Knowing when you need space ... from your manuscript: A #WriteTip from Shiloh Saddler
/Shiloh Saddler has a new release, but I yanked her out of the busy promo blitz to offer me a writing tip, and give me a sneak peak of her scorching FFM menage romance (fans of Rome and Spartacus should love this one!). If you want to skip straight to the raunchy fare, scroll down until you hit her gorgeous cover. Otherwise, let's learn a thing or two from the Queen of Smexy.
Knowing when you need space ... from your manuscript
by Shiloh Saddler
Tara Quan asked me if I wanted to share a two sentence writing tip. It took me a little while to think of a good one. I wanted to share a writing tip that helped me with Private Pleasure. It took me over a year to finish Private Pleasure. It is my very first ménage and it posed some difficulties I didn’t expect.
I knew my storyline, but I couldn’t get the story right. I actually didn’t find Senator Felix’s voice until the second to the last draft! Some stories just take longer to develop. Don’t give up. That said, here is my writing tip: separation is sometimes for the best. If you are struggling with your manuscript move to a new one and give yourself and your characters a chance to work out the problems.
Content Warning
Shiloh's book is ancient history with an erotic romance twist. It contains two women lusting after each other and a powerful man determined to have them both.
In other words, everything below is adults only...
Private Pleasure by Shiloh Saddler
A member of the Roman elite, Livia, shares a secret Sapphic relationship with her slave that’s threatened when her father forces her to marry a powerful senator. But after her new husband introduces her to the pleasures of sex with men, she finds her attraction torn. Is it the senator she wants in her bed, or her slave?
Sensuous Naomi has been a devoted slave and lover to Livia for many years, but she too, feels a desire for the senator that’s too powerful to stop. When he discovers their secret, he offers Naomi a choice – marry another slave, or live as a threesome. Naomi jumps at the chance to lie in the senator’s arms, even if only for one night.
Felix’s political ambition knows no bounds, nor his appetite for women. But when a critical mission results in his capture, it’s only getting back to his two lovers he desires, no matter what the diplomatic fallout. Little does he know the risks he’s taken in his bed and in the field have not gone unnoticed by the emperor, but will he be rewarded or reprimanded for his actions?
Excerpt
Naomi stood behind her, pulling a comb through her hair. She saw Naomi’s beaming smile in the reflection of the polished bronze mirror.
“You are beautiful, Domina,” Naomi said, pinning her hair. “Senator Felix is a lucky man.”
Livia reached up and rested her hand on top of Naomi’s. “No. I am the lucky one.” Daughters were possessions. Fathers and husbands could dispose of them as they wished. She was marrying a good man, a man who understood the strong connection between a woman and her personal servant. Scarlett rose in Livia’s cheeks.
Senator Felix didn’t know just how deep their connection went. At least, Livia prayed that he didn’t. Somehow they would continue their private pleasure. Livia couldn’t imagine a day without seeing Naomi’s sweet face, her bright smile. She warmed Livia’s cold days, and soothed her every sorrow and ache.
Father had warned her against forming a personal attachment with the slaves. He bought and sold them at will and at need. Slaves were just another tool to be used or discarded as necessary. Livia had heeded his advice in every regard except for Naomi. Their bond went beyond friendship, beyond sisterly affection. While such closeness was forbidden according to society’s expectations it did not change her feelings, did not diminish her love.
She knew she would never have these same feelings for the husband she would marry out of duty to her father.
Tears pooled in Naomi’s eyes. “All these years it has just been the two of us, Domina—”
“You are coming with me,” Livia said.
“Yes, but it will be different.”
“Hopefully not so different,” Livia said, and then forced a smile. Seeing Naomi so shook up unnerved her. Something was bothering her.
“What is wrong?” she asked, not wanting to see her Naomi frown.
“It is nothing, Domina. My apologies for not being cheerful on your wedding day.”
Livia tilted her head to the side, regarding her lover. “Something has been on your mind for several nundinaes. Now tell me.”
Naomi swallowed and opened her mouth, but no words came.
Livia waited. She knew Naomi could not resist an order from her Domina.
“It is Senator Felix,” Naomi said softly. “The way he looks at me…”
“I saw,” Livia said, keeping emotion out of her voice. She did not like how her soon to be husband looked at her lover.
Buy Links: Smashwords | Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble
About Shiloh Saddler
Shiloh Saddler likes to do research for her steamy romances first hand. She has invented a time machine and travels back to the 19th century on a regular basis. There are experimental settings on her time machine which could propel her into the future and even other worlds. She believes love and a good book makes anything possible.
