited. Here's the link--https://mybook.to/Harrison.

S:  VR, I'm so pleased you could join me today! If you'd like to learn more about VR and her books, please visit--

Link Tree:   https://linktr.ee/vrtennent

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/author/vrtennent

Goodreads:   V.R. Tennent (Author of Loving Dr Jones) | Goodreads

Facebook Business: Facebook

Facebook Personal: Facebook


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Friday, October 6, 2023

This week in The Loft: Author Amber Daulton!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Amber Daulton. Amber writes romantic suspense, including the series, Arresting Onyx, and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now. They are available in eBook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. Amber lives in North Carolina with her husband and her demanding cats.

Author Amber Daulton

S:  Good morning, Amber. Thanks for joining me today.

How do you determine the "heat level" of your stories?

A:  It all deals with language. If I use euphemisms for body parts and keep the characters’ bedroom actions short, then the heat rating is 3 flames. For 4 flames, I use more descriptive language and give more detail to lengthen the scenes. Five flames takes that even further with scorching love scenes that leave nothing to the imagination. Erotic romance features explicit language and a high number of sexual scenes, as well as toys, anal play, BDSM, multiple couplings, etc. My books typically range between 4 and 5 flames, but I do have a few clean romances and erotic ones, too.

S:  Book banning is back in the news and even some very popular romance authors' books are being removed from school libraries. How do you feel about this trend? How do we fight it?

A:  It’s horrible. Books are meant to be an escape from everyday life. Everyone has different tastes, and that’s fine, but that doesn’t mean one group of people should censor what another group reads. When it comes to children, it should be the parents’ responsibility to monitor what the child reads, not the state or school. If the child reads an adult book and has questions, then show them some respect and answer them honestly. Open communication is key in any type of relationship, whether it’s between a romantically involved couple, or a parent and child. How to fight this trend? Education and self-discovery! The people who are making waves and trying to restrict the type of media other people choose to partake in need to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Instead of blaming the woes of life on books, movies, video games, and other media, take responsibility for your own actions. Not only does censorship hurt creators, but other readers and viewers who may have enjoyed that book/movie/game but never got the chance to try it for themselves.

S:  I can't help but think back in history when censorship and book banning were used to prop up fascist regimes. Have we learned nothing?

Do you think romance books have become “too spicy?”

A:  (Laughs.) No way. The spicier the better. While I do read and enjoy clean romances, I always prefer the hot stuff.

S:  After the publication of the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, it was reported that some readers ventured into the BDSM world seeking their own Christian Grey. Some were scammed, sexually assaulted, or otherwise harmed. Does an author bear any responsibility for those types of consequences?

A:  Does the author bear responsibility? Not technically, but I do think the author should feel sympathy for the readers who were wronged or harmed. Authors should also be aware that their books may encourage readers to try out new things, but that’s why safety disclaimers are so important, and often found at the beginning of books with questionable material. I’ve read countless books over the years, and many were BDSM books. I find that world fascinating, and though I’ve never personally ventured into it as in going to private clubs, I certainly wouldn’t lay fault at an author’s feet if I did and things went badly. Everything in life is a choice, and there are consequences to those choices. Be smart, weigh your options, and follow your gut. If the book you’re reading isn’t a self-help book, then don’t trust it to be a guide in how to live your life--not that you should trust self-help books in full either—always use your best judgment.

S:  It's so easy to blame others when things go wrong. However, steamy stories don't dictate behavior. Those who embrace the ideas set forth in BDSM tales have to take personal responsibility for their own actions. As my mom used to say, "If XYZ told you to jump off a 12-story building, would you?" A certain amount of common sense is called for.

What inspired "Trevor’s Redemption?"

A:  I never meant to write "Trevor’s Redemption." As I was revising the last book in the Arresting Onyx series, a pestering voice in the back of my head kept telling me to squeeze in two novellas into the middle of the series. Believe me, I fought this—hard—but that little voice wouldn’t stop. You see, I’d introduced two secondary characters in Book One that I had no intention of giving a HEA. Shea, however, wasn’t having any of that and had already picked out the perfect man for herself—albeit, an unconventional one. So, since I’ve long learned to obey my characters when they threaten to nag me to death, I jotted out a plot for Shea and her man, Trevor. I had a blast bringing their romance to life, so I’m grateful I let her have her way.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Trevor’s Redemption?"

A:  Yes. It can be read as a standalone, so if you haven’t read the previous books, you can jump right into this one and follow along without problems. However, the couples from the other books return as secondary characters, so you might get a few spoilers. For the sake of enjoyment and fully immersing yourself in my fictional world, I do suggest you start at the beginning with "Arresting Mason," but it’s not necessary.

Here's the blurb--

The danger and lies are more than she can handle.

Shea O’Bannon feels like a fifth wheel around her romantically paired-off friends, but there’s too much slime in the dating pool for her to bother with it. Then she sees her two-timing ex, Trevor Madero, serenading the mostly female crowd at a live-music bar. God knows trouble follows him around, but her desire for him rushes back in anyway. After he rescues her from a handsy drunk, temptation takes over.

Determined to prove he never stepped out on Shea, Trevor slides back into her life—and her heart—with forever in mind. Even with the wall he keeps up to protect her, his secret criminal life weighs heavy on his soul and drives a wedge between them.

When the truth comes out and his enemies target them both, they’ll have to fight for their love, or kiss it goodbye.


S:  This sounds like a good read! Where can readers buy your book?

A:  It's available at major booksellers, including--


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Sunday, October 1, 2023

Happy Halloween!

This month, I'm participating in two Halloween giveaways! Stop by and enter to win paranormal romance books!

https://www.kate-hill.com/halloweenpage


https://ellenmint.blog


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