Another Great Review for Leading Her to Heaven

Romantic Times Bookreviews has a 4 star review of Leading Her to Heaven in their September issue. Faith Smith says "[Jamison's] well-rendered hero and heroine make this a refreshing page-turner."

More updates...later.

Muahahahaha

Oh my darling boy, I have you now. Frick I'm excited. As some of you know, the Satyr crack Elizabeth Amber writes is my latest obsession (though I admit I'm ready to pee myself in anticipation for Acheron too). I first read Elizabeth's work by judging it for an RWA chapter awards, and absolutely fell in love with Nicholas, so much so that I fangirled Elizabeth almost immediately and preordered the second and third books in the series the same day I finished it. Lyon, the third and youngest brother has been my favorite character since his introduction in book one, and thus far, his book has not disappointed. My only lament is that once I've finished it, I've finished it. I've actually had the book for two days and simply looked at it, fanned the pages, carried it back and forth. Last night I finally cracked it open.

Perhaps the best thing about these books is that I never expected to enjoy them. In fact, when I read the prologue to Nicholas I thought I was going to loathe the book. Amber touches on some subjects that are...well...freakin' weird. She addresses them so seamlessly, though, that before long these issues didn't seem weird anymore, but downright commonplace. That, to me, is the mark of a brilliant writer.

In unrelated news, "Unspeakable," my Regency-set short originally published with Aphrodite's Apples has been contracted with Red Rose Publishing. Not only that, I have a kick ass cover, done by Adra Steia. Check it out!

Signings and Happy Days

This Saturday past Adra Steia and I had a signing in Daytona Beach. It was a blast, though I confess the best part was after the signing, when we strolled the mall, then went to the beachfront and had a fantastic dinner at Bubba Gumps, right on the ocean. Adra is a camaholic, and documented the occassion fully. Check out everything from our books, to our hot waiter, to our dinners, to a random jellyfish here.

Today is a happy day on an unrelated note. One of my favorite new authors, Elizabeth Amber, has released the third book in her Lords of Satyr series, Lyon. Lyon's been my favorite character throughout the series, and I am thrilled to finally have his book in my hot little hands. If you're looking for something new and unique, I highly recommend Elizabeth's writing - historical, paranormal, hot as hell, it's an all around win!

IMPORTANT: Book Signing Change

Hey everyone,

Sorry for the last minute notice, but the book signing scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Volusia Square Mall has been postponed until NEXT Saturday July 26, due to an issue with the book store.

I hope everyone who was planning to attend can make it on the 26th, see you then!

Best,
Kayleigh

What's in a name?

Written and first published in 2006, Svetkavista was my first novel-lengthed work. It was a book I never expected to write, about a people I never thought I'd explore, but there's a great deal of me in the book nevertheless.

Svetkavista is about a band of Rom, or gypsies, in Hungary in the 1800s, during a time when they were severely persecuted as a people, and horribly misunderstood.

She was Romani, a gypsy, like her mother, and her mother’s mother before her. Her family wandered the land, living outside of society, on the fringe. Some called them vagabonds and vagrants, others called them thieves and heathens, but they were none of these things. They simply…were. Their way of life was misunderstood, their values misconstrued. The nomadic people were viewed with distrust and distain all across Eastern Europe, and lately the movement to convert or enslave them had increased in popularity.

As I began to research for the book, I decided I did not want to portray the Rom in the same stereotypical way most romance novels do; I wanted an honest and realistic depiction of the culture, which was not an easy feat given the secretive nature of the Romany people. Their notions of clean and unclean, or marhime, are a major focus in the book, as the characters face punishments based upon the maintenance of a strict moral code, and the stigma of deep-rooted superstitions.

Much to her family’s dismay, Karina was čhaj, unmarried, despite her age. Her younger sisters had married at twelve and thirteen, and her brother took a wife at fifteen. She was now twenty-three, and still under her parents’ care. None of the young Argintari men of her tribe had ever expressed an interest in her hand, and her father had not, to her knowledge, done much in the way of finding her a husband either. Her family blamed her misfortune on prikàza, a form of karmic backlash. Cosmic bad luck.

Women were inherently marhime, unclean by their very make-up. A man could be declared marhime for a variety of reasons, and once branded as such, no other men were permitted to speak with him. Sex was never ever discussed. To yawn in public was a dirty and offensive act, because it implicated one was thinking about being in bed, where sex occurred.

What would a young woman living in this insular culture feel? How far would she go to explore her innermost desires? As such the book is deeply erotic in nature, a blending of cultural mores and basic human nature. Karina has never quite fit in with her tribe, and it isn't until her best friend teaches her about love that she realizes why.

The hero of the novel, Brishen, is a violinist. I myself am a trained classical violinist, so writing his character was a real treat for me. I was able to weave my knowledge of music and the violin in particular with his character development.

It was a traditional gypsy dirge that he played, one normally accompanied by a female voice, but no one dared sing. Not when Brishen was playing. The melody began slow, the horse-tail bow drawing across the G and D strings in a leisurely glissando that transitioned into a grating, dissonant chord. He held the notes, drawing them out, tormenting his audience with the unsavory sound before sliding his ring finger up a half-step, reconciling the note with harmony once more. Karina swore she saw him smirk, but his eyes never opened; his expression never changed.

Without warning, the mournful tone disappeared as Brishen’s tempo increased. He played faster with each passing bar until all traces of the mulengi djilia had disappeared, transforming into a fast-paced cante jondo. His fingers danced across the strings, his right arm a blur as he moved the bow in frenzied, staccato strokes. Several members of the informal audience began to clap in time. A few were inspired to stand and dance.

The question I get most frequently about the book, of course, is: What the hell does the title mean? "Svetkavista" is a Romany (gypsy) word meaning "ring" or "circle." The book centers around a love triangle, and by the end many things come full circle. In that regard, the title was perfect. Though there are Romany words interspersed throughout the novel, it is most assuredly written in English.

Svetkavista is available now in both ebook and print.

(All excerpts are from Svetkavista, (c) 2006 Kayleigh M. Jamison)

The Whole Wide World...

I love to travel. I hope to make it to many more places before I die, but for now, here's some visual representation of where I've been.

Where I've Been

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

Patience, Premonitions, and Open Doors

I love my profession. I really do. But there's one thing I could do without: the waiting.

It's a simple fact that the higher up the "food chain" you move, the slower the process becomes. My first book, Svetkavista, was accepted for publication before it was even finished. I began writing it in February 2006, and it was first published in ebook late July of the same year. Leading Her to Heaven was published a few months later in September.

In 2007, I wrote "A Scandalous Arrangement," specifically for a submissions call at Freya's Bower, for a BDSM anthology. About a week after I submitted my story, I received an acceptance. That was one long week!

This past March, I attended the Southern Lights Conference here in Jacksonville, held by my RWA Chapter. I pitched my latest novel, Reckless Liaisons to a few editors and agents. One agent in particular seemed very excited about the idea, and requested a partial with a synopsis, which I rushed home and promptly sent out. The wait this time was over two months.

She got in touch with me last week and passed. It was disappointing, of course, but honestly I think it was the right thing. While she seemed to like my voice and style, she wasn't sold on some of the plot points, but she did ask me to send over anything else I might be currently working on to look at. Unfortunately, I don't have anything at the moment.

But here's why I'm not upset: every author gets rejections. It's a natural part of being a writer. When I was growing up, I rode horses. My trainer used to tell me, "you're not a horseback rider until you've been thrown off at least three times." You fall down, you get back up. I officially have my first rejection! Rather than being crushed I'm thinking, "phew, now that's over with." Will I get more? Probably. But at least that very first one is now out of the way.

Several months ago, good friend Stella Price was interviewed on a radio show, and for the life of me I can't remember the name of it. The host was a tarot reader, and Stella was talking about her own knowledge of tarot. I called in to say 'hi,' and they did a reading for me. The host (whose name I can't remember either) asked if I was working on a book currently. I was working on Reckless Liaisons and had been for some time. Her prediction, based on the cards, was that my current project would be a big stepping stone for my career, and would help take it to the next level.

Perhaps you don't believe in "that stuff." I do. I also feel in my gut that she is right. So rather than be discouraged by Ms. Agent's rejection, I set to work sending out queries to various publishers and agents that very afternoon.

Within two hours I had a response from a certain NY publishing house (which shall remain nameless for fear of jinxing myself), requesting the full, complete manuscript. I could hardly believe it. That old cliche whispered in my mind: When one door closes, another opens. In this case it was certainly true. I rushed into my office, laptop precariously balanced in hand, and printed out all 200 some pages (I'd just bought a new printer the weekend before. Coincidence?) signed my cover letter, scribbled "Requested Material" on the envelope and away it went.

I have hope. I have confidence. I could probably use a dose more patience. All I have left to do now is more of that blasted waiting.

Rant Post

First, a disclaimer (kind of). Writing is my profession (ok, one of them). As such I try at all times to be a professional. There are some who claim this includes never saying an unkind word about anyone for any reason or offering any opinions. I disagree. Perhaps that's due to my other profession and my inherently argumentative nature. But to me being a writer is having opinions. It's opening up my brain and throwing it all on paper for anyone to see. I can't not have opinions. Every time you open one of my books you get my opinions. What I think is desirable, what I find attractive, what I find distasteful. You step into my world. Then that my world becomes your world as you bring your own experiences and opinions to the table.

I haven't ranted in a while. And ironically, the last time I did, it was about this very same topic.

The so-called "history gestapo." Okay, so that's a distasteful word, but honestly I can't think of one more appropriate. You know who I mean: those people that think they are an expert on every historical era and take it upon themselves to nitpick things to death. I'm not talking about readers, either, I'm talking about other authors.

The ones who feel the need to tell you your stories aren't up to par. Without ever having read them.

The ones who say "bloody hell" is out of place in a Regency because the phrase wasn't used then. Actually, yes, it was. The thing of it is that "bloody" was a very naughty word. A gentleman would no sooner say "bloody" in front of a lady than he would drop the f-bomb. Unless he was really damn pissed off.

The ones who say, "I'm glad you call your work 'history rewritten' since you don't really write history." It's been months since Author X said that little gem to me and I'm still holding a grudge.

The ones who are flat out rude, overbearing snots.

In short, if I wanted your opinion, Author X, I'd ask for it. I don't, so I haven't, and every time you give it you only come across as jealous, petty, and threatened.

Bloody hell, you do.

The List

That goofball Stella Price tagged me to give my "Celebrity Shag List," of the top ten celebrity men I'd love to sink my teeth into. She and I have some similar tastes so there's a lot of overlap between my list and hers. Without further ado...

1. Colin Farrell. Also, 'nuff said. Stella and I have observed this particular specimen in detail, including artistic physiological studies and documentary footage. Conclusion: yum.

2. Johnny Depp. Versatile. Talented. Looks really good covered in blood.

3. Matthew McFadyen. I know a lot of people prefer Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Not me. This is my Mr. Darcy, and how pretty pretty he is. He also looks a bit like Trevor Caufield from my own "Unspeakable."


4. Christian Bale


5. Sean Bean. Sebastian, the hero in my latest novel, Reckless Liaisons, originally bore a resemblance to Sean Bean in my head. As the story has progressed, he's mutated and doesn't really look like anyone anymore, except himself.


6. Ryan Reynolds


7. Gerard Butler


8. Michael Fassbender


9. Hugh Jackman may have influenced Vere Fane, the sexy, dominant Earl in "A Scandalous Arrangement."


10. Adrian Paul. The inspiration for Blair Ruthven in Leading Her to Heaven.

Svetkavista Now in Print!

SVETKAVISTA

Kayleigh Jamison

Tease Publishing

ISBN: 987-1-934678-42-8 (ebook)

ISBN: 9781934678435 (print)

Ebook

Print

Trapped within a life where she has always been an outsider, Karina dutifully follows the wishes of her father by day, and secretly pursues her dreams by night. Raised within the strict, patriarchal society of the Rom at a time when discrimination and fear are at their peak, she is forced to hide both her love of music and her passion for those who encourage her dreams.

She seeks comfort in the arms of her dearest friend and mentor, who shows her that love and lust rarely confine themselves to the ill-conceived notions of normalcy.

When a lie, spoken in a moment of desperation, threatens to shatter everything Karina holds dear, she must choose between those she loves and her own reputation. Will the truth set her free or destroy her? Does she have the courage to follow her own heart?

If you are looking for a lyrical voice, superb characters that draw you in, and fascinating out of the ordinary historical adventure with an erotic twist, I cannot recommend Kayleigh Jamison enough.

-Emma Wildes, #1 bestselling author and 2007 Eppie winner

Ms. Jamison has penned an absolutely stunning and adventure tale that drew me in from page one, to the point that I forgot everything but the story unfolding before me.

-Caro, Coffee Time Romance, 5 cups

Svetkavista…is a wonderful novel of love and revenge…grabbed me at the start and wouldn’t let go.

-Amelia, Joyfully Reviewed

Rarely does a novel come along with the ability to capture passion and pain, honesty and love so completely. Sensuous, heartfelt and truly beautiful, Svetkavista is one of the best romance reads of the year.

-Kelly, AORAOG Reviews

…a riveting story; I couldn’t stop reading it and really didn’t want it to end.

-Julianne, TwoLips Reviews, 4 stars

Wow, just one extraordinary, unique story!

-Cathie, Euro Reviews, 5 stars

I don't hesitate to recommend this complex story; it thrilled me with its involved plot lines and kept me reading late into the night.

-Chamomile, Whipped Cream Reviews, 5 Cherries

http://www.kayleighjamison.com

On Writing

I'm blogging today at Ecata about writing historical romance. Stop by and check it out.

In Case You Missed It...

And you probably did, since I was so nervous about my first radio show appearance that I didn't tell anyone, you can listen to it here. I spent an hour chatting with Stella Price on Books Beyond the Boundaries about my work, the industry, research, pets, life, and more!

Positive Saturday

Emily Veinglory put out the request on ERECsite for a Positive Saturday. Amidst all the nastiness and negative that's been floating around epress-romance-bloglandia lately she challenged us to say some good things about our craft. Ironically, I'd already begun to pen this post, and decided to hold off on posting it until today.

I've talked in the past about how much I love to hear from readers, and how I try to let other authors know I enjoy their work, because I would like to hear the same. Still, it always surprises me just how nice so many authors are. Over the last few months, in particular, in my campaign to applaud good books, I've met some ladies who redeem my faith in the romance community, and possibly people in general. So here are some of my favorite authors, who also happen to win at life.

Elizabeth Amber. I read the first in Elizabeth's Lords of Satyr series, Nicholas, a month or so ago. I sent her a message via MySpace letting her know how much I enjoyed the book. A Regency-set paranormal, the series chronicles the stories of three brothers, half-human, half-satyr. Original, masterfully-written, and expertly edited, I was blown away by the book (which in truth I didn't think I was going to like at all). When Raine, book two, was released at the end of February I had already pre-ordered a copy, and when I got it I read it in two sittings. Not only did Elizabeth write me back, we struck up a conversation about writing Regencies, her books, my books, and life in general. This lady just plain rocks.

Gayle Eden. I first started reading Gayle's books (also Regency) about a year ago. I had chance to talk to her directly when a discussion cropped up on EREC about her publisher, Alinar. We took our conversation to email, and she is absolutely one of the sweetest ladies ever. She also carries herself in an impressive manner in public, particularly when being criticized. I think I could learn a thing or two about staying calm in the face of critics from Gayle. A lot of authors could. If you like classical Regency themes with an erotic twist, check out Gayle's work. I highly recommend starting with Whispers in the Dark and A Taste of Temptation.

Marianne LaCroix. Mari and I are both members of First Coast Romance Writers, the RWA Chapter for Jacksonville, FL/northeast Florida/Southeast Georgia. It's at her encouragement that I will be attending my first RWA conference next weekend (with a booksigning, so come by if you're in the area and meet us!). When I emailed her in a panic earlier this week, having no idea what to expect or even what to wear, bless her heart she very patiently and calmly set me at ease. I consider her something of a mentor and can't wait to finally meet her face to face.

Emma Wildes. I've known this fabulous woman since back before my first book hit the eshelves. One of the most talented Regency writers of the day, she's also one of the absolute nicest. Despite putting out books with such startling frequency that I happen to think she's either cloned herself, or set monkeys to work in her basement, she is never too busy to offer a kind word or encouraging advice. We're working on a collaboration right now of Regency stories (along with authors Skyler Grey, Bonnie Clarke, and Cheri Valmont), and we've got big plans. Keep watching for news, and keep your fingers crossed for us too, if you please. You can also thank her for the title of my most popular book, Leading Her to Heaven.

Katrina Strauss. If you pay even the tiniest bit of attention, you already know Katrina is one of my best friends. Regardless, I wouldn't endorse her work if it sucked. We've known each other since back before either of us were published, or even writing original fiction with publishing in mind. She always keeps me on my toes with what she's planning next, and I can't wait to be surprised yet again.

Don't let all the negativity fool you, and don't let a few bad apples spoil the bunch. There are tons of good authors out there, who are also good people. I could go on for days, I think, on this subject. But my Conlaw book is glaring at me like the evil black hole of brain power that it is. Free Speech awaits.

I Must Be Made of Crazy Glue...

I follow a number of agent's blogs via my Google Reader (great little thing, by the way, if you don't have it). One of them is the blog for Bookends, LLC Literary Agency. I quite like this one in particular, because the agents, Jessica Faust, Jacky Sach, and Kim Lionetti post frequently with lots of helpful advice, tips, and insight for authors. I've done quite well with my career thus far, but I do know that to make it to the top (which I will someday) I'll need an agent. When the time is right for me to find one, I won't be going in with my eyes closed. The Bookends ladies also critique query letters on their blog, and run genre-specific contests wherein authors post the first 100 words of their manuscripts in the comments section; a winner is picked, and that person earns a critique of their query letter, synopsis, and the first chapter of the work. Such things are invaluable, and could make or break an author's chances of getting past that first glance.

So, when they announced the historical romance contest on Thursday I gathered up the opening lines to Reckless Liaisons, took a deep breath, and posted my entry:

The horse’s hooves beat a clamorous tattoo against the cobbled streets, stirring the low fog that had settled like a blanket. Julia dug her heels into the stallion’s taut flesh, urging him faster still. With a grunt and a sharp exhalation of breath, he picked up speed, mane tossing in the wind, droplets of water splashing in his wake. She had no concern for the scandalous picture she painted, streaking through the outskirts of London on the giant black stallion, legs straddling either side of the beast as a man would ride. Haste had been far more important than modesty, and she hoped the cloak of night’s darkness would hide the inconspicuous nature of her dress. Her maid had borrowed the trousers and plain linen shirt from one of the stable hands. Her hair had been pulled back in a simple tie at the nape of her neck, and now strands of it came free, wrapped around her arms in stringy tendrils.

I continued to watch the thread out of curiosity to see if anyone I knew entered, and there were many familiar faces - Candice Gilmer, for instance, whose first novel, Unified Souls, I had the pleasure of editing for Aphrodite's Apples.

I was rather surprised to see my name come up in the comments later on. It started with this comment by Julie Weathers:

"Probably not my place to say so, but I'd like to make a small comment. While the damsel in distress on a raging black stallion makes a dramtic picture, it isn't very practical."

I didn't have to defend myself, an anonymous poster did it for me (actually, it was this post that first caught my eye, then I had to go back and figure out what she was referring to):

Kayleigh Jamison, I disagree with the earlier comments about your entry. Practicality has nothing to do with anything when you're trying to pull in a reader.

You captured my attention, made me feel what she felt with well placed sensory cues, and question her motivation for setting out bareback on a stallion in the throes of a wild storm.

I would read this book. She sounds like a head-strong character that isn't afraid to take chances.

I wasn't going to reply, but then I felt I ought to. Not because I was upset or offended by Ms. Weathers' comments, since I'm not. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I responded as follows:

Thank you for the compliment, Anon.

Practical? Of course not. Foolhardy and silly? Of course! That's the point. What would make her do something so ridiculous? Ah...but there's the question, isn't it?

It's my opinion that there should be elements of the fantasy in any romance novel, because I read them to be swept away into the story, out of my regular, boring life. Practicality doesn't really factor in. Those are my tastes, and since I write what I like, that's how I write.

I do appreciate your comment, Julie, though I am obviously biased against agreeing with it. It's further proof of the diversity of readership that every author faces. I'll never please everyone, nor do I want to because I think that would be quite boring. :)

End of it, I'm thinking. But no. Ms. Weathers' responds to my comments.

Kayleigh;

Of course women galloping wildly away on raging black stallions is nothing new. I'm sure it still cuts a dramatic picture to some.

Unfortunately, a shod horse galloping on cobblestones is like a horse on ice.

As for the other black stallion entry, someone jumping on an unsuspecting horse's back would most likely result in the horse shying and the damsel in more distress.

However, we each have our own path and I wish you well.

Just a small point of interest for anyone who cares. True black horses are very rare.

Juile

Again two anonymous posters come to my defense, one who asks the very same thing I was thinking: Is this a crit session? No, it is not. Julie's reply is a list of her equine credentials, which I suppose was meant to justify her criticisms of my story. Out of 140 or so odd entries, mine is the only one to be singled out for critique. I suppose this is because Ms. Weathers' deems herself a horse expert and what she viewed as an inaccuracy stuck out to her. But I must admit that at this point I'm growing slightly annoyed. I posted the following reply:

Well thank god for me I'm writing fiction and not a compendium on horses, eh? ;)

I, too, have a riding background actually. I rode dressage for a number of years competitively. But that's neither here nor there.

We each have our areas of expertise and our own backgrounds. Clearly my books (or at least this one) are not for you. That's okay!

Hey, what I find great about this is that out of 100+ entries, you zeroed in on mine, for better or for worse, and made others do the same.

I appreciate the well-wishes from others. Feedback is always a good thing.

I meant it. I don't really give a horse's ass (har har) if she dislikes my premise, because I can never please everyone. I don't want to. It is not and will not ever be my goal. The ever fabulous Stella Price was less tactful than I when she stepped in.

To Julie Weathers about Ms. Jamison's work and the side note about the black horses:

THIS IS FICTION. If it entices a reader to read on, and as long as she gets the facts of the time period correct who cares if the chick wants to ride naked or bareback or with bunny ears on a "rare" black horse. Its what the story called for and its what works for it. That your jumping in and saying something this ultra critical about details in a fictional story is preposterous for the simple fact that, once again its FICTION and the authors draws the world around their characters. The fantastic is what makes fiction so great. So Black horses are rare? good I'm glad they got a spotlight in a damn good book.

And I think this blog is a great idea and it has a LOT of wonderful and promising authors and stories started. Its people like Ms. Weathers that come in and try to break down those who have done what they are dreaming and destroy the purity of the concept.

And still, after all this, Ms. Weathers' perseveres in perpetuating the debate.

Stella Price and Anon.

Actually, I wasn't putting anyone down. I commented on the practicality and then wished everyone well.

As we all know, bookstores are filled with a wide variety of books and genres so everyone can find what they enjoy. Some authors appreciate feedback, including mine, on things and others don't. Some authors research extensively and others are content to simply tell exciting tales. It doesn't make either method correct.

If my intent was to be disparaging, I probably would have posted anon as I do enjoy this site and don't wish to make enemies.

This is where Ms. Weathers officially pissed me off. I could ignore her condescension in the previous comments, and her dislike of my work. I could digest her critique, and I did. I don't appreciate her implications that I don't like feedback when I quite clearly thanked her for her comments, and meant it. I really don't appreciate the implication that I do not research my books. You can tell me I suck at my craft and I'll shrug it off, but do not tell me I don't bother being historically accurate. I've spent more hours researching for my work than I have writing it. Poor Katrina Strauss has to listen to me blather on about spending six hours researching Ancient Roman armor, or half a day on the chemical make-up of pencils in Regency England. She patiently nods and smiles as I consult a dozen sources to figure out how long it would take to travel from London to Edinburgh in the 16th century, or as I teach myself how to conjugate verbs in Romany.

Simply because I penned an opening sequence that Ms. Weathers viewed as "impractical," she made the leap to the assumption that my work is not researched. That gets under my skin in a big way. Impractical does not automatically equal impossible. Practicalities, I think, can at times be forgone in the interest of an intriguing story. Practicalities have nothing to do with research. Furthermore, the first 100 words of any book is a mere drop in the bucket. Who knows where I take my character later, or how I justify her "not practical" actions? So, for the record, Ms. Weathers, I do not simply tell exciting tales. I invite you to explore my work and learn for yourself. I'll even send you free, autographed copies.

Actually, no, I won't.

UPDATED: The debate rages on today, with more anonymous posters and Ms. Weathers' repeated rebuttals. I'm out of it at this point. It's clear Ms. Weathers' insists upon having the last word, so I'll let her have it. I can't say I didn't find this amusing, though. I've got no problem with the crit circle approach. Truly, I don't. It works for a lot of authors, and I am a big advocate of working in whatever way works for you. Write your best in nothing but panties and bunny ears mouthing the words to Oops, I Did it Again? Go for it. That's the beauty of being a writer. Myself, I don't buy into the critique workshop craze. I have a select group of trusted colleagues that I ask to critique my work. I have my editor, Lori, who is the best thing since candied yams. I have wonderful reviewers that consistently request my work, like Jennifer Ray at Kwips and Kritiques, Cathie at Euro Reviews. Elise at BDSM Reviews was invaluable in providing detailed notes on her impressions of "A Scandalous Arrangement." My best friend, Sara, recently read Leading Her to Heaven and told me she loved the book, but hated my heroine. I laughed, and asked her why. It turns out the things I liked about Susanna were the things that turned Sara off. Either way, I concluded, the book got her to think. I'd rather a negative reaction than no reaction. But I do have to agree with my anonymous defenders that a contest entry forum may not be the best place for a critique session.

Tease At The Romance Room

The illustrious authors of Tease Publishing and Tease Dark Tarot will be chatting tomorrow all day at The Romance Room.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theromanceroom/

Stop by and learn more about Tease, its authors, upcoming projects, and more. There may even be a give-away or two.

Kayleigh

Yes, it's true...

Aphrodite's Apples Press has closed its doors. I echo the sentiments of Katrina Strauss; she and I had many of the same experiences, and were in the same positions within the company before we both stepped down from administrative capacity, me in August and her in September of last year.

My two novels, previously with AA, found new homes last year with Tease Publishing, and Leading Her to Heaven is already in print, available at B&N and Amazon.

"Caging Kat" was previously published with AA in Masquerade, Volume One. It will be rereleased with Tease as part of their Festival line, a standalone in ebook, and within an anthology for print. "Unspeakable," my Regency short which was originally part of AA's Regency Romp, Volume One doesn't have a home yet, but there are big plans in store. Stay tuned, and keep your fingers crossed!

Thanks to everyone for their support and well wishes. This isn't a set-back, it isn't a slammed door. It's a new opportunity, and one I plan to grab onto.

-KJ

The Many Emotions of An Author

Creativity is a strange thing. A blessing, a curse, a form of insanity... It's a fascinating truth that many creative people are at best odd, and at worst just plain nuts. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out why that is, since a good portion of my life before I found my niche was passed thinking I was cuckoo bananas. After all, normal people don't spend hours, days, weeks, living entirely in their heads, do they? Normal people don't find the stories they create in their minds more interesting than real life. And normal people certainly don't talk to themselves in order to work out bits of dialog amongst their characters. Hell, do normal people even think up characters?

Since I'm not a normal person, I couldn't tell you.

You've heard me talk about "suckitis" before, that crushing fear of failure that often comes following the completion or release of a new book. You'd think I'd feel accomplished, proud, happy. I do - for a while. Then the apprehension sets in.

Case in point: Leading Her to Heaven is now available in print. It's the first book of mine to get to print. When my copies arrived on friday, I went through a range of emotions and activities. I cried. I giggled like a maniac. I sniffed the inside. I flipped through the pages. All expected.

Then the weirdness set in. Looking at my book now, I feel...weird. It's been available in ebook format for over a year now, and has been well received. But the suckitis has hit yet again, and I didn't anticipate it this time.

Another thing I didn't see coming: I'm actually a bit embarrassed by the sex scenes. My gravy, I used the word "cock" a lot in this book. For some reason, it's different to see it in print than on the screen.

Overall, I'm exceedingly happy to finally be in print - there's a sense of accomplishment and vindication - but right now, I just feel...weird.

Leading Her to Heaven Now Available in PRINT!

LEADING HER TO HEAVEN

Kayleigh Jamison

Tease Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-934678-44-2 (electronic)

ISBN: 978-1-934678-45-9 (print)

www.teasepublishingllc.com

www.kayleighjamison.com

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-leadinghertoheaven-5588-144.html

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9781934678459

As the eldest daughter of an English earl, Lady Susanna Cavendish has led a sheltered life of privilege and leisure. She has been taught that her northern cousins, the Scots, are barbaric heathens with no regard for culture or civilization.

Notorious warrior Blair Ruthven is laird of the fiercest clan in Scotland. Born into a society rife with blood feuds and an engrained hatred for the English, Blair learns at an early age that trust and love do little more than damn and disappoint.

Forced into marriage by feuding kings in order to forge a political union between their countries, Blair and Susanna must learn to find peace between themselves as they battle ages-old prejudices – and vie for one another’s hearts.

If you are looking for a lyrical voice, superb characters that draw you in, and fascinating out of the ordinary historical adventure with an erotic twist, I cannot recommend Kayleigh Jamison enough.

-Emma Wildes, #1 bestselling author and 2007 Eppie winner

"Jamison carries us through a range of emotions throughout the story, at times inciting laughter and at other times bringing us to tears with the depth of these characters' commitment and sacrifice." -Jennifer, C2KS, 5 Klovers

"This book is a hot and exciting ride!" -Regina, Coffee Time Romance, 5 Cups

"Kayleigh Jamison takes the reader back in time for a fun-filled action adventure…" -Angelica, Erotic Escapades, 4 Stars

"This reader would highly recommend LEADING HER TO HEAVEN for those who enjoy their romances set in Scotland. The author pulls the reader into her story from the get-go. With a charming lead couple, great supporting characters, and an action-packed storyline – this was an all-around winner!" -Susan, Love Romances, 4 Hearts

"...Leading Her To Heaven is sensual, well written, and as a historical romance, one of the best books I have read in a long time." -Talia, Joyfully Reviewed

"Page after page gripped my imagination, and vivid scenes opened up in my minds eye. EXCELLENT!" -Cranberry Kisses, Cocktail Review, 4 Flutes

“I absolutely loved it!” -Brenda, TRS, 5 Hearts

“Exciting action and thrilling suspense joins with the passion of romance to make LEADING HER TO HEAVEN a book a highly recommend.” -Anita, Romance Junkies, 4 Blue Ribbons

http://allromanceebooks.com/product-leadinghertoheaven-5588-144.html

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9781934678459

Got Yaoi?

For those of my readers unfamiliar with the term, yaoi is m/m fiction, but it's more than that. Originating in Japan, yaoi is gaining popularity with English readers, and now some have begun to write it, earning the classification of "Western Yaoi."

The two participants in a yaoi relationship are often referred to as seme ("attacker") and ukemartial arts, they have apparently been used in a sexual context for centuries and do not carry any degrading connotations. Seme derives from the Japanese verb semeru (“to attack”) and uke from the Japanese verb ukeru (“to receive”). Though gay males are often referred to in English as "tops" or "bottoms," seme and uke are more nearly analogous to "pitcher" and "catcher." ("receiver").

The seme is often depicted as the stereotypical male of anime and manga culture: restrained, physically powerful, and/or protective. The seme generally has a stronger chin, shorter hair, smaller eyes, and a more stereotypically masculine demeanor than the uke. The seme usually pursues the uke. The uke usually has softer, youthful features with bigger eyes and a smaller build.^[4] He is usually less experienced with romance or sex and his interactions with the seme often make for his first homosexual experience. The storyline where an uke is reluctant to have anal sex with a seme is considered to be similar to the reader's reluctance to have sex whilst still a virgin.

(taken from Wikipedia)

I've stated time and again that I am not a big fan of m/m erotica (yes, it's a fluid thing). But there is one new book that I have enjoyed parts of greatly, though I haven't yet read the entire thing: Katrina Strauss' Blue Ruin 1: Some Kind of Stranger, now available from Loose ID.

Derek Graves's desire for the perfect sexual "prisoner" has left him with a dark reputation and a string of jilted lovers. He needs a partner who wants the pleasure and the pain he can give. After his search lands him on the wrong end of the fantasy at the hands of ruthless predator, Derek returns to his accustomed hunting ground of Blue Ruin with one purpose in mind: revenge.

He gets it, but he also ends up rescuing the predator's next intended victim, a homeless blue-haired waif who is just Derek's type. He brings the incoherent young man home, needing to find out what he saw, and ensure he won't tell anyone. The scenario couldn't be more perfect to service Derek's dominant fantasies --

Shane "Blue" McGowan wakes up groggy, blindfolded, and chained to a stranger's bed. Upon finding himself in luxurious surroundings, the cunning Blue realizes two things: he has no desire to return to a life on the streets, and his handsome captor stirs strange and unfulfilled longings in him.

Manipulating the terms of his own "imprisonment," Blue swings a place to stay in exchange for his silence about a second stranger left beaten and unconscious behind Blue Ruin. To sweeten the deal, Blue agrees to become Derek's submissive. But as their relationship progresses, Derek finds himself wondering whether Blue is truly at Derek's mercy, or is Derek at his?

Some Good From the Bad

Out of the ashes of the Cassie Edwards plagiarism shitstorm that rocked Romancelandia emerges a new, perhaps surprising truth.

Romance loves black footed ferrets.

And since I'm a sucker for any animal, I pitched in and adopted my very own. Clover here participates in a plague vaccination program. And isn't she adorable?