Friday, September 21, 2007

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

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

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

Saturday, September 15, 2007

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!!!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

In Memory of the Towers

GOD BLESS US...EVERYONE

The image “http://www.lowermanhattan.info/images/news/73w_memorialopener_exlg.gif” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.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

Sunday, September 9, 2007

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!!!