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

4 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness. That photo? I love it! So many different looks. And they all don't really look like the get along. Illustrates your point perfectly! LOL!

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  2. as the "main" pen name/alter ego I feel horrible about putting Stephanie's work on the back burner yet again. No more. I've promised myself her first will be out this summer come hell or high water!

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  3. As the tame pen name also, I feel you, Stephanie! And I was torn between your two suspense novels (not know much about either WIP). Series' are great--readers love bonding with characters--but I'm really lovin' the title Dangerous Medicine.
    Having said that, bottom line is always go with the WIP that screams loudest for attention. LOL

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    1. Stephanie agrees with you, Michelle. Dangerous Medicine is the one!

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