Being a Wandrin' Star Can be Freakin' HOT!!!

Hey all,

I'm back and now living in Austin, Texas.  And wow...getting here was INSANE.  I love traveling, but this trip... this time I would have rather flown to Austin.

We had a great journey from Virginia Beach to Orlando.  We left early and headed down the coast, stopping first at some place we'd never been to. The Wright Brother's Memorial.  It was really cool. The place where the first aircraft took flight.  They have a small museum, some refurbished buildings and of course, the places where each of the flights took off and landed.

We arrived on National Aviation Day which was awesome, because not only was it FREE, there was a bunch of nifty displays, talks and extra stuff going on.  We loved being there and since it was on the way, it made it even better.

The rest of the journey down was nice.  We took a bunch of back roads and the countryside between Virginia and Florida was lovely.  So many old farms and beautiful buildings as well as gorgeous scenery.

We stopped in one of my favorite Florida towns, St. Augustine, and had a delicious lunch on the waterfront.  Then we made the rest of the trip down to Orlando.

We visited for several days with my son, Jeramiah and his lady, Autumn before we headed west to Austin. (Does that sound like a song? :->)

And that's where everything went horribly wrong.  

When my daughter moved from Florida to Colorado, she and her brother got as far at the panhandle when their car broke down.  They had to take an extra day to get it fixed since it was something my son didn't have the tools to deal with. When he heard we were heading along the same route, he jokingly admonished us to be careful and not fall into the same trap they did.

Well, you guessed it.  Just as we were entering into the panhandle, our car started to fit and buck like it does when it's out of gas.  Since we'd JUST filled up, we knew it wasn't that.  And it was a SHELL station, so it was doubtful we had gotten bad gas.

We pulled off and Jonathon took a look.  A few minutes later he discovers our alternator is going bad. Now we're out in the middle of freakin' nowhere, and our truck is a classic, so just where are we going to find an alternator out here?

So I pull out my trusty phone as we're heading towards civilization on the GPS, and low and behold we find an Autozone in the small town of Live Oak.  And it HAS an alternator for our car!  Coincidence?  I think not.  We sent up a few prayers of thanks for that one!

Finding a place to park, we took about an hour to switch out the part.  It was hot, nasty dirty work and I'm sooooo glad I have a husband who is handy enough to do such a thing.  After a quick clean up, we were on our way again!

All was good.  Life was sweet.  We were planning on heading to New Orleans for the night.  Talking about where we could have dinner on Bourbon Street.

Then it happened.  The car...heaved.  I'm not sure how else to say it.  It felt like it struggled then lost power.  Yet it didn't.  We were still driving, but we knew something was different.  That's when we noticed that the air conditioner had stopped working.

*insert swearing here*  We couldn't believe it.  First the alternator and now this?  A not-so-quick check revealed that the compressor had gone bad. Just what we needed.  It was about three in the afternoon IN THE SOUTH in AUGUST and we had a full day driving yet to do. Without an air conditioner.

Uh huh.  No way, no how.  We decided to drive through the night instead.

So, we arrived in Austin, Texas early, helped along by a cooler night drive and a beautifully cloudy morning.  It wasn't until we left the restaurant after having breakfast that we noted the sky was now a gorgeous blue and it was so hot the tar was melting in the parking lot.

I like Texas, but I'd thought for a moment we'd taken a left turn at Baton Rouge and headed into Hell itself.  It's HOT here, folks!!!!

But we made it and were able to get the compressor dealt with so next time we go out we won't melt into two people puddles.  :-)

Haven't I always said my life is an adventure?  Sometimes it's more of an adventure than I asked for! And this time when I said it was a hot adventure, I didn't mean a sexy romance with a hot guy to die for.

Oh wait.  I did have a hot guy.  He was just covered in oil and car grease!  LOL  Gotta love the man! He's handy to have around in soooo many ways! *naughty grin*

Have you had a trip where everything started to go wrong?  Tell it below in the comments.  I'd love to share your misery!

Coming up next? If it's Tuesday, it's another guest blogger.  David Russell will be here to share about his poetry and it's inspirations!

Until then!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/wanderingstar/whathappensinmexico.htm

http://cjengland.com

A Bit of Shameless Self Promotion

Hey all,

I don't have a guest blogger this week (right now I'm trying for every two weeks), so I thought I'd hit you with a little bit of shameless self promotion.

This is the first in a series of books I did with Under the Moon / Final Swords Productions.  It's still available and can be bought through Amazon, the Publisher's Website or you can get an autographed copy through my WEBSITE.

Anyway, here's a bit about this fantastic and imaginative PRINT ONLY collaboration.

Forbidden Love: Bad Boys

They are the men who catch our eyes, the rogues, the dangerous dark lovers we’d never take home to our parents. The ones who provide a source of fantasy for dark nights alone, or shared with understanding friends. We shouldn’t want them, we know better, yet we can’t look away.

Welcome to the world of Bad Boys. 

Join award winning authors Brenna Lyons, CJ England, Terri Pray and others as you meet Vampires, Gladiators, Pirates and more within the pages of Forbidden Love.

A multi-author anthology starring some of the most deviant erotic minds in the publishing world, filled with some of the darkest, voracious male lovers a woman could dream of.

~~~Fallen Angels Reviews

My story is called An Unholy Embrace and it's one of my favorites.  Curious to read more?  Go to my WEBSITE for all the details and for an exciting excerpt that begins the story of the ancient vampire, Sebastian and the lonely and unwanted, Teran.  Find out what happens when you...

Wake Up in the Arms of a Vampire.

Until next time,

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/wanderingstar/whathappensinmexico.htm

http://cjengland.com

The Unmentionables - Sex Toys and Games

Hey all,

I'm in the process of moving from Virginia Beach to Austin Texas this week, so I'm recycling one of my most popular blogs.  Enjoy!!! 

I'll see you in the Lone Star State!  YeeHaw!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today I thought we could talk about something fun.  Toys and Games. And no, I'm not talking about Legos or Chutes and Ladders.    I'm talking about the OTHER type.  You know...  *looks around cautiously*  Sex Toys!  

It's okay.  You can talk about them.  You can look at them on the internet or in that special toy store that sits just outside the county line.  You can even own and use them.  Contrary to what Sister Mary may have told you in school, even good girls and boys can play with them.

And why not?  If you can dress up sexily to please your partner--a new negligee or tight boxer shorts, why not take it the next step and add a little more spice to your relationship.

So let's talk a little about toys, games and the people who use them.

Most people know about the basic toys available.  Like vibrators, paddles, dildos and handcuffs.  There are as many kinds of those as there are people to use them.  Each is a little different and has it's own pleasure for the user.  You can use them by yourself, but in my humble opinion a toy only fulfills its true potential when used with a partner.  Something I enjoyed writing about in my books Don't Spank the Vamp and Don't Tempt the Phoenix.

Vibrators can be a wonderful experience when shared with a lover.  You can use them on each other to enhance your partners pleasure and add variety to the lovemaking.  If you use your imagination, a vibrator or dildo can do wonders for a stale marriage or perk up a new relationship.  As long as both partners are okay with it (and this is of utmost importance) anything goes.

Other toys like paddles, whips and handcuffs fall into what some consider a hardcore type of play, Bondage.  But used between consenting partners, these toys can be just as much fun as anything else.  Role playing is used quite often with these type of toys, and the added excitement of being tied up and submissive or totally in charge of your partner can make the final climax of the union even more pleasurable. 

And one of my personal favorites are games.  Dice, board games, role playing...all of them can make sex fun.  For some, the idea of laughing during sex is absurd, but giggles and gropings as you follow the directions on the dice you've rolled can show you a new side to your lover--one you won't soon forget.

And the more you play, whether it is a bondage game or the use of a vibrator in the shower, the more comfortable you'll be.  So start out small.  Buy that dildo and give it a try.  Order that Naked Twister game and see what your partner says.  But if you've never played  before, don't give up if the first time out you have trouble or are too embarrassed to finish. 

It's a learning curve.  And in some cases you are battling against years of good 'ol Sister Mary or Deacon Joe whispering in your ear that you'll go to hell if you try those toys.  And while each of us must follow our own conscience as to sex and how we live our lives, I firmly believe that what happens between you and your partner in bed, as long as it's consensual, isn't wrong.

So let me end today's blog with a list of toys that I myself or friends I respect, have used and believe can enhance the love play.  If I could find a link I added that as well.  Ready?  Here we go.  *Sister Mary, I think you should probably look away now*  *grin*

Rabbit Vibrators
Cock Rings
Anal Beads
Dildo
Feather Duster
Whip
Handcuffs
Paddle
Nipple Clamps
Vibrating Tongue Ring
Sex Swings
Strap Ons
Adult DVDs
Remote Control Panties
Massage Oils
Love Die Game
Sexy Board Games
Poker For Lovers
Foreplay Connect
Lickable Body Paints
Naked Twister

So there are a few for you all to look at.  But I know those are just a few and I may even be unaware of some toys and games you all love to use.  So now's the time to let us know what YOU like to play with.  If you're embarrassed, sign in anonymously.  I'll switch it over for this week so you all can post that way.

Tell us the games or toys you use and give us a link to find them.  Or, if you haven't had a chance to try anything out yet, tell us the ones you'd like to try.  Inquiring minds want to know!  LOL

Can't wait to see what you come up with.   Have an awesome weekend!!!

Hugs to all,

CJ England

 Follow Your Dreams

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

Guest Blogger Time...Introducing Cynthia Sax

Hey there,

I've got something new for all of you. As I mentioned on the last blog, on Tuesdays I will be having a guest blogger for your enjoyment. 

Today's blogger is author Cynthia Sax. A USA Today bestselling author, she's got a hot new release coming out that will have you reaching for the ice water.  I read the excerpts on her blog and whew!!! Let's just say Jonathon enjoyed himself later.  *grin*

Let's learn a bit about Cynthia. This from her website...

USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Sax writes contemporary, SciFi and paranormal erotic romances. Her stories have been featured in Star Magazine, Real Time With Bill Maher, and numerous best of erotic romance top ten lists.

She lives in a world filled with magic and romance. Although her heroes may not always say, “I love you,” they will do anything for the women they adore. They live passionately. They play hard. They love the same women forever.

Cynthia has loved the same wonderful man forever. Her supportive hubby offers himself up to the joys and pains of research, while they travel the world together, meeting fascinating people and finding inspiration in exotic places such as Istanbul, Bali, and Chicago.

Wow! Sounds a bit like my writing life and my wonderful sweet baboo.  LOL I guess we're both lucky ladies!!!

So let's see what Cynthia has to say!  Enjoy!

~~~~~*****~~~~~

Why I Decided To Self-Publish Releasing Rage 

By Cynthia Sax

I was reading CJ’s awesome post on her self-publishing adventures (http://cjslivingdreams.blogspot.ca/2015/07/tuesdays-shameless-self-promotion.html ) and I thought it would be interesting to chime in with why I decided to self publish Releasing Rage, my sexy new Cyborg SciFi erotic romance.

Before this year, I published exclusively through publishers. I heard about the self-publishing push. It was exciting. Many of my writing buddies were finding huge success there. But I was lazy, extremely lazy. The thought of taking care of covers and editing and formatting and all of the things publishers did frightened me. I was super happy with my publishers. Why would I do it myself?

Then the publisher publishing my SciFi erotic romances began having serious difficulties. My beloved editor was let go. The admin staff I loved was let go. I haven’t seen a royalty payment in a while.

What many readers don’t realize is that publishers ‘own’ characters in a story and books in a series. Publishers can choose not to publish the next story in a series (for a variety of reasons). Contracts make it very difficult to continue a series with another publisher or to self publish it. Even using the same alien species or worlds can prompt a lawsuit.

SciFi erotic romance is all about series. Writers build fascinating complex worlds and beings. This requires quite a bit of work and thought and even more love. 

I was VERY lucky. All of my series had been completed. But I couldn’t use these aliens or these worlds in future stories. If I wanted a secondary alien creature, in the past, I would have simply used an alien from a previous series. Now, I’d have to invent one. Ugh. That is much more work than self publishing.

I still very much believe in publishers. I DID send the proposal for Releasing Rage to my agent. When there were no bites from publishers, I didn’t push hard on selling it. Instead, I self published the story (it releases tomorrow!). 

I self published the lazy way. I outsourced the cover to Amanda Kelsey at Razzle Dazzle Designs (http://razzdazzdesign.com/), the editing to the always insightful ELF (https://musingsbyelf.wordpress.com/copyediting-services/), and the formatting to Mark (http://www.marksebookformatting.com/ ). They made the process painless.

I now have total control over my SciFi series, how many books I’ll release in it, and if I use these characters in other series (even series that I contract with publishers). I can also write stories that large publishers would shy away from (Releasing Rage is very dark). I LOVE this. 

Yes, I will publish through established publishers in the future but now that I’ve had a taste of self-publishing, I plan to explore that route also. It is an exciting time for writers and for readers. We have so many choices!

Readers, do you note the publisher of a story? Does the publisher matter to you?

Writers, have you self-published? Did you enjoy the experience?

Releasing Rage

Half Man. Half Machine. All Hers. 

Rage, the Humanoid Alliance’s most primitive cyborg, has two goals—kill all of the humans on his battle station and escape to the Homeland. The warrior has seen the darkness in others and in himself. He believes that’s all he’s been programmed to experience.

Until he meets Joan.

Joan, the battle station’s first female engineer, has one goal—survive long enough to help the big sexy cyborg plotting to kill her. Rage might not trust her but he wants her. She sees the passion in his eyes, the caring in his battle-worn hands, the gruff emotion in his voice.

When Joan survives the unthinkable, Rage’s priorities are tested. Is there enough room in this cyborg’s heart for both love and revenge? 

Buy Now:

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Releasing-Rage-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B00ZOL1DRO

On ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-releasingrage-1850041-340.html

On B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/releasing-rage-cynthia-sax/1122455646

WOW!  An amazing first guest blog.  Thank you so much, Cynthia for sharing with us.  Let her know what you thought in the comments and don't forget to check out her WEBSITE and BLOG for more about this talented author!

I'm in the middle of moving to Austin, Texas, so I'll see you on Friday with a look back at some amazing sex toys and what they're all about!

Until then,

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

What's Wrong With This Picture???

Hey all,

I saw a picture on Facebook the other day that really got me thinking.  As some of you may remember, I've been watching my health and weight since we got back to the USA.  Living overseas was tough on the diet--all the fried foods they seemed to cook, plus there were so many new food experiences to try.  The weight just crept up on me until one day I looked at a picture and cringed.

I am now the proud loser of twenty-five pounds, with just five more to go. But while I acknowledge and celebrate that amazing accomplishment, (yep...Hershey's Ice Cream and Pizza one night) that's not what this blog is about.

This Facebook picture I saw bothered me.  It was a pointed, supposedly funny image, but it hit me hard.  Maybe because I've been so careful getting myself healthy again.  But I have to admit, the truth behind it bothered me more than a little.

There was also a post that came through not long after it.  Someone stated that they were tired of reading obesity studies when no one cared that the price of healthy food was so much more expensive than junk food.

And that is so damn true!

Over the last three months I've done extensive shopping for healthy food, and I can state categorically that the food we SHOULD eat to stay strong, active and healthy is MUCH more expensive than the sugar-filled, calorie laden food we SHOULDN'T eat.  (or at least shouldn't eat consistently) 

The above picture is just one of the ridiculous out-of-balance costs for food. I buy salad fixings all the time and I promise you, it does NOT cost five dollars for a salad like they make at a fast food restaurant.  It doesn't even cost half that.  So why the disparity?  Do they want us to buy food that isn't as good for us?

Same goes with a lot of stuff you can get in a grocery store.  Cereal is an excellent example.  Why can you buy a box of Captain Crunch (Jonathon's personal favorite) for half of what you can get a healthy box or package of granola or other better-for-you type cereal?

Honestly, it's no wonder we see obesity in our kids.  And in adults. Again, if you like yourself that way, go for it.  As long as you are healthy and happy that's what counts.  

But for those of us who DO want to be our goal weight and healthy with it, I have just one thing to say to corporate America.

Help a girl out, people.  At the very least give us some healthy, inexpensive choices so we can maintain our health and weight and teach our children to do the same.

How about you all?  What foods do you wish you could buy for your health but can't very often because of the expense?  What sugary or calorie laden foods do you have to monitor in your house?

Give us the deets in the comments below!

I'll be back on Tuesday with the a series of Guest Bloggers for your enjoyment.  First up is USA Today author, Cynthia Sax.  I hope you'll come join her!

Until then...

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/wanderingstar/whathappensinmexico.htm

http://cjengland.com

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Hey all,

I know I usually do a bit of promoting today, but since I had a new release this last Friday, I thought I'd do something a little different.

I felt like a bit of a chuckle, so I did some surfing and found these fun pics.  I hope you enjoy them too!

For all you Dr Who fans!!!

I love Chuck Norris jokes.  

LOL.  The look on his face!

*snort*

They're giving away my secrets!!!!

I love this guy!  LOL

And one last funny! I adore Betty White.  Wanna be her when I grow up!!!

Until Friday!  Have a great week!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

Friday/Saturday Re-Release Day And NEWS!!!

*edited*

I'm sorry this is late. Blogger has been giving me fits lately.  Not sure why, but some posts aren't showing up (like this one) and others are posting out of sequence.  I have done some adjusting and we can only hope the glitches are put to rest.

~~~~~

Hey all,

Today's blog is a promo and a bit of news.  As you may have read on my FB page and my group list, Second Chances II: Do Me a Favor has been re-released under the Restless Wind Publications banner.  

This is the second in the Second Chances series and tells Keeton's and Favor's story.  You met them in Waiting in the Wings and so many of my readers were curious about their story, I just had to write it!

Here's a little about this bestselling book...

Her Gift Saved His Life and Opened His Heart, But Can the Magic Survive Betrayal and Deception in the Real World?

When country music sensation Keeton Metro’s plane goes down in a freak mountain ice storm, his entire crew is killed, and he is left barely alive.  He is pulled from the wreckage by a mysterious mountain woman who tends to his wounds and brings him back from the brink of death.

Favor Rowan has lived alone on her mountain since her beloved mother died.  When she rescues the handsome singer—healing him using her special empathic gift—she doesn’t expect to fall head-over-heels in love with him. 

A shotgun wedding propels Favor into Keeton’s world, and confused, heartbroken and angry, they both have to decide if what they had on the mountain was nothing more than a false spring, or a cozy winter promise of a forever kind of love.

**The author is donating a portion of the proceeds to NCL.  For more information please go to http://national-coalition-literacy.org/ .

To learn more about this series and read an excerpt of Do Me a Favor, visit my website at... 

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/domeafavor.htm

Now for the exciting news...

The next book in the series, Life's a Dance will be out on September 4, 2015.  That will complete the trilogy.  But then, for the first time, in the latter part of November 2015, just in time for Christmas...

Drum Roll Please...

The whole Second Chances series, Waiting in the Wings, Do Me a Favor and Life's a Dance will be available in PRINT!!!

That's right! PRINT!!! So many readers had written and asked for a book they could hold in their hands, I knew it was finally time to make it happen. So keep an eye on this blog, my website and my newsletter for when this series will be available for pre-ordering!

And don't forget the contest on my website, going on to celebrate the release of my new Wandering Star Collection.  Check it out at http://cjengland.com/contests.

That's it for today!  See you next time!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

Want More Mylari Chronicles?

Hey all,

I've got a surprise for all of you. One I think many of you will be very happy about.  What is it, you ask?  Well, the subject line should have given it away.

I've got a brand new Mylari Chronicles story just for you!!!  WooHoo!!!

That's right.  Calion and Talia are back with a fun glimpse into their lives after the end of Eyes of Fire. One of many short stories to come based on my published works, it will be available only to those who get my newsletters.

So, if you're a Mylari Chronicles: Eyes of Fire fan, now's your chance to step back through the myst and into the world of elves, orcs, talking horses and magical trees.

To sign up for my newsletter, please fill in the SIGN UP FOR CJ'S NEWSLETTER subscription box at the left top of my blog. 

 Or try this link...  

 http://cjengland.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=03d549d5ea95e73f624d5817c&id=d055e537b3

And of course, the free stories aren't all the newsletter has to offer.  There are reviews, pictures of my travels, interviews, updates of my monthly releases, contests and much, much more. All it takes is a click and you're part of my dreams and imaginings!

I hope to see you there.

See you on Friday,

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com