Thanks for the video and excerptI loved the video……..steamy!! How did you do that? And where do you get the pictures from? I loved it! The excerpt was awesome too. What else are you working on now? What can we expect next from Liane?
Go ahead and say whatever you like now – enjoy your day!! And happy almost July 4th!
Of Life and Love and an Insatiable MuseBonnie asked if there were differences in the processes of writing fiction and nonfiction. My best answer is, it depends. 
But in most cases, for me, the inspiration is very different for the two flavors of writing.
I came to nonfiction with a passion to build a better world for my two sons, who have autism, and their developmentally unique peers. Childhood is short, too short. When you know you live in a world that is bound to be less than friendly to your child, you realize you have to hit the ground running. At least that was true for me. I knew if I was going to change their worlds, even a little bit, I was going to have to quit mourning the children I’d dreamed of having and take care of the kids God gave me–who, as it turns out, were the perfect ones for me.
The passion and drive to write about autism, persons with autism, and their vast array of skills and abilities has never left me. I think I’ll be doing this until the day I die, and most of what I write in that regard, I don’t get paid for. Nor would I want to.
But writing about a subject so near and dear to my heart didn’t fill *all* of me. I’ve always longed to create beauty, whether it be through dance, art, acting, or the written word. As my children have gotten older, I’ve realized that the time to chase our own dreams is necessary if we are to refill our spirtual well so that we can serve those who mean the most to us. For me, writing is a performing art. When I write, I am playing parts for my potential readers.
As the autism battles ticked by, my mental exhaustion grew. I felt like an open tap on a water tank that never got refilled. The performance artist in me needed something more than just the facts. I needed to play, to dream, to reconnect with the gifts that God gave me.
In part, I started recognized that the time had come to start writing fiction because of the growing temptation to *embellish* my nonfiction for the sake of a better story. Though I’m still searching for who I am as an author, all my stories are steeped in magic and magic realism. My editor once said of my mermaid novella, Heart Storm, which appears in Secrets, Vol. 27, Untamed Pleasures, that my stories ran the gamut from lighthearted sparkle to brooding emotion. I think she hit the nail on the head. Here’s an excerpt from that story:
I’ve never known anyone like Sirenia. And deep in his gut, Byron knew he never would again. Once the storm was over, he’d find a way to get her back to civilization, maybe even take her home with him for a while—if she agreed. He grinned, considering what fun he’d have, watching those soft, blue eyes open onto a world where women were free to choose, even if that choice didn’t lead her to back to him.
That thought—the very idea of her offering her love to another–tore at his heart. But the next thought, that she’d only gifted him with her virginity because of an imagined life debt hurt a helluva lot more.
To love freely…she deserves at least that much. She is far too spirited to survive as any man’s slave.
Damn, she was gorgeous. No. Striking was a better word. Her rich curves saved her from coming off too athletic for his tastes. In spite of her statuesque size, there was a kittenish sweetness about her. He’d first felt it in her delicate touch as she tended his wounds and the shy way she peered at him through the golden sweep of her lashes when she thought he wasn’t watching.
She is…uncomplicated.
Abandoning claim to better judgment, he allowed his eyes to caress the tumble of her hair, which ended just where her ass cut into her thighs.
And a magnificent ass it was.
Every time the wind shifted, it captured a new section of ringlets, offering him tantalizing glimpses of sculpted thighs and rounded butt cheeks.
No under-slung runway wannabe here. Sirenia de Mar-ala was one-hundred percent female. She wore her nakedness like a comfortable pair of blue jeans. Nothing about her manner spoke of the emaciated frog hogs back home who prided themselves on wearing their SEAL boyfriends like this season’s Prada.
Hell, they didn’t even seem to be from the same species.
“Sirenia?” his voice was barely more than a hoarse whisper. Even the sultry sound of her name whispered of slow, sweet seduction.
“Sirenia,” he repeated, louder this time.
She lifted her head, turning it his way just enough so his eyes caught the elegant sweep of her cheekbone. A fresh sound invaded his mind, though it was something felt more than heard—a soft, rhythmic thump-thud. A duel of drums sounding off in the distance.
Urgent and insistent.
Beckoning…
Before Byron knew it, he was on his feet, striding into the water. Stepping up behind her, he wound his arms around her waist, folding her against him. Dragging the coils of her hair behind her shoulder, he pressed his lips against the pulse throbbing beneath her earlobe. Only then did he realize that what he’d heard was her heartbeat, dancing counterpoint to his.
“I’m sorry”, he whispered. And he meant it. He ached for her to know he never would have taken her virginity if he’d known why she offered it. He yearned for her to understand he’d never meant to invite harm her way.
Resting his chin on the top of her head, he peered across the violet-tinged water, searching for the words he needed to communicate the chain of tragedies that had led him here, to her. A breeze rippled the lagoon, pushing neon streaks of magenta along in its wake. “I’m so sorry,” he said again.
Sirenia turned around in the circle of his embrace, threading her arms around his neck. “For what do you have to feel sorrow? The only sinner I see reflected in those golden eyes of yours is me. And if you stay this close, I promise, I will have no choice but sin again…to take you again.”
***
Anything can inspire me to write a story. A song, a poem, the turn of the leaves before a storm. Heart Storm was inspired by a kayaking trip through the mangroves of Tarpon Bay with my daughter, Gina. This world is so beautiful, and we’re all here together for such as short time. Writing is my way to tap into something higher than just myself, to connect with others on a level that runs deeper than our personal stories. For me, this is what story telling is all about.
For more about my stories and my two July releases, be sure to check out my website. To stay in touch with what I’m doing, and writing, you can follow me on twitter or facebook. I’m running a viral Win a Kindle contest on Twitter, so you don’t want to miss that. 
Sharing a Book TrailerWhile I mull over Bonnie’s question about the differences in writing fiction and nonfiction, I thought I’d share a book trailer with you. This one is for my most recent release, Wicked Temptation, Book 1 of the Three Kinds of Wicked Series. In spite of the heat level, I truly believe this is my most heartwrenching love story yet. I hope my readers agree!
Old ladies know never……..lolI guess at my age I think of never too often – and you’re right. I should try something… dare I say… new! Old dogs, new tricks – still applies sometimes. That being said I would do anything once and would love to know more about your behind the scenes work.
I love that you don’t define yourself by what others think. I think more people (women especially) should stop worrying about the world and start feeling what’s inside. You’re doing a great thing by letting it out on paper/screen…..and to try different genres is a plus too.
Now what about your non-fiction work? How do you compare the two? Does it take more, or just different, preparation to get ready for that type of novel? Inquiring minds want to know!
Never say Never!If life has taught me anything, it’s to never say “never.” Of course, that hasn’t checked my propensity for saying it, and often.
When I was a teen, I had my heart broken in the eighth grade by a boy I’d had a crush on forever. That’s about the time I uttered my first “never.” as in, “I will never, ever love again.” With love and marriage out of the question, I decided to live for a higher cause because I clearly sucked in the boyfriend department. I had a broken heart to prove it. And it was all so wonderfully tragic. Yes, I was one of *those* teens, the kind kids call emo these days.
Seriously, I’ve always been a searcher. For love, faith, hidden truths, answers, that sense of connectedness with others on a level that rises above mere words and gestures. To me, the thought of living a life of charity, good works, and seeking oneness on the Source from which all thoughts, ideas and life sprang held enormous appeal. And then I realized that to be a nun, I had to be Catholic. And along came this boy….
Another one of my nevers was, “I’ll never write a book.” After all, I had four children, two with special needs and a husband who was gone *all* the time. And then one day when my darling husband was on leave, he made it very clear to me that if I wasn’t writing, it was because I chose not to. And he was right. No matter how busy our lives are, we all waste bits of time. Those bits add up. For me, they added up to writing articles, then books, and now romance. Eventually I had to admit to myself that my complaints about my lack of time was fear driven. It was easier not to try to meet my dream than to conquer my guilt over fitting the work time involved in realizing that dream into my life. And then to actually risk trying and *gasp*…failing. Horrors!
Another never? Writing erotic romance. “Never, ever will I allow my pen to go there.” Yes, shame on me. What a snob I was. Because once I actually read one, I was hooked. It was a Secrets novella by Alice Gaines. That story was elegant, engrossing, dramatic and….did I mention erotic?
Let’s just say it didn’t take me long to shelve that particular “never” and sit down and my keyboard to heat up my own love scenes. After a few weeks of literally rolling on my floor laughing at my efforts, they got a bit better. Come to think of it, so did my marriage *g*.
Ebooks and ebook readers were another “never” for me. I was a print girl all the way. And yes, you guessed it. I’m now addicted to both. My Kindle is always nearby. As an author, I love the flexibility of epublishing. I drive my own schedule, and can write my own brand of romance without having to worry about what’s the next hot New York/print publishing trend. In this way, I can focus on the stories I love. I truly believe that when an author is in love with what she’s writing, readers will respond to that passion.
So you’ll never catch me writing to market demands just to sell a book.
Wait…did I just say never?
How my buying has changed…I can’t say I changed a whole lot as the economy faultered. I was never one to spend spend spend anyway (yes, I’m a woman)……and was brought up to appreciate what you have and not worry about labels, colors, being ‘cool’, or fitting in. Did I have bullies? Yes. Did they change me forever? NO. I had a great mother who taught me to keep my chin up and remember that there are few people in this world whose opinion matter – and chances are, none of them are outside your home (or perhaps it’s only yourself).
I still love a great book – give me a printed one!! I can’t handle reading online or holding little readers in my hand. I don’t need to be in with the crowd – it’s all about the reading for me. I love laying back in the tub, sitting on the beach, or just hanging out on the patio…….and having the glare of the sun on a screen – not fun. Dropping it in the tub or getting sand in it – not fun. Having a paperback……….AWESOME!
Tell us more about the inner slu… nun, Liane!! I’m dying to know. Tell me about your books, your inspirations – whatever you’re willing to share!
How does an aspiring nun get from here to there?Hi Bonnie, and thanks for the warm welcome. As for the nun part–let’s just say I got over it pretty darn quick. 
So many cute boys, so little time! But I will talk some this week about how my inner nun and my inner romance diva got on the same page, so to speak.
I’ll have two releases out in the next few days. The first, Wicked Temptation, is the first in Red Sage Publishing’s first author developed series, Three Kinds of Wicked. We’re very fortunate that we have our own website for the series, http://www.threekindsofwicked.com Also be sure to check out our steamy trailer done by Rae Monet at http://www.threekindsofwicked.com/trailer
I’ve had tons of fun in creating all of my stories, but I feel that I reached a new intensity of emotion between my hero (es) and heroine with Wicked Temptation, so I’m hoping my readers agree. My editor says parts actually brought tears to her eyes!
Later this month, my very first mermaid novella, which was my first romance sale ever, will debut in Secrets, Vol. 27, Untamed Pleasures, also from Red Sage Publishing. Detecting a trend here? I love writing for Red Sage, they are author friendly and entertain my most insane ideas–such as the Three Kinds of Wicked series, which was one of my dastardly dream children.
But, believe it or not, writing isn’t my first passion. Building a better world for persons with autism is. I’ll talk more about that later–I’m off to take one of my kids to the doctor. I’ll be checking back in after lunch time.
Until then, a question for your readers. How has the economic meltdown changed your reading and book buying habits? I really do want to know!
Welcome to a few days with Liane Gentry SkyeIf you visit her website, you will learn that Liane Gentry Skye was considered the girl most likely to become a nun in high school. This is at first hard to believe when you’re on the site looking at raunchy covers and reading about erotic stories. But then I clicked on the ‘about me’ and soon learned that this is a woman who bases her life on not just writing – but on her children and their struggle with Autism. Struggle? Is that the correct word, I wonder? Liane will have to answer that for you because she has also written books on that subject.
I often wonder what authors do in their ’spare time’. As a mother myself, I can understand when another woman says she doesnt’ have much spare time. But would I change it? No. I had someone once hold open their calendar and complain about all the things they had to do that month. I said “how would you feel if you opened up an empty page?”
Liane, tell us about your books, your life, and your ideas for the future. Tell us where you’re going and how you plan on getting there. This is your time to shine – and people – get on your keyboards and chat with Liane! She will be sharing lots of things over the next few days, so be nice or I’ll come after you all!!
Liane, you may have been a nun, but I was far from it………hard to believe as sweet as I am, I know.
Bring on the fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday’s Sweet Treat
Grab a cup of coffee and get ready for a great list of new releases. Remember I post them as we get them, If I forgot one just post a comment so everyone can see it-
6/30
Delilah Devlin
DARKNESS BURNING
ISBN: 0061498203
Beware the place where darkness rules and bloodlust is the ultimate
aphrodisiac.
An apocalyptic storm has transformed New Orleans into a city of lawless
terror-and Mikaela Jones is standing in the center of the nightmare. A
beautiful, courageous journalist with a mysterious past, she sees monsters
prowling all around her. But the gravest peril of all awaits Mikaela when
she is taken captive by a mesmerizing male who is not mortal-a breathtaking
creature who arouses the fire in her blood, making her burn for the
exquisite erotic ecstasy of total surrender.
For seven centuries Alex Broussard has been waiting for the chance to free
himself from the threat of the matriarchal undead society that seeks his
destruction. And now, finally, that time is at hand-until the opportunity is
ruined by the stunning, innocent, human interloper Alex is compelled to
rescue from certain doom. Now they are joined, for good or ill, as they give
in to the burning need that neither can resist-risking everything to
experience the ultimate sensual release as the darkness rises all around
them.
To read an excerpt, visit http://www.delilahd evlin.com
———— ——— ——— ——— ——
Pamela Palmer
DESIRE UNTAMED
ISBN: 978-0061667510
Kara MacAllister’ s quiet small-town life is transformed forever the night a
powerful stranger rips her from her home, claiming she is the chosen one -
the key to his survival. Spiriting her away into the rain-soaked night, Lyon
reveals a truth Kara can barely credit. She’s immortal, and the only one who
can save his race. And deep within her, he arouses a fierce, primal hunger
beyond anything she’s ever imagined. But only when their lives are
threatened by an ancient evil will Kara and Lyon realize they have found a
love they would risk their immortal souls to claim…and a powerful desire
that could never, ever be tamed.
Visit http://www.pamelapa lmer.net to enter Pamela’s contest or read an
excerpt.
———— ——— ——— ——— ——
Anne Mallory
FOR THE EARL’S PLEASURE
ISBN: 978-0061579141
Beneath every scornful smile…
They were once cherished childhood companions, until a scandalous secret
tore them apart. Now Valerian Rainewood and Abigail Smart are the fiercest
of enemies. To Abigail, Rainewood is a notorious rake, hell-bent on mischief
and not fit for polite society. So what if it seems he can seduce her with
nothing but his eyes? She will not succumb. But when the earl is viciously
attacked, Abigail’s distress tells her that something still binds her to the
wild Rainewood.
Lies an unquenchable desire…
Though the ton believes there is nothing between them, Rainewood knows the
truth. Abigail tempts him the way no other woman has. Wanton lust overwhelms
him whenever she is near. But keeping her too close may put her precious
life in danger. He must destroy his enemies-so that with every touch he may
prove to Abigail that though their past was filled with trouble, their
future will be nothing but pleasure.
Visit http://www.annemall ory.com to enter Anne’s contest or read an excerpt.
———— ——— ——— ——— ——
Lorraine Heath
SURRENDER TO THE DEVIL
ISBN: 978-0-06-173399- 4
Frannie Darling was once a child of London’s roughest streets, surrounded by
petty thieves, pickpockets, and worse. But though she survived this harsh
upbringing to become a woman of incomparable beauty, Frannie wants nothing
to do with the men who lust for her, the rogues who frequent the gaming hall
where she works. She can take care of herself and feels perfectly safe on
her own–safe that is until he strides into her world, and once again it
becomes a very dangerous place indeed.
To bed her but not to wed her. That’s what Sterling Mabry, the 8th Duke of
Greystone, wants. But Frannie abhors arrogant aristocrats interested only in
their own pleasure. As the devilish duke sets out to seduce her, he is
pulled into the dangerous world that calls to Frannie. But he harbors a
secret that could put her very life at risk. And as the lovely lady steals
his heart as easily as she might pick a pocket, he realizes that the only
way to keep her safe is to set her free. But at what cost to them both?
To read an excerpt, visit http://www.lorraine heath.com
———— ——— ——— ——— ——
Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash, Tracy Anne Warren
FOUR DUKES AND A DEVIL
ISBN: 978-0-06-178736- 2
This summer, Avon Books offers the perfect fix: five bestselling authors,
one anthology, and Four Dukes and a Devil. From the ballrooms of Regency
London, to the secret haunts of Washington, DC, to the charming cottages of
Cape Cod, these quintet of gentlemen and a devil have more than a little
mischief and romance in mind.
For more information, visit the authors at http://www.cathymax well.com,
http://www.elainefo x.com, http://www.jeaniene frost.com,
http://www.sophiana sh.com, http://www.tracyann ewarren.com
———— ——— ——— ——— ——
Julia Quinn
WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON
ISBN: 0061491888
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his
fiancee, she doesn’t believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help
spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom
window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and
discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something.
Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office,
translating documents vital to national security. He’s not a spy, but he’s
had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from
her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she’s
nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might
be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And
when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be
falling for her himself . . .
Visit http://www.juliaqui nn.com to enter a contest, read an excerpt, and
watch Julia’s new video.
Amber Quill Press
Lawyers In Love Shawn Lane
Les Hommes, Vol. II Christiane France
The Searching Heart Pepper Espinoza
Smoldering Embers Carolina Valdez
Master of Crows Grace Draven
The Avalon Patrol Lynn Lorenz
On The Ragged Edge of the World Jamie Craig
Alternative Treatment Claire Thompson
V: The V in Valor J. M. Snyder
To Bend Pepper Espinoza
No One But You KC Kendricks
The Mask He Wears Fae Sutherland/ M Labbe
Pirates Do It With Passion Mimi Riser
Double Standard J. M. Snyder
Wranglers: Discovery Vivien Dean
How To Save A Life Kelly Jamieson
Until The End Of Time Shawn Lane
Nowhere Diner: Finding Love T. A. Chase
JULY 2009!
Wild Rose Press
7/1
Ellora’s Cave
7/2
Cerridwen Press
7/3
Ellora’s Cave
7/6
Liquid Silver
Ellora’s Cave
July-
Near Death in the Desert edited by Cecil Kuhne (Vintage • ISBN: 978-0-307-27936-1 • $15.95 • On Sale: 7/14/2009). Near Death in the Desert, Cecil Kuhne’s newest anthology of survival against all odds, gathers the best adventure stories from the world’s most barren landscapes. Ranging from nineteenth-century explorers to modern-day journalists, these desert trekkers deal with everything from deserting men, corrupt armed soldiers, and Nigerian bush taxis to suspicious natives, stubborn camels, and debilitating sunburn. These twelve tales are not only suspenseful, they also show how life can survive in the most punishing climates.
• Robyn Davidson follows the migration of the Rubari people of northwestern India
• William Langewiesche encounters merchants and smugglers in the unforgiving Sahara
• John Wesley Powell sails down the Colorado River in 1869 with nine men and four wooden boats
Class Act
LOOKING THROUGH THE MIST by Rebecca J. Vickery
Psychic Jessica Wilder was a consultant for the FBI until she suffered burnout. The visions leave her alone for several months and she starts to make a peaceful life for herself. Then suddenly, they come back with a vengeance—visions of children being kidnapped. How could she not try to save the children?
Detective Jonathon Lansing doesn’t believe in psychics, but the young woman in front of him is very convincing. Can she truly help him track down a kidnapper? Or is she involved in the crime?
Another child is taken right from under their noses. As they follow her turbulent visions through several states and into Canada, Jessie and Johnny begin to discover they want more than a working relationship. But will it distract them from finding the children in time?
MOCKINGBIRD by Sherry Derr-Wille
JENI BARRETT thought singing in her high school’s production of Annie Get Your Gun was the best thing to happen to her until she met Mitch.
MITCHELL DALLMAN knew Jeni Barrett would be the perfect singing partner for pop star, Tony LaMont for the summer. Little did he know she would become special in more ways than one.
Avon
Macomber— Sooner or Later (LAM) $7.99
Quinn— What Happens in London (LSK) $7.99
Foley— My Wicked Marquess (LAM) $7.99
Chase— Don’t Tempt Me (MC) $6.99
Palmer— Desire Untamed (MC) $6.99
Heath— Surrender to the Devil (MC) $6.99
Maxwell— Four Dukes and a Devil (ET) $7.99
Mallory—For the Earl’s Pleasure (MC) $6.99
Crombie— Where Memories Lie (CLF) $7.99
Dodd— Move Heaven and Earth (CLF) $7.99
Hearts on Fire
Books for a buck
Torquere Press
Pink Petal
Time for a Contest!
Hi everyone!
With thanks to several readers, I’ve received comments via email regarding my previous posts today. There seems to be a ’slight’ glitch in the comment feature. However, I assure you that I’ve received your messages and appreciate them very much!
Throughout the day, I’ve mentioned a contest, well, okay, actually contests. The first was for anyone who left a comment to have their name entered into a drawing for an Ellora’s Cave Publishing tee shirt and an EC deck of playing cards. Names are already in the hat because of the emails, so please do still respond. To reach me, email romance@francesstockton.com anytime today June 24, 2009, and you’ll be eligible to win!
Now, that’s not the only prize. Oh no, I would love, love, love to offer an autographed copy of book 1 in the Panthera series, Seductive Persuasion to anyone who can answer the following question/s, after taking a moment to read through the blogs, blurbs and excerpts for both Seductive Persuasion and Rhiannon’s Pride, and perhaps visiting my website www.francesstockton.com. The question is: What are the primary differences between Garrick Forrester of Seductive Persuasion and Dante Luciano of Rhiannon’s Pride?
Send all responses to me at romance@francesstockton.com and your name will be placed in a drawing for a copy of Seductive Persuasion, autographed. This contest will be open until Friday, so keep checking back so I can announce the winner! I’ll also post the name of the winner on my website blog, just follow the links for the blog at the top of any page on my website.
I hope you all have a great week and enjoy the summer. I sure intend to come back to CTR and blog again in the future.
Until then, write well and read often!
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