#WriteTip: When Writer’s Block Hits by Jessica Subject (@jsubject), #SciFiRom #Author at @DecadentPub

I'm delighted to welcome fellow Beyond Fairytales author and SFR Brigade member Jessica Subject here today. She's got some writing tips for you, as well as a smoking hot excerpt from her new release, The Star Princess. I'll let her take it from here. 

9 Writing Tips: When Writer's Block Hits | Text by Jessica Subject | Graphics by Tara Quan

When Writer’s Block Hits

by Jessica Subject

I like to say I’ve never been hit by writer’s block. Unfortunately, I have, but I have an active plan in place that it doesn’t last long. The first thing we writers need to remember when we experience a time when our story just won’t come, is DO NOT PANIC! Panicking is going to make the situation much worse than it needs to be. It’s also going to prolong the length of our writer’s block.

Here are nine things I like to do when I experience a temporary block of ideas...

1. Listen to music – If you have a playlist for the story, listen to it for inspiration. If you don’t have one, make one. Find music that relates to the characters, the settings, or the scenes you want to create.
   
2. Daydream – Close your eyes and picture the story. Imagine yourself as your main character. Feel what they are feeling. Play out the scene you’re working on.
   
3. Walk away from the story – I just put it down and go do something else, whether it be housework, going for a walk, exercising, or working on a project/craft I’ve put aside long ago. Sometimes you just need some time away from the story to get unblocked.
   
4. Read a book – Sometimes getting lost in someone else’s world will relax you enough to get the ideas flowing again. You can read something in your own genre, or a story totally different from anything you’ve ever read. Who knows what twist it may inspire.
   
5. Work on another story – Try writing flash fiction for events like #ThursThreads. Sometimes trying to write something else will get the ideas flowing again. Or, you’ll just start another story. Hey, at least you’re writing.
   
6. Try writing in a new place – If you normally write in your home, pack up your computer and take a trip to a coffee shop, the library, or somewhere else you can find a table to write. Not only can a new writing spot unblock you, but people watching can also inspire characters. Snippets of conversation you overhear might also make its way into your story.
   
7. Have a trusted critique partner read over what you’ve written – Maybe you’ve wrote yourself into a corner. Maybe there’s a plot hole and you can’t see it. Sometimes another author can help you see where you’ve taken a wrong turn and help you get back to writing your story.
   
8. Have coffee or lunch with another author – Whether you discuss your story and decide to rewrite the whole thing (Yes, that’s what I did with The Star Princess), or just take a break, it’s nice to spend time with someone else in the industry.
   
9. Take a vacation – Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Put the writing away and go have fun. You don’t have to go far or for a long time. You can come back to writing refreshed and with more ideas and inspiration.

THE STAR PRINCESS

A Beyond Fairytales story

By Jessica E. Subject

A New Adult Erotic Sci-Fi Romance

In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.

Available from
Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Smashwords
Amazon US | UK | Australia | Canada | Germany
Add The Star Princess to Goodreads

Excerpt (Adult-Content Ahead!)

At the whoosh of the space shuttle flying overhead, the feline on Ro’sa’s knee hissed before jumping to the floor. Ro’sa hurried to the front of the house, pressing her palms and nose against the window. Somewhere in that ship was her betrothed, the prince from Earth she would marry.

Ka’lyn, her best friend, squeezed in beside her, claiming the rest of the available window space. “What do you think he looks like? I’ve never seen anyone from Earth before. Maybe he has two heads, or one eye....” She nudged Ro’sa’s side. “Two cocks?”

“Ka, really?” Flaring heat rushed to Ro’sa’s cheeks and temporarily paused the fluttering of firetubes in her stomach. In seven rotations, she would say good-bye to her home, her family, and all of her friends to be with a complete stranger. She’d grown up knowing this time would come, but it had always seemed so far away. Until he’d arrived. Ro’sa swallowed her nerves. “His people just recently joined the Confederacy. I think the only reason they were invited was to prevent an intergalactic war when they learned of the existence of life beyond their own solar system.” They’d already destroyed most of their planet. Who knows what they would have done had the Confederacy not intervened?

Ka’lyn grabbed her shoulders and turned Ro’sa to face her. “I know all this, but what do they look like?”

“Humanoid, like us.” She searched her memory for the few Terran dignitaries she’d met. “But their skin is different shades of brown, from nearly white to almost black.” Though she had no idea where her betrothed fit into the spectrum, never having been allowed to travel to Earth. How she wished she had. If her parents had allowed them to meet earlier, she’d have far fewer worries and much more experience with how to interact with those from Earth, and with her betrothed. She’d retained her virginity for him, the only female her age on the planet who hadn’t experienced sex, though she hoped to know what it was like before she left for Earth.

“Weird. So, when do you get to meet him?”

“Tonight.” Ro’sa returned her gaze out the window, watching the shuttle descend onto the runway. Had the prince saved himself for her? “There’s an official introduction ceremony where we will shake hands and eat our first meal together.”

“That’s crap.” Her friend tugged on her fingers. “Let’s go meet him as he’s coming off the ship.”

Ro’sa shook her head, yanking her hand away. “I can’t. I have to follow protocol.”

“Then we’ll hide in the shrubs. Don’t you want to check him out before you’re introduced to him in front of everyone?”

Biting her bottom lip, Ro’sa watched the spacecraft disappear below the treetops. “I guess.” Then she wouldn’t look like a fool in her first reaction to him. She could hold her emotions in check, having already caught sight of the prince.

“Let’s go then.” Ka’lyn stood at the door before she had the chance to move.

They left her friend’s home behind. Darting through the woods on the packed dirt path, Ro’sa hoped they’d make it to the runway in time. If the castle guards hastened him away, they’d never make it in time. Why hadn’t her parents let her meet him years ago? Was he that horrendous looking? At least they could have shown her a picture.

About Jessica E. Subject

Jessica E. Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to sexy. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com and on twitter @jsubject.

Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph

Timing’s Everything - A #WriteTip from Tara Andrews ( @tara_andrews1 )

As a fellow perpetual procrastinator (I tried to say it three times fast and failed), I'm delighted to welcome my pub-buddy Tara Andrews over today. At some point in the future, I must regale you with the "Tale of Two Taras." You see, Decadent Publishing has two authors named Tara, who both wrote and received contracts for stories in their 1-Night Stand line this year, and whose books went through content edits at around the same time. Suffice it to say, much hilarity ensued.

But this post isn't about that. Ms. Andrews just nosed me out on release dates, and her 1-Night Stand contemporary romance came out yesterday! Being the somewhat inconsiderate blogger that I am, I decided this super busy weekend would be the perfect time to wheedle a writing tip from her. Here it is! 

Timing’s Everything

by Tara Andrews

Photo Credit: I Bought an Egg Timer | Ian Barbour | Flickr Creative Commons (Cropped, Color Adjusted, Text Added) | Attribution License (Share Alike 2.0)

I’m a perpetual procrastinator (say that three times fast), advanced-level, if you will.  This, of course, is in direct opposition to my desire to write.  I can think of a great scene in my head, but before tapping it out I should first do the dishes, and go through the mail.  Oh, and then let me check Facebook and Twitter “really fast”, then everything will be done and perfect and… who am I kidding?  I’m procrastinating.

One of the tips I picked up on, while reading about the Pomodoro Technique, is to use an egg timer.  The logic behind this is that anyone can do anything for at least twenty minutes, whether it’s cleaning a closet, studying, or—you guessed it—writing.  Set the timer for twenty minutes and work on the task at hand.  When the time runs out, take a five minute break and then put in another twenty minutes.

The original technique has a more detail to it beyond this, but I find I only need to set the timer twice, at most, before I’m on a roll.  I’ve also instructed my kids when they hear the egg timer ticking away, it means (barring any emergency) “Do not disturb, Mom is writing.”  LOL.

You can bet many minutes ticked by on my timer while writing my newest release Her Everything!

Her Everything
by Tara Andrews

Rachel Turner made a mistake—a couple, in fact.  Ruining a surprise meeting with the front man to her favorite band is just the beginning.  But agreeing to switch places with her famous sister may spell the end of both of their careers. With rumors flying and an unexpected invitation from Madame Eve, Rachel hopes she can put the mistakes behind her.

Attending an event to support a charity close to his heart, Mark Travis wasn’t looking for love, or even company—and definitely not with a fan.  But when he puts in a hasty bid at a silent auction and wins the services of 1Night Stand, Madame Eve has something different in mind.  A single evening with a woman she claims can fulfill his needs.  But one night might not be enough.

Come morning, will Mark and Rachel’s unexpected one-night stand give them more than they bargained for?

Excerpt

On the dance floor, Mark tugged her waist to pull her close. With one hand clasped in his and the other resting on his shoulder, she followed his lead. He danced with the same confidence and style as he walked—sure, commanding, and…so incredibly hot.

Thanks to the four-inch Louboutins Rachel had borrowed from her sister, the top of her head barely reached his chin, but high enough, if she dared, to rest her temple against his cheek. Though tempted to find out if the stubble along his jaw was as soft as it looked, she didn’t dare. But, oh, how she wanted to. At least they were close enough that the spicy scent of his cologne surrounded her.

A love song played, its lyrics about longing the perfect fit for her one-and-only dance with the man she’d admired so long from afar.

“You didn’t come back.” His voice, rough and low, vibrated against her cheek.

She tilted her head to meet his gaze. The intimate proximity allowed her an up-close-and-personal view of his brown eyes, their color reminding her of the amaretto she favored.

His hold on her shifted, bringing them closer, the difference slight, but welcome. The nerves at her waist sizzled under the weight of his palm, while his thumb rubbed the exposed skin of her back. She shivered again from the simple touch, and an answering heat flared in his eyes.

“I…I got called away to help my sister.” She stumbled on the near lie. But, truth be told, she never dreamed Mark would give her a second thought after she’d left, his disinterest so plain to see.

“Sasha?”

So he knew who she was then? “Yes, she’s my sister.”

“Your twin.”

Rachel allowed him to spin her before replying. “That’s correct.”

“I didn’t realize at first. The glasses threw me off, as did your hair.” He smiled then. “Even so, you two are not identical.”

Aside from her and Sasha’s obvious style differences and voices, very few people were able to tell them apart. A knot formed in Rachel’s throat. She didn’t like where his comment appeared to be leading or the way his movements slowed and his brow furrowed.

He met her eyes. “Was that you on stage tonight?” 

Buy Links: Decadent Publishing | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About Tara Andrews

Tara Andrews divides her time between a full-time job as an office manager, an even more full-time job as a wife and mother, and her dream job as a romance author.  An avid reader and writer, Tara continuously seeks to hone her craft in order to provide readers with stories that are provocative yet romantic.

As she has learned from her own experiences, dreams do come true and women can live happily ever after. Tara strives to infuse a blend of fantasy and realism in her stories in order to connect with readers’ own experiences, hopes and emotions.

Tara lives in upstate New York with her wonderful husband and two fabulous children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | GoodReads

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Lamp, typewriter, and specs.. | John Levanen | FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS (BW Filter & Text Added) | ATTRIBUTION LICENSE (C)

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.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon