#WriteTip - (Not) Filtering POV by M.S. Kaye (@MSKosciuszko), with a #CoverReveal for ONCE AND AGAIN

/

The writing tip I have for you today touches upon one of my biggest pet peeves as a reader. I'll let M.S. Kaye explain why!

(Not) Filtering POV by M.S. Kaye

Point of view can be a tricky thing. I was recently editing a manuscript for a publisher I work with, and the author continually filtered every action through the point of view of the main character. This isn’t wrong necessarily, just not as strong as it could be.

Consider these sentences:

“Sarah saw the man run out into the road.”

“The man ran out into the road.”

If Sarah is established to be the point of view character, there is no need to filter every action through her; the reader already knows he/she is experiencing the things Sarah is. Continuing to filter through the character keeps a wall between the reader and the action, and also makes the writing feel repetitive. Sarah saw… Sarah heard… Sarah smelled…

In almost all cases, it’s better for the story if the reader feels they are experiencing the action as if they are Sarah, not standing off to the side watching Sarah watch the action. And we all know it’s best to cut as many unnecessary words as possible.

Once & Again

Book 2

by M.S. Kaye

She was once his secret desire… Will she be again?

Father Aiden, an ex-marine and new priest, falls in love with Maylynn, but he struggles to stay away from her. He’s successful for many years, though he can’t keep her out of his dreams.

Then one day she shows up for a pre-marital counselling session with her fiancé, Davis. Aiden soon realizes Davis isn’t who he says he is, but what does that mean for Maylynn, and for himself?

Will be released August 4, 2016 from Inkspell Publishing. Pre-order on Amazon or add to your to-read on Goodreads today! 

Excerpt

“You’re studying to be a priest?”

He made himself meet her eyes. “I am a priest.”

She let go of his hand and stepped back.

Her smiled was tight. “I’m glad you found your path.”

Quiet.

He couldn’t quite read her expression. The distance between them felt like a gorge chiseled into the earth.

“Are you all right, Maylynn?” he asked.

“I’m really happy for you.” Then she added, “Father Aiden.”

For some reason, her words stabbed him in the gut. He usually liked when people used his title—it seemed to imply a certain amount of trust.

“I’m sorry, Maylynn.” He wasn’t entirely sure why he was apologizing. He just didn’t like to see her uncomfortable.

“I’m happy for you,” she repeated.

Then he realized what the problem was. He hadn’t anticipated this.

He moved closer. “I’m so sorry.”

Her forced smile finally dropped. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“It didn’t occur to me…”

“That I might be attracted to you?”

“Yes.”

“Why aren’t you wearing your collar?” Anger prickled the edge of her voice.

“My mother’s last wish was that I find my father. I’ve been following her notes. She was convinced he was somewhere in this area.”

“Wait… Your mother’s name was Adalina?”

He nodded. With the number of times the shelter was mentioned in the notes, he figured his mother and Maylynn had met.

A pause.

Anger flashed in her eyes. “You still should’ve told me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why’d you play with me like that?”

“I swear that wasn’t my intent.”

“You knew damn well what was going on. Was it a game—see if you still had it? If you could still get the chicks?”

Under the anger in her eyes, he saw the hurt. He swore he could feel it exactly, as if it was his own.

He shifted even closer, just in front of her. “I’m sorry,” he said again. His voice lowered, quieted. “I didn’t see what you were feeling because I was fighting so hard myself. I still am.”

“Fighting what?”

“What I felt the first time I saw you, what I’m still feeling.”

She waited, glaring at him.

“I’m attracted to you,” he said. “Intensely.”

ABOUT M.S. KAYE

M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.

To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Google+  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  TSU  |  Pinterest  |  LinkedIn

#WriteTip and #CoverReveal - Be Brave by K. Vale (@KimberVale), spotlighting her new #LGBT #MMRomance fr @LSB_lsbooks

/

It's been ages since I welcomed K. Vale to my blog, so I was delighted when she finally asked for help spreading the word about her next MM romance from Liquid Silver Books. Kimber has always been an awesome guest, and this time is no different. Not only has she given me a writing tip I can totally get behind, she's also provided an intriguing excerpt from her upcoming release. I can't wait to learn more about Balancing Act, the latest installment in the Shooting Stars series (after our regularly scheduled writing tip break, of course).

Be Brave by K. Vale

I toyed with tips about characterization (character worksheets rock!), or creating a playlist (when you aren’t feeling inspired, but need to get words down, spin your Spotify list and you’ll be transported to the world you created), but in the end, I’m opting for a shot of courage.

Don’t write what you know. That gets old fast and you’ll end up churning out the same books and characters over and over (if you don’t die of boredom first). Learn what you want to write about. Go to the library. Read voraciously in every genre. Do your homework.

Spread your writerly wings and fly.

I’m currently working on a book with a transgender character. For a while, I considered trying to stuff Andy into a fem gay box to stay in my own comfort zone. There are too many ways to screw up, too much I don’t know, and too many potential pitfalls where I may unintentionally offend.

But my character wasn’t budging on who she was deep down, so I decided to be brave. I’m researching my ass off. I’ll search long and hard for sensitivity readers when I’m finished. I’m going to give Andy the story she deserves, even if it frightens me on occasion. Every time those niggles creep up, I repeat my new motto:

Be brave, Kimber. Be brave.

Balancing Act

Shooting Stars Book 4

by K. Vale

Release Date: June 27, 2016

Greg Dwyer and Kyrie Li are living the glorious couple life in New York City. Or are they? When struggling actor Kyrie lands a modeling job, he’s ecstatic to have extra cash to spend on his best-friend-turned-boyfriend.

Of course, Greg is suspicious Anders Berglund, the gorgeous and androgynous Swedish cover model the designers love to pair with Kyrie, is after his man. And maybe Kyrie encourages a growing closeness with the guy?

Greg is probably to blame if Kyrie is drawn to the openly gay and seriously beautiful Andy. With Andy, Kyrie can be himself, as loud and proud as he’s always been. But Greg’s sexuality stays firmly locked in the closest except when he’s with Kyrie’s supportive family or alone with the man he loves.

To make matters worse, Greg’s out-of-touch mom meets with financial ruin and moves in with the couple, forcing him into the closet in his own home.

Can Greg find a way to stand up to Mommy Dearest and win back a love he fought so hard to reach? He discovers the road to pride begins at home and with accepting oneself first. Otherwise, it’s just a dead-end street.

Excerpt

“Won’t posing half-naked hurt your acting career?”

Kyrie scoffed, rolling his eyes. “No! Watch how many doors this opens. Just you wait.”

“And this is for what? Gay rights or…something?”

Kyrie ramped up the baleful expression. “Have you been listening to anything I’ve said for the past month? It’s not just gay. It’s everything. A campaign to call attention to all shades of the sexual identity spectrum. We gays are pretty widely accepted these days, you might be surprised to know.”

Greg’s arms stiffened around him, and Kyrie bit down on a sigh. Yes, we gays. Including you. Or maybe bi sits better, but you’ve been sticking it to a dude for almost a year and a half now. Time to officially join the not-so-straight club.

Kyrie expelled a frustrated breath after all. “It’s a phenomenal thing to be part of, never mind the sweet paycheck I’ll be pullin’ in. Never mind that I’ll be working with Anders Fucking Berglund and how much visibility I’ll get out of it.” He squeaked, elation bubbling from him despite Greg’s muted response.

“And I thought his first name was bad,” Greg groused, even as his fingers tested the thin mesh over Kyrie’s back and traveled lower.

Kyrie freely admitted he was damned stunning in the getup. All the white clothing they’d given him popped against the brown skin he’d inherited from his mother. Conversely, Anders was the fairest lad in all the land. He had pale blond hair and porcelain skin, fractured only by startlingly dark eyebrows and a couple of highly fortuitous moles rumored to have launched his career. He’d be dressed in black and guaranteed to look amazing. Together…this was going to be fucking epic.

“I thought you’d be proud of me.” Kyrie pouted, simultaneously arching his ass into Greg’s touch like a cat begging for attention.

“Of course I’m proud of you. I just worry about…well—”

“Everything?” Kyrie reached up to stroke Greg’s cheek, loving the feel of his trimmed beard and mustache combo. It could be soft, skimming over Kyrie’s nipples while Greg flicked a tongue and lit them on fire, or it could be coarse, bordering on harsh, as Greg went savage licking Kyrie’s ass and balls. Sure, that sort of thing was usually reserved for the times Greg had a few drinks on board and abandoned his inhibitions fully. But, oh God, when it happened…

Kyrie’s dick swelled thinking about Greg’s tongue swirling over his asshole. “Want me to pour you a little whiskey to help you wind down after your hard—” he squeezed Greg’s cock through his suit pants, “—day, sexy?”

Greg grunted and rocked his hips into Kyrie’s hand. “I can always use a little tension release.” His eyes, hooded, stared at Kyrie’s lips.

He parted them slowly and dragged his tongue tip across his top teeth. “I think I have one of those stress balls around here somewhere.”

Firm and fast, Greg hauled him flush against his chest and stole Kyrie’s breath. His fingers explored Kyrie’s ass crack—crude, demanding, bunching the satiny material between his cheeks before dragging lower to feather behind his nuts.

“Think I found my two favorite stress balls right here.” Greg wore a wicked grin. “Trying to hide ’em on me?”

He gathered the back of Kyrie’s tiny tight boxers, taking the wedgie to another level. He gasped and lifted on his toes. His sac was trapped, kinked up on one side of the seam almost painfully tight. Greg cupped Kyrie’s slung nuts, the touch so gentle it reminded him of ice over fire. Cool, crisp sheets after a day from hell.

Kyrie loved being the seductive bottom, igniting Greg with his teasing and flirting, backing off while he simmered. Then Kyrie would stoke him higher, feeding the inferno until Greg eventually crumbled and became the domineering top. Usually they made the game last, pushing each other’s buttons in their own drawn-out version of foreplay.

The sliver of pain slicing down Kyrie’s crack paired succulently with the throbbing wood pressed against his lower belly. All signs told him they were going straight to sudden death—no warm-up, no scrimmage, just hot, fast action. Game on.

About K. Vale

K. Vale writes erotic romance of all stripes, from hot hetero to mouthwatering manlove. Find her M/F work published under Kimber Vale. Stalk Kimber on Facebook and Twitter, check http://authorkimbervale.com for updates, new releases, and freebies, and sign up for her newsletter to receive an exclusive free story. Come for the sex. Stay for the story.

Liquid Silver Books | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play | Pinterest | Goodreads

 

#WriteTip - Build a Routine by @RebeccaAiries, spotlighting her #SciFi #Romance from @RedSagePublish

/

I'm delighted to welcome a fellow SFR Brigade member to my blog today. Since I'm in a bit of a productivity rut, her writing tip comes at a great time. So does the super sexy (adults-only) excerpt from her menage sci-fi romance. Without further ado....

Build a Routine

by Rebecca Airies

I’ve been focusing on productivity and habit building. The inability to stay productive has been one of my problems. So I tried all the standard methods. Sticking to a schedule, building a routine, put my butt in that chair, among others. What’s worked for me are writing sprints and building a routine.

I’ll sit down and do some revisions first on a finished WIP. That helps me get my mind on my writing. Then I’ll start some sprints. For me that’s 30 minute timed writing sessions where I keep typing until the timer goes off. Most of my sprints are solo. Other times, I’ll catch a writing buddy online who’s also looking to sprint and we’ll get to it.

Those sprints can quickly rack up the word count.  I love that!

A schedule has also helped some. I usually start writing at about the same time. I’ve noticed that around that time I get a little antsy to write and that my mind is ready to focus then. I also make sure I have everything I need, writing notebooks, something to drink, and any notes I have.

Available Now!

Red Sage

Sabotaged Desires

by Rebecca Airies

Suz Lore thought she had everything she wanted, a job as an engineer and a position on a colony ship headed to another planet. That was before her arranged ménage marriage with Robert Smith and David Bradford turned into a disaster. She’d thought they were building more than a sizzling sexual relationship, but all they do is argue now. She isn't surprised when they're sequestered in a room in order to reignite the passion between them and learn to trust again.

Robert believes she betrayed him while David is stuck in the middle of their conflict. Getting Robert to talk about what made him angry is difficult, but they discover there's far more behind their problems than a message with misleading information. A virus has overtaken the ship's computers, put them on a different heading and cut them off from all communication. They must work together to find a way to survive and rebuild their relationship

R-rated Excerpt (Mature Audiences Only)

Susanne looked up at him and blinked. The light tone of voice and the glitter in his eyes caught her attention. It had been a while since they’d played. Before Robert had received the message in fact. She craved the feel of David’s arms around her again.

“With all the tension, it’s been too long since I’ve felt you holding me tight. I’m sorry you were stuck in the middle of this situation.” She combed her fingers through his blond hair.

“Suz, not your fault. If he’d simply sat down with you, showed you the message and asked a question in a civil manner, this wouldn’t have happened. You tried to explain. Now, stop thinking about that and help me give him something to watch.” He drew back. His hands gripped the bottom of his shirt. He gave her a wicked smile before he whipped the sleeveless garment over his head.

She took a deep breath, let herself relax and follow his lead. “Tell me one of your fantasies and let’s make it come as true as we can in this room.”

“This situation is already close to one of them.” He guided her around the bed. “I’ve got you and Robert and a possible audience.”

“Um, that sounds fun, but tell me more about it.” She stopped and turned at the edge of the bed. Her hands lifted and stroked over his shoulders.

“I plan to strip you naked and spread you out on this bed. There are cameras in this room. What do you think of someone watching as I tease this pretty pussy or suck at one of these gorgeous breasts.” His voice lowered a little below his normal tone, but sounded breathier.

As he eased closer, his lips brushed over her temple. His hand cupped her pussy through the thin lounge pants. Her tongue slicked over her lips. Slick juices eased from her pussy and dampened her pants. The dirty talk always made her so hot. He knew that. The man shamelessly took advantage of it.

“I say let them watch and if they’re smart, they’ll take notes.” She pulled her shirt over her head. The light blue fabric fluttered to the ground.

A smile curved his lips. He laughed and leaned in close. His tongue traced over her neck. She tilted her head, willing to let him play for a while before she called on him to follow through with his fantasy.

“Damn it! Intimate moment, give us some privacy. I don’t want anyone seeing either of you in a private moment.” Robert straightened and glanced up at the ceiling.

“Relax, Robert. You know as well as I do that at the first sign of any nudity between us, they’ll cut off the recording. We have to go over and contact them to get it started again. They don’t have any intention to intrude any more than you’d like them to watch.” David shook his head. “You do know how to kill a mood.”

“He hasn’t killed my mood. We still have an audience, even if it is only one person.” Suz cupped his cheek before she urged his head upward for a kiss.

He nibbled her lips. “Yes, and even if seeing us makes him burn, he has to sit there and watch. He doesn’t get to play until he comes up with the right questions.”

She let her hands drift over his shoulders and down his chest. The warmth of his skin drew her to explore even more. She leaned closer. Her cheek brushed against his chest as she nuzzled and teased. His scent filled her, the slightly woodsy trace exhilarating. She loved it and didn’t know if the fragrance came from some type of wash or light cologne, but he always smelled wonderful.

“Um, but you know he likes to watch. Do you remember the first time he watched? He sat naked in that chair, his hand slowly stroking his cock as you and I fucked on the bed.” She slowly drew her hands over his ribs down to his stomach. The muscles rippled and flexed as she continued her downward path.

She hooked her fingers beneath the waistband. Those pants had to come off. Although they were loose, they were in the way. She much preferred the tighter pants he wore normally. They molded to the tight ass she enjoyed watching, not to mention grabbing when they had sex.

“I remember, but I also remember how desperate he was afterward. I think it might give him a reason to adjust his thinking.” David’s hands cupped underneath the full curves of her breasts, lifting them.

“Um, then let’s give him something to watch.” She pushed the loose fitting bottoms down his thighs.

About Rebecca Airies

A voracious reader since childhood, Rebecca Airies has always enjoyed getting lost in the fantastic worlds of science fiction, horror, fantasy and romance. When she began to write her own stories, they always had a romantic edge.

Rebecca currently lives in Texas and writes with the help of a couple feline critics. She’s a multi-published author whose muse loves fantasy, sci-fi and the paranormal, as well as strong heroines who are sometimes as stubborn as their heroes. She loves to here from her readers. Email her at contactme@rebeccaairies.net.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | RHAcafe | Blog | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Newsletter