Cookies and Margaritas with Sharon Kleve

The holiday celebration of food and fiction continues with a delightful cocktail hour with Sharon Kleve, another fellow Passionate Cook, who has just released a new Christmas novella at the perfect time.  Help yourself to a blackberry margarita and join us for a chat about writing and good food!

Tell us about your new publication.

I've written a series of books called, 'The Corny Myers Series.'  Josey's Christmas Cookie is my second Christmas story but it's my first stand alone book.

Was there a special inspiration behind it?

All I can say is; I love animals. I know for certain they'll be in all my books. A sad, homeless dog seemed perfect for a lonely, workaholic girl.

Do you have a favorite passage you’d like to share?

It's where Josey meets the dog of her dreams.. ha ha!

A glob of drool hit the top of my shoe. He let go of my pant leg and licked the goo off my shoe. I wanted to say, "gross," but instead I said, "thank you."

I was hooked. His fur was a reddish brown and soft as silk. Not caring about drool or dog hair, I sat down on the floor next to Cookie, wrapped my arms around his neck and finally felt at peace.

I know exactly what you mean!  When I got my sweet puppy (although this is quite some time ago), we knew we were right for each other from the start.  I’ve never felt that kind of love at first sight with a person.  What’s next for you in your writing?

The fourth book in The Corny Myers Series, "A Bunch of Blarney' is with my publisher and I'm working on the fifth book in the series. I've started a Valentine’s story, yet to be named.

I hope there’s chocolate in it!  Could you tell us the name of a writer you’d like to invite to dinner and what would you serve her/him?

I would love to have, the one and only, Janet Evanovich over for dinner. I'd serve her my Lip Smacking Pork Roulade. It just so happens this particular recipe was chosen to be in the Passionate Cooks, All Romance Cookbook. My recipe, pictured below, is on page 110 and is available here.

Describe a favorite drink that makes life a true pleasure. 

I'm a true connoisseur of margaritas, so I'd also serve Janet Evanovich a couple of Mouth-Watering Blackberry Margaritas. One's never enough…

12 oz. Agave Tequila
6 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
3 oz Agave nectar
3 oz water
¼ cup blackberries, frozen will work if they're not in season.
A pinch of rock salt

Shake vigorously and pour over crushed ice.

Makes about 6 servings, depending on the glass size

Janet is one lucky writer, but I think we can all enjoy a luscious fruity cocktail at week’s end.  I will definitely be trying this recipe.  Thanks so much for sharing, Sharon, and best of luck with your series.

Sharon Kleve was born and raised in Washington and currently lives on the Olympic Peninsula with her husband.  She loves romance. She loves reading romance, living romance, and especially loves writing about romance. She gets no greater feeling than watching her characters come alive in each other's arms. Most of all, she loves giving her characters the happily ever after they deserve—with a few bumps and bruises along the way. One of her favorite things to do is picking up a new book and sinking into the story, immersing herself in the emotions between the characters. She hopes to inspire her readers the same way her favorite authors have inspired her. When not writing, she can usually be found either curled up in her recliner with her cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels.

You can buy Sharon’s books here:

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords

Find out more at Sharon’s website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads

Rhonda Laurel and the Love of the Game

Twelve-twelve-twelve is a lucky day on the calendar of many cultures, and it’s very good luck here as I welcome Rhonda Laurel to talk about writing, romance and the pleasures of comfort food.  Rhonda and I both have recipes in Passionate Cooks, the delicious—and absolutely free—cookbook from All Romance Ebooks.  So without further ado, here’s Rhonda!

Tell us about your new book.

For the Love of the Game was released in November and is my second novella.  It is the story of Morgan and Seth, a couple who literally run into each other on a tropical island!

Do you have a favorite passage you’d like to share?

For the third time that evening Morgan regained consciousness. The pain medication the doctor had given her made her euphoric and sleepy. When she’d come to, a nurse had informed her she had a bruised rib but nothing was broken. She lay in bed watching the white ceiling fan above her rotate, thinking of how quiet and sterilized the office seemed. She heard a sound from the corner of the room and turned to see the muscle head guy who had run into her on the beach, sitting in a chair opposite her, watching.

“Good evening.”

“What are you doing here?” she asked, confused.

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I’m sorry about running into you like that. I didn’t see you.”

“I don’t take it personally. Nobody ever does. Besides, you were too busy flexing for the beach bunnies,” Morgan said, flashing a condescending smile. So what if he was six foot three and gorgeous? That didn’t give him the right to steamroll over people on the beach.

“Was not,” he scoffed.

“If you weren’t, then you had a bad case of tunnel vision. Ever think of trying out for a team? I could be your reference to confirm that you could tackle someone pretty good.”

“You know football?” he asked with an amused smirk.

“Steroid-pumped overgrown men on a field trying to throw a ball back and forth and scoring points.”

“Well, that’s the layman’s explanation for it. It’s more complicated than that, though. And minus the steroids.” He coughed. “I can explain it to you.”

Men and their posturing about sports. Morgan held up a hand. “No need. First you injure me; now you want to bore me to death. I have no need to fill my brain with random trivia about things I don’t care about.”

“Well, sports are a meaningful way of exercise, keeping in shape, strategizing, and it has a place for those of us who weren’t selected for the IQ Olympics.” He chuckled as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his leg over his knee. “What slogan will tomorrow’s shirt have on it? Your SAT scores? I’ve rather enjoyed reading your T-shirts the past three days.”

“I wouldn’t want to make the rest of the island feel inferior to me. Especially since they’re a bunch of muscle head jocks running around. I would fear for my safety.”

As he shifted slightly in the chair, she noticed how finely sculpted his body was and reaffirmed why he was out running around like an idiot. Every inch of exposed skin was muscled, well-defined, and lean. His shoulders were wide, but his waist narrowed, and he looked as if he ate five pounds of pasta for breakfast. But the face was in great contrast to the body. He had soft, striking features and piercing green eyes, giving him a hint of a boyish look, but she knew he hadn’t been a boy in a long time. And his smile was perfect and rehearsed, like he’d practiced it a lot. It seemed more controlled than natural. Did he feel the need to put on a pleasant mask all the time? Smiling on command wasn’t an easy thing. She’d ruined many a family photo because her two-second freeze frame would expire before the picture was taken. She wondered what would make him smile genuinely.

“Did you know that you moan in your sleep?” he asked in a low Southern drawl, surprising her.

“I do not.”

“I was wondering if your husband told you that.”

“I’m not married.”

“Hmm. Then maybe that’s why you moan in your sleep.” He smiled.

Morgan returned the smile. “I think I know what tomorrow’s T-shirt is going to say.”

“What’s that?” He leaned in closer to the bed.

“Up yours.”

I love the dynamic between Morgan and Seth—spirited sparring mixed with undeniable attraction!  My husband also taught me to appreciate football, so I know that can be a surprisingly romantic way to bond.  How do you find time to write your novels?

When the ideas start flowing I stop what I’m doing and write!

That’s really the only way to do it, isn’t it?  What’s next for you in your writing?

I am currently working on a few projects.  I have an outline for the sequel to For the Love of the Game titled MVP.  MVP is a further exploration of Morgan and Seth’s budding relationship.  We also get to meet Seth’s brothers!  His has a little brother that loves to get into trouble.

I am also working on Vendetta, which right now is teetering on the brink of being a full-blown novel.

Can you describe a favorite food that makes life a true pleasure?

One of my favorite dishes to make is baked ziti.  I enjoy the melding of the flavors of the pasta, sauce and cheeses.  The combination is divine.  This dish takes some time to prepare because I always want to make it better than the last time.  It’s an elegant comfort food and I love making it for parties.

Sounds delicious—and perfect for a cold winter’s evening.  Thanks so much for stopping by, Rhonda, and best of luck with For the Love of the Game.

Rhonda’s novel is available at:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance EBooks

You can learn more about Rhonda and her work at her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and Goodreads

Kay Jaybee and the Pleasure of Waiting

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Magic Mice and the End of an Era

Five years ago, I wrote my first installment of my ERWA column, "Cooking Up a Storey."  This month, I'm posting my last column, "The Writer's Ultimate Secret: Making Magic with Words and Cookie Dough."  It's the end of an era, a blend of my special themes of food, erotica and writing.  I'll still be sharing my thoughts on writing on the ERWA blog on the 18th of every month, but the format doesn't really lend itself to including recipes.  Still, it was a good run, and I'm ending on a very magical note with my recipe for Holiday Cookie Mice.  This is as much an art work as a baking project, and it's guaranteed to delight adult and child alike.  Give it a try--and count the compliments! 

Lisabet Sarai's Very "Nasty Business"

I'm delighted to welcome Lisabet Sarai to my blog to share her newest release, Nasty Business, a BDSM erotic romance, published by Books We Love.  And what a lovely cover indeed!
 
Here's more about the novel and a very steamy excerpt from a master--or should I say "Mistress"?--of the genre who knows her business:
 
All's fair in lust and business
 
Ruby Maxwell Chen, lovely and ruthless CEO of a huge British business empire, is used to getting her way. When she encounters the strangely charismatic American entrepreneur Rick Martell, though, she wonders if she hasn't finally met her match. 

From the trendy clubs of London to the Hollywood Hills, Ruby and Rick compete for ownership of a strategic factory in Malaysia. Neither has any qualms about using sexual wiles to smooth the path to success. Neither anticipates that their mutual attraction will turn into something far more intense and difficult to control.

As their struggle for dominance escalates, they draw their employees and associates into their outrageous power games. The stakes could scarcely be higher, as Ruby and Rick play for the ultimate prize: a night of total physical surrender.
 
Novel-length book includes “Shades of Red,”a bonus story about Ruby's introduction to BDSM! 

As good as I am at this game, I'm finding it difficult. I know, intellectually, that ignoring her, pretending to honor my promise, will heighten her frustration and ultimately, weaken her defenses. If I came on to her, she'd resist. By seeming to hold back, I draw her to me.
I can feel the arousal emanating from the trim form strapped into the seat next to me. Her body language speaks volumes, though she struggles to silence it. She's dying to have me touch her, or to touch herself.

The problem is, I have to struggle myself not to reach for her. I have to resist this nearly overwhelming urge to slide that designer skirt up her slim thigh, exposing her smooth flesh. My fingers itch to stretch across the console and tweak those ripe nipples poking through her blouse. My half-hard dick presses uncomfortably against my zipper.

I watch the pavement twisting in front of my hood. I push the roadster a bit harder. Obedient, she races around the curves, graceful and powerful. An extension of my body, my will. Ruby's lips are parted. Her hair has come free from its clasp and flows around her face in jet waves. I want to control Ruby the same way I control my car. I want to feel her respond when I press the pedal a bit closer to the floor.

A sideways glance tells me that she's looking at me. I risk a few seconds of inattention to turn and grin at her lasciviously. "Take off your blouse, Ruby. Go ahead, you know you want to." The wind tears my words away, but I know she hears me. There's defiance in her eyes, mixing with the lust. "Come on. I dare you."

A contest, then. Briefly, emotions war on her face. Her lust wins. She smiles at me, provocatively.

"Keep your eyes on the road, Martell. You'll get us killed."

She's right. I switch my focus a second too late and barely miss grazing the inside guard rail. When I can afford another look, she's naked to the waist. Her fingers are torturing her plump, rosy nipples. Even in that quick instant, it seems that I can see them thicken and grow darker as blood surges into them.

Now Ruby cups her flesh in both hands, kneading, stroking. Her breasts are pale, perfect hemispheres tipped with flame. I would have thought the wind would blow her scent away, but no, her musk permeates the open car. My cock stirs and demands to be set free. I look back at the road, my heart slamming against my ribs as another curve whistles by.

My next glance shows me her parted thighs. She fidgets on the leather upholstery, though her hands are still massaging her tits. Crudely, I jerk my thumb upwards, then wiggle my middle finger at her.

She is already pulling up her skirt, not waiting for my suggestion. Looking me straight in the eye, she spreads her legs wide, pulls her panties out of the way, and sinks four fingers into her glistening cunt.

My dick jerks to full attention. I watch, fascinated, as she grinds herself feverishly against her hand, pummeling her clit, pinching those scarlet lips until they are almost purple. Her eyes are shut. Her back is arched, pelvis thrust forward to provide maximum access. She's a tiger, tearing at her own flesh in hungry fury. Her scent rises around us, drowning out the eucalyptus that always lingers in the southern California air. There's an ache in my chest that mirrors the one in my cock. I've never wanted anyone so much.

At the last minute, I swerve, barely avoiding the shiny Cadillac coming at me from the other direction. Adrenaline courses through me at the near miss. Ruby doesn't even notice.

There's a turn-out ahead. Hands shaking, I pull into the semicircular parking area and shut off the engine. Now I can hear Ruby as well as see and smell her. She moans and cries as she thrashes around on the seat. Her mouth is open, her teeth clenched. She sounds as though she is in pain. Her harsh grunts become rhythmic and rise in pitch as I watch her ascend the final slope to her climax.

I stroke myself through my trousers, in time with her climb. I'm back in control, turned on but pacing myself. I know that I'll get what I want eventually. Ruby twists and writhes. Both her hands are deep in her cunt. Her juices run down her wrists. It's unbelievable how hard she is on herself. I remember her flogger, wish that I had it with me now. She wouldn't even feel it, but it might help her over.

Then, without warning, Ruby screams and arches up off the seat. Her whole body convulses, then abruptly collapses. Little tremors continue to shake her frame for long minutes. Her eyes are closed; she seems unconscious.

She looks fragile, porcelain skin misted with sweat, tangles of hair stuck to her forehead. I suddenly want to take her in my arms, cradle her, brush those tangled locks away and kiss her eyelids until she awakens. At the same time, I have a perverse urge to loose my cock and sink it into her passive, defenseless flesh. To finally make her mine.

Buy Links:

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/257146

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nastybusiness-1006067-144.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nasty-Business-ebook/dp/B00AB3KM8Q/

Bio: More than a decade ago LISABET SARAI experienced a serendipitous fusion of her love of writing and her fascination with sex. Since then she has published five single-author short story collections and seven erotic novels, including the BDSM classic Raw Silk. Dozens of her shorter works have been released as ebooks and in print anthologies. She has also edited several acclaimed anthologies and is currently responsible for the altruistic erotica series COMING TOGETHER PRESENTS. 

Lisabet holds more degrees than anyone needs from prestigious universities who would no doubt be embarrassed by her chosen genre. She loves to travel and currently lives in Southeast Asia with her highly tolerant husband and two cosmopolitan felines. For more information on Lisabet and her writing visit Lisabet Sarai's Fantasy Factory (http://www.lisabetsarai.com) or her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com).

Sizzling Sex at Work!

Mischief Books' sizzling sex-at-work anthology, Improper Conduct: Misbehaviour at Work, has gotten a promotion to a gorgeous new cover, but my story, "Model Employee," is still the teaser sample.  So head on over to Mischief for a sneak peek, or why not just go ahead and buy yourself a copy? (Amazon UK readers, shop here).  Who doesn't fantasize about defiling the sanctity of the workplace with some sexual self-indulgence?

Football Lovers: A Woman’s Guide to Enjoying a Rough, Manly Sport

The pro football season is in full swing, so there’s no better time to talk about the inspiration for “10 a.m. Kickoff,” my mid-morning offering for the pleasures-round-the-clock anthology Morning, Noon and Night: Erotica for Couples, edited by Alison Tyler.

I know there are women who’ve been raised on football and love it for the sport alone, but I’ll confess I’m not one of them.  I come from a family of three sisters, and our preferred activities were dancing, ice skating, and tennis, cute outfits required.  On Sunday afternoons, my father might occasionally sneak off to watch a football game on TV.  Now and then I joined him.  I always asked if he liked the white or dark team better (we had a black-and-white TV way past the time most of my friends’ families had switched to color), and try as I might, I never quite figured out how a first down worked.

I decided football was strictly for boys.

Then I met my future husband in the fall of 1985.  He's from Chicago.  Football fans will know that this was an unforgettable, historic time for a Chicago Bears fan.  He didn’t miss a game that season, although of course, living in California, he watched it on TV (a tiny black-and-white set he’d bought for $99 on a student budget).  I didn’t miss a game either, and I loved every minute of it.  Part of it was because he patiently explained all the basic and finer points of the game to me as we watched.  Part of it was that I came to appreciate the human drama of each player’s story.  Amusingly, I felt a special bond with coach Mike Ditka, who, like me, grew up near Pittsburgh, was an English major and chewed gum when he was stressed out.

But I’ll be honest.  The real reason I came to enjoy football so very much is that the two of us watched it as we lay in bed, skin to skin.  This excerpt from my story will give you a taste of how I became a football fan.  For couples who find themselves drifting apart come autumn--the man glued to the TV, the woman hoping his favorite team does not make the play-offs—well, why don’t you try our method for making football a mutually pleasurable activity?

From “10 a.m. Kickoff” in Morning, Noon, and Night:

The announcer’s voice rose in excitement.  Alex’s body tensed again.  He let out a sigh of victory and relaxed into the mattress.  I used that as an excuse to rock my hips forward, grinding my clit against his leg.

Alex glanced down at me with a faint frown.  He had to be aware how aroused I was.  I could feel my slickness as my pussy skated up and down over his skin.

His hand crept toward me, and I thought, for a stomach-churning moment, that he was going to push me away.  Instead he brushed my nipple through my nightshirt, then took the stiff tip between his fingers and tweaked it.

A jolt of electric pleasure shot straight to my groin. I moaned aloud into his shoulder.

He laughed softly.  Then let me languish there, unattended, while he swore at the ref’s bad call.

How the hell was I going to keep his attention on me instead of that damn game?  Desperate for an ally, I curled my fingers around his hard cock.  It twitched in solidarity.

Alex looked down at me again, as if deciding what to do.  Then he did push me away, rearranging our bodies so I was on my back and he was on his side.  One hand slipped around my shoulders to caress my breast, the other cupped my mons.  Caught in his embrace, I’d lost my power to control my own stimulation.  His cock, too, was safe from the temptations of my wandering hands.

“You be a good girl until half time,” he warned, his eyes still fixed on the TV screen.

I whimpered in protest, but could do little but surrender to my fate.

Which wasn’t as bad as it seemed at first.  Alex didn’t ignore me completely.  He doled out bits of pleasure between plays like single kernels of buttered popcorn.  A palm circling over a nipple here, an idle stroking of my slit there.  Just enough to get me arching up and breathing fast.  Gradually we established little rituals of celebration.  A first down for his team earned my breasts a few hot kisses.  A touchdown won me a spirited clit strumming that brought me almost to the verge—before his fingers retreated to the remote to check the game on the other channel.

After a while, my lust hovered at a steady simmer even through the breaks.  Yet each new ministration raised the temperature a few degrees until my flesh seemed to melt into a puddle of pussy juice beneath my ass.

At long last, half time arrived.....

 

Donna George Storey is the author of Amorous Woman, a semi-autobiographical tale of an American’s sexual awakening in Kyoto, which will change your image of Japan—and erotica--forever.  Her adults-only tales have appeared in over 150 journals and anthologies including Penthouse, Best Women’s Erotica, The Mammoth Book of Erotica Presents the Best of Donna George Storey, and The Big Book of Bondage.

Learning to Say "Yes" to Sex

I have a lot to be thankful for this month, including a recent visit to Beyond Romance, the blog of Lisabet Sarai, with my post "Discovering Sex and Self in a Foreign Land."  Lisabet's novel Raw Silk was one of the inspirations for my novel, Amorous Woman, so it's a special pleasure to be her guest. 

In this post, I discuss perhaps the master narrative of erotica:  an innocent woman's discovery of sexual pleasure.  Let's face it, even in our supposedly sex-saturated age, we are all bombarded with messages about the dangers of sexual desire, but women particularly still run the risk of being slut-shamed at any sign of erotic curiosity or pleasure.  The excerpt I posted at Lisabet's blog represents my protagonist's first moment of awakening--that saying "yes" does not mean the sky will fall on your head.  On the contrary, it can well be the first step on a wonderful journey.

Sex Around the Clock

The season of excitement and revels draws nigh, and for me the fun begins tomorrow with the inaugural stop on the blog tour for Morning, Noon and Night: Erotica for Couples, edited by Alison Tyler, one of erotica's greatest!  The anthology takes you on an around-the-clock tour of erotic adventure, and you'll be inspired every step of the way.  For example, my story, "10 a.m. Kickoff," shows that a mid-morning football game can be much sexier than you ever imagined.  Follow the tour and tune in here on Saturday, November 17 for some hints on how to make football a sport to love for men and women alike!

1/13 Alison Tyler
11/14 Sasha White
11/15 Vida Bailey
11/16 Cheyenne Blue
11/17 Donna George Storey
11/18 Aisling Weaver
11/19 Teresa Noelle Roberts
11/20 Cora Zane
11/21 Angell Brooks
11/22 Justine Elyot
11/23 Kristina Lloyd
11/24 Preston Avery
11/25 Ashley Lister
11/26 Victoria Janssen
11/27 Always Each Other
11/28 Tamsin Flowers hosts Jeremy Edwards
11/29 Tenille Brown
11/30 Kat Watson
12/1 Alison Tyler
12/2 Sommer Marsden

Power to Pleasure: Cheeky Spanking Stories

 

It’s getting chilly outside, and I can think of no better way to warm yourself than by cuddling up with a copy of CheekySpanking Stories, edited by spanking diva, Rachel Kramer Bussel.  I’m the proud contributor of the story “The Assignment,” and I wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look at my inspiration for this particular spanking scenario.

While I appreciate the physical rush of a nice slap on the butt cheeks, the psychological aspects of spanking especially fascinate me as a writer.  I can get plenty excited just talking about spanking, and indeed, I realize now that all of the stories I’ve written on this theme focus on a loving, lingering verbal seduction.  I believe the power play of spanking reaches deep into our pasts, when the world was populated by so many authority figures.  We knew we had to please them, but were never quite sure of the rules or reasons behind their commands.  Their ghosts linger, but as adults, our clever minds find ways to translate frustration, subordination and surrender into sensual pleasure.  That transformation is certainly part of the magic of spanking for me.

“The Assignment,” is very much about a transformation from power games to pleasure.  A young journalist, Tamara Patterson, is assigned to write an article about spank daddies and gradually finds herself pulled into her own story when she encounters the sexy Dr. Richard Armstrong.  The story is very much about the power of words, from personal ad that sparks her curiosity, to the spanking questionnaire Dr. Armstrong requires of his clients, to the means by which the protagonist balances the exchange of power to achieve her own happy ending.

This particular story has been brewing for quite a while in my imagination.  Some twenty years ago, I was lying in a hotel bed in Knightsbridge, London, trying to get over jet lag by reading the personal ads in a free newspaper.  A relative innocent, I was rather shocked when I came across an ad by a fifty-year old man who was seeking young women who liked to have their bottoms spanked.  What kind of woman would actually answer this ad, I wondered.  I would never, ever go off to meet such a man in real life, but what if... this older man were very attractive and intelligent?  What if he looked into my eyes and knew my deepest desires?   What if he desired something only I could give him in return?

“The Assignment” is my answer to these questions.  In closing, I’d like to offer a brief excerpt from the story.  In this scene, Tamara has come to Dr. Armstrong’s office expecting to interview him, but he first insists she complete a survey about her own background and sexual fantasies.  Reluctantly, for the sake of her profession, she agrees.

From “The Assignment”:

The assignment completed, I passed the clipboard back to Dr. Armstrong with a shrug.

He glanced over my responses, then flashed me a very warm smile.  “Thank you for your cooperation.  I’ve had some unfortunate dealings with interviewers, and this was my way of testing your sincerity.  I’m at your service now, but I do hope it was valuable for you to get a sense of what it’s like to be a new client.”

I had to laugh.  “Actually I did learn a lot.  How do your real clients deal with such intimate questions?”

“The women who come to me are confident in their desires.  They enjoy being dominated and appreciate my professional approach to establishing the parameters of my services.”

“Indeed, while we’re on that topic, Doctor, exactly what type of services do you provide?”

He leaned back in his chair, clearly relishing the chance to elaborate on his area of expertise.  “That varies with the client and her level of experience.  Many novices are satisfied with verbal chastisement culminating in a mild administration of the hand or paddle, just enough to keep them remembering the session for the rest of the day.  The more seasoned veterans have built up a tolerance and seek variety in the implements—crops, canes, belts, hairbrushes.  They appreciate my specialty--maximum sensation with minimal marking—especially if their partners are unaware of their sessions with me, although I’m confident my therapy has a positive effect beyond this office.  A select group of special clients are permitted to request additional services.  For example, I’ll allow them to masturbate in my presence after their spanking or let them perform fellatio on me, if the request falls within the proper guidelines.”

I immediately pictured a naked woman with a rosy bottom kneeling before the doctor to take his stiff cock in her mouth.  Flustered by the obscene image, I spoke without thinking.  “I see.  Do you also have intercourse with these ‘special clients,’ Doctor?” 

Armstrong’s serene expression immediately darkened.  “Ms. Patterson, you are showing your appalling ignorance of the type of eroticism I offer here.  Spanking is an art, not a cover for male prostitution.”

My face flamed with embarrassment at my faux pas, exactly the kind of cheap journalism he wanted to avoid.  “I’m so sorry, Dr. Armstrong.  That was terribly insensitive of me.”

My hasty apology seemed to placate him.  “Perhaps we can avoid such misunderstandings in the future if you look over some of the introductory materials I give to my first-time clients?”

I nodded vigorously.  “I look forward to learning more.” 

“Then this is a good time to take a break.  Can we follow up tomorrow afternoon at this same hour?”

“I appreciate the second chance, Doctor.”

Escorting me to the reception area, the doctor told his assistant to “give Ms. Patterson the introductory reading and An Education.”  With a final nod to me, he disappeared into his office. 

Smirking, the woman walked over to a well-stocked bookshelf in the corner of the room.  The first book she handed over was a slim paperback with a plain blue cover entitled Dr. Armstrong’s Joy of Spanking.  It was the second, however, that made my eyes practically pop out of my head.  The glossy cover was a photograph of a woman’s bare buttocks, a plaid skirt hiked to her waist and white cotton panties pushed down her thighs.  The voluptuous ass cheeks were marked by a red handprint, but most shocking of all were the exposed labia, pink and pouting and glistening with arousal. The title was written in neon pink:  An Education for Samantha by Anonymous.

Blushing fiercely, I shoved the books into my briefcase and rushed out the door.

Musings of a Dreamer

When I was a child, I saw November as but an empty space between Halloween and Christmas.  But in the past few years, it's come to be my favorite month, perhaps because it is an oasis of relative quiet between two busy family holidays.  There's another reason I love November, though, because that's when I make my delicious Lover's Favorite Grand Marnier Cranberry Relish.  Today I discuss this special holiday treat, erotica writing, and more over at Rhonda Laurel's blog, "Musings of a Dreamer."  Rhonda is a fellow contributor to All-Romance Ebooks' Passionate Cooks recipe collection (which is absolutely free to download!) and has been a cordial hostess.

I recommend the cookbook--all of the recipes are favorites from erotica and erotic romance writers--but if you'd like a head start on the cranberry relish, here's how I make it.  The canned jelly sauce might always have a place on your table out of nostalgia, but I guarantee this new way to dress up cranberries will delight your palate!

First I chop 1 1/2 cups walnuts in a food processor, but not too fine to give the relish character.  I put the nuts in a large storage bowl, then pick through two bags of fresh cranberries to get 12 ounces of unbruised, healthy red berries.  These get chopped fine in the food processor and added to the nuts.  I put two peeled and cored Pippin apples into the chopper, then add them to the bowl along with 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange marmalade, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons Grand Marnier (or Curacao) and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.  The relish needs to age overnight, but then it's ready to eat.  It will keep well for weeks but it never lasts that long.

Amorous Woman Gracefully Illustrated

Halloween is over, but the excitement continues with a very special guest appearance at K.D. Grace's blog: "An Amorous Woman's Exotic Journey: The Storey Behind the Story."  I talk about some of the settings that inspired scenes in my novel, Amorous Woman, and share evocative photos from my last trip there with my family a few years ago.  Plus you can enjoy some steamy excerpts from my favorite scenes.  So head on over to K.D. Grace's "A Hopeful Romantic" for your own armchair trip to a Japan few tourists ever see!

Halloween in the Castro!

Happy Halloween!  I've always loved this holiday because it combines two of my favorite activities--dressing up and pretending to be someone else for a short time, and, of course, eating lots of sweets.  This Halloween is extra special because my story, "Halloween in the Castro," is live at the wonderful erotica website, Oysters and Chocolate (perfect snacking for Halloween, eh?)

Back in 1985, I actually attended the neighborhood part in the Castro with some friends, and the memories are so vivid, this story was actually quite easy to write.  It was my first year in the Bay Area, and I can think of no better introduction to the playful, irreverent spirit of this wonderful place.  The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were particularly inspiring!  As the years went by, the party became so rowdy, the police put a stop to it, so this is a nostalgic look back in more ways than one.  I also take a teasing jab at the fact Halloween costumes for women, at least the ones you see in the stores, can pretty much be divided into some kind of witch or some kind of slut (sexy pirate, sexy French maid, sexy hippie, sexy sexy woman, etc.).  But on occasion, that's not such a bad thing, is it?  Read my story and you'll see what I mean.  Oh, I'd appreciate your vote, just click on those stars at the end of the story!

Want Some Free Love?

Hey, if you're like me, you love free things.  Free samples.  Buy one get one free.  Free books.  And best of all, a free cookbook!  I'm very excited to announce that my recipe for "Lover's Favorite Cranberry Relish" appears in All Romance Ebooks' FREE cookbook, "Passionate Cooks."  Each recipe was contributed by a different erotica or erotic romance author, writers whose sensuality embraces both food and sex--a very delicious combination indeed.  My fresh cranberry relish is the perfect treat for Thanksgiving and includes a generous kick of Grand Marnier, guaranteed to seduce your guests.  So, hop on over to All Romance Ebooks and start cooking.  Remember, it's absolutely free!

Why Are We Still So Scared of Sex?

Boy, do these months fly by!  It's time for my new column, "Uppity Vaginas and Educational Porn," at the Erotica Readers and Writers Association blog, and I have juicy topic today.  While we're constantly bombarded with sexual images to shock us out of our twenty-first-century stupor so we'll buy stuff, "serious" journalists and commentators still treat sexuality with a mixture of fear, contempt, and ridicule.  Witness The New Yorker review of Naomi Wolf's new book, Vagina: A New Biography.  I haven't read the book, but I am amazed at the response.  Over the top snark--but why?  If it's simply a bad book, whom does it threaten?  The New York Times is less obviously sex-phobic in their profile of Cindy Gallop, a woman who is starting a website for realistic videos of sexual encounters, but they still feel the need to focus on her far-out fashion and boy-toy lair.  Unlike me, I guess she looks like an erotica writer!

If you get a chance to read, let me know what you think.

Eternal Inspiration for Your Writing

This month, my "Cooking Up a Storey" column at ERWA explores "Eternal Inspiration:The "How's" and "Why's" of Genre and Gingerbread."  I discuss how those two simple questions will provide a lifetime of material for your writing, how all good stories are mysteries, and why gingerbread stays delicious forever.  Check it out--and consider baking yourself a batch of Honey Cake Squares soon!

Violet Blue Recommends the Best of Donna George Storey

What a great way to start the week--Violet Blue has recommended my short story collection, Picture Perfect: The Mammoth Book of Erotica Presents the Best of Donna George Storey in her column, "Kink Your Kindle."  I'm in the company of many awesome erotica writers such as Elizabeth Coldwell, N.T. Morley, Sommer Marsden, and Alison Tyler.  Violet Blue knows her erotica, so this is quite an honor.  And what better way to celebrate the season of chilly days than to curl up with a nice, hot book!

The Best of Donna George Storey!

The writing life is all about stories, both the stories we tell and the stories we tell ourselves about the writing process itself.  I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember--since first grade at least--but realizing that dream took a few more decades.  And of course, I had no idea at age six what sort of stories I'd be publishing!  That realization came about fifteen years ago as I was reading The Mammoth Book of International Erotica, edited by Maxim Jakubowski.  I'd read some literary erotica, like Anais Nin (whom I liked) and Henry Miller (whom I didn't), but this anthology included such a variety of voices, all of them good in their distinctive way, that I was inspired to try and write an explicit, sexy story myself.  I hoped I would be published eventually if I worked hard, but even with my fertile imagination, I never would have guessed this day would come:  a short story collection of my own, Picture Perfect: Mammoth Books Presents the Best of Donna George Storey.

The ebook brings together six of my stories that have been published in previous volumes of the annual Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica.  I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that every story has special significance to me.  They indeed represent the best of my erotica writing throughout my career.

"Blinded," although revised over the years, was the very first erotic story I ever wrote.  It took me over a year to be satisfied enough to send it out to editors.  It was roundly rejected for about another year.  Then the editor of a small literary magazine, who also worked at Playboy's Cyber Club, wrote me to say he was accepting it for his journal and that what I'd written was far better than the stories he saw on the site.  Since then the story has been reprinted many times, thus it is fitting it should open my best-of collection.

"Picture Perfect" is the first story I wrote that appeared in print in Taboo: Forbidden Fantasies for Couples, edited by Violet Blue.  I really enjoyed writing this story as I discovered some of my own signature themes--exhibitionism, flouting authority, and the erotic power of creating your own sensual images in a society where we are constantly inundated with ideas of what others think is sexy.  I was really proud of the last line when I wrote it--and I still am!

"Just Words" first appeared in Violet Blue's Best Women's Erotica 2007.  I'm a huge fan of sexy dialogue.  Words alone can do a lot for me, which is not surprising for an erotica writer.  So I decided to try a phone sex story, and I'm quite happy with the result.  Join in the fun and you might even pick up a new bedroom trick or two....

"Spring Pictures" is the first erotic story I wrote that was set in Japan.  I've always been fascinated by shunga (literal translation: "spring pictures") or Japanese erotic prints with the swirling kimono and over-sized genitals.  A perk was that I could immerse myself in gorgeous shunga books to research this story.  I like the ending of this one, too, a sort of cross-lingual pun.  I told you I liked playing with words!

"Being Bobby" is based on a cute (I hope) habit of mine back in college of dressing up in my boyfriend's clothes.  Except in this story, the clothes have a mind of their own.  The setting as well as the teenage misdeeds are based on the dorms at Princeton, in particular Holder Hall, once known as the sophomore ghetto, where the bathrooms and showers were all located in the basement.  Cold going down there on a winter morning in your boyfriend's clothes....

Last and not least, "To Dance at the Fair" was first published in print in Rachel Kramer Bussel's Dirty Girls: Erotica for Women.  It's a special pleasure to have this story in my best-of book because it's one of my favorites.  For me sex is not just a physical act.  It's about fantasy and memory and mystery and connection.  This story explores those themes when a divorced female professor takes advantage of her new status to get closer to some old colleagues.

So, that's the rundown of Picture Perfect.  If you enjoyed the book, please consider writing an Amazon review and posting the same review on the publisher's website.  Also "liking" the Amazon page and adding votes for the tags is a nice way to help a struggling author put her best book cover forward on the Internet marketplace.