Story News and a Cover/Title Makeover

I've read up on author success stories, those who self-pub and those who work with houses, and have learned quite a bit. In this business, though, learning never really ends. They say you have to be more than an author if you want to self-pub - you need to market, but you also have to be a tinkerer. Some authors have talked about switching out covers, even changing titles, to test the waters and see if their stories reach a broader audience. After listening to Mark Coker of Smashwords and Bob Mayer at RT this year, I realized I should set aside some time to tinker.

One summer project I have lined up for myself is Cover Rehaul Time. Some book have been around for decades, and they don't keep the same cover. I've seen several faces on The Hobbit and Gone With the Wind for two, and eventually if a book is around long enough it gets the "vintage" treatment with a special edition bearing the original design. I don't know if I should expect that one day, but I want my babies to look nice when they go out. So cover reconsideration is one task - and I've started with a nice makeover of a Dareville short.

Handle With Dare is, natch, part of the series, a short story featuring Marlene Robeson from Daring Young Man and The Dares That Bind. If you've read DYM and TDTB, you know Marlene was sort of the antagonist in both of those stories. Really, though, I don't think she's a bad person, perhaps lonely and not quite hip to the changing world around her. I wrote Handle for her, because she deserved some fun, too. While the story is not novel-length, I'm somewhat proud of it as it's the first erotic work of mine featuring an over-40 heroine. I wasn't 40 when I wrote it, but now that I've passed that mark I may delve back into cougar territory again.

Anyway, Handle wasn't the biggest mover of the Dareville stories, and I realize many factors are involved. Is it this, is it that? Recently, I tinkered. I've wanted a new cover for the story for a while, so I took care of that. I'm experimenting with a title change, something more appropriate to the story. Originally, Handle was to be called Daring With Age. Yeah, some titles just don't work. I thought up Handle With Dare since the story is about a woman's somewhat fragile nature as she takes a chance. It has the Dareville reference and the handle with care play on words - I think ultimately, though, it didn't quite mesh.

Long story short, if you did buy Handle With Dare, you don't need to buy The Lady Dares. It's a new design for a hot quickie, and you like hot sexy stories give it a try. Click the link to go to ARe to get it today.

Mind you, I do have new stuff coming soon. The Coming Together: Girl on Girl anth is due this summer, and I'm working on more stories - longer ones, just need to get the words down and polished. Stay tuned for news.

The Coming Together: Girl on Girl Lineup

I am pleased to announced the following stories have been selected for the upcoming Coming Together: Girl on Girl anthology of lesbian erotica and erotic romance:

• The Princess' Princess by Salome Wilde
• Sundae, Bloody Sunday by Lisabet Sarai
• Angel by Ms. Peach
• Hot Air by Slave Nano
• A Taste of Vanilla by Leigh Ellwood
• Trade In by Stephani Maari Booker
• New Girl by Harper Bliss
• Same But Different by Kate Atwood
• Fair As the Moon by Laurel Waterford
• On Display by Sophie Mouette
• Tough Enough to Wear a Dress by Teresa Noelle Roberts
• Snow Blind by Jean Roberta
• All Keyed Up by Scarlet Chastain
• Ghost Lights by Erzabet Bishop
• Winner Take by Andrea Dale
• Worth the Wait by Beth Wylde

I have to say I was so impressed by the quality of submissions sent to me. I've done calls for anthologies and themed lines in the past, and have always received good stories. I found it especially touching that authors were willing to contribute to this charity anthology. I hope you will enjoy the finished product.

I am working on securing an author for the book's introduction. Once that is done I'll make that announcement. Stay tuned for more news.

Anyone for Mojitos?

I have all this mint in my back yard. Now that the weather is warmer, it has truly grown and is taking over the small flower garden. I've used some leaves already, but I bet I could extract some mint oil and still have plenty for rum drinks. Perhaps when I have finished another story I'll celebrate.

Win Leigh's RT Convention Swag Bag! Lot of Romance Books and Prizes

Entry form to win the Swag Bag is now live! Click here to enter.

Every year I go to the Romantic Times (RT) convention, I hold a drawing for the swag I bring home. This year I have a big bag of goodies to give away - books, pens, cute knick-knacks, etc. - so much that I have a nice groove in my shoulder from where the strap cut it. Hee.

I enjoyed this year's event. It was nice to meet authors I've known online for years, and see people I tend to see annually. For the first time, too, I brought a costume! I made this Doctor Who scarf for a friend and broke it in at the Friday Vampire Ball. I know, the Doctor rarely fights vampires, but I made the darn thing and wanted to show it off.

I did not sign this year because I had to leave on Saturday (I had Rush tickets) and because I worked the Thursday Expo. I considered this a "rebuilding" year, and after attending some panels I realized I have some work to do. When do I never work, though? *exhausted sigh*

Back to the swag: I will warn you that this year I decided to keep two things: one of the bags which I found very handy, and a copy of Jill Shalvis's newest book. Now that I work in book retail, I need to read more and the copy of It Had to Be You looked right up my alley. Don't fret, because the bag winner gets the lion's share of the take.

And now, the contest details!

Entry form to win the Swag Bag is now live! Click here to enter.

This year I will pick winners for two prize packs. You only need to fill out the form, no purchase necessary.

Winners will be drawn on May 23 in the morning, EST.

One form counts as one entry. To increase your chances of winning, you will get extra entries by doing the following:

• One extra entry for following Leigh on Twitter at @LeighEllwood.
• One extra entry for liking Leigh's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/leighellwoodauthor.
• One extra entry for tweeting the following on Twitter:

I entered to win @LeighEllwood's #RT13 swag bag! http://tinyurl.com/LeighsRT13Bag

WINNERS

Two winners will be drawn for this contest. Due to the nature of materials, entrants must be age 18 and over.

One domestic winner (United States resident) will receive a bag of swag collected from the 2013 Romantic Times convention. Contents include books and author promotional materials (see list below for book prizes). For more details, visit Leigh's blog at http://tinyurl.com/LeighsRT13Bag.

One international winner (living outside the US) will receive a book from Leigh Ellwood's backlist (eBook version only), $10 in OmniBucks from AllRomance.com, and a small selection of promotional materials from RT 2013. Materials will include promotional booklets and "flat" materials suitable for international post (some have QR codes on them for extra goodies).

Your information will not be sold/given to third parties. You have an opportunity to opt into future alerts from Leigh Ellwood and will only receive future mailings if you opt in.

Good luck!

Print Book Prizes in This Year's Swag Bag (partial list)

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Slide by Jill Hathaway
• Invisible Sun by David Macinnis Gill
• So Close to You by Rachel Carter
• Confessions of a Little Black Gown by Elizabeth Goyle
• Night Resurrected by Joss Ware
• Tarnished by Karina Cooper
• Red Hot by Niobia Bryant
• No Longer a Gentleman by Mary Jo Putney
• The Warrior by Margaret Mallory
• Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
• Firelight by Kristen Callihan
• For Her Pleasure by Maya Banks
• Rock Deadly by Kathryn Lively

Rush Fans to the World: Now What?

In a few weeks we're off to see Rush in concert; I think this will be my seventh show and first of the Clockwork Angels tour. I was supposed to go last summer, but suffered a gallbladder attack the night before the concert. I had a choice: get the operation or probably die in the fifth row during "Subdivisions." Some people will move Heaven and Earth to see their favorite band, but since I hope to see them in the future I went under the knife.

Anyway, we Rush fans are having a good year so far. Geddy threw out the opening ball in Toronto at the start of baseball season, there's a new leg of the tour, and they were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Hopefully this summer my alter ego will be inspired enough to start on the third book of the Lerxst Johnston mysteries (the first of which is at Amazon for 99 cents), which would make it extra special for me. Now, if you know a hard core Rush fan you know they've been eligible for the Hall for 15 years, but weren't nominated until recently. We all know the story, but for the benefit of those who don't: it's pretty much an open secret that decision makers attached to the HoF aren't Rush fans, or into prog rock. So you won't find support there. Now, when you start inducting people who ARE Rush fans, who do get a vote in subsequent inductions, you'll find that times change.

This was also the first time, too, that fans got to vote on inductees. The finalist receiving the most fan votes got one point toward the HoF voting. Guess who won? Yep, you induct artists like Alice Cooper and Metallica, who know and respect the band, and you'll have to concede to the votes.

So, Rush are Hall of Famers, yay! Now the fans say, "Now what?" We've become used to complaining for over a decade...we need something new for a bitchfest. For me, I suppose I can complain about other artists who aren't yet in the HoF. Maybe this year we'll get to see Yes, Kiss, and few other deserving act get the thumbs up. Still waiting for Brian Epstein to be inducted as a non-performer, too.

Who do you think is long overdue for the HoF? I plan to cover a bit in the third Lerxst book.

What I'm Reading This Week

So I set a goal of 125 books to read this year, and I am about 40 books in. I'm fortunate in that my new job I'm encouraged to read, since I give input on book recommendations for the newsletters. How could you not love a job where reading plays a part?

I tend to read more than one book in a period of time, and here's what I picked up for the week:

Stranded With the Billionaire by Jessica Clare: The title pretty much states the premise. A waitress/winner of a radio prize is stuck on a tropical island during a hurricane. The billionaire in question has just purchased the resort where she's staying. I'm a few chapters in so far, and have read through a comedy of errors and mistaken identity. Curious to see where the story goes after the storm.

The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson: This year's Pulitzer winner for fiction. I've made it a goal to read all of the fiction winners, and I have to say I'm enjoying this one more than others. It's about a young North Korean who's worked various "odd jobs" to keep out of the camps. It's gritty and dark, but compelling.

Roseannarchy by Roseanne Barr: I've been catching up on Roseanne reruns, and it's interesting to see how a show from 20 years ago remains relevant today. We'll always have economic and familial struggles, and that's why this show has aged better than others. This book is a collection of essays - I'm early in, so it's been mostly about her early years. Hope to get into entertainment industry criticism soon.

Though I have a Goodreads account as Leigh, I use the profile under my real name more. You're welcome to friend me there and see what else I'm reading.

What's New, What Will Be

Today I am packing for another RT Bookclub Convention, where I will sign at the Thursday eBook Expo. I'm not sure which con this is for me - it may be the fifth or sixth, but I do know it's the first time I'll be in Kansas City, so that's exciting. I'm hoping this year I'll find the inspiration to write more and work toward a good book deal. I'm also looking for a good place to eat, and have been looking at the Man Vs. Food site for ideas. :-)

Yes, I have invested in self-publishing, and am somewhat pleased with the results. I like to think of myself as a hybrid author, though, one adaptable to any situation. This summer I hope to evaluate how and what I write, and what I will do with finished works. Perhaps I'll take shorter stories on the self-publishing route, and pitch longer works to publishers - that is, unless I choose to work on something for a specific call. I've looked at series like the Decadent 1NS stories and have wanted to contribute something for some time. Also, the Ellora's Cave Exotika line has appealed to me, too. Both lines do take shorter works, so maybe this summer I can come up with something to send.

In the meantime, I'm making a decision soon on the Coming Together: Girl on Girl anthology I'm editing. I have to say, I don't think I've had as successful a submissions call as this one. I received so many wonderful stories, and it makes me happy to know how many authors are willing to contribute their talents to a great cause. It will hurt to let some of these works go, but I will have a lineup to reveal shortly.

Of course, I plan to give away my big-a$$ RT book bag when I come home from Kansas City. Every time I go to RT I return with a truckload of freebies and books, and it's fun to hold a contest and award one lucky reader. Will it be you this year?

Resurrected Release: Leading Lady by Leigh Ellwood

Buy: AllRomance ~ Kindle ~ NOOK ~ Smashwords~ Kobo

Late last year I put out the title Sinful Surprises, which is a collection of four paranormal shorts. I did this to have a print release to take to cons, because I tend to go to SFF events with only contemporary and GLBT paperbacks. I know there are people interested in reading anything, but once I'd like to deliver in tune with the con's preferred genres. Anyway, it occurred to me that I did not release two of the stories as individual eBooks for those who'd prefer to read something specific. Leading Lady is out now, and Excitable will continue.

These two stories have a fascinating history. Both were originally published with Midnight Showcase as part of their anthology series. Right now, I can't even remember the titles - I'm sure I have copies somewhere, and maybe they are collector's items now. Once the contracts expired, the two stories were bundled together to become Excitable Gals for Loose ID. The contract expired again, and now they are mine. The stories are now in Sinful Surprises if you're interested in the collection, or you can pick up this one if you want a fun menage romp.

As for new stuff, I have stories in the pot cooking. In three days, though, I have the deadline for Coming Together: Girl on Girl, so I'll need time to read submissions. I look forward to a busy spring and summer.

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About Leading Lady

Buy: AllRomance ~ Kindle ~ NOOK ~ Smashwords~ Kobo

For decades, adolescent sci-fi fans worshiped Dina Joseph...rather, the character she played on "Mission: Jupiter." While the role didn't propel her to the A-list, her cult status at sci-fi cons puts many a strapping hunk on her "O" list. When two sexy fans propose a menage, she's ready for the countdown.

Lane and Kray only look like elves, but have come from an alternate universe to claim Dina as their own. Will Dina willingly leave this world and what fame she does command for a fantasy come to life?

(This story features MMF menage and is followed by the short, "Excitable.")

New from DLP Books: Joint Affair by JT Whitehall

I had the pleasure of previewing Joint Affair before it went live. I love when my friend JT has a new story to tell, and I'm hoping he does more with these characters. He hinted if it sold well, he'd write a sequel. So go out and buy it!

Meanwhile I'll be beta-reading a story of his that he wants to submit to an eBook publisher. Crossing my fingers for him.

Joint Affair by JT Whitehall

Buy It! Kindle ~ Nook ~ ARe ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords

Duff Randall wouldn't dream of breaking the law, but when conventional medicine fails to improve his father's health, Duff risks arrest by trying to score some weed. He never expected to find his would-be dealer so attractive.

As an undercover vice cop, Jim "Hick" Hickam can tell the junkies from the desperate. He doesn't know why Duff showed up on his corner, but he's definitely interested to learn more...and to get to know Duff better.

Sometimes we take chances to help those we love. Duff and Hick put their jobs and reputations on the line...will it pay off or will somebody get hurt?

Now Available: Bittersweet by Leigh Ellwood

At long last, Bittersweet is now available to read! This book is a long time coming, and I hope you enjoy it. Much has happened since we last left Kelly and Tobin getting to know each other over chocolate chip cookies and assorted space adventures, so I think it will be fun to catch up. Will there be a third story? I can't say right now - I have a few other sequels to write and make available, so we will see how readers enjoy this tale.

This is the follow-up to Taste This, though I think readers can enjoy it as a standalone.

Now, it's on to finish an F/F romance, the next Dareville novel, and the Coming Together anthology I am editing this summer. It's a busy spring and it hasn't started yet!

Now Available! All Romance ~ Kindle ~ Kobo ~ NOOK ~ Smashwords

This is the sequel to TASTE THIS by Leigh Ellwood.

After years of imprisonment on his home planet, the disgraced Tobin – former captain of the starship Jiu’Kr – is called upon to undertake a mission to save his people. Their salvation, to his great joy, lies on Earth.

Kelly Landry has tried to be productive since he and Tobin parted. He finds solace in his bakery, Taste This, and in helping those in need. He’s not ready to pursue another relationship, much to the disappointment of would-be suitor Brad Summers, because a part of him wants to believe his sexy alien lover will return.

When Tobin does come back for him, however, it’s not the romantic reunion Kelly expected. Tobin is a risk taker…will his actions keep him and Kelly apart for good?

Pre-Order Bittersweet at All Romance

My latest M/M erotic romance, Bittersweet, releases on March 5, but if you shop at All Romance you can pre-order the title now! I'm excited to have a buy link up for anyone interested in a hot gay erotic sci-fi.

You can order the book now at All Romance, and on release day you'll be able to download the book to your reader. Of course, Bittersweet will be available through Kindle, NOOK, Kobo, and Smashwords, and hopefully Apple. A Kobo pre-order link is coming soon as well.

Right now, I am working on a few projects, including a novella-length F/F romance and a new Dareville novel - an MMF menage. I'm also taking submissions for Coming Together: Girl on Girl if you have a short lesbian erotic piece to submit. Deadline is in 50 days!

Bittersweet is the sequel to my novella Taste This, which you can also order at ARe.

~

After years of imprisonment on his home planet, the disgraced Tobin - former captain of the starship Jiu'Kr - is called upon to undertake a mission to save his people. Their salvation, to his great joy, lies on Earth.

Kelly Landry has tried to be productive since he and Tobin parted. He finds solace in his bakery, Taste This, and in helping those in need. He's not ready to pursue another relationship, much to the disappointment of would-be suitor Brad Summers, because a part of him wants to believe his sexy alien lover will return.

When Tobin does come back for him, however, it's not the romantic reunion Kelly expected. Tobin is a risk taker...will his actions keep him and Kelly apart for good?

Cover Reveal: Bittersweet by Leigh Ellwood

At long last, the follow-up to my M/M sci-fi erotic story Taste This has a cover. Bittersweet continues the adventures of Tobin of the Vectran System and his Earth lover, Kelly, as they defy all odds to be together once again. I've received many an e-mail over the years asking about the sequel to this story, and I'm happy to say we are closer than ever. I hope it's worth the wait, and that you enjoy it.

Bittersweet will be available March 5th through the major eBook retailers. After that, it's on to my next project, an MMF romance in my Dareville series. In the meantime, please check for me on Twitter @LeighEllwood to see what else I have happening.