Monday, January 28, 2013

PUBLISHER SPOTLIGHT: RIVERDALE AVENUE BOOKS

By Maria C. Ferrer




On December 17, 2012, veteran literary agent Lori Perkins launched Riverdale Avenue Books, a new pop culture e-book publishing house. I was able to talk to Lori and ask her about the new venture and what it will mean to writers.

Q: Why pop culture? What is the attraction?

LP: Pop culture drives publishing, just like romance does. If you look at the bestsellers lists, you’ll find at least eight books on pop culture and all are doing very well. Riverdale Avenue Press is the first full service digital publisher to launch a pop culture line. RAB will give readers the same immediate gratification that they have come to expect from all forms of media and entertainment. Each RAB imprint represents a genre that we believe is consumable, and will keep our readers coming back for more. Simply put, we will give readers the books they crave.

The Riverdale Avenue Books imprints are:

• Riverdale/Magnus books – a LGBT line with Magnus Books, created by Donald Weise

• Riverdale Pop – pop culture titles, like unauthorized biographies of such stars as the late Jenny Rivera, Katie Holmes, and Justin Bieber

• RAB HSF – a horror, science fiction and fantasy line

• RAB Truth – an erotic memoir line

• RAB Desire – an erotica and erotic romance line

Q: How soon will your books be available?

LP: RAB has purchased about 50 books and has inventory through April 2013. We’ll publish four books a month to start with, and will add more as we grow. At RAB, we don’t see a reason why it takes a year and a half to publish a book. That is how traditional publishers miss opportunities. RAB books will be up in at least two months. For example, we are doing an unauthorized biography of the late Jenny Rivera, which will be out in late January.

Q: Will RAB offer print books?

LP: Yes, all the e-books will be available through POD – print on demand.

Q: Are the other three lines, HSF, Truth and Desire, open to new writers?

LP: All five lines are open to new writers, published and unpublished, fiction and non-fiction. Please see the RAB website for our guidelines. The website is www.riverdaleavebooks.com. To submit, send a query to submissions@riverdaleavebooks.com. Expect a response within 30 days.

Q: You had another publishing venture, Ravenous Romance. Is the goal for Riverdale Avenue Books the same?

LP: Ravenous Romance is publishing erotic romance. RAB has five imprints with a larger distribution through Ingram. RAB is the first full service digital publisher to launch a pop culture line, with a foreign rights department and a Los Angeles-based film agent. We are also working with Audio Realms to produce simultaneous audio books on most of our titles.

Q: How do you do it all?! You are an agent, publisher, host of a reading series, mother, partner, etc. What is your secret?

LP: I’ve been an agent for 25 years. I work a lot of 16-hour days. Right now, is the most exciting time in publishing. I want to publish books that make people feel better, and, luckily, I am in a position to be able to do so.♥


Maria C. Ferrer is President of RWA/NYC. She writes contemporary romance under her own name and erotica under her pseudonym of Del Carmen. Maria’s stories have been published by Cleis Press and Ravenous Romance, as well as Star, Penthouse and Cosmopolitan for Latinas magazines.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Writing is a relationship, so treat it like one


By Alyssa Cole


I’m currently in a long-distance relationship. It’s not an ideal situation, but given the many technologies available to us in this day and age, it’s much easier than it would have been in the past. There’s no waiting for weeks on end for letters to travel by ship: the magic of email allows us to write each other all the time. In fact, I recently realized that I had probably already written a novel’s worth of emails to my beau, and that’s when something struck me.

Writing is a relationship.

Just as you need to check in with your loved ones, update them on your latest exploits, and ask questions that give you an insight into their mindsets, you need to dedicate time and commitment to your writing. Eventually, it will become a simple part of your day, like checking in with your husband or your child, instead of an intimidating (and thus easy to put off) task looming ahead of you.

Here are three ways to put your relationship with your writing into perspective using the rubric of flesh and blood relationships:

1.) Relationships require constant attention. No, not the Fatal Attraction type of attention. There’s no need to boil bunnies quite yet, but you must put forth a certain amount of energy in order to maintain both a relationship and a writing career. Most people would not be okay with their significant others checking in only once a week because they were “just too busy.” Consider your relationship with your writing in the same light. Try to work on things a few times a week and consider the work you’re doing as investment in an important aspect of your life.

2.) Sometimes you are just too busy. Most writers aren’t getting paid to do what they love full time. There is the day job, as well as the significant other, the children, the friends, and the family members---a long line of commitment comes before writing. But when you are too busy to have a lengthy conversation or a long, leisurely brunch with someone you care about, you still try to maintain the connection by making a quick phone call or typing out a short email. Do the same with your writing. You may not always have time to pound out 2,500 words, but you can outline a paragraph while the coffee is brewing. You can brainstorm how the hero and heroine will overcome their first obstacle while in the shower (or otherwise indisposed). Taking a few minutes every day to actively check in with your writing project, even if only mentally, will help you maintain a vital connection to the story.

3.) There will always be rocky times, but you will make it through. In just about any relationship, be it with your boss, your significant other, or a family member, there will come a point when you are so frustrated that you think the easiest thing to do would be to throw in the towel. But in reality, and in a healthy relationship, you give yourself a little breathing room and then try to work through whatever problems you have. Hiding from the problems won’t help; they’ll still be there lurking beneath the surface. The same is true for the writing process. When you hit a wall or get frustrated, instead of shoving your project under the bed, or into a hidden folder in your documents file, take a bit of time to cool down, and then try to come at the situation from a different angle. Sometimes you’ll have to compromise on a story idea, or things won’t work out how you expected them to, but that doesn’t change the fact that writing is often a gratifying and transformative experience.

As we kick off 2013, take some time to reflect on your relationship with writing. Are you giving your work the attention it deserves? Are you sticking with it through the good times and the bad?

Alyssa Cole is a science editor by day and a romance writer when she takes her anti-procrastination pills. You can find her on twitter at @AlyssaColeLit.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Scrapbooking Your Novel

by Katana Collins



I've always considered myself to be a visual person. I learn faster when something is physically shown or drawn out for me. In school, math was jibberish until I could physically see it in action. History? Bromidic descriptions and endless amounts of dates were a mishmash inside my head until I could put a visual to the words.

For the “day job,” I am a photographer. I tell stories through pictures. Then I compose each of my sessions into a linear tale designed to evoke emotion in each client. I never present my images in the same order that they were photographed. Why? Because that's what the client expects when she or he comes in to see their gallery. I want to give them the unexpected. Just like in my fiction. My readers deserve more than the expected.

When I sat down to write my first novel, I had a legal pad and a number two pencil in front of me. Visions of ten year old Katana sitting in front of a tiny metal desk in a primary colored plastic chair flooded my mind and I nearly had a damn panic attack. The thought of having to write an entire outline seemed like a Herculean task. So, instead of beginning with words—I doodled. The exact same doodles I used to put in the margins of my homework were now becoming my outline. My first draft looked roughly like a comic book with scenes I knew I wanted to write sketched out on the paper. And for the record—I do not draw well! I'm a stick figure girl at best (and that's not a joke about me being an A-cup). But I knew what these horrid sketches meant and what they symbolized and that's all that mattered. Filled with an excitement that wasn't there before, I grabbed stacks of old magazines and found my characters within them. I cut them out, pasted them to sheets of paper and in the margins wrote character descriptions. The character's name, their age, their eye color, scars/birthmarks and how they got them, their jobs, their backgrounds, astrological signs, whether or not they thought astrology was bullshit. I wanted to know my characters as though they were my best friends. And the way I, personally, learn is through pictures...not words.

This became the basis for how I begin every book. I sketch out scenes that I know I want to write—do I think my characters are going to have a huge public fight in a park on a snowy day? That goes in my scrapbook. What does the layout of her home look like? A floorplan goes in the scrapbook. Will they make love against the window of my hero's high-rise apartment? Hell yeah! And because I'm sometimes a 13 year old boy at heart, I draw her boobs extra big!

For every single book I write, I have a “scrapbook.” A binder with pages and pages of collaged pictures and sketches inside. Since I mostly write in books within a series, these are invaluable for referencing later. I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten what color eyes one of my heroine's love interests have. Or which side of his face there's a little scar. I don't have to do a search and find for the word “scar” through my entire first manuscript. I simply open their scrapbook and flip to his page!

Once I finish a chunk of the scrapbook, I'm usually energized to where I'm ready to tackle my personal battle with words. And now with Pinterest, this is the perfect outlet for a digital scrapbook, making the process even easier! Your readers will love seeing your Pinterest pages—your photographs and insights. Having a chance to glimpse into an author's brain and how they picture the hero and heroine of their favorite novel is thrilling for fans.

Is this method for everyone? Certainly not! But if the idea of writing down a full outline for each book seems daunting, this might be a great way to get your juices flowing.




For as long as she can remember, Katana Collins always had one of two things in hand—a pen or a camera. And now, after twenty-nine years, she is lucky enough to have two of the best jobs ever—writing sexy romances, and also photographing sexy boudoir portraits. After writing for years, Katana finally found her niche with hot paranormal and sexy contemporary romances. When not writing, reading or photographing, you can find Katana in Brooklyn with her husband and two dogs where she drinks copious amounts of coffee and red wine and actively volunteers her time and photography expertise to local animal shelters. www.katanacollins.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

WHAT LOVE'S GOT TO DO WITH IT


by Thea Devine



I’m a hopeless romantic. I love love. I love being in love. Love is magic. Love is profound. Love is enfolding. I think love is forever -- and that we all yearn for that deep visceral knowledge of the other person that transcends everything but the need and desire to be together.

That's the way I felt when I first met my husband, and how I feel 46 years later. Enfolded. Everything known and understood. And loved.

But maybe when you're young and a little jaded, you can't ever imagine feeling that way. Maybe you feel used and abused. Maybe you think the guys always get everything and you get nothing. Maybe you're leaving college and thinking, it's going to be that way forever, that love is just a throw-away word, and it's all about plug-and-play sex and good-bye in the morning.

Or maybe you're up for trying something out of the box. Maybe it's time to get before you give, time to find a more mature man who will appreciate the skill set of a young and flexible woman, a man who wants you so desperately, he's willing to give a lot to get you, even toss His Little Black Book.

(By the way, how do you get your name in His Little Black Book?)

Sounds sooo seductive, so easy to accomplish you might even think you could make it happen.

This is the delicious life plan cooked up by three college friends, who've decided their next best career move after graduation is to become high end mistresses of very wealthy men.

And love has nothing to do with it.

Can they make it happen? What would you have done? Could the lifestyle of a high end mistress seduce you? Could you resist the idea of having that kind of control of your love life? Do you believe in love?

Everyone ...

The Mistress Club is now in session ...



Thea Devine is a charter member of RWA/NYC and the USAToday best-selling author of 25 erotic historical and contemporary novels. The reissue of her erotic contemporary romance, HIS LITTLE BLACK BOOK, in eBook edition is available now for the sale price of $2.99 through January 20th.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Nourish Yourself on a Date For One

By L. S. Brockway
“The Romance Reverend”



Writing can take a lot out of us. Working through scenes, structure, and character development requires a lot of brain power. Sitting at the computer for long stretches-- to research, write and promote your work—can leave you achy. This is why it is so important that we replenish and nourish ourselves – body, mind and spirit -- and treat ourselves like goddesses. Being kind to one’s self is a healthy habit to get into, and the best way to get into the groove is to set aside “Goddess Time” each week for you, and you alone!

We give so much to others, and we give so much love to the characters we created, why be stingy with ourselves? Whether in a relationship, hoping to be, or simply enjoying single life, a date with one’s self is a powerful metaphor for self-nourishment. And it is the first and most important step toward balanced, loving relationships with others—and also having the wherewithal to do the work we love.

Where to begin? Imagine there is someone in your life you can depend on to pamper, heal and revitalize you, and treat you royally -- for at least a few undisturbed hours each week. Now, imagine that “someone” is YOU. Pick something that would bring you great pleasure – an activity, an experience, or a material gift -- and agree to give it to yourself.

Start off with something simple. Try a “self love bath.” Crown yourself Queen for a Day or Goddess for several hours a week – and pamper yourself. Buy beautiful candles, scented oils, flowers. Draw a bath. Play relaxing and sensual music. Slip into the warm water, daydream and allow yourself to bask in the energy of love. It truly creates an impression in your own mind and spirit that you are someone who deserves royal treatment and who is willing to receive it! I cannot tell you how much a simple act of self-love will bring you closer to receiving pampering from others—the kind we read about and write about in romantic fiction! At the most basic level – a nice warm bath with candles is very relaxing and it gives you a chance to meditate… and get a new perspective on life.

How do I love me, let me count the ways. Other simple delights include: light a candle and relax in a favorite chair for 15 minutes; take yourself to a movie, out to dinner or to a museum exhibit you’ve been meaning to see; buy yourself a small gift. Let’s not forget indulging in our passion for reading; sometimes escaping into someone else’s book is the best rest when we need time out from our own creations! The best way to keep your soul nourished is to create an ongoing environment for this nourishment.

Date yourself regularly: Many of us take time out for ourselves just once in awhile and neglect to create the foundation for ongoing revitalization. Why not carve out time and put things in order so that you can access these experiences of self-love and care, regularly? This may mean keeping your favorite bath oil and candles on hand at all time, or ensuring that you have several hours a week alone, to yourself. Think of it this way: if you were dating someone special, wouldn’t you go out of your way to make dates and focus attention on the relationship? Do it for yourself, first… this sets the groundwork for others to treat you like the goddess you are!


© Copyright 2013 Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway. All Rights Reserved.

Rev. L.S. Brockway is also known as “The Romance Reverend.” As a minister, she specializes in marrying people in love from all backgrounds and faiths and helping couples and their families through wedding stress. She has been writing about sex, love and matters of the heart and soul for 30 years as a columnist. She is author of 13 books, including four erotic romances, and is currently writing in the new adult fiction genre as C.J. Hughs. Visit her at http://www.lauriesuebrockway.net/.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

I AM UNLIMITED





By Maria C. Ferrer

Happy New Year! 2013 is here and the possibilities are … unlimited.

I don’t like making resolutions, as they are too easily dismissed. Instead, I set goals and make up to-do lists. My goals for the New Year are simple:

--to get butt in chair
--to write, write, write
--to finish the projects I’ve started
--to submit often

Also, I am not limiting my writing to just romance or just erotica anymore. I want to also write a children’s book I’ve been thinking of for the past year. I want to finish a murder mystery, which I just found the key that will tie it all together.

My talents are unlimited. My wants, my goals, my desires are … unlimited too, as they should be.

If we set limits on our writing, on ourselves, then we are selling ourselves short.

Isn’t that what we tell our children? That they can be anything they want to be; that they can do anything they want to do. Don’t we encourage them to dream big; and, the bigger the better? Why should kids be the only ones to dream? Why are only kids the inheritors of unlimited possibilities? Adults have dreams too. And, we know how big we can dream and how to make those dreams come true.

I can write anything, be anything. Maybe my writing is not as great as say, Nora Roberts or Eloisa James, but that’s fine. Skill will come with time and hard work. And, I am ready for that. In fact, I am eager to get started, to open my notebook, to take pen in hand, to write.

And the New Year is a great excuse to start afresh. After all, I am unlimited.♥


Maria C. Ferrer is the new President of RWA/NYC. She writes contemporary romance under her real name, and erotica under the pseudonym Del Carmen. Maria’s work has been published in two anthologies from Cleis Press and Ravenous Romance, and in magazines, such as Star, Penthouse and Cosmopolitan for Latinas. Visit her at www.4horsewomen.blogspot.com and www.mydelcarmen.com.