Writing IS Personal
Reviewing and reading buddies often wonder why writers take criticism of their work personally. It’s a product, right? Corporate executives don’t take criticism of their wonderful widgets personally. Writers shouldn’t either.
The problem is… a book isn’t a widget. I spent decades launching new products (i.e. widgets) for big corporate entities. I took these products from the idea stage to launch and often beyond. I became invested in their successes but there was always distance between the product and my self.
There’s no distance with a book. There can’t be. A great story involves emotion. Many of us read romance because the stories make us laugh or make us cry. We feel. Deeply.
When I was a reader, I thought what I was feeling was the character’s emotions. It isn’t. What we’re feeling is the WRITER’s emotions.
When writers tell newer writers to write what they know, we’re being told to write the emotions we know. I’m not a green-haired, tattooed Goth girl but I DO know what it is like not to fit in, to push people away, to worry that I’m not ‘good enough’ for love. When Camille is expressing her emotions, these are my emotions, my most inner self laid bare for everyone to see.
Does this mean reviewers and readers shouldn’t criticize stories? Of course not. Some of my best buddies hate every story I’ve ever written (they don’t read erotic romance or they prefer longer stories) and I accept that. Sometimes I write a story for a specific group of reading buddies and the reviewer might not be part of this group. Sometimes a story simply doesn’t work.
We’re making art, not cheeseburgers. Every work of art is different. We’re fortunate in Romanceland that we have reviewers to point out these differences. A well written review (including a well written negative review) helps readers find the right stories for them and this is a win for readers, writers, and everyone else in Romanceland.
But to say that writers should look at their stories as a product is misunderstanding the process. Stories aren’t products. They’re a piece of us that we’re sharing with others.
When (often newer) writers react badly to a negative review, I try to remember that what they’re feeling is rejection. The ‘cure’ for rejection isn’t more anger. It’s a hug (which studies also show make people live longer – grins). More hugs make any place, including Romanceland, a better place to be.
Nathan Lawford, Blaine Technologies’ chief financial officer, is known as the Iceman. He conducts his personal and business affairs without emotion, never allowing himself to become involved with anyone. When Nate sees something or someone he wants, he negotiates, paying a simple, set monetary price.
Now he wants Camille, the company’s green-haired intern.
Camille Joplin Trent never expected to be paid to pleasure the man of her dreams. She can’t quite figure out why this is a bad thing. Nate is intelligent, handsome, sophisticated, everything she’s ever wanted in a lover and never thought she could have. Their contract is for a month, thirty lust-filled days of making every sexual fantasy they’ve ever had come true. At the end of this month, the rules state their relationship will end.
Of course, Camille has never been good at following rules.
Pre-order Now At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-All-Rules-Erotic-Novella-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXY
Pre-order Now At ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-breakingalltherules-1453084-149.html
Topics: Writing Tips | Comments Off on Writing IS Personal
How Do I Keep Sex Scenes Fresh?
Erotic romance writers often worry about keeping every sex scene fresh and new and exciting. There are only so many possible sexual positions. How can every sex scene be different?
Every sex scene is different because every character is different.
Occupation often defines people, especially heroes. It reflects the character’s personality. A fireman would approach sex differently than an accountant. His technique would likely be braver, more aggressive and wild. He’d use different words to describe the scene, the heroine and the feelings inside him (there’d be talk of hoses and lighting fires – grins).
Sexual experience makes a difference. If the heroine is a virgin, she might be more hesitant. She’d make mistakes, perhaps cause some damage. The hero would react to her inexperience. Maybe he would talk more, asking her if she’s okay, coach her or slow down the process. Or he might not. His reaction would depend on the situation and on his character.
Age makes a difference. A thirty year old approaches sex in a different way than a twenty year old. Ethnic background makes a difference. Where he or she grew up makes a difference. Income level makes a difference (billionaires can afford the expensive toys – grins). Parents make a difference. The list goes on.
But-but-but you say, there’s usually more than one sex scene in an erotic romance (usually – there are erotic romances with no sex scenes). How do we make the sex scenes different when the characters remain the same?
The sex scenes will be different because the relationship will be different. In the first sex scene, the two (or more) characters usually don’t care deeply about each other. In Breaking All The Rules, the first sex scene is all about Nate. He’s focused on his own fulfillment and doesn’t think about Camille’s happiness. He doesn’t even kiss her in this scene. In the last sex scene, he kisses her and ensures she’s taken care of first. This shows readers how the relationship has progressed, growing stronger.
Another way to vary sex scenes is to change the situation. Characters will have sex on a desk in an office differently than they’ll have sex in a bed at their private home. They likely won’t scream at the top of their lungs or tear clothing. They might get a thrill out of possibility of being caught. Characters might navigate under blankets while having sex in a freezing cabin. They might roll around buck naked while having sex on a tropical beach.
There are also clothing and toys and props. Maybe she keeps her high heels on. Maybe he uses the feather he found during a walk in the woods. Nate and Camille use the contract they’ve negotiated. The possibilities are endless.
How do you keep your sex scenes fresh and exciting?
Nathan Lawford, Blaine Technologies’ chief financial officer, is known as the Iceman. He conducts his personal and business affairs without emotion, never allowing himself to become involved with anyone. When Nate sees something or someone he wants, he negotiates, paying a simple, set monetary price.
Now he wants Camille, the company’s green-haired intern.
Camille Joplin Trent never expected to be paid to pleasure the man of her dreams. She can’t quite figure out why this is a bad thing. Nate is intelligent, handsome, sophisticated, everything she’s ever wanted in a lover and never thought she could have. Their contract is for a month, thirty lust-filled days of making every sexual fantasy they’ve ever had come true. At the end of this month, the rules state their relationship will end.
Of course, Camille has never been good at following rules.
Pre-order Now At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-All-Rules-Erotic-Novella-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXY
Topics: Coming Soon, Writing Tips | 1 Comment »
Beautiful Writers And The Best Seller Lists
Beauty matters. It sucks that it matters but it does. That’s the unfortunate reality.
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?
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 »
Interviewed By Gabrielle Holly
Gabrielle Holly interviewed me!
http://gabrielleholly.blogspot.ca/2014/02/getting-personal-with-author-cynthia-sax.html
Here’s the first question (and it gets crazier from there – grins)
What’s the best part of being a writer?
The Nutella consumption. Hands down. (grins) Cynthia Sax runs on Nutella. Seriously though, I stay home in my pajamas and make up sh*t for a living. Looking at hot, half-naked men is considered research. Romance readers are the best readers in the world, believing in hope, love, and optimism. What is NOT to like?
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: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Interviewed By Gabrielle Holly
Release Days
Earlier in my writing career, I would set writing goals for release days. I never ever made these goals. Sure, I’d write but I’d be writing emails, talking to readers and reviewers and other writing buddies.
Now I put the writing aside and simply savor these rare wonderful days. I’m lucky to have some awesome reading buddies who always buy and read my stories on release days. They will then email me and we’ll talk about how lickable the hero is and which stories they’d like to see next. I REALLY enjoy this. It is so much fun.
Of course, I’ll look for reviews, hoping my stories have made readers happy. Some readers prefer that I let them know when stories release so I’ll post on the loops and sites they hang out on.
Release days usually show publishers how much interest there is in a series. If sales are strong, I know both readers and the publisher will want to see the next story soon and this drives me to write.
And of course, I eat plenty of Nutella. (grins)
*****************************************************************************
He Watches Me From Cynthia Sax
She desires to be seen. He wants to watch.
Anna Sampson has a naughty secret. Every night, she slips into her neighbor’s yard and swims naked in his pool. She fantasizes that the dynamic young billionaire watches her nightly nude aquatics, his brilliant green eyes gleaming with lust.
She discovers this isn’t pure fantasy. Gabriel Blaine has been watching her via his security cameras, and now that he has returned to L.A., he doesn’t plan to stop. That’s all he wants—to watch. Anna knows she shouldn’t allow him and she certainly shouldn’t want more, but she craves Blaine’s attention, needing his gaze fixed on her body.
Part One of The Seen Trilogy
Buy Now: http://www.amazon.com/He-Watches-Me-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00CD36FS8
*****************************************************************************
He Touches Me From Cynthia Sax
His touch enflames her desires.
Anna Sampson has allowed billionaire businessman Gabriel Blaine to watch her, all of her. And looking is all he’s done—until now. After giving him permission to touch her, Anna realizes she won’t be satisfied until she has all of this handsome and secretive man.
Soon she tempts him, shreds his control, and pushes him too far. Blaine’s reluctance to take her virginity frustrates Anna. He fulfills her fantasy, but what is their reality together?
Part Two of The Seen Trilogy
Pre-order Now: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD36FVA
*****************************************************************************
He Claims Me From Cynthia Sax
A billionaire’s desires and a virgin’s wish to be claimed come together.
Two men want Anna Sampson. Gabriel Blaine is powerful, intelligent, the CEO of a successful company, and a billionaire. He’s watched her, touched her, encouraged her to become a strong, independent woman, a woman unafraid of her desires.
Now secrets from the past are exposed, threatening Anna’s freedom and safety. Will the man she loves stand by her side, or will he desert her, leaving Anna once again to face the future alone?
The searing climax of The Seen Trilogy.
Pre-order Now: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD36FTW
Topics: Cover Reveal | Comments Off on Release Days
Flash Fiction Challenge: Rock and a Hard Place
Time for the weekly Changeling Flash Fiction Challenge!
** (Inspired by pic on FB) The Grim Reaper and an alien have both showed up in your bedroom. One of them is in the wrong place. Which one and what happens when they figure it out? **
View image here:
http://closeencountersstudios.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/GrimReaper.9513\1514_large.jpg
TinyURL:
http://tinyurl.com/bnm2fpl
Challenge:
– Write a quickie with the above theme
– 100 to 150 words
– Authors and readers can play
NOTE:
Please put “FFC” or “Flash Fiction” (and a title) in your subject line so we don’t miss any potential plot bunnies.
Answer the challenge here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChangelingPress/message/163634
Topics: Flash Fiction | Comments Off on Flash Fiction Challenge: Rock and a Hard Place
Flash Fiction Challenge: Private Demonstration
Here is the Changeling Flash Fiction Challenge for the week!
This week’s theme is courtesy of Cynthia Sax (me – grinning).
** You’re at a sex toy trade show and you’re asked to demonstrate a product… privately. **
Challenge:
– Write a quickie with the above theme
– 100 to 150 words
– Authors and readers can play
NOTE:
Please put “FFC” or “Flash Fiction” (and a title) in your subject line so we don’t miss any potential plot bunnies.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChangelingPress/message/162429
Topics: Flash Fiction | Comments Off on Flash Fiction Challenge: Private Demonstration
What Makes Characters Interesting
Writers tend to write about characters we find interesting (because we write for ourselves first).
Today on ARe, the Changelings are talking about what we find interesting about our characters.
http://www.arecafe.com/cafe-news/changeling-press-writers-talk-about-interesting-characters/
I’m talking about Sarge in Speed Demon and why I absolutely HAD to write his story!
By Cynthia Sax
Now Available From Changeling Press
My name is Officer Sargent, Sarge to friends and fellow police
officers. You might have heard some rumors about me, but they’re all
lies. I’m not gay. I’m not. The reason I watch my partner’s back is
because that’s what cops do; we watch out for each other. It has nothing
to do with his broad shoulders or trim hips or shapely butt.
My partner Nero is a demon, and he has a sick sense of humor,
tricking me into thinking things no straight man should ever think. I’m a
genetically enhanced supercop, and I can handle his devilish magic.
That is until the unthinkable happens.
Buy It Now At: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1937
Buy It Now At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Serve-Speed-Demon-ebook/dp/B00B763GIE
Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on What Makes Characters Interesting
Why I Love Nutella
I love Nutella. That’s probably the worst kept secret in the world. I talk about this hazelnut chocolate goodness all of the time. I prefer to eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon OR the best way possible – in the middle of a hot crepe with a sprinkle of icing sugar over top.
I associate Nutella with happiness and with writing because the first time I ever had Nutella was on a crepe from one of the notorious street crepe makers in Paris, France (yes, the same crepe makers who got run out of gay Paris for sleeping on their carts and performing other non-hygienic stunts).
I went to Paris with a group of students during my senior year in high school. I was 17 years old. I had never been out of the country before. I painted. I wrote. I loved French history (with their decapitations and their women warriors). I fell in love with Paris instantly.
Our chaperones had dozens of students to supervise so I would wander the streets by myself. Dangerous, yes, but it added to the fun. I was young and free and much more interested in the art and architecture than getting into trouble.
I also was on a budget and whenever I’d get hungry, I’d buy a crepe. The crepe makers would tell me stories. They’d been everywhere, seen everything. They, mostly male, would flirt with me, making me feel like a sophisticated femme fatale.
One Of The Crepe Makers In Paris, France
Looking back, I could also see they were protecting me, telling me to check in with so-and-so along my route. When I was late, that so-and-so would ‘accidentally’ bump into me. They made the dangerous streets a little less dangerous while still giving me my freedom.
Now, whenever I suck on a spoon of Nutella, I think of that first trip to Paris and I smile.
This Crepe, Filled With Nutella and Sprinkled With Icing Sugar, Was Made at Le Buffet, Paris Casino, Las Vegas
Topics: Guest Post | 3 Comments »
