Showing posts with label firemen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firemen. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

~~Author Wednesdays-Desiree Holt~~

© Astine | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images  

It's Author Wednesday at For Whom The Books Toll. Desiree Holt is my guest today and she's giving a little insight to working with other authors on boxed sets.  Thank you for being here today Desiree.

So you’ve been invited to be in a boxed set
A group of authors has reached out to you and said, “Hey! We’d like you to be in a boxed set with us. We’ll sell it for a couple of months for 99 cents, then each author can put their story up separately for $1.99 or $2.99. Wanna play?”

Your first thought is, ohmigod!! They want me! They really want me! The next thought is, holy you-kn0w-what! How do all these authors plan to work together seamlessly, plan a theme, decide on graphics, get the whole thing done without virtually tearing each other’s hair out? How can it be done and how can we all cooperate?

Easy peasey. The first thing you do is take a deep breath and realize that it will take a spirit of cooperation on everyone’s part. Is there a theme already established? If so, good. You know what to build your story around. If not, toss your ideas around and hope others like it but also be open-minded and willing to look at the possibilities that others suggest. The final theme may not be your first choice but if it’s one you can get excited about and write a good story around, you’ve taken step one.

Next comes suggestions for a cover. Again, realize you are part of a group and the graphics have to express the theme of the set not just your particular story. When you are ready to release your story as a single title, you will be able to design your own cover but for now be open to all possibilities as long as they are appealing and stick to the theme.

Next on the agenda is story length. Do you only write full length books? If so, and you can’t write short, this may not be the stage for you. Stories in box sets usually run the wide gamut from 15K-40K. That’s a pretty wide latitude. Some people can tell a complete story in as little as 15K, others need as much as 40K. But if you are up for the challenge, be aware of the parameters and write the story. As my son always says, the story is as long as the story is. You start at the beginning and when you get to the end, you’re done. The variation in length is usually appealing to readers so if you can comfortably within those length requirements then this is the place for you.

And by the way, don’t worry if your story ends up being 15K. Don’t worry that it won’t sell. The very first erotic story I sold was 15K and it’s still selling after seven years.

Be prepared to pull your weight in promoting the set. Make a list of your social platforms and the blogs you exchange with and other areas where you promote. Sometimes the group will decide to do a little paid advertising which requires a small amount from each author.

But here’s the most important thing. Deadlines. Yes, deadlines. To get a boxed set formatted and ready to upload there have to be hard and fast deadlines for each author. Schedule it in your calendar so you aren’t writing at two in the morning the day before it’s due. Nothing disrupts a working relationship faster than people missing deadline so be very, very conscious of what they are.

Okay, all the important stuff is taken care of. Now the formatter uploads the boxed set and ta da! Release day is here. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

I have two boxed sets about to release” Danger Zone: Tales of Military Passion and Five Alarm Alphas, about firefighters. Here’s one place to preorder them:


Danger Zone:
Demolishing the enemy, then blowing up the bedroom...they're the commanding alpha heroes we all love best, and nine of your favorite romance authors have brand-new stories featuring them. This very special box set is available for a limited time only, with all profits donated to Hope For The Warriors. 


Five Alarm Alphas:
Men Hotter Than Fire!!!  Eight Scorching HOT Brand New Stories 

 Pre-Order Link:  Five Alarm Alphas: Eight Sexy All New Romances

I've pre-ordered my copies, have you??

 Also, don't forget about Desiree's new book, Finding Julia! Make sure to grab your copy today!!
Blurb:
Sometimes life is not fair. For Julia Patterson meeting Luke Buchanan opened the door to a new life and brought her to life as a woman. In his arms she learns for the first time how real passion and emotion can enrich your life. He claims her body with the pleasure of erotic sex and his heart with unrestricted love. But Fate was laughing at Julia, just as she is about to step over the threshold into a wonderful new life. 

 When her almost-ex-husband Charles is diagnosed with a fatal heart condition her divorce is put on hold along with the rest of her life. Turning her back on Luke and the intense passion and emotion they shared is the most difficult thing she’s ever done. But Julia has a secret, one that Charles has discovered and uses like a club. Thirteen years later when 

 Luke walks back into her life the passion and emotion are just as explosive as ever. Will they finally have their chance at happiness or will her secret destroy it forever?

 Buy Link:
Amazon: Finding Julia



Desiree Holt has lived a life of excitement that brings the color to her writing. She was a summer fishing guide, a summer field hand where she was one of only three women working, a member of a beginning ski team that skied in competition (and no, no broken bones!). She spent several years in the music business representing every kind of artist from country singer to heavy metal rock bands. For several years she also ran her own public relations agency handling any client that interested her. She is twice a finalist for an EPIC E-Book Award, a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, winner of the first 5 Heart Sweetheart of the Year Award at The Romance Studio, and is published by four different houses. Romance Junkies said of her work: “Desiree Holt is the most amazing erotica author of our time and each story is more fulfilling then the last.”
Find Desiree:
http://www.desireeholt.com
https://www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1270681.Desiree_Holt
https://twitter.com/desireeholt
http://www.pinterest.com/desiree02holt/


Desiree has many many fantastic books, make sure to check them all out by visiting her website!
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy busy schedule to be here today.

 Please stop back next Wednesday, Sofia Grey will be here!




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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Kristine Cayne Everything Bared Blog Tour



Today, Kristine Cayne is here for her Everything Bared Blog Tour. Welcome Kristine!

Julianne, thank you for having me on For Whom The Book Tolls today. I’m thrilled to let you know that CNN has interviewed Dani Harris, the heroine of Everything Bared (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book Two). I hope you and your readers will enjoy this peek into Dani’s life. 
This is Allison Carter with CNN, reporting from Crowley, Texas, where a series of tornadoes have devastated the area. Whole towns have been razed, and the death toll stands at 60 so far, with dozens of people missing. I’m here with Danielle Harris, a canine search-and-rescue handler from Seattle and her dog, Coco.

AC: Ms. Harris, a few weeks ago, you and Coco helped rescue a mother and daughter from a partial building collapse in the recent earthquake in Seattle. That rescue was particularly poignant for you, because it involved family members of your firefighting colleagues. How does that experience compare to what you’re facing here?
DH: While each mission has its challenges and each life we save is sacred, rescuing people you know adds another layer to the intensity of the situation. The night of the earthquake we almost lost our lieutenant as well. It was only due to his incredible strength and bravery that we were able to get everyone out alive. That being said, working here is emotionally draining. There’s been so much loss. But when we find a survivor like we did this morning, it’s all worth it.

AC: Tell us a little bit about how you work with Coco.
DH: Coco and I have been together since she was eight weeks old. We work as a team. Coco has mastered both air and trail tracking, which makes her adaptable to a variety of scenarios. We’ve both gone through extensive training and certification, and I’m proud to say that even though Coco is only three years old, we’ve already achieved basic certification from the National USAR Response System. I couldn’t do what I do without her.

AC: How many people have you rescued so far here?
DH: All the teams are working together, and we don’t count our rescues, but I’d say I’m aware of around twenty.

AC: How long will you be here?
DH: I’m told it will be another couple of days. At that point, the operation will switch from search and rescue to recovery. Coco and I are not trained for that.

AC: I’ve heard that you and Coco are one of the top canine SAR teams in the nation. How often do you get called away from Seattle?
DH: At the Washington state level, we get called away once or twice a month. We also help out in nearby states when we can. At the national level, we get called out when FEMA determines that canine search teams are needed, although they typically start with available teams close to the area and then branch out from there.

AC: Speaking of Seattle, who’s waiting for you back home? Maybe one of your hunky firefighting colleagues?
DH: You know that expression: don’t get your nookie where you get your cookies? I live by it religiously.

AC: *laughs* Surely there’s someone.
DH: *looks away* Well, he’s not a firefighter. Far from it.

AC: I’m picturing a suit and tie. Am I getting warm?
DH: *fans self* A bit more than warm. *smiles* He’s not a firefighter, but he can really fill out a suit. That’s all I’m saying!

AC: *grins* Okay, I get it. I’m done grilling you. Thank you, Ms. Harris, for your courage, bravery, and selfless dedication. The people of Texas owe you their gratitude.
DH: I’m honored to serve however I can. 

                                                                   















Danielle (Dani) Harris



Two polar opposites—she’s kinky, he’s uptight—discover they share a taboo desire that may destroy both their futures.
Firefighter Dani Harris has always wanted a family, but doesn’t think it’s possible because of her demanding, high-stakes career. Her sex life is as high-adrenaline as her job, and that’s just one more thing that makes her unsuitable to be a wife and mother. Her secret kink—exhibitionism—has gotten in the way of more than one relationship. Will she ever find a man who not only shares her wild fantasies, but loves her for them?
Burdened with ensuring the success of the struggling family business, William Caldwell IV needs a wife suited for a CEO—one with money and connections, who can manage his busy social life and raise their 2.5 children. He’s got everything all mapped out, but when he meets Dani, a woman who’s every kind of wrong, she taps into desires he’s only half-recognized and long-suppressed. Suddenly his carefully crafted five-year plan feels as confining as a straightjacket.
As Dani and Will’s sexual experimentation escalates, they test the limits of polite society by baring all and risking exposure—an exposure that could cost them their reputations and careers.

Short blurb:                                                                        
When firefighter Dani Harris meets William Caldwell IV, sparks fly even though they’re polar opposites. She’s fiery, sexually adventurous, and takes no prisoners; he’s a tiger in the boardroom, but his tie is just a little too tight outside of it. Dani’s wild ways and exhibitionist side shake up William’s buttoned-up world and ignite his secret fantasies—but threaten to derail his five-year plan for becoming CEO. Can she loosen him up so they can find a middle ground? Or will his ideas about who he needs to be torpedo their sizzling attraction?  





Peep Show Excerpt (18+)                                                                


A spotlight snapped on, bathing her in a harsh white light. Perched on a low wooden chair, she took in the small round platform beneath it, and the dozen shuttered openings surrounding her. Each was no more than a couple square feet in size and close enough for her to touch if she stretched out her arm. A pulsing beat filled the space and her body.
A man’s low, smooth voice broke in. “Begin.”
Begin what? Where was she? That’s when she noticed her clothes. Or rather her lack of them. A black corset laced up her abdomen and tied between her breasts, and sheer boy shorts barely hid her important bits. Garters tied to the corset held up silky thigh-highs. All things considered, it was a pretty sexy get-up, though far more modest than what she usually wore when she went to her favorite fetish parties. Is that where she was now? At a sex club?
When the platform began to rotate, she shifted and her foot hit something on the floor. Beside the chair was a basket full of toys. Sex toys.
One of the shuttered windows slowly slid open. In the near darkness, she could make out the broad-shouldered shape of a man.
Not toys. Props.
This was a peepshow. And she was the star attraction.
Her nails dug into her thighs as she tried to figure out if she was awake or asleep. Was she dreaming? If so, her subconscious was a right bitch to play with her fantasies like this.
The music cut out again. “Is there a problem, princess?”
That voice. It sounded so familiar, but not. She swallowed and shook her head. Since she was here, she might as well enjoy herself.
The platform had gone a full circle and she was once again facing the open square. With her eyes on the shape within, she raised one leg, pointing her toes in the ridiculously high heels, before sweeping her leg to the side and giving the man—customer?—an unobstructed view of her lace-covered pussy. The stranger’s eyes on her sent heat between her legs, and the delicious sensations had her gritting her teeth to hold back her moans.
The shutter of a window behind her slid up. She brought her foot to the floor and leaned back to smile at the newcomer. Make that newcomers. Based on the outlines she could see, there were at least two people in that booth. Hopefully, they’d enjoyed the flash of cleavage she’d given them.
The man’s voice filled the small room yet again. “Start stripping. We want to see more of you.” This time the smoothness of his tone was gone, replaced with something rougher. Lust.
Her belly clenched with excitement and arousal. She looked around, then up. Where was he? He had to be watching her, but from where? A booth? If he was, he’d better grab his hat—or better yet, his cock—because she planned on giving him the show of a lifetime.

BuyLinks:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/17OakO5  
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/16e8Uxj  
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1c4ZubE
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1bAa2Ae

Six Alarm Sexy, Volume One (Bundle Aftershocks & Under His Command)    
BuyLinks:



Aftershocks (Six-Alarm Sexy, Prequel)
BuyLinks:
                                                              
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/YbD1lR 


Under His Command (Six-Alarm Sexy, Book One)
BuyLinks:
                                                                        

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/V0pefF 
Kobo: http://bit.ly/14rdf0B 



Author Bio:
Award-winning author Kristine Cayne is fascinated by the mysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs, out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains, and you have a story worth writing, and reading.

Kristine’s heroes and heroines are pitted against each other by their radically opposing life experiences. By overcoming their differences and finding common ground, they triumph over their enemies and find true happiness in each other’s arms.

Today she lives in the Pacific Northwest, thriving on the mix of cultures, languages, religions and ideologies. When she’s not writing, she’s people-watching, imagining entire life stories, and inventing all sorts of danger for the unsuspecting heroes and heroines who cross her path.

To learn more about Kristine and her stories, visit her website: www.kristinecayne.com


Kristine Cayne’s links:


And now for the giveaway! Please leave a comment or question for Kristine in the comments below and one winner will win an e-book copy of Six Alarm Sexy Volume One which contains Aftershocks & Under His Command or a t-shirt. Here's a picture of the t-shirt.  Good luck to everyone.
                                                                        

Once again, thanks Kristine for stopping by For Whom The Books Toll today!!!
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