Ever have one of those days where you’ve justbeen at the computer too long. Your neck and shoulders are stiff and sore? Maybe it’s time for a few exercises. Ready?
1 and
and 2
and 1
and 2
and rest.
Better? Yeah I thought so.
Category Archives: Cowboy
Warning to the Women
Watch for this scam
I don’t know how many of you shop at Walmart, but this is how I became a victim to this scam.
Two seriously good-looking, well-built cowboy types come over to your car as you are loading your purchases. They are both shirtless and start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex with their highly defined chest muscles and rock hard abs. It’s impossible not to look. When you offer them a tip, they say, “No” and instead ask you for a ride to another store.
You agree and they get in the back seat. On the way, they start talking dirty about what they want to do to you. Then one climbs in the front seat and begins kissing your neck and begs you to pull over so he can make love to you! While this is going on, the other guy steals your purse!!
I had my purse stolen last Tuesday, Wednesday, and twice on Thursday. Again on Saturday, also yesterday, and most likely tomorrow.*
Be careful out there, ladies! ;)
*Author unknown, but too good not to share!
Title Please?
As you may or may not know, I’m working on a novella for the Wild Rose Press’s Honky Tonk Hearts series. I won’t bore you with all the ins and outs writing a series, but the main criteria is that the story has to have at least one scene that takes place in the Lonesome Steer, a roadhouse just outside of Amarillo and located on old Route 66.
Those of you who know me well know that I L-O-V-E Amarillo. Ten Reasons Not to Date a Cop is set in Amarillo. But I digress.
So I’m working on this short and getting ready to submit it to the editors in charge of the line/series, and I realize that the title doesn’t fit the story anymore.
If you read author’s posts at all, I’m sure you’ve heard all about the quandaries of titles. They are next to impossible to come up with, yet the story has to have one. So as authors we agonize over the title, only to have the editors change it. Well, a lot of the time. But in any case, a writer can’t submit a story without a title.
And this is where you come in. I need your help coming up with a title for my novella. Here’s the unofficial blurb–
Shelby Patterson has worked hard her entire life to achieve the dignity and decorum others enjoy. With an unconventional mother and an unknown father, Shelby is proud to be engaged to a man with political aspirations. Her fiancé will lend her the respectability she so desperately desires. Well, he will just as soon as she gets a divorce from her first husband.
Ritt McCoy married Shelby in high-school right after they found out they were having a baby. It was the honorable thing to do. But honor flew out the door when she lost the baby and his parents paid her mother to take her away from Texas.
Now, seven years later, Shelby’s back in Randall demanding her freedom. But Ritt’s not ready to let her go. He’s certainly not ready to see her walk down the aisle with another man. He loved her like crazy then and still does. Now that she’s back, he’ll do everything in his power to show her that they are meant to be together. But can he convince her that she’ still in love with him before she flies to coop again?
The original title was Two Weeks in Texas. But as I started writing, I realized Shelby wouldn’t be able to stay in Texas for two whole weeks. She’s only there for five days. Five Days in Texas doesn’t have the same ring to it. Or does it? Well, let’s add it to the list for good measure.
Here are some titles I came up with. Please vote for your favorite. Or, heck, come up with a new one. Just help me decide what to call this book so I can submit it to the editors!
It’ll be a while before it comes out (taking for granted I’ll contract it. Pleasepleaseplease let me contract it!) but I’ll hold a drawing for everyone who votes and make sure you get a copy of the story.
Here’s what I have so far–
Five Days in Texas
Back in Love
Her Texas Husband
All My Exes
Just like a Texan
Lone-star Bride
Blame it on Texas
Just Can’t Get Enough
As I write this, My favorite is Blame it on Texas. But tell me what you think. Please and thanks!
Karen Nutt and Steampunk
The buzz word going around right now in the romance communty is Steampunk. Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I hadn’t the foggiest idea what this meant. And even worse, I was too afraid to ask and look stupid. So what did I do? I googled it, of course! But for anyone else out there, who doesn’t know and hasn’t googled, my special guest today is going to shed some light on this new, innovative genre. So put your cyber hands together and join in a “blog” round of applause for Karen Michelle Nutt. Take it away, Karen!
Steampunk and the Wild West 
By Karen Michelle Nutt
Steampunk is a relatively new sub-genre where science fiction, fantasy, alternate history or speculative fiction come into play.
Works of steampunk have been set in the Victorian era with futuristic innovations as the Victorians had envisioned. Prime example is H.G. Well’s, Jules Verne’s, and Mary Shelley tales. One of my favorite authors, Tim Powers combined time travel and fantasy for his steampunk tale, The Anubis Gate.
However, steampunk isn’t just for the Victorian era. The Wild Wild West T.V. series was a prime example of steampunk set in the wild west. The series told the story of two Secret Service agents. One was a gunslinger that was played by Robert Conrad and Ross Martin played the brilliant gadgeteer. Their mission was to protect President Ulysses S. Grant and the United States from danger. The agents traveled in their own train, which of course had a stable car set up as a laboratory. The show had everything, cowboys, spies and villains. The stories combined science fiction and an alternate history. It was a James Bond tale set in the wild west. There were always clever gadgets, beautiful women and of course a delusional villain. In the 90s they retold the story in a movie with starring Will Smith.
My steampunk western, Storm Rider (available in the Western Saga anthology) takes place in the mining town in Bodie, California. The Storm Riders ride the storms for time travel. Their mission is to keep the time line flowing. There are three destines, three paths for each decision a person makes, but if one of the roads becomes tangled, a Storm Rider must step in and repair the rift before the dimensions collide. I’ve combined the western, fantasy (time travel), and historical elements for my tale. It’s how I’d imagine the wild west would look if the future stopped by for a visit.
I want to thank Amie for having me here today and letting me share. J
Blurb for Storm Rider (available in the Western Saga Anthology):
Samantha Skelley and Denny Randeli are sent to 1879 Bodie, California, one of the wildest towns of the west. It should have been an easy snatch and rescue, but Ace McTavish is determined to put himself in harms way. Samantha and Denny are forced to help him with his plans before they take the next storm ride home.
Samantha and Ace’s attraction for each other sparks into forbidden territory, both knowing their relationship can never be. However, fate may surprise the star-crossed lovers and rewrite the passage of time.
Excerpt from Storm Riders
The hangman, a tall broad-shouldered man stood on the other side of Ace with his feet apart and his hands behind his back. The Deputy took his place near the steps.
Samantha studied Ace, her gaze sliding over him in admiration. Long, lean, and rather handsome even with a few days growth on his chin. He wore a brown cowboy hat, but his long hair peeked out. The color gleamed a rich dark brown as the sun beat down on the thick strands.
His eyes shifted in a subtle manner as if he were looking for someone.
“You have little faith,” she whispered. She raised her hand, tapping her cowboy hat with a subtle gesture, but it caught his attention. For a split second, a look of surprised recognition flitted across his features. He didn’t believe she’d show. She gave him a slight nod. He faced forward then with his shoulders back, standing tall before the crowd that chanted his death song.
The hangman lifted McTavish’s hat to place the black cloth over his face, but Ace moved his head away. The hangman shrugged with indifference. Ace had the right to face his accusers. The hangman draped the rope around McTavish’s neck, placing his hat firmly back down on his head. Then he tightened the rope around his neck. The reverend continued his sermon to save Ace’s soul rather than words to comfort him.
Samantha tapped her earpiece. “Are you ready, Denny?”
“Aren’t I always, luv?”
Her lips curved. “Let’s show these eegits the meaning of a real show, shall we?”
“Your words are pure poetry to my ears, Sammy.”
Denny could shoot a flea off a dog and she wasn’t exaggerating. Denny was the best sharpshooter at the SR institute. She won her share of metals too, but horses were her specialty. She grew up on a ranch, spending more time on a horse than anywhere else. She would be able to outrun whoever tried to come after them.
She kept her eyes on the hangman’s hand. The reverend closed his book and gave a nod. The hangman’s hand pressed the lever and the prisoner dropped. At the same time a shot rang out, severing the rope before it could constrict around McTavish’s neck and break it.
Her horse tensed, but she stroked his neck and leaned forward. “You’re fine, boy. Stay with me.”
People screamed and ducked. Deputy Goodman who stood at the foot of the stairs drew his gun, looking for the man responsible for the interruption.
He kept the patrons hopping with shots flying over their heads. Deputy Chester couldn’t leave the scaffold, the way the bullets flew at his feet, making him dance a jig.
Bless you, Denny Randeli.
Samantha didn’t waste time and rammed her feet into the horse’s flank, sending them flying forward through the crowd of scrambling people. McTavish looked stunned, but he was already working to free his hands.
“Need some help, cowboy.” She tipped back her hat and smiled. She pulled her knife out and he stumbled back. “Don’t be stupid. Let me cut the ropes.”
“Who are ye, lass?” His thick Scottish brogue laced his words.
“I’m the woman who’s going to save your arse. Now turn around and let me cut you free.”
He didn’t hesitate now, whirling around and giving her his backside. A nice backside, too, but now wasn’t the time to admire it. Keeping the horse steady, she leaned down and slashed the binds free from his hands. She shoved the knife back in its holder and offered her hand.
He turned to stare at her. In the bright of day, his eyes stood out like clear green gems with no other pigment clouding the color.
“Come on.” She thrust out her gloved hand.
His grip was firm as he swung up behind her.
“Hold on,” she told him. “Hiyah!” The horse bolted at the command and her sudden slam of her boot heel against its flank. She maneuvered around the scrambling crowd with ease and jumped over obstacles in her way.
“St. Brigid in Heaven, you’re an angel.” McTavish clung to her, his hands around her waist—warm and large, the heat from him sent a strange feeling to the pit of her stomach.
She shook her head. It was the thrill of the escape, not how McTavish felt against her. She tried to convince herself with no avail.
“Do you have the package?” Denny’s voice echoed in her ear, making her focus.
“Got him and we’re on the right trail to lose anyone who follows. We’ll stop at the first hideout and see if there’s trouble. If it looks clear, we’ll meet you back at the safe house tonight.
“Be safe,” Denny told her.
“Back at you.”
“Who are ye talkin’ to, darlin’?” McTavish leaned his head next to hers, his breath whispering against her cheek.
“None of your concern, cowboy. Just keep holding on. We have a rough ride ahead of us if we want to cover our tracks.”
She thought she heard him chuckle. “Oh, doonae fash yerself. I willnae let go.”
Short Bio: Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three fascinating children, and a houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chihuahua/Yorkshire terrier is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.
Visit the author at:
http://www.kmnbooks.com
Stop by her blog for Monday interviews, chats and contests at:
I don’t know about the rest of you, but if the other stories are half as interesting as this one, they are well worth the read!!! So stretch your imagination and see what alternate past might be in store for you in Storm Rider…what are you waiting for? Do it now! :)
Happy reading! <3 Amie
Randi Alexander~on Cowboy Erotic Romance
…or is it Erotic cowboy romance…Doesn’t matter. Time to sit up and pay attention! I have a special treat for you. My guest today is none other than Randi Alexander, author of cowboy studded erotic romances! Randi…
Hi everyone! I want to thank Amie for letting me guest blog today. I’m very excited to be here.
And we’re really excited to have you here. Randi’s got a new release and a special book giveaway. But before we get to that, I have a few questions for the author of the hour.
Are you ready? Here goes–
Do you consider yourself erotic romance or erotica. And what do you feel the difference is between the two of them and say, really spicy romance?
I write erotic romance because I like a happily ever after ending. I like to read erotica to get ideas for love scenes, but I’m not a fan of the “non-H.E.A.” endings. But the s-e-x is descriptive and creative.
Writing super-spicy romance and erotic romance is very similar. In both these genres, the story focuses on the characters’ emotional development as much as it focuses on the bedroom scenes. But in erotic romance, I can be a lot more liberal with my word choices. I can call things what they are, use dialogue that’s more realistic, hotter. In both of these genres, I can really dig deep into the characters’ emotions and physical reactions during love scenes.
Erotica traditionally allows no connection between the characters except sexual. The characters may have multiple partners over the course of the book (or at the same time) but its focus is on sexual journey and exploits.
Interesting…I’m definitely a “Happily Ever After” girl myself. Which do you consider more of a challenge to write, full length or novella?
I’m definitely challenged more by the long story. The last full-length I wrote was 114,000 words. A honker. For me, the tough part of writing long is that I sometimes lose track of things. Plot points, dialogue, backstory. It takes weeks, even months, to get the first draft done, and I spend a lot of time going back and rechecking what I’d written.
But I love to write long, and I enjoy reading long novels. It’s relaxing for me to spend time immersed in a setting and getting to know the characters.
It’s true that long and short alike can be a challenge. Give me 100K words, and I’ll change the world. Give me 25K, and I’ll make my grocery list!
You’ve been writing a long time, what made you try your hand at erotic romance?
I’ve written spicy romances, and I’ve had a lot of comments that they’re just on the edge of erotic romance. So, I made the jump.
Sounds like you made your leap in the right direction.
What do you consider the hardest part of writing such spicy stories? (sorry, I can’t re-word this, it’s just too great of an opportunity to pass up!)
The hardest part, huh? You’re too naughty, Amie! Balancing the story between titillating the reader and a true romance is sometimes tricky. In an erotic romance or spicy romance story, the first time the couple makes love is usually more tender, more emotional than in erotica, where no connection is being made other than physical.
In your opinion, what is the main appeal of cowboy erotica (emphasis on cowboy)?
Cowboys are a breed apart. Whether it’s a young ranch hand, a rich landowner, or a bronc rider, they possess a quiet determination. Raised to be gentlemen, they treat their women right when they’re out on a date, and are protective of them as a matter of course.
Hard work is as ingrained in them as hard loving. Once they decide to give their heart, you can bet they’ll do everything they can to make that commitment last a lifetime. Cowboys make the perfect romantic heroes.
Ahhhh…cowboys. They’ll always have a special place in my heart. <g>
Loved your blog about cowboys, do you have plans to write anything without cowboys?
I started an alien novel at one time, but it was pretty bad. I may give it another try. Someday. I’m deep into cowboys right now, so I’m planning to stick with it for a while.
Good plan. Now, please, please, please, tell us about any future projects we can look forward to.
I’m outlining a book for the Cowboy Kink line about a bull rider and a nanny. I met a man recently who was a bull rider, and he offered to let me interview him and consult with him as I write the book. He told me he has some amazing stories about buckle bunnies (rodeo groupies) and said he nearly married one. Can’t wait to get started!
I have an unpublished novella, One Taste of You, which finaled in the Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest, and the results will be announced at the end of June. (Wish me luck!)
I’d love to share a blurb and excerpt from my first book, Chase and Seduction, which was released May 27 from The Wild Rose Press’ Cowboy Kink line.
Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything–and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.
Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.
Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?
EXCERPT: Over 18 only
Chase wasn’t there. She looked again, through the sea of cowboy hats and denim, then spotted him by his smile alone. The collar of his jean jacket was turned up, and he wore a pair of aviator sunglasses, but the flash of his grin was unmistakable and so dear to Reno, she could never see it enough. In one hand, he carried a dozen red roses, and his other hand lifted in a wave that looked more like he was reaching for her.
Delight had her breath catching in her lungs as happy tears filled her eyes and threatened to spill over. She stepped out of the secured area into his arms. The warmth of him pressing against her filled her with tenderness she hadn’t experienced with a lover before. Was her heart really beating that fast? Or was it his?
He hugged her tight, the roses batting her on the arm. “Baby, I was lonely without you.”
His admission set butterflies flapping in her stomach. “Oh, Ch—”
“No,” he said, then whispered in her ear. “Don’t use my name. There are always people watching for me here.”
She tamped down the urge to look around for paparazzi, and smiled up at him. “Billy Joe, I sure did miss you, too.”
He shook his head and grinned. “I look like a Billy Joe?”
Reno slid her fingers along the nape of his neck, feeling the soft hair hidden under his jacket collar. “You look like heaven to me.”
His brow furrowed. “Reno. There’s so much I want to tell you.” He took a breath and broke the spell by stepping back. “Here.” Handing her the flowers, he turned them toward the baggage claim. “Let’s get your suitcase and go home.”
Home. She craved the comfort of being alone with him on his ranch. Staying there…indefinitely?
To celebrate the release of Chase and Seduction, I’m giving away, to one lucky *commenter, an e-copy of my novella Her Cowboy Stud. Just leave a comment today and we’ll choose a winner tomorrow. *Commenter must be 18 years of age or older to win.
I’m also giving away a cowgirl hat to one subscriber to my newsletter. For more details, and to sign up for this
contest, please go to my website, RandiAlexander.com And while you’re there, you can read the first chapter of Chase and Seduction.
Good luck, and thank you!
Randi
Buy Chase and Seduction at The Wild Rose Press Wilder Roses
Thanks again, Randi! Congratulations on your contest placement and lots of luck with that project. For those who want to read the blog about cowboys, you passed the link, so go back up and start over! Then do it all again and enter to win that awesome hat.
And don’t forget to leave a comment (but only if you’re 18 or better). You gotta read this book! It’s definitely hot–jammed pack with clever dialogue, real characters, and great conflict– and really, really HOT! <3
