M.A. Dunham's Blog

One of the great things about attending writer conventions (Thank you, Conflux, for being home to my people) is the thought-provoking discussions. Which then lead to tangents, and here we are.

An attendee had asked why they couldn’t find me on Amazon, and it occurred to me, for the first time in awhile, that not everyone knows I write under my initials, M.A. Dunham.

Some people may think that’s not a ‘real’ pen name, but for people who know me as Marisol, it may as well be. And like other authors who use a fully different pen name, like Nora Roberts and J.K. Rowling, it serves a purpose. Although I am staunchly pro-feminist and a woman, the reality of publishing is that the average male reader picks up far fewer books written by women than men. Other studies have confirmed that people tend to prefer books written by their own gender rather than the opposite, and that, unfortunately for us who aren’t white, that getting your books considered seriously can rely on the color of the author’s skin.

Add to that the number of women versus men who get considered for (and win) the big awards like the Hugos, it’s clear we are a long way to fixing the glass ceiling in the publishing world.

Because I write in male dominated genres and I don’t have a particularly feminine style, making my writer name was a calculated move. I want people to pick up my books and check then out because they’re interesting and draw them in, not see my unusual first name or realize I’m a woman and put it down.

Is it frustrating to have to think of these things still in 2015? Yes. Am I still going to be practical? Absolutely.

To me, using a pen name doesn’t lessen my position as a woman or as someone who believes in feminism. I don’t care what gender people think of me as, I want people to consider my story ‘blind’.

The story is what matters to me, and that’s what I want to matter for my readers.

And I’m sure someone’s already turned away in disgust. What writer watches TV?

One that wants to learn what interests people and captures the interest of their readers. Most readers watch a few TV shows. They don’t live in a bubble. Their world revolves around multiple forms of entertainment.

Should you be basing your story around a TV script style? Of course not. But conflict/resolution which leads to more conflict is something TV shows can show quickly and give a writer another way to reflect on how their writing can be better.

I’m quite a Kdrama/Jdrama fan, and one of the things I love most about them is they have a planned lifespan of 1-2 seasons, where the entire show is wrapped up in a set number of episodes. In US terms, it’s longer than a mini-series, but shorter than a standard series.

The big upside is the writers have a definite end-game. There’s no playing around with ridiculous cliff-hangers that no one believes (AKA the dreaded false tension), because we know you’re not going to kill off your main character if the show is named after them. I’m looking at you, Castle.

One of the biggest problems long-running TV shows encounter is not back-tracking over their own lore. To me, that is easier to do and more frequent than stale or redone episodes.

I mean, look at Law and Order, SVU. You could argue they only have 5 different episodes: pedophiles, rapists, abuse cases, trafficking, and personal angst. But it’s the ability to wrap these in a new context every single damn time that keeps watchers coming back, no matter how many complain about losing Stabler.

But they’ve managed to not cross their toes with their characters, and that gives them enough leeway to let people coming back and believing.

And above all, along with enjoyment, that is the golden rule: make your readers believe. Because if your readers drops out of that believing zone that makes reading a story real, you’ve lost them.

I attended Conflux 10 in Canberra this weekend – a sci-fi/fantasy writer’s convention, and having come back to reality, I am plugging back into my writing/editing routine.

Because despite having edit jobs to finish, a day job, and a new husband to remind how much I love him, I’ve also got full manuscript requests.

Yay! Here’s hoping my stories have what it takes to draw in the editors.

There’s a reason I’ve been not blogging.

1) Got Married.

2) Got my permanent residency.

Hooray! \o/

Now that I’m totally committed to this romance writing deal, I’ve been reading a lot more romance of all different kinds, and I’ve finally pinpointed the things I love to see most in my romance books. I will wait until the confetti clears.

Okay, we good? Okay. I realized that a lot of what bothers me is how the hero and heroine end up like clinging starfish. They cannae do without each other. Can’t breathe, eat, sleep, etc. And for a girl like me who enjoys her independence, that’s not cool.

Also, I hate when the heroine is just vapid, or too stupid to live. When I have to keep asking myself how she has made it this far, there’s an issue. The hero having to hold her hand to keep her from tripping over her own feet or going into the windowless white van with the candy-wielding strangers? Big no for me. I don’t want the heroine to need to be saved. She needs to be able to take care of herself. Otherwise, I will read while rolling my eyes if I read at all.

And there’s my issues with the hero, because he will not be infallible. I hate seeing heroes who are total jerkholes because I can’t understand what kind of woman would put up with someone like that. I understand the whole “tough exterior” thing, but I’ve read some books that toe the line VERY CLOSELY between tough exterior and complete a-hole.

And then there are the guys who get away with whatever they want because they’re hot. I call this the Chedward effect—because both Edward Cullen and Christian Grey are controlling asshats (and I’m certain both Bella and Ana are TSTL). He’s a shallow douche, but he’s hot. That’s a whole bunch of no for me. The world is full of hot douchebags. Why do I want to read about what I already know and dislike?

So here’s what I want to see, and what I write. I appreciate women who are strong without men and their newfound relationships enhance their lives, not complete them. I need women who can take care of themselves, who are intelligent and sure of themselves and don’t go completely to mush when confronted with Mr. Gorgeousness. Women who know their minds. *Huffs* I just get sick of seeing these characters who don’t understand that you don’t lose who you are when you enter into a relationship. Maintain your interests. Be yourself. Don’t change for anyone.

As far as the men, I hate douchebags. Maybe I’ve mentioned that before. Granted, I love cocky douchebags from afar, but that’s from afar and not anyone I’d ever want to date. I like chivalry. I like someone who doesn’t try to control their partners. Jealousy? Not appealing. It just means they’re not confident in their relationship. Even jealousy-as-plot-point. The green-eyed monster makes me crazy.

So in my newest release Complete Me, I endeavored to avoid these issues. I created a strong heroine who loves her career and doesn’t lose sight of her goals when paired up with the hero; and I created a hero who loves and adores the heroine for who she is, and who doesn’t get away with murder just because he’s a big ball of sexy musician. I’d hate to break my own rules, you know.

In celebration of Complete Me, I’m giving away a $25 iTunes gift card, a free copy of the book, and a Complete Me-inspired t-shirt. Entry form is below the pertinent deets!

Blurb:

A romance author who needs to love….

Best-selling romance author Claire Ergleston confines her passions to the pages of her books. When she receives a 1Night Stand date ‘to give her something to talk about in interviews,’ can she let herself be swept away?

A rock star who needs to let go….

The past has a chokehold on former rock star Ty Krause. Instead of killer tunes, he kills time writing passable songs for a British boy band and his nights wishing he had the balls to say goodbye. In a last ditch effort, he signs up for 1Night Stand, thinking that a night of no-strings-attached sex will help him break the leash of his past.

From the moment Claire and Ty meet, sparks fly—but can they overcome their pasts or will their potential love story end on a sour note?

Available 3/21 from the following e-retailers:

Decadent Publishing

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Link to giveaway:  Entry -Form

It’s here! This sexy siren of a book is available! To whet your appetite, here’s a teaser.

“Hi.” About the only word he managed before a pair of luscious, plump red lips descended on his. One sharp heel spike scratched the skin above his ankle. His trousers were tight and rough on his thighs igniting a pleasurable pain in his pulsing erection. She molded her body to his, and her nibbling bites on his mouth sent his brain reeling. The press of her weight sparked his nerves. Lord, he hadn’t experienced anything like that.

Skin hot and flushed, he moved to embrace her and deepen the kiss. Instead, she grabbed his wrists and anchored them above his head; a simple gesture of dominance and one he’d never thought of as arousing until then. Her ministrations slowed to a crawl, opting for tracing the seams of his lips and he thrusting his own eager tongue forward, desperate for another taste of spice and something familiar…a flavor of summer and sweet lemonade.

She pressed harder, her breasts crushed to his chest, his wrists still restrained, her nails biting into the flesh. Royce’s desire ratcheted up further and as he thought he might succumb to the most embarrassing release ever, she pulled away.

* * *

*fans self* Oh my.

Part of the One Night Stand series from Decadent Publishing, What You Need is a true gem. A sexual submissive, Royce wants a woman who’ll make his fantasies come true. The last thing he expects on his 1Night Stand is to be paired with Victoria, his ex-best friend.  Haunted by their past, he refuses to deny his newfound attraction or his need for answers.  This time, he doesn’t plan to let her go.

Victoria has loved Royce forever, but the sting of his rejection is not so easily forgotten. No longer the naïve girl he knew, she’s matured into a sexual dominant. This domme demands a chance to restart their relationship—on her terms. Knowing that one night will never be enough, she plans a seduction that will last forever.

As a special treat, 2 lucky winners will win a $25 Gift Card to PureRomance.com and a free copy of my book. Entries will be accepted until Wednesday at midnight.

All you have to do is comment on this post to win!

Don’t want to wait? Purchase a copy now:

Amazon | Decadent

About the Author:

Landra Graf consumes at least one book a day, and has always been a sucker for stories where true love conquers all. She believes in the power of the written word, and the joy such words can bring. In between spending time with her family and having book adventures, she writes romance with the goal of giving everyone, fictional or not, their own happily ever after.

Landra Can be found on Twitter, Facebook, or her website.

My amazing writing friend and BFF Cate Peace has had another one of her romances published! I was so chuffed, so of course I immediately volunteered to participate in her cover reveal.

Complete Me is the story of a writer and a rockstar gone songwriter. This is the second one she’s had published through Decadent Publishing, and having read it, I can promise you the story is sweet and hot.

Here’s what it’s all about:

Out of the dating game for five years, best-selling romance author Claire Ergleston is convinced that writing out the romances she’s always wanted is a lot safer than trying in real life. Then she receives the news that she’s been signed up for a 1Night Stand date “to give her something to talk about in interviews.” Nothing worse than a romance author with no romance to pick apart.

Former rock star Ty Krause has let his past rule him for almost a decade. Unable to let the former love of his life go for good, he spends his days writing passable songs for a British boy band and his nights wishing he had the balls to say goodbye. In a last ditch effort, he signs up for 1Night Stand, thinking that a night of no-strings-attached sex will help him cut the other strings holding him back.

When the two meet, their instant attraction and connection muddy the waters a little too much. Will past hurts hold them back from each other, or will they be able to move forward and live out their dreams together?

Happy Cover Reveal, Cate!

It’s -this close- to the New Year, and to help ring it in, I’ve got to share something so awesomely incredible. My friend and fellow author, Landra Graf, has her latest book What You Need coming out from 1Night Stand in January! Way to ring in the new year.

If you’re looking for a spicy erotica with a strong romance, this is it. It’s a great story – I couldn’t put it down.

So without further ado – check out this cover.

Sexy, no?

Royce is looking for a woman who won’t cringe at the words “sexual submissive,” and a chance for all his fantasies to come true. The 1Night Stand he signed up for was supposed to be simple with no attachments, but when his match is his ex-best friend, simple goes out the window. He can’t stop seeking the answers to why Victoria left or deny his new-found attraction to her.

Victoria has loved Royce forever, but his rejection of her affections eight years ago caused her to walk away from everything. She’s not the same girl from college, and no longer naive and willing to run too just anyone. A sexual dominant born from her mistakes, she wants a chance to start a relationship based on her terms. She’ll settle for one night, but she’s planning on forever.

Landra Graf consumes at least one book a day, and has always been a sucker for stories where true love conquers all. She believes in the power of the written word, and the joy such words can bring. In between spending time with her family and having book adventures, she writes romance with the goal of giving everyone, fictional or not, their own happily ever after.

Landra can be found at Twitter, Facebook and on her own blog.

I can finally add another post telling you how crazy it is to push past my regular writing zone (30k) a month and into the 50k. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen work circumstances, I didn’t make the 50k target, but I did manage to raise just over $240 for free creative writing programs across the world.

For that, the top three donors are receiving a signed paperback copy of my NaNo book, which’ll be finished this month and sent off to the editors. Although I didn’t quite hit my goal, I’m happy with what I did, and I look forward to yet another crazy month.

Holidays here on the South Coast are bananas. As soon as the schools close for the six week break, we’re swelled to max capacity with people. Shopping and daily tasks are nigh herculean tasks. Despite all of the craziness, I’m looking forward to a lovely warm Christmas with my family and friends.

And finishing my shopping online. I don’t know what I did before online shopping.

Well, this post is filled with funsies and freebies – and a little scavenger hunt! Fellow author and resident awesome South Coast author Cassandra Webb has her latest book in the Kemla sage coming out this month!

And here she is, the cover reveal!

In Book 1, LIFE, Kemla is captured by slave traders and her life is changed forever. It could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the handsome and rugged slave trader called Leon granting her his personal protection.

In Book 2, NEW, Kemla meets Orin, a farmer who kicks bandit butt on a regular basis. When he first spots Kemla he grips his sword and can’t decide if he wants to try and kill her or not. He doesn’t, and she saves his sister from a horrible death, which makes a guy owe a girl a lot.

In Book 3 Orin and Leon find themselves in the same place with the same girl on their minds. This is going to spell trouble. Read the chapters as they unfold on the new website, www.amagicalsaga.com

There are 5 feature posts, on 5 different websites. Each of our fantastic posts end with a clue. Each clue will give you a letter. Unjumble the 5 letters and you will discover the title of Book 3.

As part of the release of book 2 we’re also launching the new website. Head on over to www.amagicalsaga.com and use the title of book 3 as the password to access the advanced first chapter.

Have fun.

Third letter of the main characters name. Hint: http://www.amagicalsaga.com

Any questions can be asked of Kemla, the main character, over on her facebook page. (insert link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kemla-Janard/430441313665230)

Now visit the other fantastic posts!

www.everythingmarie.com

http://www.emilymorganwrites.com

www.jessicajabbers.blogspot.com

http://ourgrainofsand.wordpress.com/

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