Beautiful Writers And The Best Seller Lists

By Cynthia Sax on February 28, 2014

Beauty matters. It sucks that it matters but it does. That’s the unfortunate reality.

A “recent study out of the University of Wisconsin reports that hiring a beautiful person, say, as a S&P 500 company’s CEO, may boost its bottom line.

The results of the study, which used an algorithm on facial beauty analysis site Anaface.com to rate the attractiveness of 677 CEOs, confirmed that better-looking CEOs make more money (sometimes called a “beauty premium”). It also found that stock market returns were higher on M&A announcement dates for companies whose CEO ranked high on the Facial Attractiveness Index.”

One would think that beauty wouldn’t matter in Romanceland. Sales should be all about the stories, about the yummy heroes and the intriguing heroines, right?

Yeah, no. If appearances didn’t matter, writers wouldn’t be asked for their photos… ALL the time. Our photos wouldn’t appear next to our online bios, in the back of print books, in the media kits.

And how we look in these photos makes a difference to our careers. The average reader is more likely to buy from an attractive writer. The media is more likely to feature or interview attractive writers.

There are a number of reasons why you won’t find my photo anywhere online. The main reason is that my dear wonderful supportive mom-in-law is very religious and would be embarrassed if one of her church-going friends knew what I was writing. I don’t ever want to hurt this terrific woman. I love her to bits.

But another reason is… I’m beauty impaired. The plain Jane heroine whom only the hero finds attractive? That’s me. Ironically my super awesome hubby IS handsome and he DOES think I’m beautiful, even twenty years and twice my original weight later. (Oh, and we fell in love at first sight – yes, I base my romance stories on real life).

I had to work ten times as hard in business to overcome this lack of beauty issue (because in business, beauty also matters). When I followed my dream into writing, I thought this wouldn’t be an issue. I was naïve. It IS an issue.

I use cover art for my bio photo. I prefer to look at Henley’s handsome face than mine. Some media won’t accept that, won’t cover the story unless I supply my real photo. I miss out on these promotional avenues. Some of my beauty impaired buddies (big hugs) use avatars, logos, and other clever images. They also miss out on opportunities.

I’m as guilty as the next person about judging writers based on their appearances. I’d rather not see who is writing the erotic romances I enjoy reading. I love my fellow writers but I don’t want to picture their faces while the hero is boinking the living daylights out of the heroine. SO not sexy. (grins)

And I don’t begrudge my beautiful writing buddies their successes. (big hugs) I merely wish their successes were due 100% to their wonderful stories. I wish we all stopped judging each other on our appearances. (And since we’re talking about fantasies, I also wish eating Nutella qualified as a form of exercise)

Have you been judged on your appearance? Does a writer’s appearance make a difference to you?

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Guest Post, Writing Tips | 2 Comments »

Fave Quotes From Flashes Of Me

By Cynthia Sax on February 26, 2014

Quite a few readers have shared their favorite lines from Flashes Of Me with me and I LOVE this.

So I thought I’d share some of MY favorite lines.

***

Employees raise their heads, spot Henley, and duck back down.

This happens again and again, the sight hilariously funny. “Have you ever played that amusement-park game where the rodents pop out of holes and you have to whack them with a mallet?” I ask. Henley doesn’t answer, his broad shoulders shaking. “You’re strong and fast. I think you’d be great at that game. You could win me a stuffed bear or a giant plush unicorn.”


***
Okay, this is more than a line but I love this because Kat takes something that has really been hurting Henley and she twists it into something humorous, changing his view on the world, his emotional reaction.

***

I swallow my fears, turn, and enter the car, leaving my behemoth standing on the sidewalk, a solid wall of black separating joy and sorrow.

***

I think this sums up what Henley means to Kat. He is her wall. For others, say Camille aka Goth girl, a wall wouldn’t be a good thing, but Kat feels safe behind a wall.

***

I need to be happy.

***

This line more than anything defines Kat. She doesn’t WANT to be happy. She NEEDS to be happy. Much of what she does is driven by this need.

What were your favorite lines from Flashes Of Me?

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Fave Quotes From Flashes Of Me

Alien Tryst

By Cynthia Sax on February 24, 2014

I have a title for my next SciFi erotic romance release! Alien Tryst will be the long awaited follow up to Tattooed Tryst.

Here is a bit about it.

While investigating some mysterious disappearances, Kane, a former military man, uncovers two secrets that change his world. He’s not entirely human. He’s also dangerously close to death. His alien grandfather has broken a sacred rule, putting his entire bloodline, including Kane, at risk of termination.

Eshe, a sexy blonde scientist with lush lips and a hot body, is Kane’s only hope to save his family. He’ll do anything to keep her safe, including fighting alien warriors, crossing vast galaxies, and giving his woman the pleasure she craves again and again, using his mouth, fingers, every inch of his fit physique.

In this alien world, passion is power and love is necessary for survival.

I don’t yet have a release day for Alien Tryst. I’ll let you know when that is finalized.

When a tattooed stranger strides into the diner and gazes at Lori with his flame infused eyes, she realizes he’s someone special. Something special.

There are tall, gorgeous aliens hidden among us, aliens armed with big guns and burning kisses, aliens taking what they want and whom they want, melting resistance with firm lips and rough, calloused touches. Aliens with fascinating tattoos…

Trake takes one look at the waitress serving up coffee and sultry smiles and knows she’ll be his. With military precision, he begins his passionate assault, using every weapon in his sexual arsenal to seduce Lori. Time is limited. He leaves Earth in nine days and his human mate can’t make the difficult journey. This is his sole chance at the ecstasy of bonding.

He will not fail.

Buy Now From Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/tattooed-tryst.html

Buy Now From Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tattooed-Tryst-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B007Y8PZN8

Buy Now From ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-tattooedtryst-889618-340.html

Buy Now From B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tattooed-tryst-cynthia-sax/1110454272

Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Alien Tryst

Flashes Of Me Featured On The USA Today Blog

By Cynthia Sax on February 21, 2014

Yay!

Flashes Of Me was featured on the USA Today blog today!

I’m super stoked!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2014/02/21/erotic-romance-erotica-new-releases-february-2014/5668807/

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Reviews | Comments Off on Flashes Of Me Featured On The USA Today Blog

Contemporary Erotic Romance Chat

By Cynthia Sax on February 21, 2014

Wendi Zwaduk , Cris Anson, Shelley Munro, Sabrina York , Anne Kane , Gia Dawn, J.S. Wayne, Sabrina Darby, and I are talking about Contemporary Erotic Romance at

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/loveromancescafe/conversations/messages

all day today (’cause the party never stops – grins).

If you love sexy billionaires, a$$ kicking Navy Seals, or rugged cowboys, please drop by! We have virtual Nutella (and the cabana boys to eat that virtual Nutella off of).

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: New Releases | Comments Off on Contemporary Erotic Romance Chat

BookLover Sue Loves Flashes Of Me

By Cynthia Sax on February 20, 2014

BookLover Sue shares

“The story is so entertaining and engrossing, I found myself drawn into it. I am now eagerly awaited the next story which is to feature Katalina’s quirky new friend.”

http://bookloversue.blogspot.ca/2014/02/review-and-giveaway-flashes-of-me-by.html

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Reviews | Comments Off on BookLover Sue Loves Flashes Of Me

Henley, Nutella, and Flashes Of Me

By Cynthia Sax on February 18, 2014

Talking Henley, Flashes Of Me, and, of course, Nutella at Wendi Zwaduk ‘s online home today.

http://www.wendizwaduk.net/2014/02/why-henley-is-sexy-beast-by-cynthia-sax.html

Here’s a snippet

“Kat is a big breasted blonde, accustomed to being appreciated merely for her looks. She realizes she’s pretty and she also realizes being pretty isn’t always an asset. Because she’s often judged by her appearance, she rarely judges others by their appearances.

This is a good thing because Henley’s appearance scares the Nutella out of people.”

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Henley, Nutella, and Flashes Of Me

The Power Of Flashing

By Cynthia Sax on February 18, 2014

I’m sharing WAY too much information at Ann Jacobs’ online home today

http://annjacobs.mobi/2014/02/about-flashing-welcome-cynthia-sax/

Here’s a snippet…

“My dear wonderful hubby was stressed. He’d lost a huge deal he’d be working on. He was in danger of not making his sales quota for the quarter. He had an important call with his boss and the rest of the team.

Five minutes into the call, I knew it wasn’t going well. His answers to questions were curt, almost grumpy. Tensions were escalating. The hubby was so wound up, he was making a bad situation even worse.

I stepped into his line of sight and flipped my shirt up. We’ve been together for twenty terrific years. My breasts were never Playboy quality, not even on day one, and he’s seen them hundreds, thousands of times.

The impact was instant. My hubby stopped talking mid sentence. He blinked slowly. Then he smiled, his shoulders lowering, the lines around his mouth easing, all of the stress whooshing out of him. That brief glimpse of the forbidden, of something naughty, something unexpected, sucked the tension from his body.

THIS is the power of flashing and flashing IS power. The viewer doesn’t touch, doesn’t control the action. The flasher is in complete control. She decides when and where.”

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on The Power Of Flashing

Talking Friends, Flashes Of Me, And Romanceland

By Cynthia Sax on February 18, 2014

I’m talking about fictional friends at N.j. Walters ‘s online home today (which is super appropriate because I’m lucky to consider N.j. a real friend)

http://www.njwalters.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cynthia-sax-flashes-of-me.html

Here’s a tidbit…

“I love NJ (gives her a big hug). I love her writing and I love her as a person. I feel fortunate to have her as a friend.

Because friends are important, especially in Romanceland. Romance is all about lasting love. It is difficult to create a lasting relationship if the two (or more) people aren’t also good friends. My dear wonderful hubby is my best friend. He’s the first person I tell anything to, the person I know will support me no matter what craziness I come up with, the friend I trust my deepest darkest secrets to.”

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Talking Friends, Flashes Of Me, And Romanceland

An Interview With Kat From Flashes Of Me

By Cynthia Sax on February 18, 2014

Kat, the heroine from Flashes Of Me, has graciously agreed to another interview. The always fabulous Ellie Macdonald hosted us.

http://www.elliemacdonald.com/cynthia-sax.html

Here’s a snippet…

Kat: (smiles) My father always tells me that business deals are built on trust and trust is built on truth. I try to be as truthful as I can.

Cynthia Sax: Yet you’re using your mother’s maiden name here in LA.

Kat: (smile dims) Yes. My uncle thought that deception was necessary. And I didn’t fight him. I like the idea of starting a new life here, where no one knows my family, my…secrets.

Flashes Of Me Cynthia Sax

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-Novella-Cynthia-Sax-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-flashesofme-1411711-149.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flashes-of-me-cynthia-sax/1117322925

Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on An Interview With Kat From Flashes Of Me

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