Annette Mori's Blog

Last week, I read this hilarious book by LL Shelton called My Lesbian Grammie, and it got me thinking about whether there are recommended sex toys for women of a certain age. I’ve already written a blog about how our bodies change, and specifically our intimate bits, but I wondered about how that might affect our choice of vibrators. Big surprise that in our ageist and sexist society, there was very little out there on this topic. I’ll bet if vibrators were the preferred sex toy for men, there would be multiple NIH studies. According to Google AI, post menopausal women should use clitoral vibrators. But I wanted to know which ones, specifically. Like, was there a brand out there recommended by four out of five sex therapists? Eventually, I found a wonderful YouTube video that mentioned a Cosmo article. A podcaster on the Age Better channel, hosted by Barbara Hannah Grufferman, spoke with Joan Price, a sex expert. Here is the link to the video for those who wish to see it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai4Wy6P8O6U. The most important part of the video is a reference to a Cosmopolitan article in which Joan Price talked about the 10 best sex toys for women over 60. How perfect is that! Here’s a link to that article: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/interactive/a45953779/sex-toys-for-seniors/. For those who want to go shopping, the article has links to the 10 recommended toys! Here they are in no particular order:

Eroscillato 2 Plus With Ultra Soft Finger Tip Combo – The soft finger tip attachment is apparently the key feature, making it perfect for clitoral stimulation. And the bonus is the slim wand handle and long attachment tip, making it more comfortable for arthritic wrists. This vibrator is the only sexual toy that world-renowned sex educator Dr. Ruth Westheimer has ever endorsed. One downside is that it needs to stay plugged in during use.Inya The Rose Clitoral Stimulator – This toy can either gently or strongly suck your clitoris. It has different levels! It is recommended that you apply lube to your clitoris first. This toy also has room for a finger or other toy in your vagina, too.Hot Octopuss Kurve – With two independent motors, this one might fit your needs if you can take a little girth, because the head is 1.5 inches. It might be too big for some of us who are more constricted in our mature years. Like other toys, you can also add another toy or fingers for clitoral stimulation.Tenga Iroha Yuki – A palm-sized vibrator that can cover a larger area to stimulate your clitoris and vulva.Fun Factory Volta – With six speeds and six different rhythm patterns and an ergonomic handle for arthritic wrists, this is a versatile toy. Plus, it has an inventive shape that you can get creative with (there are actual flippers on one end). We-Vibe Touch X – Another palm-sized toy that is very lightweight. This one is a particularly good traveler. This one has eight speeds and seven different rhythms.Womanizer Premium Eco – This one has a unique technology that creates pulsating and massaging using changes in air pressure without touching the clitoris. Apparently, this feels like a combination of nibbling and sucking. Good for those who enjoy oral sex! And a bonus, if you’re environmentally conscious, it is made from recycled materials. Once again, the non-vibrating handle is good for arthritic wrists.We-Vibe Melt – Similar to the Womanizer, this toy is a slimmer version that also uses the same air technology. And, it has 12 speeds! Plus, the toy can be controlled from your smartphone. How fun is that?Magic Wand – I have to admit, this one is not my favorite. Although the fact that it’s rechargeable is a bonus. It comes in a mini version measuring 9.5 inches and weighing 9.7 ounces, but that may still be too big and too heavy for some of us.Fun Factory Limba Flex Bendable Dildo – Now we’re talking. For those who would still like to enjoy some penetration, this slimmer toy might do the trick. The small version is 1.2 inches in diameter. Side note: I found an even slimmer G Spot Vibrator with a Clitoral Stimulator on Amazon. The head was .82 inches. Here’s the link to that toy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C6TKLYK2/

So…there you have it. You’re welcome! If LL Shelton can, without shame, incorporate funny stories with women over sixty enjoying sex, I’m sure I could weave in a few nuggets incorporating preferred sex toys for the more mature woman! Want to check out my books? Feel free to click the links below.

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story

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The Kitten Trap

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The Love Demand

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I’m aware of this concept of a found family in lesfic, which, if I’m not mistaken, means that family is a broader term than one’s blood relatives. I can totally get behind that because so many in the LGBTQ+ family have to rely on their found family for support. But that’s not really what this blog is about. I’m getting a little off track after reading a very interesting story about the saying, “Blood is thicker than water.” The fascinating thing I learned about this saying is that the original quote means exactly the opposite, implying that found family is more important, as evidenced by the original quote, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Yes, that original quote was all about found family, stating that a chosen blood covenant was stronger than the bond of any family. That got me thinking about what other quotes have been misconstrued over the years or selectively plucked from a much longer quote. Here are the biggies:

“The early bird gets the worm” was shortened from the original quote, which was “The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” The full quote suggests that being first isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.“Carpe Diem” is another famous quote that was shortened from “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.” For those who didn’t take Latin, it translates to, seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow. While it doesn’t exactly mean the opposite, it does add even more gravity to the saying. A bit more depressing, don’t you think?“Winning isn’t everything,” also added the “It’s the only thing.” This completely changes how most people have interpreted this saying, which was used to soothe the losing team.The Shakespearean quote “Now is the winter of our discontent” seems to suggest something cold and bleak, but the full quote adds “made glorious summer of this sun of York,” suggesting the tides are turning and the bleak times are in the past.This one is my favorite… “Curiosity killed the cat,” which is incomplete when the famous quote deletes the remainder of the full quote, “but satisfaction brought it back.”“Great minds think alike” is another quote that has an opposite meaning when adding “though fools seldom differ.” Ouch. Kind of reminds me of all the MAGA fools.“Money is the root of all evil.” The full quote is subtly different. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils.” Basically, the problem isn’t having money; it’s the desire for it.“Jack of all trades, master of none” is incomplete and means something different when one adds “though oftentimes better than master of one.” The addition actually brings the quote back to its original form, which was simply “Jack of all trades,” intended as a compliment, versus the addition of “master of none,” which turned the phrase into something negative.“My country, right or wrong” is a distorted, shortened version of the original quote from Carl Schurz, an American Senator in 1872. The actual quote was “My country right or wrong, if right to be kept right; and if wrong to be set right.” I’m guessing we are going to have to do a whole hell of a lot of setting right after Trump leaves office!Another personal favorite, which to be fair, never evolved to a fuller quote that a mentor of mine used to say is “No good deed goes unpunished.” She always added, “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue to do good deeds.” I’d like to make an official request to change that quote and add my mentor’s addition!

If I ever write a found family novel, I know exactly what to include in the novel. It makes sense to weave in the full quote of the blood of the covenant and provide an explanation. Surely, I’m not the only one who wasn’t aware of this! You’ll certainly find these little gems in most of my novels because I like to add trivia or tidbits that aren’t widely known. Want to check that out in my novels? Feel free to click the links below!

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story

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The Kitten Trap

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The Love Demand

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The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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So, I’ll admit to being obsessed with comic book superheroes. Which is why I finally wrote a lesbian superhero novel. Out of the multitude of superheroes in both the DC and Marvel universes, very few are lesbians. That was something I definitely wanted to research, but I also had questions about the origin of superheroes. Here’s what I learned.

Contrary to popular belief, superheroes did not originate in the US. In fact, the very first comic book hero appeared in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1873 with The Adventures of Supermac. The hero, with his alter ego Kent McBruce, possessed amazing strength, although his powers faded when he was exposed to the Scottish tonic wine Buckfast. I think that Superman might have been a rip-off of Supermac… Do you really think that the similarity of the names Kent McBruce and Clark Kent is a coincidence? Prior to the golden era there were numerous superheroes not making their debut in comic books, including: Hugo Hercules in 1902, appearing in the Chicago Tribune; The Scarlet Pimpernel, who appeared in a play in 1903; Nictalope, a superhero who appeared in 1911 in a French newspaper serial; Patoruzu who appeared in an Argentine newspaper serial in 1928; Popeye who first appeared in 1929 is a debatable superhero, but he did possess superstrength after eating spinach; Hugo Danner, a gladiator with superhuman abilities appeared in a novel in 1930; Golden Bat, a Japanese superhero who appeared in 1930; Chandu the Magician debuted in 1931 as a radio show; Mandrate the Magician who appeared in a newspaper serial in 1934 along with Lothar who was Mandrake’s sidekick and the strongest man in the world. The golden era of superheroes did not begin with Superman, even though he is often credited as the first superhero in the US. Prior to Superman, there was Dr. Occult, created by Siegel and Shuster. He first appeared in New Fun Comics #6 in 1935 and is considered DC’s first recurring superhero, using occult powers to fight supernatural evil. Then there was the Phantom, the Ghost who walks, created in 1936 by King Features Syndicate, two years before Superman. The first superhero published by Marvel was an android called the Human Torch, featured in Marvel Comics #1, released in October 1939. But, not so fast, because some believe that Namor the Sub-Mariner, who also appeared in that first issue, is considered the first because an earlier, uncirculated version of his story was printed before this first issue. Possibly the first woman considered a superhero was Olga Mesmer, “The Girl with the X-Ray Eyes”, who starred in a single-page comic strip that ran in issues of the pulp magazine Spicy Mystery Stories with a debut in 1937, prior to Wonder Woman, who debuted in 1941. Also, prior to Wonder Woman was Jane Gem, who first appeared in Amazing Man Comics in 1939, and some believe was not technically a superhero because she was a Martian (what a freakin double standard…duh Superman was a Kryptonian). Some believe that Fantomah, “Mystery Woman of the Jungle”, was the first female comic-book superhero who debuted in a backup feature in Jungle Comics #2 (Feb. 1940).The first openly lesbian superhero in mainstream comics is Thunder (Anissa Pierce) from the DC Comics series Black Lightning. Side note: Her girlfriend, Grace Choi, is also a superhero, shapeshifting badass. Thunder first appeared in the comic Adventures of the Outsiders in 1986. What’s even more exciting is that Thunder and her girlfriend, whom she marries, are both people of color.

So there you have it. I honestly have no preference for DC or Marvel. I love them both. I just wish they would start incorporating more LGBTQ+ characters into their movies and television series. There simply aren’t enough. I’m not talented enough to pen a graphic novel, but I did write a really fun lesbian superhero novel, The Invisible Woman, that also combines a satisfying friends-to-lovers and opposites-attract romance. It’s a fun read and also out on Audible, narrated by the fabulous Robin Amanda. I love, love, love her narration on this novel and have already asked her to narrate my next book, A Moment in Time. If you want to check it out, simply click the links below!

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story

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The Kitten Trap

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The Love Demand

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The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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Lately, I’ve been bingeing TikTok videos and discovered this hysterical lesbian teacher (@unlearn16) who uses this particular medium to poke fun at her critics by correcting their direct messages. Her area of expertise isn’t English, but history. However, she does a good job of breaking down the messages and correcting them. That got me thinking about modern-day expectations on text and direct messages. Sure, some things are sacrosanct, like the correct use of to, two, and too, or there, they’re, and their. But are there really expectations surrounding Facebook posts, text messages, or direct messages? Additionally, am I expected to ensure my blogs are one hundred percent grammatically correct, or can I get away with my colloquial style of writing and push the envelope? I suppose the answer to these questions may depend on a person’s age. Although I am firmly in the “you can teach an old dog new tricks” camp. Sometimes, I relate or want to relate more to Gen Z rules. I decided to explore this topic more, and while there is no consensus on these questions, here are a few things I learned.

Contrary to what grammar purists might think, a manual for digital communication, such as the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), does not exist. Thus, especially with the younger crowd and those who have adopted this sort of digital shorthand, punctuation is often optional, and capitalization is considered an unnecessary formality. Why? Because it slows down the communication.Simply put, the younger generation considers overly formal digital communication as rude, cold, distant, or passive-aggressive. And when the old-timers correct them, passive aggression turns to blatant aggression. It’s like when their mother uses their full name when they’re in trouble. After eight hours of being professional at work, it’s almost like a permission slip to chill. I get their point.How can a person clearly communicate without punctuation or fully formed sentences, you ask? Imagine a lengthy digital conversation with multiple sentences. Isn’t that hard to read? What about commas? Doesn’t the meaning of the sentence change depending on where you place a comma? Well…enter second texts, gifs, and emojis. Brevity is the key.If you want to keep up with the times, you’d better learn digital abbreviations. I think we all know the main ones: lol, lmao, brb, imo, wtf, or wth. But there are so many more. If all else fails, Google or your preferred search engine is our friend. Perhaps I’ll do an entire blog on digital abbreviations.A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 62% of Gen Z respondents believe that “internet language” is creative and expressive, not lazy. Again, brevity is the key, and the use of emojis or gifs in this new, more fluid language adds tone and nuance that might otherwise require longer explanations.The answer to these competing views is a middle ground. The renowned linguist, David Crystal, argues, “We are not witnessing the death of grammar; we are seeing the rise of multiple grammars for different purposes.” Grammar is not obsolete but merely evolving.Understanding when to follow strict grammar rules and when to bend them is crucial. Different forms of communication require different levels of adherence to proper grammar. Of course, a LinkedIn article will warrant polished grammar, but an Instagram post might thrive on informal language. I don’t believe that workplace communications, including emails, memos, reports, etc, will go the way of digital communication, which is why Grammarly is so popular. However, grammar purists might want to cut some slack for certain forms of digital communication, including, at a minimum, texts, private or direct messages, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and probably other social media posts (Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, Discord, Instagram, etc.).Ironically, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) still favors well-structured, grammatically correct content. So while slang may be trendy, proper grammar supports discoverability and credibility in search engines like Google. Who knew?No doubt this fluidity of language will continue to evolve in the digital age…so come on, join the dark side…no matter what generation you’re from. It’s so freeing to break the rules!

I suppose I was a fast adopter of this more relaxed digital communication, but not for the reasons one might assume. It still takes me a long time to compose a text message on my phone using the hunt-and-peck method. I do not have fast thumbs. Honestly, this relaxed digital style of communication aligns well with my colloquial writing style. Maybe not the zero punctuation or lack of capitalization, but the tendency to break grammar rules, use ellipses and em dashes, and write like I speak, including incomplete sentences, is alive and well in my novels. I write in both the third and first person, but, just between you and me, I prefer the first person. This somewhat relaxed style is also apparent in my blogs and social media posts. I’ll never forget a comment a reader made in a review, noting that my books were easy to consume due to my relaxed writing style (I’m paraphrasing). I believe it was a compliment because the review was positive, even if it wasn’t her favorite book of mine. I’ll never be a classic writer or someone who composes a lot of beautiful prose, but I hope my books are entertaining and occasionally make you think, despite my colloquial and quirky style. Feel free to check them out, just click the links below!

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story Available for pre-order now! Audible Coming Soon… On Pre-orderTrouble in Paradise – Trophy Wives Club Book 4

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The Kitten Trap

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The Love Demand

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Purchase Audible Purchase EbookPleasure Workers in Audio Purchase AudibleLove Sins – The Final Chapter in The Organization UniverseClick on Cover for purchase links and description Purchase eBook Purchase Audible

The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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Lately, the topic of free speech has been a prominent feature on social media, and indeed it should be! Many are worried about being turned in for making any comment that the MAGA snowflakes take issue with, especially if it’s perceived as negative. Since I’m retired, I don’t have those same fears. Sure, I could lose readers, I suppose, and I probably have, because I can never seem to keep my big mouth shut. But honestly, that ship has undoubtedly sailed already. My wife, on the other hand, worries. We often travel to Mexico, and she fears customs every time we return to the US. Of course, the answer to that is not to return, if only we could move to Mexico! Last week, we were in Boston and enjoyed soaking in the history. We had a historian for our tour guide on our Freedom Walk, and she was phenomenal. We also went to Salem because I am obsessed with the history of the witch trials. I think there are many parallels today for what is happening in our country right now. This got me thinking about the history of free speech. Here’s what I learned.

Contrary to what some might believe, the US did not invent the concept of free speech. Like many things, the idea of freedom of speech originated in ancient Greece. “Parrhesia” is an ancient Greek word meaning “free speech,” or “to speak candidly.” This word first appeared in Greek literature around the end of the fifth century B.C. During the classical period in Greece, free speech became a fundamental part of democracy in Athens. Everyone, including leaders, philosophers, playwrights, and everyday citizens, was free to openly discuss politics and religion and to criticize the government in certain settings.The First Amendment was adopted on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights. The exact wording for those who need this reminder is: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Pretty frickin clear to me!But of course, like everything that is written, the interpretation of “freedom of speech” is left to the courts. Thus, the definition has resulted in many landmark decisions by the Supreme Court over the years, including in 1990 when the court reversed a Texas court’s conviction of Johnson, a man who burned a flag at the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas, to protest the Reagan administration breaking the law by desecrating the flag. Texas v. Johnson invalidated statutes in Texas and 47 other states prohibiting flag burning.Some speech is not protected, such as: obscene material including child pornography, plagiarism of copyrighted material, defamation (libel and slander), and true threats. In 1917, the Espionage Act (prohibiting interference in military operations) was passed, resulting in several Supreme Court cases in 1919 that further defined the parameters of what was not considered free speech. After Socialist Party activist Charles Schenck was arrested under the Espionage Act for distributing fliers urging young men to dodge the draft, the Court upheld his conviction by creating the “clear and present danger” standard, explaining one of the first limitations to free speech (specifically determining that draft resistance is dangerous to national security). A similar case came to the same conclusion when another socialist party leader, Eugene Debs, was also arrested after giving a speech in 1918, encouraging others not to join the military. His argument that exercising his right to freedom of speech was justified was shut down by the court, which upheld the Espionage Act.“Content neutrality” is another important term the Supreme Court uses when deciding cases involving artistic freedom of expression. Content neutrality means the government can’t censor or restrict expression just because some segment of the population finds the content offensive. This is where the recent pushback gets a bit dicey. It’s hard to attribute firings to First Amendment violations because, in the workplace, unless you work for the government, an individual has no right to free speech.I find Supreme Court cases fascinating, and rather than list them all (there are a lot of them related to free speech), here is a website for you to peruse at your leisure: https://supreme.justia.com/cases-by-topic/free-speech/

As artists, I not only believe we have a right to freedom of speech, but I also believe we have a responsibility to challenge corruption, homophobia, sexism, racism, etc. There is a long history of writers doing that not only in the US, but abroad. I will not keep quiet, and I hope that those who are able will join me whenever you have that opportunity to do so. Many of my books admittedly have a certain liberal political bent to them; if that’s something that floats your boat, by all means, check them out. If not, I certainly respect your right to choose what you wish to read. I will continue to fight back with my words and my pocketbook by supporting those who don’t bend the knee. Hopefully, others will join me before it’s too late. That pot of water that is boiling the frog is getting warmer by the day. If you want to support me, I’d be delighted…just click on the links below.

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story Available for pre-order now! Audible Coming Soon… On Pre-orderTrouble in Paradise – Trophy Wives Club Book 4

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The Kitten Trap

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The Love Demand

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Purchase Audible Purchase EbookPleasure Workers in Audio Purchase AudibleLove Sins – The Final Chapter in The Organization UniverseClick on Cover for purchase links and description Purchase eBook Purchase Audible

The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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The disturbing truth is that as we age, it becomes more difficult for women to achieve orgasm. This is probably true for men as well, but frankly, I don’t really care much about that. Besides, they have Viagra…and women only have hormone therapy after menopause to combat this and all the other crappy symptoms that go along with the drop in those important hormones. So what’s happening to our bodies after menopause that contributes to difficulty in orgasming as we age? Many of us are likely aware of several physical changes that occur after menopause. The reduction of estrogen levels affects our libido, but also results in several physical changes to our genitals such as: 1) Vaginal dryness because estrogen binds to receptors in the vaginal and vulval tissues, helping to maintain moisture and thickness; 2) Narrowing of the vaginal opening (may need to toss out those larger dildos); 3) Clitoral atrophy due to a loss of blood flow to the clitoris which causes less sensitivity as those bundle of nerves become much less sensitive to the touch. In extreme cases, this results in the inability to have an orgasm, or it takes a lot longer. Sometimes menopause can also cause the clitoris to shrink or retract behind the clitoral hood; 4) Loss of blood flow. In addition to the blood flow affecting those clitoral nerves, it also affects the muscles that control orgasms. With less blood flow, those muscles don’t work as they’re supposed to. Finally, psychological factors can also impact a woman’s ability to achieve orgasm after menopause, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, or worrying about performance in bed. On a positive note…according to a study from the Kinsey Institute in partnership with Cosmopolitan, for women over 60, 20% of participants said their orgasms are more satisfying than ever before, and 57% said they reach climax with their partners always or almost always. So, I guess it’s quality over quantity!

But for those who don’t want to give up on quantity, what can we do to combat this? Understanding that this happens to all of us is a first step…we can’t stop the ageing process, but lifestyle factors can affect sexual desire. Lack of sleep or excess alcohol and drug use certainly impacts hormone levels. While small amounts of alcohol can make blood vessels expand and improve circulation, chronic use damages organs, including the nervous system. Alcohol can also worsen menopausal symptoms. Of course, one of the first things suggested is hormone replacement therapy, but for those who wish to avoid this, other things can help. Obviously, the use of lubrication is an easy answer to vaginal dryness. Regular sexual stimulation, whether it’s done solo or with a partner, can help improve blood flow to the clitoral area. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can also improve blood flow and enhance clitoral sensitivity. If your clitoris is less sensitive and it takes longer, there is nothing wrong with adding a vibrator to help. As I noted in a previous blog, it is a myth that using a vibrator lessens sensitivity over time. It’s ageing that’s the culprit!

The one book that I had the perfect opportunity to weave in some of the above nuggets was Georgetown Glen: Queermunity Living at its Finest. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this book, I hadn’t realized how much a body can change with regard to sexual response. I believe that for those of us who write books with mature women characters, perhaps a realistic portrayal of intimacy would be important to address. Although I’m not typically known for writing books with mature women as the main characters, I have written several with women in their 40s+. Feel free to check them out by clicking the links below.

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story Available for pre-order now! On Pre-orderTrouble in Paradise – Trophy Wives Club Book 4

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The Kitten Trap

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The Love Demand

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Purchase Audible Purchase EbookPleasure Workers in Audio Purchase AudibleLove Sins – The Final Chapter in The Organization UniverseClick on Cover for purchase links and description Purchase eBook Purchase Audible

The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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No, I’m not talking about actual bears in the wild, because while there have been scientific studies of same-sex bears, they are limited to males. Of course, they haven’t yet studied two female bears in the wild. But apparently, there is a lesbian equivalent of a gay bear. Who knew? I suppose I learn something new every day. In addition to butches, femmes, futches, lipsticks, chapsticks, lugs, baby dykes, studs, hasbians, sporties, cottagecores, blue jean femmes, denim dykes, artsy lesbians, boi lesbians, stone butches, astrology lesbians, hey mammas, activists, gold stars, pillow princesses (bottoms), alphas (tops), trans, hippies/vegans, powers, u-hauls (but seriously, that might apply to a lot of lesbians), dopplebangers, horse girls, witchies, skaters, cat moms, dog moms, there are now lesbian bears.

Similar to gay bears, lesbian bears are defined as “a lesbian who identifies with the bear subculture, typically characterized by a large or stock build, hairy body, and a down-to-earth, cuddly personality.” Sometimes lesbian bears also use the term “Ursula.” Lesbian bears celebrate body diversity and natural hairiness, embracing a more masculine or androgynous presentation and challenging conventional beauty standards for queer women. Being large in stature is something lesbian bears are quite comfortable with and almost celebrate. Apparently, they give great hugs, and their partners often describe feeling safe around their lesbian bear. Believe it or not, lesbian bears are not a new thing; they’ve been around since 2002, when they were first discussed in an article in XTRA titled Beary Feminine. In the article, the author talked about having difficulty finding a lesbian bear in Toronto, but mentioned that they were definitely more prominent in the US and as far away as Australia. I couldn’t find any mention of lesbian bears prior to that article, although gay bears have been around since the 1980s.

You know you want this….

I’m trying to think hard about all of my books and who, if any of my main characters, might fit into the lesbian bear category. The only main character that comes remotely close is Maribel in One Shot at Love. However, I think I would love to write a main character who explicitly identifies as a lesbian bear. I think she would be rather lovable. I certainly write main characters that are protective, more on the butch side, but I’ve never really described their stance on hair removal, so I suspect they would not fall easily into the lesbian bear category. However, if you prefer protective main characters, I have a wide selection of books to choose from. Just click the links below — you know the drill!

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story Available for pre-order now! On Pre-orderTrouble in Paradise – Trophy Wives Club Book 4

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The Kitten Trap

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The Love Demand

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Purchase Audible Purchase EbookPleasure Workers in Audio Purchase AudibleLove Sins – The Final Chapter in The Organization UniverseClick on Cover for purchase links and description Purchase eBook Purchase Audible

The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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With the increased number of states banning books, particularly those with LGBTQ+ themes, I wanted to research the history of book bans. And it turns out that book bans have been around for a very long time, especially in the US. Here’s the fascinating information I learned:

Book banning or its cousin, book burning, goes all the way back to ancient times when the Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the burning of books in 213 BCE (Before Common Era or Christ for those who understand the previous BC time designation), with exceptions for agriculture, medicine, and divination, according to the CMU Libraries. Later, the Roman poet Ovid was banished in 8 CE (Common Era) for his book Ars Amatoria . Fast forward several centuries, and you’ll discover (no big surprise) that religious authorities banned books perceived as heresy or threats to religious doctrine. For example, the burning of Peter Abelard’s theology lectures, Theologia Summi Boni , in 1121 and the creation of the Index Librorum Prohibitorum by Pope Paul IV in 1559. The very first book banned in America goes back to the 1600s, with Thomas Morton’s New English Canaan . Apparently, the “wrong” politics will get you banned every single time. The Puritans didn’t appreciate the criticism of the Puritan government in Massachusetts.The infamous Comstock Act of 1873 in the US made it illegal to distribute “obscene” materials, including books, through the mail. You may remember this in relation to the controversy over mailing abortion medications, where the Comstock Act prohibits the mailing of materials, including anything “designed or intended for the prevention of conception or procuring of abortion.” In the 20th century, book bans were used to suppress socialist and racial justice literature, most famously Huckleberry Finn and To Kill A Mockingbird , but there were many more instances.According to the American Library Association, between 2022 and 2023, there has been a 65% increase in book bans. According to a survey by PEN America, about 10,000 books were banned from US schools under Republican-led censorship laws in the 2023/2024 academic year. Not surprisingly, many of the book titles targeted dealt with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ issues. On January 24, 2025, Trump’s Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights dismissed 11 cases regarding challenged books in schools. Then they eliminated an oversight position to investigate challenges to book bans, promptly issuing a press release stating that they had ended what they referred to as “Biden’s Book Ban Hoax.”Alarmingly, these bans are not limited to public schools but include public libraries. So not only does the right wish to police the schools, but they also want to control what the general public can read.Want to know where the concentration of book-banning efforts lies? Here’s the breakdown…The top eight states with the most book bans include Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Virginia. Wanna be leaders in book bans that have seen attempts at censorship include Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.  If you look at the list, you will note the states that have already been successful are all red states, but that has not stopped the movement from trying to get its grimy paws on blue states. This should frighten us all.This is by no means an exhaustive list of banned books, but some of the more famous ones include: The Handmaiden’s Tale , To Kill A Mockingbird , The Color Purple , And Tango Makes Three , T he Color Purple , Of Mice and Men , The Kite Runner , The Catcher in the Rye , Thirteen Reasons, All Boys Aren’t Blue , 1984 . Guess what’s missing, but has rape, incest, and other explicit content that is listed as a reason for why some books are banned…yup, you guessed it, The Bible. Another book that I remember being required reading, but was incredibly disturbing, was Lolita . Of course, the US Government never banned that book, despite how overtly the book pandered to a pedophile’s wet dream.So far, our Sapphic books are still being sold on Amazon, but that could change at any time considering Amazon’s policy that, “We don’t sell certain content including content that we determine is hate speech, promotes the abuse or sexual exploitation of children, contains pornography, glorifies rape or pedophilia, advocates terrorism, or other material we deem inappropriate or offensive.” Basically, they can do whatever they want and loop any LGBTQ+ book into the “inappropriate” or “offensive” category, especially if they are pressured by the Trump Administration.

Keep your eyes peeled on this. I’m not saying we should panic, but be prepared. I suppose there is something to be said about owning physical copies of books. I’m not suggesting anyone should boycott Amazon; we’ve been down that road, and it is a personal choice. If, however, you want to make sure you retain ownership of your ebooks, there are alternatives. It seems that all the major players in the e-book business make it clear that you do not own an e-book, but instead purchase a license to read it. The only sure way to own the book is to purchase it from a Publisher, The Author, or a distributor like Bella Books. FYI, all my books, except those that are KU, can be purchased through my publisher. Feel free to check them out!

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story Available for pre-order now! On Pre-orderTrouble in Paradise – Trophy Wives Club Book 4

Click the cover below for purchase options

Listen to Audio Clip Below

The Kitten Trap

Click the covers for purchase options

Purchase Ebook Purchase Audible

Listen to Audio Clip Below

The Love Demand

Click the covers for purchase links!

Purchase Audible Purchase EbookPleasure Workers in Audio Purchase AudibleLove Sins – The Final Chapter in The Organization UniverseClick on Cover for purchase links and description Purchase eBook Purchase Audible

The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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LOL. Okay, sue me. I was a big fan of the original Karate Kid movie (wax on, wax off), and I admit that I also watched the recent series. But I’m getting off track from the actual topic. I came across an article citing 11 struggles with strap-ons, and, of course, I had to share it with y’all, along with a small amount of commentary. I’m going to come completely clean and admit I have zero experience with strap-ons, which is probably why I don’t believe I’ve ever included one in a sex scene in one of my books, except maybe a passing reference? Write what you know, right? Anyway, for those of you with little to no experience, you might appreciate this blog. Here’s what I learned:

Selecting the dildo is key. Apparently, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Even I knew this! I suppose color might be important if a person prefers realism over fun and fantasy. Personally, I think a rainbow colored dildo could be a lot of fun. I suspect size is super important, too big and it could be super uncomfortable, too small and it might be less fulfilling…Trying different shapes and sizes is the best way to determine the right size for you or your partner, as one size does not fit all.Harnesses also come in different styles. Who knew? I thought they were all leather or fake leather. Nope, you can purchase fancy lace-up leather ones or basic elastic harnesses. Remember the old adage, though, you get what you pay for. Cheap ones will slide around, dig in, or break easily. Practicing before the main event is encouraged because apparently it takes time to custom-fit to your body. If both partners enjoy wearing the strap-on, I suspect buying two might help with tailoring each to fit their respective bodies.Using the strap on is hard work! If you work out, include exercises that build your hip and core strength; it will definitely make a difference. You’ll use your leg muscles, hips, and whatever aerobic conditioning you’ve developed. I’ll bet yoga and deep breathing exercises help as well. The advice on breathing is to sync your breathing to the thrusts. Going in, breathe in, coming out, breathe out. Pretty easy to remember. If you’re new to strap-ons, it makes sense to start out slowly.Changing positions (from missionary to your partner on top or from behind) can be awkward. Inevitably, the dildo will slip out. Well, duh, this also happens to heterosexual couples…not a big deal.There is such a thing as strap-on porn. Who knew? It’s recommended to watch that as it’s a great teaching tool. The Crash Pad Series is a favorite for those who are interested.For those into anal sex, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that lots of lube is recommended. Water-based, to be specific, because many dildos are made of silicone or other rubber. No coconut oil or any oil-based lubricant like baby oil. Recommended positions to avoid hurting your partner are doggy style or cowgirl. Side Note: I had to look up cowgirl. For those who don’t know, it’s one person on top riding the dildo.I guess it’s important to connect with your strap-on so that it becomes, in essence, a part of you. Walking around with it, whether it’s in your own home or out and about, tucked inside your pants, is a good way to get comfortable with wearing a strap-on. You could also wear one at home while doing everyday activities, such as watching TV, reading a spicy book, or scrolling through Facebook. You get the idea!So…what do you do with your strap-on that’s given you many hours of pleasure with a partner when you break up? The top advice is to go shopping for a new one for two reasons. One, you may have emotional memories tied to your strap-on that are difficult. Two, a new partner might not appreciate using a hand-me-down that was used on an ex. Don’t be cheap. Buy a new one! If you and your new partner are fine with keeping the old strap-on, by all means, save the money, but that’s not usually the case.I can’t even imagine not cleaning a sex toy, but in case this hasn’t occurred to every single one of you, it’s pretty clear that NO ONE LIKES A DIRTY STRAP-ON! Lukewarm water and mild soap directly after use…well, not like two seconds after you pull out, but don’t wait several days! Make sure you dry it with a clean towel. Store your beloved toy in a separate bag from other toys in a cold, dark place.

So, there you have it. Strap-ons incorporated into sex scenes seem to be something that readers are increasingly looking for. So, even if you don’t have firsthand experience, you may now have more information to either write or evaluate the scenes written by your favorite authors. I might even give it a try and incorporate a strap-on scene in one of my future novels. In the meantime, feel free to check out my books. You know the drill, just click the links below! BTW, there are still some free Audible codes available for both The Kitten Trap and Trouble in Paradise, especially for UK readers and listeners!

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story Available for pre-order now! On Pre-orderTrouble in Paradise – Trophy Wives Club Book 4

Click the cover below for purchase options

Listen to Audio Clip Below

The Kitten Trap

Click the covers for purchase options

Purchase Ebook Purchase Audible

Listen to Audio Clip Below

The Love Demand

Click the covers for purchase links!

Purchase Audible Purchase EbookPleasure Workers in Audio Purchase AudibleLove Sins – The Final Chapter in The Organization UniverseClick on Cover for purchase links and description Purchase eBook Purchase Audible

The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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Yeah, I know this isn’t as sexy or exciting as talking about women’s intimate bits, but I did think it was an appropriate topic since it’s my birthday today. That got me to thinking about the history of birthday celebrations. Where did it all begin? So, I did some research, of course. Here is what I learned.

The earliest recorded birthday celebrations started in ancient Egypt. It seems that almost everything lately has its origins in ancient Egypt. As one might expect, these celebrations primarily focused on the pharaohs, rather than the common people. Pharaohs celebrated their coronation day as their “birth” into godhood.The Greeks were the first to celebrate ordinary folk and started the tradition of placing candles on cakes as an offering to Artemis, the goddess of the moon, with moon-shaped candles. The celebration was intended to honor people’s protective spirits with feasts and offerings.Then came the Romans, who popularized celebrations among family and friends. However, this was mostly limited to wealthy citizens who held extravagant parties and started the practice of gift-giving.Initially, birthday celebrations were frowned upon by Christians, who viewed them as pagan rituals. However, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth led to a broader acceptance of birthdays in general among Christians.With the expansion of consumerism, birthdays gained significant popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. There was a particular focus on childhood, leading to the celebration of children’s birthdays with cakes, candles, and gift-giving.However, birthday celebrations vary widely among different cultures. For example, in Japan, the “Shichi-Go-San” festival celebrates kids who turn 3, 5, and 7. Conversely, in the US, UK, and Australia, “Sweet 16” is a big deal. In Hispanic culture, 15 is a significant milestone for girls, marked by a quinceañera. Japan’s coming-of-age day is celebrated at the age of 20. A Confucian coming-of-age ceremony was traditionally held in China for men turning 20 and girls turning 15, but today the age is 20 for both young men and women. The bar mitzvah, a Jewish rite of passage, is celebrated when boys reach the age of 13. Alternately, the Satere-Mawe tribe in the Brazilian Amazon has a tradition for 13-year-old boys called the bullet ant initiation. Birthday boys must put on gloves with vicious stinging ants that have been sedated and woven into the gloves with the stingers facing inwards. By the time the gloves are put on, the ants are pissed! This is the price to become a man, which they have to endure multiple times (twenty to be exact) over the course of several months.The age of 21 became a significant milestone because in the UK, a boy could become a knight at this age. Obviously, in many parts of the US, 21 is a big deal because it’s the legal drinking age in most states. Although when I was in college in Illinois, the legal drinking age was 19 and changed to 21 before I reached legal age. Fortunately, Wisconsin was still 18 during the years I waited to become legal.

I have a new book out called The Invisible Woman, and coincidentally, along with it being about a lesbian superhero, there is a particular focus on a serial killer who kills his victims right before their birthdays. So there is a bit of focus on birthday milestones. Too bad I hadn’t researched the history of birthdays before writing the book; I could have woven in some of these very interesting facts! I encourage you to check out the book, as well as my other recent releases. Links for purchase buttons are below. Just a little hint: if you buy through the Affinity website, there are no taxes. They’ve been fun to write! Since it is my birthday, I’ll be giving away free Audible codes for The Kitten Trap and Trouble in Paradise (I like to do reverse gift giving on my birthday). I have some for both the US and UK on a first-come, first-served basis. With the exception of my paid subscribers to Substack, who have first dibs on the Audible codes. If you’re interested, send me an email or dm.

The Invisible Woman: A Lesbian Superhero Story Available for pre-order now! On Pre-orderTrouble in Paradise – Trophy Wives Club Book 4

Click the cover below for purchase options

Listen to Audio Clip Below

The Kitten Trap

Click the covers for purchase options

Purchase Ebook Purchase Audible

Listen to Audio Clip Below

The Love Demand

Click the covers for purchase links!

Purchase Audible Purchase EbookPleasure Workers in Audio Purchase AudibleLove Sins – The Final Chapter in The Organization UniverseClick on Cover for purchase links and description Purchase eBook Purchase Audible

The Final Chapter in the original Organization series is now in Audible Purchase AudibleCatch up with Books 1 and 2 in The Next Generation Series Purchase EBook Purchase Audible Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleWhere it all began….Click on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase Audible Purchase EBookClick on Covers for purchase links and descriptions Purchase EBook Purchase AudibleBooks in AudibleBooks In Kindle Unlimited (KU)

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