Happy 5th Birthday Breathless
Press!!
In August, Breathless Press is turning 5! To celebrate we are releasing a limited
edition Hardcover collection of our special birthday Wonderland Tales and to make sure that you're able to indulge in a
little birthday fun, we are also having a month long 50% off sale across our
site (www.breathlesspress.com).
Wonderland Tales HC
Buy Link
http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22&products_id=614
Finally, 3 lucky winners could win prizes in our birthday
giveaway through Rafflecopter!
5th Birthday Rafflecopter Giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/05de02e13/
1st Prize: 1 x Limited Edition Hardcover copy of our birthda Wonderland
Tales, a $20 Amazon GC and a $5 Breathless Press GC.
2nd Prize: Paperback print edition of our birthday Wonderland Tales, a
$10 Amazon GC and a $5 Breathless Press GC
3rd Prize: A paperback print edition of our birthday Wonderland Tales, a
$5 Amazon GC and a $3 Breathless Press GC
Shelli Rosewarne- Follow the White Rabbit
1. How did
you start writing erotic romance?
I've always
loved romance as a genre, and writing-wise I consider it one of the most
fascinating things to write about. I'm always a little surprised when some
people seem to consider romance writing isn't as exciting/interesting/in-depth
as some other genres because it's only writing about love. That's surely
something we can all relate to, it underpines every aspect of life, it makes
the world go round -- what could be more fascinating than that. As for the
erotic side, I don't know if I would consider myself as writing full-on
erotica, but if you're writing about love, passion and relationships then let's
face it the physical side of things is going to pop up somewhere!
2. Plotter
or pantster?
Complete
pantster! I usually start with my characters and a rather vague idea that ends
up changing about six times before the end. I have a great deal of respect for
those who can plan out their whole novel in advance but I've never really been
able to manage it. Half the fun of writing for me is going along on the journey
with my characters, and I'm generally just as surprised as them to see where
they end up.
3. What are
three things you have on your writing desk?
I tend to
write anywhere and everywhere so I don't really have an official desk. At the
moment it tends to be on the sofa or in bed with the laptop on my knee. I do
need my caffeine for writing (erm, and for functioning at all really!) and tend
to have the tv on for background noise, I don't like it to be too quite. I also
have millions of notebooks scattered around the house with idea and character
scribbles and pages of to-do lists.
4. Favorite
food?
Anything
with sugar will usually do me.
5. Tell us
a little about your new release. What character in the book really spoke to
you?
My new
release is a short flirt based in the world of Lewis Carroll's Alice in
Wonderland. I loved the books as a child so it was a dream come true for me to
be able to set my own story in that world and to be put my own spin on it. Mary
Ann is a character who is mentioned in Alice's Adventures, yet we never
actually met her in person. I found myself wondering about her; the White
Rabbit mistakes Alice for her so they must be similar -- is she another human,
what is she doing in Wonderland, how did she get there, why is she working for
the Rabbit. Mary Ann did speak to me a lot as she's someone I could very much
relate to, she's quiet, a bit shy, not sure who she is or where she's from and
desperately looking for answers in a rather strange world.
The
Cheshire Cat on the other hand simply strolled into the story and owned it!
Being a typical cat he shares what he feels like and does what he want, but you
try saying no to him!
6. I write
because .... I couldn't not do. The voices in my head would drive me mad if I
didn't let them out!
7. What is
your favorite type of character to write about?
I love all
my characters, it's like your children, you can't pick a favourite lol! I will
admit to a weakness for the 'bad boy', dark and tortured hero type though.
They're such fun to write, especially when you find the exact woman who can
bring them to their knees!
8. What is
the sexiest scene you ever wrote?
Erm, I
actually have no idea. I think sexiest is actually quite subjective, I often
find myself getting more into scenes that might not be quite as 'steamy' but
that I find sexy because it reflects the characters more or it shows the
relationship between them.
9. What
advice would you give new authors in the erotica/romance field?
Write what
you love. If you aren't in love with your characters and just dying to know how
their story works out, then you can't really expect other people to care
either. Also, it's easier said than done but try to develop a tough skin. There
will always be people who want to criticise what you do, or want to talk you
out of following your dreams. Feedback is one thing, and by all means take
anything positive you can out of it, but at the end of the day other people's
opinions are just that -- opinions.
10. What is
next on your writerly horizon?
I currently
have a novella just going into edits with my publisher. It's a modern day
shifter story, entitled Scarlett Legacy and very loosely inspired by the Little
Red Riding Hood fairy tale. I'm very excited about it, and it's going to be the
first in a series so fingers crossed it will go down well!
Blurb:
Mary
Ann doesn't remember her life before she wandered into the Woods of
Forgetfulness. She doesn't remember who she was, where she came from, or even
her real name—and she's given up on anyone coming to look for her. Now, she
works for the White Rabbit, and if she's not deliriously happy at least her
life is content.
Until,
that is, she comes across a Cheshire Cat, a rare shape-shifter, who may be
about to turn her life upside down.
In
Wonderland, things are rarely what they seem.
Excerpt:
He
put a finger underneath her chin, his touch light but firm as he forced her
head up to meet his gaze. Mary Ann shifted uncomfortably.
"I
think so. I don't really know," she whispered, and when his brow rose in
query, she added in a rush. "I lost my memory in the Woods of
Forgetfulness, I don't know who I am, or where I come from, or even what my
real name is. Everything before I went in there is just a blank."
His
face softened suddenly. "Surely, someone is looking for you then?"
Mary
Ann was embarrassed to feel tears burn her eyes, and she squeezed them shut.
"If anyone was looking for me then they would have found me by now.
Obviously no one cares."
The
silence stretched out, and she forced herself to open her eyes, needing to see
his face, though half-expecting there to be disgust etched on it. She was
pathetic; apparently she couldn't even do a one-night stand without fucking it
up before it even started. He was staring at her, but the look on his face was
odd and unreadable.
"I'm
sorry," she whispered. "I just feel so alone sometimes, I think I'm
going mad."
A
small smile curved his full lips. "We're all mad here, little mouse."
She
found herself reluctantly smiling back. Perhaps he was right. His smile
suddenly broadened into that wide grin.
"I
think perhaps you need to see something strange and beautiful."
About the author:
Shelli
Rosewarne had always had a dream in the back of her head about wanting to be a
writer. However, like with so many things, life and paying the bills got in the
way and she worked in various jobs from call centers to shops to offices. She
eventually realized that life is too short not to try and follow your dreams,
and has since had two stand alone novellas published with Breathless Press,
along with several submissions in anthologies, another novel contracted for
later in the year and various works in progress in the pipeline. Yup, she's
having to pinch herself as well! She's currently lucky enough to live in Edinburgh, where she can
be constantly inspired by Scottish folklore and see castles every day. When not
writing she loves reading, music and photography.
You
can follow her at:
Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelli-Rosewarne/364962230246715
Twitter—@shellirosewarne
Blog—http://shellirosewarne.wordpress.com
Ivy Bateman: I’ll Call You Alice
1. How did you start writing erotic romance?
About four years ago a
friend of mine mentioned to me that her sister was a lawyer for a romance
publisher and that they pay good money for books. I was looking to get into
writing so I took a look at their website. They were looking for submissions
for a number of ebook romance lines including full on erotica. They rejected my
submission, an erotic tale called “Between the Lines”, but a year later
Breathless Press said yes to it and the rest, as they say, is history.
2. Plotter or pantster?
Vaguely plotter, but
mostly pantster. When I sit down to write I have a mild idea of what I want to
write, but most of the story comes to me as I’m writing.
3. What are three things you have on your writing desk?
A bee doll (you know
for Ivy B), a cup of coffee, and a notepad.
4. Favorite food?
I love kettle chips
and I like them from the freezer. No PMS cycle can be complete without a bag of
those bad boys in the house.
5. Tell us a little about your new release. What character
in the book really spoke to you?
“I’ll Call You Alice”
is a tale inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. It’s the short story
of a girl named Val who is very late for an important blind date. She thinks
she’s going to have coffee with one mystery man, but instead ends up at a tea
party in the woods with three hot guys. The character that spoke to me the most
was probably the Mad Hatter. He said things like, “I think I should look a
little like Benedict Cumberbatch, don’t you agree?”
6. I write because ____...
I love storytelling
and entertaining people.
7. What is your favorite type of character to write about?
I really enjoy writing
fish out of water characters. It’s fun
because you have a character that grows and has many places to go in the story.
8. What is the sexiest scene you ever wrote?
Oh boy…well in “Between
the Lines”, when my main characters finally get to the bedroom is the most
graphic scene I’ve ever written, but personally I think the scene in the
elevator when they first meet is one of the sexiest and scenes I’ve ever written. It’s full of lingering looks and wonderful
tension.
9. What advice would you give new authors in the
erotica/romance field?
Write what you’re
really passionate about. The reader will know if you’re just phoning it in or
if your heart really isn’t into it. They’re very smart that way!
10. What is next on your writerly horizon?
I’m hoping to submit a
story to Breathless Press for the Christmas season. The theme for holiday tales
is “Angels”. I’ve a few ideas brewing so we’ll see where those lead!
Thanks very much for
having me on today!
Happy Reading,
Ivy Bateman
Blurb:
After
not meeting up with her blind date at a local bistro, Val finds herself dressed
up as Alice and attending the Mad Hatter's Tea Party in the woods with three
sexy guys. Seeking an adventure, Val dives into the world of fantasy and does
what anyone in her situation would do: a foursome!
Excerpt:
"You
said in your dating profile you were seeking adventure," said the over-excited
mouse. Val suddenly realized he was the waiter who had first served her at the
restaurant. "You stated," he continued, "that your life was dull
and that you were seeking someone who could give you something new. So...ta-dah!
We are the someones." He paused for effect. "We want to give you new
somethings!"
Val
rose from the table and backed away. The drugged tea was gone from her system,
but she stood up too fast and had to steady herself on a chair. "My
profile? You are all my blind date?"
"That’s
right," they said in unison.
She
didn't know whether she was flattered, or horrified. "You—I should leave.
You drugged me, sort of kidnapped me, and are calling me Alice because I said I
wanted adventure. This is just a little too bizarre for me. I think I'll go
back to my dull life." She started to walk out of the woods, but stopped. Val
had no idea where she was. She could chance it and find the main road. If luck
was on her side she could find her way back to town. "And then what?"
she muttered. "Go home and pine once again for a life less ordinary?"
Instead,
she turned back to the tea party. The three of them were watching her, waiting
patiently for her to make up her mind. Val bit her lip. What should she do? The
whole scene laid out in front of her was surreal and strange; something out of
a story. Surprisingly though, it wasn't scary. Yes, she was stuck in the woods
with three odd, but undeniably attractive men who had gone to a lot of trouble
to give her a blind date that would really stick in her memory. She was touched
by their showmanship, but was it too weird?
She
studied each of them in turn. The Mad Hatter was grinning, well madly. His eyes
were full of mischief and were quite sexy. The White Rabbit had beautifully
muscled legs. The bike shorts were showing them off, and what was tucked inside
of them, nicely. The Mouse was staring openly at her breasts. The dress and
apron did more to showcase her body than hide it and he was definitely enjoying
the view.
Val
had to admit she was extremely flattered by their attention. They seemed very
sincere and eager for her company. Plus they were charming and looked
completely harmless. She wasn't getting creepy vibes off any of them. It
probably wouldn't hurt to stay and experience a unique date. Yes, this was more
out there than she would ever have thought she would be a part of, but it was
new and it was an adventure which was what she'd been seeking when she signed
herself up on that dating site. Why not see where this led?
"Are
you going to stay at our tea party?" asked the Mouse.
Val
took a deep breath. As she let it out she nodded and said, "Yes, but I
must be mad."
The
Mad Hatter giggled loudly. "We're all mad here, Alice! Oh, I can't believe
I actually got to say that! How wonderful!" He leaned across the table and
slapped five with the White Rabbit.
"So,"
she said as she laughed along with them and sat back down at the table. "What
did you have in mind?"
All
three men cheered, but it was the Mad Hatter who told Val the plan. "We'd
like to play a game."
"What
kind of game? I'm not all that good at games."
The
Mouse tittered. "Actually, that's not a problem for us. We were rather
hoping you wouldn't be."
About the author:
When
she was just nine, this girl began her journey for a life on the stage.
Attempts were made, classes were taken, lessons were well learned but, at the
end of the day, a decision to live life off the stage was made. But all was not
lost. While at college she met the love of her life and his support and
strength has helped her to see that she has talent waiting around many corners.
When
the stage beckons, she answers its call, and her new passion for writing has
enhanced many of her theatre dreams and as well as the occasional book, she now
occasionally writes a play.
The
love of her life generously reads everything she writes and although he may not
always be her muse, he is always her biggest fan.
I'll Call You Alice is Ivy's fifth
release with Breathless Press. She is excited that it will not only be released
on its own but also as a part of a print anthology called Wonderland Tales, which will feature many Breathless Press author's
tales inspired by the Alice stories.
Between the Lines, Ivy's first Breathless Press release was released in
January, 2012. This was followed by The
Fifth Story in September, 2012, Baby,
You're Cold Inside in December, 2012 and Christmas Eve Surprise in December, 2013.
Ivy Bateman's
Links:
Ivy's books
are available from the Breathless Press Website:
Or drop Ivy a
line at: ivybmisbehavin@gmail.com
Email: ivybmisbehavin@gmail.com
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