Thursday, February 27, 2014

REBLOG: Write Your Ass Off: Publishing is NOT a zero-sum game.



So this isn't a real Thursday Thirteen post today, but it goes along with the "small taste" theme. It's the first time I'm reblogging a post from another blogger. 


The following link is to a fabulous post by author Tymber Dalton in response to the recent uproar caused by an author badmouthing J.K. Rowling. I have to say I was more than a bit shocked the person had the balls to say Ms. Rowling should stop writing and then proceed to trash her Harry Potter books...after admitting she'd NEVER read one of them.


Can you believe that?


What's going on in the publishing world? I mean, before I tossed my hat in the ring, I never heard of all "authors behaving badly" or "Internet trolls." I never thought in my wildest dreams or nightmares that an author would launch attacks on another simply because they perceive them as a threat or competition.


Tymber puts it all out there and details exactly how I feel about the situation too. I may not be published as Stephanie yet, but I have three other pen names with books out. I've been supported by some of the finest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and also been slammed in reviews recently by a few simply because they could do it.


I'm building up a thick skin during all of this, but I'm happy to say I do have others to lean on and make me laugh at myself and any "alleged" trolls. In the end, it's not worth going on the warpath and maybe ruining my career. I'd rather keep plugging along and help others to do the same. I cheer them on during their successes and lend an ear when they just need to blow off steam.


That's would friends and colleagues do for each other. Not all of us are the best of friends, but we're all in the same boat. We know the struggles, heartaches and the joys. Who better to understand what we're going through than another author?


Go ahead and click on the link to Tymber's blog and leave a comment for her.



Write Your Ass Off: Publishing is NOT a zero-sum game.: I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Publishing is NOT a zero-sum game. (Kind of knew I was going to say that from the titl...


Until next time,

Steph

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Lost and Alone in a "Family" of Erotic Romance Authors #amwriting #MyWANA

Welcome to Through Stephanie's Eyes—my little corner of the Universe. What I talk about here is how I see things based on my own experiences. I'm sure many of you have different views on the world, but this is mine. Right now I'm going through some major upheavals in my personal and professional life and feeling a bit overwhelmed and basically out of the loop.



I made it no secret that I'm an alter ego and pen name of another person who writes smokin' HAWT erotic romance, poetry and erotica. I'm part of the original three that made up the core authors of Sassy Vixen Publishing and proud of it. I cheered the "others" on from the sidelines patiently waiting for my turn in the spotlight. Now it seems like I've been forgotten.

We've expanded our "family" a bit to include the fabulous Tawny Savage and her dark fantasy and monster erotica. I'm thrilled her Bigfoot Chronicles are best sellers on ARe and are holding their own on the other retail outlets. I can't wait to read the final book in that trilogy and yet I the little voice in the back of my mind keeps whispering.


What about me?

We all know what it's like for erotica and erotic romance authors in the grand scheme of things. They get treated like the red headed stepchild of the romance and fiction world. Author support groups that claim to help all genres really mean "non-erotic" or "okay if you call yourself erotic as long as you don't use 'nasty' words."  I get that the "bad girls" want to band together and help promote each other. I've been there with them from the start. All I'm asking is for a little encouragement with my writing. How about Lia, Tawny and Tammy take a vacation for a bit and let ME be front and center for a bit?


I know what some of you are thinking: Aren't "they" all the same person? Why does she have to fight for time? Why is she "jealous" of the other pen names?
Yes all of us were created in the same mind. All of us have specific genres and categories assigned to us so our writing gets out to the largest audience. Unfortunately, the projects assigned to me have been put on the back burner for so long, I'm not sure I remember the characters anymore. I am jealous because I do have some fabulous tales to tell but am not given the chance to do it because right now, it's all about the erotica and erotic romance stories.

Even with Sassy Vixen Publishing's shared world series Temptations Resort, there doesn't seem to be a place for my stuff. Sure I can write a nice sweet love story with couples who meet there, but next to the erotic ones, why bother? I'll just have to take my place back in the corner until my voice can be heard and figure out which of my WIP to push myself to finishing.

If you look on my left side bar, I have three books listed. The Do Over is a mainstream romance. Capitol Intrigue is a bit of a mix of thriller and romantic suspense. That one my have to become a series because of all the characters involved in it and how it covers many years of history in their back stories. Dangerous Medicine is another romantic suspense. I'm stuck as to which to pursue. The first is a recent idea and the other two were originally started in the 90's and then put away in storage. 

My characters have waited long enough to have their stories brought to life. Won't you help me decide? Below is the poll. Cast your vote. The book that wins will be completed and published before the end of the summer 2014 come hell or high water!

Until next time,
~Steph