How Did I End Up in Erotica? Guest Blog, Giveaway and Tour Kickoff with Tanith Davenport

To see a list of all the tour stops visit Bewitching Book Tours

How did I end up here?

It all started three years ago when I decided to stop talking about writing a book and just write the damn thing. I had the idea that women's fiction would be a good genre to aim for, since that gave me freedom of plot choice while still allowing me to add the romance that I loved writing.

And then a plot suggested itself. A group of characters, all with confusion over their sexuality, and a sorority house, and a threesome.

Hmm. Sounding like erotica yet?



Well, it didn't to me.

I was part of the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme at the time and sent it off for critique under the heading of "contemporary". It came back with the advice to either heat it up or tone it down, as it wasn't clear if I wanted to write full erotica or just a sexy romance.

I didn't want to tone it down, so I heated it up. After all, it was a novel about sexuality, right? With ménage sex and a pegging scene? I didn't want to give those up.

Yet, for some reason, I still was pitching it as women's fiction.

I have Debi Alper, my Book Doctor, to thank for the decision to change my pitch. Through her, I finally realised that erotica doesn't have to be porn without plot. And through Total-e-Bound, who gave me my first chance, I've become part of a community with a wide vista of genres, all under the heading of erotic romance and yet all giving the freedom to stretch as we write.

And now I can finally release The Hand He Dealt to a world of erotica and erotic romance readers, and I hope it's as entertaining to read as it was to write!

The Hand He Dealt

by Tanith Davenport

ISBN: 978-0-85715-570-2

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Publisher: Total-e-Bound

Book Description:

Astra Scott likes to live life to the full. A sorority girl and Gaming Management student, she spends her days studying and practicing guitar, and her nights partying or working at the Fountain Casino, where she has an internship as part of her final semester. The only blot on her landscape is Ash Drake, her best friend Sasha’s boyfriend. Arrogant, physical and blond, Ash has never forgiven Astra for her rejection months earlier and enjoys annoying her at every turn.

But when Astra’s boyfriend Harry reveals a shocking secret, Astra responds in the only way she can think of: by finding a way to take on a more attractive, masculine role in the relationship. Her experimentation with sex toys finds a surprising outlet in Sasha, but when Ash discovers their secret and wants to get involved, Astra finds herself torn between dislike and desire… and as their undercover relationship grows, Astra finds herself falling in love, a path she feels can only end in heartbreak.

For Ash may be the only man whose own fantasies are a match for hers, but can she knowingly steal his affections from her best friend?

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1244

EXCERPT:

Two hours later, and Astra stood in front of her bedroom mirror, holding in one hand the toy she had bought from Amy’s Delights.

Rubber underwear was laced through her fingers, a small plastic remote control dangling below on the end of a long cord. And attached to the front—

Well.

It was a strap-on.

It was a strap-on dildo.

And it was purple.

A purple length of shiny plastic. A perfect simulacrum of a veined, circumcised penis, five inches long and of a thickness Astra considered average, just the right width to wrap a hand around.

She stared at her reflection for a long time, contemplating the dildo, before slowly drawing it back towards her body, holding it against her stomach.

No.

One foot through the straps, two feet…rubber caught against denim-clad legs, but after a moment’s struggle the strap-on dildo was in place, and Astra’s image stood in front of her, the purple dick jutting out in front like the hilt of a sword.

Slowly she rotated her hips, watching the dildo glide from side to side, before stopping abruptly with a giggle.

Shit. It looks like a fucking light sabre.

Watching herself in the mirror, she closed one hand around its length, giving it a tentative stroke.

Nothing. Unsurprisingly.

She tried it again, this time holding the remote control and flicking the switch. A sudden buzzing, accompanied by a muted vibration through her jeans, made her jolt sharply.

Interesting.

Flipping the switch again, she rocked her hips slowly, her eyes glazing. In her mind formed a picture of Harry’s smooth back and bare buttocks, thighs parting to receive her, Harry’s voice gasping, begging for more, more, please, more…

Oh.

The switch snapped off.

Astra eyed herself coolly, squaring her shoulders, her legs automatically widening into a masculine stance.

Would you like to win an ecopy of The Hand He Dealt?

One copy is being given away tour wide.

To enter just leave a comment at one or all of the stops along the tour

Not For Victorian Eyes Virtual Art Tour- And a Chance to Win an Original Piece of Art by Christopher Chamberlain

Today I'm taking part in something awesome and new- a virtual art tour- and this one fits in perfectly here because some of the pieces are quite...erotic.

So without any further ado let's welcome the artist-Christopher Chamberlain

Hi Roxanne! Thank you so much for hosting my Not For Victorian Eyes virtual art tour of the blogosphere.

You have some very interesting questions that really provoked a lot of thought on my part.

I'll stop chattering away now and get on with the interview!

Do you use live models for your erotic art or do you draw what's in your head?

In a word, yes. I do use live models to create my work. I also create finished pieces based on rough gestural sketches by filling in and adding to the (in)appropriate details. And at times I've used photos for reference. For a lot of my work I simply draw from my mind's eye.

There is no tried and true formula of which piece I will use live models as inspiration. Many times I've created new art simply by catching a glimpse of someone, remembering just what it was that struck me about them at that moment; and then capturing it on paper as soon as I could. I carry a sketchbook with me almost everywhere so I'm rarely without paper and pencil. Of course, like many other artists there have been the odd napkin and coaster doodles.

I see your work is a very eclectic mix- superheroes, wizards, witches, Elvira, Frankie, the Mummy, comics - there really is a mix of everything. What is your favorite subject matter- or does it just depend on what you're in the mood to create?

I don't really have a favorite subject matter for my artwork. Sometimes it just depends on what I've been hired to create. But there are stretches of time when I will focus on one particular theme and carry it through until I've exhausted it. Then I'll leave that subject alone again for a while until it's nagging at me to get onto canvas.

When did you start creating erotic pieces?

A number of years ago, actually. It's only in the last six months or so that I've really thought about showing my erotic art.

It's kind of a tough decision, as I'm certain it would be for writers as well to let this side of your creativity show.

You don't really know how the people you know and care about will respond. And that made me really consider the idea for a long time. But there comes a point when you just have to be able to fully express yourself.

For me, that full expression is being able to show all of my creative work.

What mediums do you work with- pastels, acrylic, oils, pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, something else?

My favourite media to use are pencil, pen and ink, markers, watercolour paints, gouache and coloured pencils.

Sometimes I paint in acrylic and I've been known to use pastels as well. I've dabbled a bit with the oils, but I need a bigger studio space to feel comfortable about diving into that medium.

Which medium are you most comfortable using?

Well, it's not oil paints. There isn't really one medium that I feel most comfortable using. Most of my artwork combines more than one type. It's probably a toss up between pen and ink, and watercolours.

Is there an art medium you haven't tried yet but would like to?

Certainly. I love experimenting and dabbling in new mediums. I'd love to dig into clay, actually.

What are you trying to say with your erotic art, what is your message?

There's a story behind each piece, a conversation, a series of events that occured and more events that are yet to pass. I like to provide a glimpse into this story. I have the story and the events in my own head, but they're not set in stone. I like for the viewer to create their own story from the art and to see where it leads.

What are your artistic goals?

There are quite a few - the first would be to be highly successful in regards to my artwork. What does successful mean to me? Having my artwork seen and recognized far and wide, hanging in galleries, having a great many patrons, and to keep creating more! Creating art is bound to my personality, and I want to share it with as many people as I can.

For anyone of your readers who may be looking for artwork of all sorts, they can feel free to contact me and be treated very professionally. I take my artwork seriously, and I treat each piece with the same level of professionalism.

I can be contacted through email:

manyfacesart@gmail.com

To see more of my work, and read more about my Not For Victorian Eyes virtual art tour, please visit my sites:

www.manyfacesart.blogspot.com

www.c21.deviantart.com

my webcomic: www.grayhavencomics.com/category/kid-robo/

I’m offering as a bonus, to all new followers of my blog, a chance to win an original print of one of my pieces of art.

This contest will run until the 7th of August.

Each and every follower of my blog will have a chance to win, including my current followers. New followers will have an extra ballot in the random draw.

You can also get an extra ballot by leaving a comment. The best three comments (as chosen by me) left on my blog over the duration of the contest will receive a print.

Thanks again for hosting my work, Roxanne!

Thank you Christopher for sharing your amazing artwork with us.

2011 Vampire Ball Coming October 22

Who will join me at the Flint Vampire Ball this year?

http://vertigotheatrics.com/themed-events/2011-vampire-ball/

Details taken from the Vertigo Theatrics Site:

The hinges creak as the lid of the coffin lifts. The darkness of the interior of the box stirs with the movement of the undead.

The re-animated hand of the vampire Amir Ayyish Mayyit Minalibir moves and reaches out for the streets of Flint. He is patiently awaiting the arrival of his minions when the Historic Masonic Temple will once again be filled with the reveling of those wishing to join the festivities.

Save the date as the Amir will once again host Vertigo Theatrics 4thAnnual Vampire Ball

at the

Historically Haunted

Masonic Temple at 755 S. Saginaw St. in downtown Flint on

Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Only 333 tickets available….Order your tickets early to ensure your presence at this yearly Gothic Gala –

the Amir awaits you……

mark your calendars for October 22, 2011…

you don’t want to miss this fangtastic event!!

The night will once again be full of exotic scares and pleasure. The first three years welcomed the gothic genius of Voltaire, The Hellblinki Chamber Ensemble, The Lunatic Vagabonds Gothic Belly Dancing Troupe, DJ cypher of Dark Nation Radio, Bellamorte, Versailles, Ego Likeness & Covert Operations.

The Vampire Ball has proven to be a Halloween treat that spookily brings out the bloodsucker in all of us. The darkness and children of the night cool a spiral through the heart and makes you question your future. If you have need for prognosticating there will be psychic readers Lynda Forbes & Friends on hand to help guide your path.

The prior years have been enchanting and eerie, yet combined with a festive atmosphere of continued surprises by not only the entertainers but the audience as well. There is little ability to predict the full evolution of the night or the mystic spirits that will possess the guests.

Speaking of spirits, the cash bar will once again be serving the specialty drinks of The Blood Bath, Vampire Kiss Martini, Vampire Wine, Blood (Bud) Lite, True Blood and the Familiar, heavy hors ‘d oeuvres are included with your ticket. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Tickets can be ordered on line at www.vertigotheatrics.com or by calling Vertigo Theatrics at 810-239-7469. Join us for this one of a kind event in mid-Michigan, Saturday, October 22, 2011. Doors open at 7:30. You must be 21 and over to enter the vampires lair…ID’s will be checked at the door. The Amir is anxiously waiting to greet his guests.

Vampire Ball

Advance Tickets: $20. At the door: $25.

50% Off Ebook Price of Paranormal Pleasures at Smashwords

Get Paranormal Pleasures for 50% off at Smashwords using coupon code SSW50-

share the code spread the word

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54836

Ten tantalizing, erotic tales of vampires, witches and demons grace the pages of this short story collection by Roxanne Rhoads.

Step into the darkness and let these tales tempt and tease to satisfy your paranormal cravings.

Eight of Roxanne Rhoads' previous eBook publications appear in this collection, along with two brand new, never before published tales of supernatural love and lust.

Spicy Excerpt from Break Out by Nina Croft

BLOOD HUNTER SERIES - Book One by Nina Croft

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/break-out/

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun!

Title: Break Out
Author: Nina Croft
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance/Vamps
Length: Novella
Release Date: July 5th, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-937044-04-6

“An exciting roller coaster ride… Loads of fun!”
~ Julia Rachel Barrett, Award-winning author of Captured

Today is the day- Break Out by Nina Croft is available for sale for only .99!

And I have a spicy little excerpt to grab your attention:

He closed his eyes, rested his back against the wall as she explored him with her velvety tongue. Her touch was tentative at first. Rico was used to whores whose practiced mouths knew exactly what to do, and strangely, he found this far more erotic. She kissed the tip, and his hips pushed against her. She ran her tongue around the rim, and he bit back another groan.

Finally, she took him in her mouth. He opened his eyes and stared down the line of his body to watch as her red full lips encircled his cock. His fingers tightened in her hair, pressing her closer, and she sucked harder.

He forced his hand to relax, stroked her hair, her throat, anywhere he could touch as he continued to thrust leisurely into that hot, wet mouth. The pleasure built inside him. He was so close now, his breath coming in short sharp pants. She cupped his balls with her hand, squeezed, and he exploded.

Pleasure shot through his balls, up his shaft, melted his spine. His back arched and he came. For long moments, he pumped into her mouth, unable to stop. Finally, she drew back, her tongue snaking out to lick her full lower lip.“Umm.”

“Umm?”

“You taste…” She licked her lips again and a tremor of residual pleasure shot through him, jerking his hips. “…delicious.”

At the word, another hunger rose, and his gums ached with the need to taste her. “Come here.” He tugged her to her feet, pulling her close against him. Everything was hot and wet. He kissed her mouth, her cheeks, burrowed his face in the curve of her throat, licking the moist skin, finding the point where the blood flowed close to the surface, touching his tongue to the pulse.

She wasn’t fighting him off now, and he knew he could have her. His hunger rose as his fangs grazed the tender flesh. It had been days since he had fed, but still he couldn’t bring himself to make the final move.

If he tasted her, what would he discover?

Right now, he only suspected what she was. If he knew for sure, would he have to put a stop to this charade? Put a stop to Skylar? And even if he did prove she was a liar, it wouldn’t explain what she was really up to. He doubted he could make her talk, and he wanted to know.

Actually, he wanted her to tell him of her own free will, and for that he needed more time.

When he didn’t move, she wriggled against him. His hunger roared, straining against the fierce hold he had on his control. If she moved again, he knew he would lose it, take her. And then she ground her hips into him, and his control slipped away. There was only one sure way he could stop himself now. He stared at the red button on the wall beside him.

Dios, he hated cold water.

He shifted Skylar so he held her in one arm, and taking a deep breath, he slammed his other hand onto the button.

The effect was instantaneous.

Skylar screamed, and this time it wasn’t from pleasure.