I'm Thankful for ...Three Days Worth of Stuff!!!

Hey all,

I've been gone for the last two days on a mini vacation. We spent some time in on the coast and had a great time. I needed to get away, and now I'm back and refreshed and ready to go!!!

Now...

Wednesday... I was thankful for being anal. I know that sounds weird, but while on our vacation, we had to deal with some business matters. Jonathon is great at making overall decisions, once he has all the info. He can do it without emotion where I can't get past the emotion. My talent is in being anal about things. Picking it apart until I understand every part of it. In doing so, I get questions answered he doesn't even know he needs and it helps us both. We work very well together.

Anality helps. And it gave us a chance to do something we've wanted to do for a long time. Move forward.

Thursday... I'm thankful for God's beautiful earth. We went over to Ormond Beach where we have a bit of property. It's so nice to just kick your shoes off and look at the ocean. I'm constantly in awe of God when I see it. The colors, the grandeur, the immenseness of it. I never feel alone when I stand there, but I do feel very small. I can sit for hours and just listen to the waves. There is something peaceful and exciting at the same time about it. The beach is one of my favorite places on the planet.

And it gives me a chance to refresh and renew. Jonathon and I walked for miles. Few people over there this time of year. It was wonderful.

Friday... That brings me to today. Today, I'm thankful for my kids. While, as you have often heard me say, I do want to strangle them on a weekly basis, I really adore them. They are each such unique individuals...it's hard to explain how they are all so different, yet raised exactly the same way.

You have Jessaca, who is romantic and dreamy and steady as a rock. (oldest child syndrome), yet she can be as blonde as all get out sometimes, and is my best girlfriend. We can go guy chasing ( we took a special trip to Epcot last week just to check out the new hot guys in France... Can you say ooooo-la-la?)

Then there is Jeramiah, who I joke is me with a penis. He is moody and creative and stubborn as a fricking mule. A two by four to the head is usually what it takes to wake us up to anything. Yet he can write some of the most beautiful lyrics I've ever heard and I've actually featured his ideas in the Second Chances Series.

Lastly...Jasiah, who is just 18 and stretching his wings. Very self contained, smart as a whip and it's tough to know what he is thinking. Yet he can build some of the most intricate light shows I've ever seen, is a graphic artist and often surprises me with a special gift of candy or a meal, just cause.

Each of them are so different, yet very similar in ways. I've never regretted the fact I homeschooled them because it made us closer. Even when they now do things (as adults) I might not agree with, most often, it is because of the fact we have given them the freedom to choose their own paths and follow their dreams.

I can't imagine my life, now or in the future, without them. So thank you God, for the labor of birth, the labor of raising them, and the labor of allowing them to spread their wings and fly. It is painful, hard and beautiful. It is filled with tremendous emotion and is ultimately satisfying.

So I thank you God for giving me the gift of being a mother. Now...give me the strength and the patience to keep on doing it! LOL

CJ England
Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/
Follow Your Dreams...into a World of Romance and Imagination

I'm thankful for MY CREATIVITY

Hey all,

Thanks for the wonderful response to this thread. I love hearing what other's come up with.

Today I'm thankful for my creativity. Like I said yesterday, I think we all have it. People either choose not to use it, or use it differently. Doesn't matter if you're right brained or left. You can be just as creative using numbers and you can using a paint brush.

I've been creative since I was little. I've done just about every type of art there is...from tole painting to oil painting to throwing pots. I've acted and worked in production in places all over this country. I sang my way through American and Europe with a singing group. (great beer and ice cream, BTW)

But through it all, I wrote. I've got stories (really bad ones) going back to my preteen years. Some I shudder to read, but I grin too. The spark of genius was there...just really, really hidden. LOL

I just found the story I built Mylari: The Eyes of Fire (that comes out next May from Samhain) from in a box. It was rough and crude and actually badly written, but the imagination...the essence of creativity was there.

While I am my own worst critic, I do know I can write and write well. It's not the awards, bestsellers, compliments or publishers who make me believe that (though it helps...LOL) It is just an inner knowing. A feeling of satisfaction that comes over me when I write out a chapter and it flows so great. I know in my inner being, that this was GOOD. But good or bad doesn't really matter...it's the doing that is important.

Creativity and all it is is that freedom to express something inside of us that might otherwise never see the light of day. It's why I shout Follow Your Dreams at the top of my lungs, because I believe everyone has that spark inside them. They are just looking for a way to let it shine!

So...today I am thankful for my creative side...that spark that helps me stand and say...yes...this is who and what I am. It's the reason I can follow my imagination and make it real for all of you to enjoy.

Hugs!

CJ

I Am Thankful For...Our Military

Hey all,

Here is my thankful thought for the day...

I can't imagine what our lives would be like now without the men and women who fought to free America over 200 years ago. More tea than coffee? A queen instead of a president? No...much more than that. We fought for ideals and beliefs that many of us still hold dear today.

Each time one of our men or women take the oath, they are in fact, standing up for you and I. Not just an ethereal USA and some white haired man in a funny suit, but us. Each person in this country. Whether you care or not...they do. They are putting their lives on the line for us.

So...I'm thankful for each and every one of them. The guys on the front lines dodging bullets and seeing horrific sights, the gal in the office who is making sure those soldiers get the ammo, food and medical supplies they need, and the people back in the states who keep things safe on the home front. Each of you is important...each of you is special...each of you is necessary.

It matters not where you are when you read this. You can be in Canada, Singapore, or England. You can be fighting the war in Iraq, or snuggled up with your honey in Jamaica. We all know what I'm talking about. America celebrates our vets today...but we know it extends to all peoples...because we all have fought for our freedom in some way.

And the men and women who have done so, should be honored, respected and thanked.

God Bless You all!

CJ England
Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/
Follow Your Dreams...into a World of Romance and Imagination

I'm Thankful For MY SENSES...

Hey all,

I want to say thanks to all of you who've written me saying how much they are liking this. Isn't it fun that an idea can springboard into something so wonderful?

Today I am thankful for all my senses. I know that sounds strange, but I just took Ares outside and (don't hate me) It's another beautiful day down here. Sun was warm on my face, I could smell the moonflowers around my window, taste the chocolate coffee I was drinking. I could hear the sound of ducks on the lake behind my house, and see the wild turkeys strutting their stuff in the next yard. Then Jonathon came out to talk to me. He put his arms around my waist and nuzzled my hair and I could sense the love he has for me.

How often do we just go through our days not paying attention to any of those senses? We forget, or take for granted the fact we can see, hear and feel. To watch Ares run up and want me to toss him a stick. To hear the sound of my kids laughing at a cartoon. To smell that special scent that belongs to Jonathon and no one else. If I didn't have those...I could survive...but would my life be as full?

I'm thankful right now, I don't have to find out.

So...what are you thankful for today?

CJ England
Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/
Follow Your Dreams...into a World of Romance and Imagination

What Am I Thankful For! It's a start!

Hey all,

I've decided to count my blessings. Every day through the end of the month, I will think what I am thankful for. In this crazy world of ours, I think it's important to consider that when you see the horrors of what goes on around us on the 5 o'clock news. So for today...

What am I thankful for?

I'm thankful for the freedom I have to be who I choose to be. I'm thankful that my family and husband support that choice. I'm thankful that no matter what the problems we may have in this great country of ours, I can still choose to be a stay at home mom, have as many kids or pets or chocolate as I want. I can write "Bodice Rippers" or inspirationals. I can serve God the way he and I have agreed, and not as some church says I have to.

I can eat meat...or I can choose a carrot.

I can smoke...or choose not to.

I can play my country music and the only one who complains is the son whose favorite band is called "Death Head"

I can read what I want, watch what I want and go where I want.

Choice...it's an awesome thing.

CJ England
Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/
Follow Your Dreams...into a World of Romance and Imagination

Guilty Pleasure or Career Suicide

Hey all,

I posted this on my chat lists, but I wanted to bring it to everyone else as well. That happens when I'm curious about something.

With all that has gone on, I had a friend make a comment to me that made me start thinking. She was upset because so many authors are looked down on if they dare to make a stink about nefarious or unprofessional behavior in a publisher. Or if an editor steps over the line. Or if a reviewer gives you a horrible review and it's like they didn't even read your book. (aka Mrs. Giggles)

It made me think. As authors, we are asked to toe the line and do what the contract states, but when push comes to shove, out of all my pubs...only one has actually kept to their contract. Every other one has been in breach in some way. That is just sad.

But...according to some unspoken rule, authors aren't allowed to complain or they are called Divas. They aren't allowed to talk amongst themselves or they are gossiping. And God forbid you make a comment on a list that you've had trouble. You don't even have to be specific...suddenly you are marked as a troublemaker.

Fair? No way... And this friend said she wished there was a forum where authors could rant and complain and downright bitch without winding up on someone's blacklist. And that made me think...

What if? What if there was a place where people could come and tell it like it was without worry of reprisal? Would authors really use it? Would readers be uncomfortable with it? Or would it be like the Enquirer....a guilty pleasure?

So there is your question... if you are an author would you rant if no one knew it was you? If you are a reader, would you check it out to see what's happening behind the scenes of the authors you know and love?

Give me your opinion. I'm really curious as to how it would be received.

Hugs!

CJ England
The Peacekeeper Journals II: The Gates of Life
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/
Follow Your Dreams...into a World of Romance and Imagination

Winner Announced!!!!

Hey all.

Sorry for the late posting. For some reason I couldn't get into my blog on Friday. Finally came up over the weekend.

So, just a quick post. The winner of the copy of Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude is...

ESOTARIAH

Congratulations!!!! Send me the addy you'd like the download sent to, and we'll get 'er done!!!!
womanofthewind1@yahoo.com

Will be back tomorrow with all the news and fun for the month!!!!

CJ England
The Peacekeeper Journals II: The Gates of Life
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/
Follow Your Dreams...into a World of Romance and Imagination

Blonde, Brunette, Red Head...or Nothing at All

Hey all,

Here is a question for you. The other day, I found myself having to go through my heroes in all my books I've written. Now...I've written, outlined, or dreamed over thirty-five books as of this writing, so I have a nice little database to help me remember who is who.

As I was updating it, I got to looking at all those hunky heroes and realized I had a definite preference for a certain type of man. Now he's got to be in good shape...not a body builder, but muscles are a must! I wasn't all that concerned with eye color, as long as they "blazed with lust and love" at some point in time. *grin*

It was the hair color that surprised me. The adage "tall, dark, and handsome" is alive and well in CJ England's books. Out of all my heroes, more than 2/3 were brunettes of some type. There isn't a red head in the bunch (I'll be rectifying THAT immediately) and just a few blonds.

Now my Jonathon is dark, so I know I have that personal preference, but I didn't realize it was so pronounced in my writing. Made me smile again to see just how much of myself I do put in my stories.

But I got to wondering about how other's felt... Do you prefer a certain hair color in a date, mate or lover? Does it matter to you? What color of hair catches your eye as you are walking to your car?

And we can take it a step further... Now that you've got the hair color... where is it? Do you like men with long trailing locks, handfuls of chest hair, and a beard? Or do you like them smooth as a baby's butt? Shaved head? Or Romantic Hero?

You men...do you want women with long hair or short? Do you like it free and easy so you can grab it in passion, or do you mind those intricate french braids where not a strand is out of place?

On a man's chest...so you want it smooth and shiny? Or a few whorls of hair? Maybe you are one of those who want a bear for their man.

Lets go...ummm...below. What about groin hair? On men? On women? Women, do you like a man to shave down there? Men...is a shaved mons area more sexy than one with hair?

Now's the time to answer. And lets make this a fun post but making it a contest. Anyone who answers will be entered in a drawing for a free copy of my summer release...Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude.


If you already have it, I'll send you a bunch of promotional goodies and candy instead.

Just answer here on the blog. I'll draw the name and announce the winner, next Friday! I'm curious to see what other's like, so bring it on!

CJ England
The Peacekeeper Journals II: The Gates of Life
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/
Follow Your Dreams...into a World of Romance and Imagination

The Difference Between Erotica and Erotic Romance

Hey all,

Erotic romance, or just erotica. That's the question. Smut, porn, or sensual writing. I've been following a thread on another blog where the author says any sex in a book makes it erotica. Another author says any erotica might as well be called porn.

Now, I have very strong views on this. For me, I don't consider what I write as porn. In fact, I take very strong exception to that statement. To me, porn is nothing more than writing about sex to titillate. No story, no romance. Just sex.

To me, erotica is a story that has a well developed plot, yet there is no romance. It's all about the sex. Some authors excell in this, and while I don't write it, I do believe firmly, it is very different than porn.

What I write is what I call sensual romance. Some call it erotic romance, but for me, it's more sensual than erotic. It's a fine line, but the way I define it...sensual romance means the storyline comes before the sex. Erotic romance is more focused on the sex as a whole. Neither way is wrong, just different.

It does bother me when people define my work incorrectly. While I can understand the moniker Erotic Romance since that is what the industry uses, mistakenly saying I write erotica does. Romance is always a huge part of every book I write. I am proud to be a Romance writer, and leaving that off when you define me, takes away from the work I do.

But what do you all think? Part of the problem is there are so many definitions for this type of writing. So help me out. Tell me what you think the differences are between Erotic writings and Erotic Romance.

CJ England

#1 Bestseller and Torrid Sizzler Selection

The Peacekeeper Journals: The Joining

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Why We Do What We Do...

It is a question to ponder sometimes. I am on nine different publisher author lists and I find all have several things in common.

Drama. Confusion. Questions.

Most of us set out to do what we love. Write a good story so we can enjoy our craft. I, myself, love to go back and read my own work. Call me narcissic, but I like what I write. I enjoy the stories and I love it when my readers do too. Then, other stuff comes into play. Promoting, dealing with editors, reviews and a myriad of other things no one told you about when you did the rabbit dance over the first acceptance.

I've been in the business a relatively short time. Two years come December. Long enough to have some experience, but I haven't been around to learn all the important ins and outs of promoting. And I tell you, it is overwhelming. All I want to do is write, but in all truth, to do this right...I can only give 1/3 of my time to writing. The rest belongs to the promotion side of things.

It's a balancing act, and when authors on the lists cry out for help, it doesn't matter if you're with the biggest company, or the newest...you are starting from scratch and it's a rare day where one of my loops aren't helping out a newbie.

I know some pubs are more willing to work with new authors than others, but the sad fact is...if you want to learn, you have to do it yourself. Publishers don't have the time. I discover something new every day, but because I love the writing part so much more than the promoting, I have to force myself to take the step to get out there and do what needs to be done.

But...no matter what the drama, worry, or insecurity, we just keep on, keeping on. If you're a writer, you don't have a choice. You HAVE to write. And that answers the question...Why do we do, what we do...

Hugs and have a great weekend!!!

CJ England

The Peacekeeper Journals II: The Gates of Life

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

In Memory of the Towers

GOD BLESS US...EVERYONE

Today is a day where many Americans sit back and take stock of their lives. I can still remember staring at the TV, watching those towers crumble. It felt so surreal, so far away. Then we got word of a friend who'd been killed when they fell.

Suddenly, it wasn't so far away anymore. Then, a couple years later, when we came back to Florida, Jessica started dating a fireman who happened to be one of the young men who risked his life to save others in the inferno. He not only lost friends in the tragedy, but because of his bravery, he contracted a rare form of cancer from the toxic fumes, and so now he's lost his livelihood...his career...what he always wanted to do.

There are so many stories about 9/11. The deaths on that day, and the unsung heroes like Justin who really gave up his own life to help others. We need to remember that...never forget what happened.

I urge everyone today to take stock of what you have. I remember looking across the room where Jonathon sat holding our youngest, horror and fury etched on his face. He used to fight forest fires and he knew some of what those people were going through. All I could think was... thank God, he's safe.

No matter how angry I get at him sometimes, that memory will pop into my mind and take the wind out of my sails. He is my life and I can't imagine waking up without him beside me. My heart goes out to those who found themselves having to do exactly that because of a coward whose way to fight was to kill the innocent.

September 11 is a day to remember...to reflect...to pray. But most of all, it's a day to be thankful for what you have, because no one knows what tomorrow's sunrise, may bring!

Blessings,

CJ

Some Sexy Fun to Start Out!!!!!

Hey all,

HA! I bet that subject line got your attention. As my readers know, I love to push the envelope of when, how and where to have sex. I have lines I won't cross, but, I'll hug very close to them. *snicker*

I came across this great site and got to thinking...how cool it would be to put some of this into play. So I thought I'd devote today's blog to just that. Different ways to enjoy an activity we all love, love, love!

Talking Dirty

Have you wanted to unleash that wild side of yours through dirty talking, but haven’t found the courage, or don’t even know where to start? I know for me, this is an activity I've longed to try, but been too embarrassed to do so. I think it's easier for a guy to do, since my hot hunk doesn't seem to have a problem with naughty words and he's on the shy side.

I've read there are several secrets to talking dirty, and I thought I'd share a few with you today.

1. Create the Mood

We aren't looking for romantic here, but naughty. And that is as different as the people who are involved. Find something that sets your soul loose. Whether it be salsa music, or incense, a sexy nightie, or a glass of champagne...you want to feel wicked, but still comfortable. And if it's the first time to do your dirty talking, it's even more important for both you and your partner to feel good about yourselves.

2. Breathe Correctly

Knowing this skill makes the difference between sounding like a #1 phone sex operator, and a teenager making a obscene phone call. Just like sex, your breathing should reflect the mood. Start with deep breathing, filling your lungs and then exhaling slowly. Then, give a few gasps, always punctuating that with either a few moans or body moves. If the mood suggests hot and heavy, go with it. Those gasps and sighs will become quicker, more out of control sounding. Don't be afraid to mix them up and see what you and your partner like.

3. Adding More Sounds

Now we go a little further. Think of yourself as an actor in a play. You want your mate to hear you, but it still has to have that breathy, sexy sound that will send shivers up their spine. So practice. I've been known to do so in the shower when I know I'm alone. Soft sexy sounds, said as a low murmur, way back deep in the throat. Not all of us have a Marilyn Monroe voice, but we can learn to have that sexy voice that can send out partner wild with passion.

4. Add Body Movements

And now the fun really begins. Use your body language to punctuate the sexy sounds you're making. A brush of the lips over the ear, a slow rub of the breasts against his chest, the run of a finger down that line of hair that disappears under his shorts, all in perfect timing with the breathing and sexy sounds you've been making. Done correctly, these move are a promise of what is yet to come and will be a huge turn on for your playmate.

So...as you can see, just the preliminaries can be fun and we haven't even started talking yet! *LOL* I'll be back in a few days with part two of this lesson. Until then, keep practicing these fun little tricks. Your mate will thank you for spicing up things!

Talking Dirty Pt. 2

Now that you and your partner are in the mood, it's time to put the final touch on your dirty talking presentation. Remember what you've learned so far and then step into some extra fun.

Think about what turns you on about your partner. How are you feeling right now? Get in touch with your emotions and feelings and let your instinct carry you along. If you're feeling horny, say so. If your partner makes you hot, tell them. Be vocal and descriptive, but don't be too descriptive. It isn't an essay. Your goal is to turn your partner on. Short clear sentences are best. Long quivering breaths in between shorter sentences can be a real turn on. And if you add a little nip on the neck or a lick of the ear as well, I'll bet you raise a few goose bumps too!

Next, think about what you want your partner to do to you. Do you want to be spanked? Do you want your nipples squeezed, or do you want a blow job? This is the time to bare all those naughty fantasies. Tell them what you want. Again, break up the sentences with those breathy sounds to add to the titillation. Plus, the break between helps you think of what you want to say. Don't be intimidated. Enjoy yourself, and let your mind and body go. For example a sentence like... "I just want to f**k you until you can't walk (inhale) I want to lick your c**k until you ( inhale, quiver exhale, inhale) explode all over me.

Then you can add to the fantasy by targeting specific things. Choose those things you know will be a turn on to you and your partner. Repetition is used to emphasize the really important things. And be aware of what is happening to your partner. Is his body tightening underneath you? Is his erection getting harder. Are her nipples getting small and hard. Reading the body language is an important part of judging what is arousing to you and your mate.

And make sure you call a spade a spade. It' much hotter to hear... I want to suck your c**k, rather than I want to suck your manhood. *rolls eyes* Euphemisms rarely have a place in dirty talking, but be careful to use words that aren't offensive to your mate, either. If the word "pu**y" makes her furious, you're not going to turn her on, but off. Know what they like and don't like. That's the important part. And if you don't know, then explore carefully as you go.

Tossing out curse words can be exciting too. Saying you are a great lay, may be exciting, but adding a few curse words can rev motors even more. And here is where volume can also add to the heat. There is a time to whisper and a time to shout. Curses can be louder and so the emotion can be even more intense.

Another fun thing you can use dirty talking in is Role Playing. We won't go into role playing much here, but knowing your partner's fantasies and being able to talk them through one of them can be very satisfying. You can start with something as simple as a passive/aggressive role. One of you is submissive, the other dominant. Slave and Master. Cop and Criminal. Pirate and Captive. The list is endless. Once you choose your roles, then get into them. Again, let your fantasies flow freely and most of all...have fun. Remember that the trick to having a great role-playing session is to act out exactly what you crave as long as it is to a safe degree.

It is absolutely necessary to practice dirty talking with a partner that you are comfortable with. This will allow you to say exactly what you want to say and in the end satisfy everyone's wants and needs. Everyone has the potential of being a great dirty talker as long as you remember to work with your own instincts and try to be as natural as possible.

These hints are just suggestions, so feel free to add your personal style to them and to focus on your partner’s feedback. And remember...practice makes perfect and don't ever be afraid to try new things. Variety is the spice of life!!!

And enjoy the practicing. *grin* I know I will!!!

CJ England

The Peacekeeper Journals II: The Gates of Life

http://cjengland.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

And don't forget my monthly contest
http://cjengland.com/contests