Tarthian Empire to Atlanta GA #SciFi #Contemporary #MFRWorg

Senth Antonello (At the Mercy of Her Pleasure)

At Outlantacon the first weekend in May, fans asked what I was working on next. Surprising to some, it's not Science Fiction this time. 

Starting at the end of this month, I'll begin the edit phase for a new short story via Ellora's Cave. Keeper of My Pleasure is about a female Domme who has a male sub and is set in Atlanta GA in the present day. I live 40 miles north, so I know the area. I did a lot of research for the downtown when I wrote this. Non traditional names -- the male is Japanese / Irish and named Koo Ayakura, and the female is Rai Worthen. I wanted to be out of the box on this one. She's a high-powered lawyer and older than he is. 

My first book (At the Mercy of Her Pleasure) had an older woman / younger man concept too. Why the interest in OWYM? I'm older than my hubby by three entire days. ;) The tagline for Keeper is "She trusts him to submit without holding back. Now, to keep him close, she has to trust herself." 

I'm also working on more stories for Luc and Rah, fresh from Forbid My Heart. They are my favorite couple right now, and my readers seem to feel the same way. I also have one planned for Wulf and Alitus in the near future. We know they got together in the Chosen series, and we've seen them interact in Surrender Love (and will see it in the upcoming Surrender Trust), but I also want to give them their own story.

I've mentioned five adopted sons of Luc Saint-Cyr. They are all Deshai, like Senth, meaning they are professional thieves. Well, except for one -- who's turned over a new leaf is and now a detective. He tries his best to turn a blind eye to what his brothers are doing, but they manage to remind him of their presence and activities on a regular basis. As he puts it, "The trouble with turning over a new leaf is that there's usually a bug under it."

The Author's Secret

Busy with my author support business as well. The Author's Secret offers eBook conversion services for self-published authors. We have a complete package that includes the conversion of a manuscript into all popular eBook formats, a banner to match the cover (or brand of the author), and a month of advertising on The Romance Studio. We partner with them to get good placement, as well as a 50% discount for our clients on cover ads. Anyone purchasing a package by the end of May can get our introductory price for their next five books, or five years -- whichever comes first.

EPIC Award

Meanwhile, I'm a long time member of EPIC (Electronically Published Industry Coalition) and am on the Public Relations Committee. EPIC has been the voice of ePublishing since 1998. They have the longest running eBook award program in history, and it's about to launch. You get a handsome graphic, as well as physical trophy to place on your desk or mantle. My own books, Surrender Love  and The Last Vhalgenn, were winners and finalists (2010 and 2008 respectively). We also do the Ariana eBook Cover Awards, and New Voices, for young writers. I love helping others, and it's fun to see the various kinds of authors and books that come in. There is never a dull moment around EPIC. The Author's Secret will provide exclusive offers to EPIC members beginning in June. Many other sites do too. It can save you the cost of membership just using the discount we provide, and there are many more available.

MFRW 

Summer is coming and that means "Marketing Summer Camp" with Marketing for Romance Writers. Our second annual free online conference begins July 12th and runs through July 14th. We'll have workshops, presentations, and giveaways. The prizes include critiques of manuscripts, special one-on-one meetings with editors, blog tour packages, mentorships, and other packages of goodies. Classes will include creating a street team, how to handle social media, blogging, workshops on specific media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Triberr, G+) and more.  No author should miss this. To sign up, join our Yahoo group and watch for messages on how to take part. Again -- it's free.

So... that's what's up with me. What's going on with you?

Inside Look at Outlantacon / Gaylaxicon 2013 #LGBT

Outlantacon 2013 

Report by Kayelle Allen
ATLANTA, GA -- Just back from my favorite convention of the year -- any year -- Outlantacon. The conference is an Atlanta-based event for the Queer Geek audience. They have all the usual convention fare: discussion panels, gaming, costuming, special events, etc. with the difference being it all has a queer 'bent' to it. This year was the third time hosting Gaylaxicon, a national convention with the same themes. I have volunteered to assist on the board of Gaylaxicon and also to work with the Outlantacon PR Chair for next year.

 

Butt Pirates in Space

I attended panels on writing, blogging, gaming, social media, plus a release party for the book Butt Pirates in Space (see the cake image). The book was authored by five of my friends: Kiernan Kelly, Kage Alan, Angelia Sparrow, TC Blue, and Shae Connor. It became the running joke at the con whether you were a butt pirate or not one. I was unable to attend the late-night theater in which members of the audience read the sexy parts of books and another audience member acted out those parts with sock puppets. I hear things were broken due to people falling down laughing. *note to self: make plans to stay up later next year*

The con suite had delicious (free) food, and the hotel itself was wonderful. Anything we needed was handled immediately. My hubby went with me this year. He helped with setting up, taking down, and making sure everything went smoothly in transitions. He took photos and kept track of time so I was where I was supposed to be. The one time he managed to slip away and do something fun for himself, I managed to get myself into the wrong room and ended up on a fun panel -- albeit not the one for which I was scheduled. *facepalm* No one's fault but my own, but if you were looking for me in that social media panel and I wasn't there -- my apologies. Now you see why I need a keeper. ^_^

Panel: Gays in the Military
Edward deGruy, me, Vandy Beth

Outlantacon has extensive gaming, and I attended a workshop on game creation chaired by Andrew Greenberg. He's the president of the Georgia Game Developers Association and organizer of the Southeast Interactive Entertainment and Games Expo (SIEGE). Find him on Facebook or visit the gamedevelopers page. I'll be working on a new game designed from the one my immortals play in the Tarthian Empire books (Peril). You can see the shirt I had created for it here.

As I was looking over pictures of myself on panels over the years, I noticed the same water bottle in front of me. It's getting quite old, but it's part of my family's long-term commitment to recycling. We have a saying at our house: Use it up; wear it out; make it do; do without. Using the same water bottle to a convention and using it every day at home is one tiny part of it.

Moxie Magnus

The panel-type games were a blast, and the Match Game (link to image) was hysterically funny. You have to be there to appreciate how wild and silly the questions and answers can be. I was thrilled to see Ms Moxie Anne Magnus again this year. This time traveler is the Chief Cosmetology Officer aboard the USS Enterprise. You don't think those bouffant hairstyles just "happened" do you? The person behind Moxie is just as adorable. :)

MFRW Members:
Kiernan Kelly, Ally Blue, me, Eden Winters

It was great to see members of my Marketing for Romance Writers group there. We had a mini-meetup. Kiernan Kelly, Eden Winters, Ally Blue, and me. I have an online meeting scheduled this week to discuss the group and promotional possibilities for it with the developer of a new social media client system. More on that as I learn details.

If you're interested in learning more about this convention, see the links below. Can't wait till next year. I hope to see many of you there!

Find Outlantacon Here

Gaylaxicon http://gaylacticnetwork.org/

Website http://outlantacon.org/

Guests http://outlantacon.org/guests.htm

Twitter https://twitter.com/OutlantaCon

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/OutlantaCon/

Review: Revenant by Janet Elizabeth Jones #vampire

Revenant by Janet Elizabeth Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Janet Elizabeth Jones sweeps the reader into a different time and place seamlessly. The rhythm and majesty of her words elevates this book from the common vampire story and into a classical work of literary art. While this may make the book sound too lofty for a sensual romp, that is far from true. The scene when Ellory teaches Talisen how to play pool, using both his own body as well as his powers to show her the truth of what he is made the fine hair on my neck stand up. It was eerie, yet one of the most sensual scenes in the book. It's also the pivot point around which the rest of the book rests.

This is not your usual vampire fare. There are no "sparkles" or faint-hearted heroines who need to be rescued. Talisen holds her own and does her best to save Ellory. In fact, her sacrifice for him is the reason for the title of this book. If you want fluff -- read something else. This is vampire romance for the real fan.

I adore vampire books, and treasure the many I own. This ranks above them all. Highly recommended.


View all my reviews

April 28: Last Day to Grab Forbid My Heart at No Cost #sfrb

Forbid My Heart

Today is the last day to grab Forbid My Heart: A Luc and Rah Story for FREE from Loose Id. Surrender Love (the prequel for this story) is on sale for $5.99 (usually $7.99). Forbid My Heart is a great opportunity to meet the characters.

About Luc and Rah (Izzorah)

Waking in the middle of the night, Izzorah begins to worry. His lover has pledged to take him back to visit his homeworld, but Izzorah knows the fact that they're gay could cause their death if the Kin Pride Council hears about it. His heart tells him to trust Luc, but Izzorah's fear is real. He snuggles up to Luc, seeking comfort.

Luc is immortal. He has the perspective to understand his lover's concerns and not worry about them. To distract Izzorah, Luc tries a sexy game of dominance and submission played during their shared shower. Izzorah's unreserved trust and respect make Luc long to wipe out any shadow of trouble or sorrow. He would turn the Kin homeworld upside down to protect him, but convincing Izzorah he can do it will mean confessing a truth Luc is not yet ready to share.

Luc and Rah must learn: where the heart leads -- follow.

A little taste of the book

Scene: Luc and Izzorah’s penthouse, middle of the night. Rah is worried about returning to his homeworld, and Luc tries to reassure him. Rah gets a little distracted. (Rah is a Kin, a feline humanoid with catlike ears, eyes, claws hidden beneath human nails, and the ability to
smell emotions.)

---

"No one--and I mean no one--will dare raise his or her voice or hand against you. You and I will not be subject to the whims of a Kin matriarch or anyone else." Still holding Izzorah's hand, Luc drew it against his own chest and turned the palm over his heart. "When I say I'll take you home and keep you safe, trust me; that's a promise I can and will keep."

Luc's will stood between them like a living creature, solid as the walls around them. He might mean every word he said. He might be able to kill the Falehla tzesar. But keep them safe on Felidae? Oh, Luc. I'm not sure anyone can do that.

Izzorah remained silent. He would not dishonor his lover by arguing the point. He hadn't won agreement about not going home, but he could deal with that later. He approached the subject from a different angle. He leaned back, lowered his ears, and set them outward, showing submission instead of willfulness.

He rose to his knees, grabbed Luc, and flattened him against the bed. He clamped his fangs on the tip of Luc's chin.

"Um...Rah?"

Purring in response, Izzorah kept his teeth against Luc's skin.

"This bite's good?" Luc's mixed scent revealed curiosity.

Izzorah released him and sat astride Luc's waist. He tossed his head to move hair out of his eyes. "Ehh nim shree."

"Ah. A love bite. You're being playful."

Gaze locked with Luc's, Izzorah bent forward and lightly nipped Luc's lower lip, nibbled the upper one, and then scraped his teeth across the tip of Luc's nose. He kissed it, then moved back to hover above his mouth, their gazes still linked. "I was bite-thanking you."

"You're welcome. What did I do to deserve that exactly?"

"You listened to me. I was missing Purkinje, and you helped me feel better."

"I'll always listen. I'm sorry about your horse, love. Buying you another one might not help, because it wouldn't be Purkinje, but maybe we..." His voice trailed off as Izzorah slid claws through Luc's curls. Luc sighed in pleasure. "Mmm. I like it when you do that." He went completely still.

"I like touching you." Izzorah bent down and licked the width of Luc's mouth. He brushed his lips across Luc's, gave another gentle nip, and then licked him again. "I think you need to be thanked some more so you know how much I appreciate you. Maybe I should tongue-thank you here." He slipped his tongue across Luc's right nipple. The scent of warm brown sugar and melting butter revealed Luc's rising desire. "You taste of salt, sex, and male. I need to bite-thank and tongue-thank you all over."

Tweet this:

Last Day at No Cost: Forbid My Heart http://is.gd/fmh_last_day #sfrb @kayelleallen

---

Buy links:

Forbid My Heart http://www.loose-id.com/forbid-my-heart-a-luc-and-rah-story.html

All Loose Id books by Kayelle Allen http://www.loose-id.com/authors/g-k/kayelle-allen.html

5 Myths About How Cats View Humans #humor

Luc and Rah as cats... 

I write Science Fiction Romance, and many of my stories involve the Kin, a feline humanoid species who are at once quite human and quite catlike. It occurred to me that discussing myths about how cats view humans might be helpful in understanding how the Kin view humans. Here are my top five items from that list.

Myth #1: Cats don't like humans.

Cats like humans very much. They think humans are useful domestic animals. If possible, I'm told, every cat should own at least one.

Kin like humans too, but because humans fight so hard for independence, it's difficult to own one. Besides, unlike Kin who use only natural cleansers, humans tend to groom themselves with scented soaps and lotions, and the smell is-- well. The smell.

Myth #2: Cats don't listen to humans.

They listen. They occasionally blink to show they've registered human words. Now and then a cat will twitch its tail in response. Listening does not imply cats care what humans are saying. That is an entirely different matter.

Kin listen to humans. It's just that with the placement of their ears on the upper parts and sides of their heads -- the human voice enters on one side, and goes right out the other.

Myth #3: Cats don't pay attention.

Far from true. Cats completely understand the meaning of focus, and nothing comes between them and their quarry when hunting -- unless they want it to.

The Kin focus extremely well, but are capable of switching focus in an instant, giving the impression they are not paying attention.

Myth #4: Training is difficult with cats.

Far from true. Most cats can have a human trained within 48 hours.

A Kin needs far less time.

Myth #5: Cats expect humans to feed them.

This is mostly true. However, many cats are capable of rustling up a mouse or other pest for dinner if forced to fend for themselves. That said, this is no excuse to abandon them.

Kin have no need of anyone to feed them. They have opposable thumbs and can manage quite well in the kitchen. That said, if you live with one of these fascinating creatures, you learn quickly there is no snooze button on a Kin who wants breakfast.

Forbid My Heart 

===

Forbid My Heart is a book about a Kin and his immortal mate. It's FREE on the Loose Id website until April 28th.

Waking in the middle of the night, Izzorah begins to worry. His lover has pledged to take him back to visit his homeworld, but Izzorah knows the fact that they're gay could cause their death if the Kin Pride Council hears about it. His heart tells him to trust Luc, but Izzorah's fear is real. He snuggles up to Luc, seeking comfort.

Luc is immortal. He has the perspective to understand his lover's concerns and not worry about them. To distract Izzorah, Luc tries a sexy game of dominance and submission played during their shared shower. Izzorah's unreserved trust and respect make Luc long to wipe out any shadow of trouble or sorrow. He would turn the Kin homeworld upside down to protect him, but convincing Izzorah he can do it will mean confessing a truth Luc is not yet ready to share.

Luc and Rah must learn: where the heart leads -- follow.

http://www.loose-id.com/forbid-my-heart-a-luc-and-rah-story.html

Let's Go to Tarth! Forbid My Heart is *F*R*E*E* til Apr 28th

Forbid My Heart 

Forbid My Heart: A Luc and Rah Story is out April 23, and will be free on the Loose Id website for the first six days and Surrender Love (which features Luc and Rah also) will be on sale during that time.
Genre: Erotic Science Fiction, MM, Gay Romance

Publisher: Loose Id

Cover Art: Fiona Jayde

Editor: Heather Hollis

Author: Kayelle Allen

About the Book

Waking in the middle of the night, Izzorah begins to worry. His lover has pledged to take him back to visit his homeworld, but Izzorah knows the fact that they're gay could cause their death if the Kin Pride Council hears about it. His heart tells him to trust Luc, but Izzorah's fear is real. He snuggles up to Luc, seeking comfort.

Luc is immortal. He has the perspective to understand his lover's concerns and not worry about them. To distract Izzorah, Luc tries a sexy game of dominance and submission played during their shared shower. Izzorah's unreserved trust and respect make Luc long to wipe out any shadow of trouble or sorrow. He would turn the Kin homeworld upside down to protect him, but convincing Izzorah he can do it will mean confessing a truth Luc is not yet ready to share.

Luc and Rah must learn: where the heart leads -- follow.

Excerpt

Scene: Luc and Rah's penthouse, middle of the night. Izzorah (Rah) is worried about returning to his homeworld, and Luc tries to reassure him. Rah gets a little distracted. FYI: Izzorah is a Kin, a feline humanoid with catlike ears, eyes, claws hidden beneath human nails, and the ability to smell emotions.

--- 

"No one--and I mean no one--will dare raise his or her voice or hand against you. You and I will not be subject to the whims of a Kin matriarch or anyone else." Still holding Izzorah's hand, Luc drew it against his own chest and turned the palm over his heart. "When I say I'll take you home and keep you safe, trust me; that's a promise I can and will keep."

Luc's will stood between them like a living creature, solid as the walls around them. He might mean every word he said. He might be able to kill the Falehla tzesar. But keep them safe on Felidae? Oh, Luc. I'm not sure anyone can do that.

Izzorah remained silent. He would not dishonor his lover by arguing the point. He hadn't won agreement about not going home, but he could deal with that later. He approached the subject from a different angle. He leaned back, lowered his ears, and set them outward, showing submission instead of willfulness.

He rose to his knees, grabbed Luc, and flattened him against the bed. He clamped his fangs on the tip of Luc's chin.

"Um...Rah?"

Purring in response, Izzorah kept his teeth against Luc's skin.

"This bite's good?" Luc's mixed scent revealed curiosity.

Izzorah released him and sat astride Luc's waist. He tossed his head to move hair out of his eyes. "Ehh nim shree."

"Ah. A love bite. You're being playful."

Gaze locked with Luc's, Izzorah bent forward and lightly nipped Luc's lower lip, nibbled the upper one, and then scraped his teeth across the tip of Luc's nose. He kissed it, then moved back to hover above Luc's mouth, their gazes still linked. "I was bite-thanking you."

"You're welcome. What did I do to deserve that exactly?"

Surrender Love

"You listened to me. I was missing Purkinje, and you helped me feel better."

"I'll always listen. I'm sorry about your horse, love. Buying you another one might not help, because it wouldn't be Purkinje, but maybe we..." His voice trailed off as Izzorah slid claws through Luc's curls. Luc sighed in pleasure. "Mmm. I like it when you do that." He went completely still.

"I like touching you." Izzorah bent down and licked the width of Luc's mouth. He brushed his lips across Luc's, gave another gentle nip, and then licked him again. "I think you need to be thanked some more so you know how much I appreciate you. Maybe I should tongue-thank you here." He slipped his tongue across Luc's right nipple. The scent of warm brown sugar and melting butter revealed Luc's rising desire. "You taste of salt, sex, and male. I need to bite-thank and tongue-thank you all over."

- - -

Want more? It's FREE till April 28th.

Buy links: 

http://loose-id.com/forbid-my-heart-a-luc-and-rah-story.html

My books at Loose Id

http://loose-id.com/authors/g-k/kayelle-allen.html

All my books everywhere

http://www.kayelleallen.com/Books.html 

Did You Know There's an #EarthDay Anthem? #EcoChallenges

The beauty of our world

Earth Day began in 1970 and was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. It is an international holiday to promote conservation and concern for the environment.

The "Earth Day Anthem" below satisfies these requirements for a universal song associated with Earth Day. Ludwig van Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" melody is already the official anthem of the European Union (in that case purely instrumental without lyrics), the melody is widely recognized and easily performed, in the public domain, and originally composed for voice.

Earth Day Anthem

Joyful joyful we adore our Earth in all its wonderment 
Simple gifts of nature that all join into a paradise
Now we must resolve to protect her 
Show her our love throughout all time 
With our gentle hand and touch 
We make our home a newborn world 
Now we must resolve to protect her 
Show her our love throughout all time 
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world

credit: Wikipedia
  ---

Drated: an abandoned world

 Conservation is a prevalent theme in many science fiction stories about the future, with films like Soylent Green, Children of Men, and Avatar. Each warned of consequences for not controlling the environment. Whether it's recycling, reading eBooks, planting a garden, or taking part in Earth Day activities, each of us can play a part. Whatever the future may hold, one thing is certain -- we can each take responsibility for our surroundings and do our part to make the world a better place.  Pictured: Drated, an abandoned world in the Tarthian Empire (from books in my Tarthian Empire series).

This is part of the Earth Day Hop with JustRomance.me If you came along from a different route, you can click here to begin. http://justromance.me