CJ Update

Hey all,

I'm finally getting back to normal. I still can't spend much time online or working, but I wanted to get a few things done.

I want to thank everyone for the prayers and good thoughts sent my way. From what I was told, the illness had something to do with a virus that attacked my kidneys. It took a long time to be diagnosed, and even longer to get through but hopefully I'm on the downhill slope.

I just wanted to drop a short note to everyone letting you all know what's going on and also to remind any of you who are following this blog to send me your snail mail addys if you haven't already. I'm FINALLY sending out your little gifts from Singapore and I am still missing a few addresses.

Thanks again everyone and hopefully you'll start seeing more of me in the next few weeks. I love you all!

Hugs to all,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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

Life is a Challenge

Hey all,

It's time for another guest blogger. Today I have the honor of introducing Viki Lyn, a fellow Aspen Mountain Press, Samhain, and Loose Id writer who writes manlove romances. Here is a bit about her, taken from the GLBT bookshelf.

Viki Lyn is a successful writer of edgy, erotic, sexy man love. Sparked by a keen interest in yaoi, also known as Japanese Boys Love manga, she began her own love affair with male/male romance. After reading and collecting whatever she could get her hands on, she created the popular Yaoi Rose review site. Once she wrote her first man love romance, she was hooked. Inspired by the reality that romance between lovers is a hope more than a guarantee, Viki’s characters are fiercely independent. Her stories are an eclectic mix but it is always romance that drives the story to its final happily-ever-after.

Please join me in welcoming Viki to the blog!!!!

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

Hello!
For those who don’t know me, I write male/male romance under my pen name – Viki Lyn. I went from writing historical romances to m/m romance about a year ago, my first m/m published in June 2009. So I’m celebrating my one year anniversary!

Many of my friends and family and readers asked why I made the switch.
I’ve been writing for about ten years. I began with shorts that were awful. Then I challenged myself to writing longer stories that were equally awful! I still have them buried on some CD stashed under my desk. But even though I was terrible at writing, I wrote more and more, and slowly began to improve. I really enjoyed the process so I got serious -- took classes, joined my local chapter of RWA so I could meet other authors and learn the business side of writing. In 2006, my first book was published by Samhain, a 1960’s het romance set in San Francisco. From there I wrote a WWII trilogy and a 1913 romance.

Writing is quite a journey, and I found myself stymied after publishing my 6th novel. I was bored. Ugh. Not such a good thing for a writer with an Aries sun sign!
I needed to reinvent myself and kick-start my writing career – so I did some soul-searching. I gave myself permission to take three months off from writing. I spent that time doing the things I love – reading, watching movies, traveling, spending time with friends and family...

I’m a big yaoi fan (Japanese boy’s love comics) and have over 300+ in my collection. I also collect DC comics, and especially drool over Dick Grayson (the first Robin, then Nightwing, and now wearing the mantle of Batman, although Bruce Wayne will return one of these days!) Okay, so I read Batman/Nightwing slash, too. *red in the face* I’ve always enjoyed reading m/m romance and mysteries. I had lived in the gay district in San Diego before moving to Arizona, and our neighbors, a wonderful gay couple became our best friends. They had a loving relationship of several years before one partner passed away. I wanted to write a HEA story dedicated to them, and well, for me, gender isn’t an issue in a love story. Once I wrote my first m/m romance I was hooked.

My other love is traveling and visiting sacred sites. I’ve always been interested in ancient history, mythology and spiritual places and my art had centered on spiritual themes. So, to incorporate this into my writing, I tried my hand at writing paranormal/fantasy. One of my most awe-inspiring trips was visiting Malta and the World Heritage Neolithic temples. My husband couldn’t go at the time so my oldest sister joined me (I have three sisters, and they are my biggest fans!). We had such fun together, first visiting Positano, Italy, and climbing all the zillion of stairs to our amazing hotel room with an incredible view of the Amalfi coast. I actually lost weight on this trip!

Then we took a flight to Malta. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (4,000 BC to 2,000 AD) was the highlight, an underground temple sensuously carved out of rock. It was an amazing experience to walk along the ancient pathway through arched chambers and burial rooms. The rock was alive with an inner glow. From this experience, something inside of me changed, and I carried this feeling back home. Someday I hope to express this amazing experience into a book.

I can’t believe it’s already June. It’s a busy month. If I don’t change some of my bad habits I might not meet all my goals this summer. I have to get organized! Yeah, really, I do. I’m a panser but find that sometimes I need to rein in my characters, or more truthfully, rein me in.  I’m willy-nilly all over the place when writing!

Challenges are good, right?

Thank you CJ for letting me post today and ramble on…
Viki Lyn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks, Viki for coming. It was interesting to see how you got to where you are and I envy you your trip to Malta.

For more information on Viki and her work, go to her website at: http://www.vikilyn.com or her blog at http://vikilynromance.blogspot.com

I'll be back next time with a selection of recipes and drinks I enjoyed while I was overseas. I think you'll enjoy them too!

Hugs to all,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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

Did You See What Was Going On in Nashville???

Hey all,

Well it's Monday, and I'm back with my daily blog. Sometimes it will be about my time overseas, but I'll also be talking about whatever rocks my boat for the day. I've got tons to tell you about Asia, but we all know that like cheesy home videos, travel blogs can get old too. So I hope by changing things up, I'll keep you all interested in what's going on with me and my world.

First off, let me remind you about the contest that is going on this week. Check Friday's Blog for deets! Now let's move on to what actually caught my attention today.

Has anyone seen what is going on in Nashville? This last month? Have you seen any news coverage on it?

Nashville was flooded out when the Cumberland River rose thirteen feet above FLOOD stage.

A friend of mine sent me a video and I was astonished at what I saw. Places where I'd walked played, sang and worked were underwater. I immediately got on the phone and touched base with my friends living there. I got through to some, but quite a few still have their phones out. Which worried me even more. What the hell is going on up there?

And why the hell didn't the newsies give them more than sixteen minutes on National News? I know that other things are happening too, but still... This is our own country...one of the most popular destinations in the USA and we barely heard anything.

Look at the pic of the Grand Old Opry here. It's bloody underwater!!! Do you know how much money goes through here on a yearly basis? Just why wasn't it important enough for the newsies to talk about.

Maybe I'm prejudiced because I love Nashville and everything about it. Obviously I've been there. Anyone who's read my Second Chances trilogy should be able to tell that. I've vacationed there, worked there and played as well. Jonathon and I have looked at moving to that area and still might in the future. I guess it just bothers me that people died and there was over a billion dollars in damage and Lee Harvey Oswald's cab getting sold to a Illinois museum gets more press than a devastating natural disaster.

Okay, I'm not just bothered...I'm pissed. A little over a month later and what has been done?

Where are the calls for aid? Why hasn't the Red Cross beat the drum like they've done in other disasters? Have they, but the news stations aren't reporting it? Check out some of the links online. This isn't just a puddle on the street we are talking about. Hello? Thirteen feet ABOVE flood stage!!!

At least the country music people did something. A benefit to help out and it went quite well. Plus a lot of the artists donated money to help out, but it bugs me that more hasn't been reported. Bugs me alot.

Anyway, I'll step off my soap box now. If you want to make a donation to help, check out these two links. They should be able to point you in the right direction. http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/ or http://nashvillest.com/2010/05/03/so-nashville-is-flooded-how-can-i-help/

I'll be back next with a story about a bat cave. And I don't mean the one with the guys in the tights! Jumping monkeys and temples, Batman!

Hugs to all,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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

Vacations Can Be Heaven and Hell

Hey everyone,

Here it is. My first real blog since coming back on the job. And since that's true, I thought I'd do blog on the whole thing overall.

I discovered I loved traveling and I despise it.

Why you ask? Well, it's one thing to go away for the weekend, but when you live in another country (or several) for an extended period of time you find yourself becoming unsettled and longing for a single place to call your own.

As I think I mentioned in my returning blog, when we do this again we will have a single home base to go back to--one closer I mean. That way we can rest and recharge. Otherwise living out of a suitcase the whole time can get really old.

The best part is, of course, discovering all the great new places and things the world has to offer. We saw so much...tasted, touched and heard so many different foods, scenery and music. Since we were in one place so long, we indulged our senses as much as we could.

We tried all kinds of different foods and drink. We visited as many parks, temples, museums and attractions as possible. We collected music, stories, and friends wherever we could. And it was amazing.

The memories we have will never go away, even after the souvenirs break or the pictures fade.

But there is another side to living elsewhere. And it's not so fun. And that is the many different irritants that can hit you every day. Most of them, you just shake off, but after a while, you find yourself snarling at things that were only shrug worthy when you first started living there. And bit by bit you those irritants make it so you aren't having so much fun anymore.

You fight through and continue on, but now the shine isn't so bright and the taste may not be quite as delicious.

Example? Dealing with a culture who thinks nothing of spitting on the floor in front of you in a restaurant. Kind of offputting when you're trying a new dish of Hong Kong Noodles.

Example? Trying to find a bathroom in China that has been cleaned in the last millennium.

Example? Being looked down on day, after day, after day, after day after day...for no other reason other than you are female (I have breasts you know), blonde hair and dress differently. That get's really old.

But even with all that, we'd do it again. While we've traveled extensively, both together and separately, this was the first time we'd done it for so long a time without actually moving our whole household there.

That we won't do again. Having a place to call your own is important. When things get too much for you, you can hide away and take a deep breath to get your balance back.

On Monday I'll start sharing stories with you all about the favorite place I visited. And because of that, I figured a contest was in order.

Can you guess what it might be? Where my favorite place I visited was? Give it a try to be entered for a copy of my next released e-book story out from Aspen Mountain this month.

How?

Put your guess in the comments below and a week from now, I'll draw from one of the correct answers!

And for those of you who are following me, I'll be sending your thank you gifts out by the end of the month. Aren't yet? I still have a few gifts left, so the first six others who subscribe (see this blog for details--http://cjslivingdreams.blogspot.com/2010/03/important-scheduling-information-gone.html) will also get a free thank you!!!

Talk at you all later!!!

Hugs,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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

Life After Vacation

Hey all,

Our guest blogger today had to reschedule, which was cool since I wanted to have a bit of a chat with you. Denyse will be back another time to tell you all about herself.

I'm exhausted. Both physically and emotionally. While we had a wonderful time overseas, being gone for sooooo long is tiring on a person. We've learned that if we do get another job in a different country, we'll make sure we have a place to call our own. Any other way is difficult to deal with after a while.

So, did I have a good time?

You betcha! LOL The time in Singapore was some of the best in my life. We did so much, learned so much and experienced more than I can begin to tell you. Being able to live in a new country for an extended period of time really gave us a chance to experience the culture and go to places a short vacation wouldn't have allowed for.

And the best part was that Jonathon and I have grown so much closer than we ever were before. It gave us a glimpse of what it will be when we are on our own and I have to say, as much as I love my kids, having that one on one time (no joke intended--well, maybe a little one-- *giggle*) was wonderful. Just him and me against the world. I loved it.

And the actual vacation afterwards? Let's just say it was a trip I won't ever forget. I'll be blogging about parts of it and you'll see for yourself! Boy...do I have some stories for you. Let's just say I won't be going back to China any time soon.

But life doesn't stand still, does it? We've moved back from Southeast Asia but we aren't staying here in Orlando for long. Since Jonathon is now done with Universal, I finally get my wish and we are moving. Not sure where to yet. Jonathon has to decide what job to take. But we are looking at Tennessee, North Carolina, and one up in New England area.

I don't really care...I just want to be out of the city. Please God. Out of the city. Lightning bugs and pine trees. Snowball fights and crackling fires. That's the life I've been missing.

So, anyway, I came home, unpacked--still doing that--and now I'm going to have to pack up my house for the move. That and finish several writing projects I've had to put off because of being overseas.

Just another day in Paradise.

As you can see I'm going to be busy for the next few weeks. I'm hoping Jon knows where he is going quickly so I know what to plan for. Honestly, I can't wait to start packing up. The sooner I'm packed the quicker I'm headed to the mountains.

YAY!!!!!

I'll be back on Friday with the first blog about our month long vacation. I'll even toss in a contest for all my fans to get things going again. Thanks to everyone for reading while I was gone. I hope you'll enjoy the new blogs!!!

Hugs to all,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances

http://cjengland.com

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

And She's Back!!!!!

Hey all,

I'm back in the USA! WooHoo!!!! I just wanted to touch base with everyone and let you all know.

This will be a quick blog, but I'll be here again tomorrow with an update on what's going on in my life and what the future holds. It's going to be interesting!!!

Thanks to everyone for their good thoughts and prayers. I know it's what got me out of a few messes overseas. LOL

BTW...just to let everyone know, I've been getting a LOT of spam at this blog--all from anonymous sources. And the only way to prevent that is to change my settings so I won't be able to allow anymore anonymous posts. I'm really sorry if that messes anyone up, but I really hate seeing these uglies on my blog, and I won't let them do it any longer.

So, from today on, if you want to comment (and I hope you will continue to do so) you'll have to log in as someone OTHER than anonymous.

That's it for now. If you have any questions, just let me know. I'll leave you with this great pic of Jonathon and I in front of the temple of Ankgor Wat in Cambodia!!! It was....AWESOME!!!!

Hugs to all,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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

Where In The World Is CJ England???

Inquiring minds want to know... And will continue to question through the month of May...

Hey all,

It's the last of the month and this will be my final pre-done blog. I hope you've enjoyed my travel writings. I know I loved sharing my adventures with you.

Over the next few weeks I'll share my thoughts and memories about those areas I didn't have a chance to do yet because of internet difficulties. Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal and China. I know there is so much more I will want to give to all of you.

For now, I'll stay with the MWF blogging schedule, with my guest blogger on Wednesday. I know I'll be very busy trying to get my writing back on track so I don't want to spread myself too thin. Also, there is a chance we may be moving soon, so I'll have that on my plate as well.

For today's blog I thought I'd share a few more pictures of our travels in Southeast Asia. Just for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Here is one of my favorite places in Singapore. Haw Par has so much legend and folklore in it I could have spent months just learning all about it. The colors and creativity involved are beyond belief and I have several books planned from the stories I read about there.

We went to an island called Pulau Ubin right off of Singapore. It is very primitive and the only village is right at the boat ramp. The rest is all rainforest and small homes, with a couple of resorts sprinkled in. When we finished the day exploring, we came back to the village and had the best pepper crab on the planet, I swear!!! Inexpensive and beyond yummy!

One of the many beautiful flowers I found at the Botanical Gardens in Singapore. The Orchid Garden is definitely worth the $5.00 to go in. The many flowers, plants and landscaping were some of the best I've ever seen in all my travels.

One of the hides in Sungei Buloh where you can watch the animals come down to drink. This park was one of the best constructed places for animal and bird watching I've ever seen. Kudos to the park authorities for taking the time to do it right.

This is the Sentosa Resort where Jonathon has been working. It is big and grand and totally decadent. There is a lot more to do here, but overall it is one beautiful place to come play. We enjoyed our time at the casino.

So there you have it. A few more pictures and memories of our time in Singapore. I hope you'll keep logging in and seeing what I'm about even if I don't do a continuous travelogue. LOL I'll be back on Wednesday with another guest blogger, my good friend Denyse Bridger. She'll have a lot to say, I promise you.

Take care and remember to keep dreaming!!!

Hugs,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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

Where In The World Is CJ England???

Inquiring minds want to know... And will continue to question through the month of May...

Hey all,

Since Jonathon and I are on our own private retreat, there will be no real blog today. Instead I'm putting up an interview I did with CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. Some of you may have seen it before, but since I've received a lot of fan mail recently about my book, Don't Spank the Vamp, I thought it might be appropriate.

Enjoy and please let me know what you think in the comments below!

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This month we will be talking to CJ England about her release, DON’T SPANK THE VAMP, her career, and what is to come in the future.

1. Congratulations on your release, DON’T SPANK THE VAMP. This story is a bit spicier than some of your previous books. Can you tell us a little bit about the story?

Sure… Here is a quick blurb…

Dawn is a sculptor who spends more time with her hands in clay than on a man. When her friends take her to a special kind of toy shop, her entire outlook on life changes.

Aidan is a vampire who loves to walk on the wild side. He has existed for over a century waiting for his twin flame... his soulmate to find him.

Dawn is told by the shop's fortune teller that she will find her destiny if only she will reach out and take it. Will she be brave enough to push past the fear and embarrassment and grab hold of a very special kind of love? One that could last forever?

An artist looks for inspiration and when Dawn meets Aidan she is inspired to give up her safe boring life and take a walk on the sexy side.

Toys included. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wrote this book because I wanted to explore a part of sexuality that I hadn’t yet in a book. I believe that good creative sex is VERY important between lovers and I had fun doing the research, I gotta tell you. But the basic premise of all my books remains the same. True love.

2. A common theme in your books seems to be the issue of soulmates. This theme is prominent in both DON’T SPANK THE VAMP as well as THE MYLARI CHRONICLES: SOULMATES. How much of this theme comes from your own personal life and beliefs?

Only… all of it. I believe that we all have soulmates out there. Sometimes you are fortunate enough to find that person quickly, while others wait a very long time. And sometimes you don’t find them at all.

I’m fortunate in that I married my best friend not even knowing he was my soulmate. Finding each other has been the most painful and joy filled experience of my life! When you read my books, you will see a little of that journey in each of them.

3. Dawn, the main female character in DON’T SPANK THE VAMP, is an artist. It made me wonder: how much of CJ do we see in any of the characters you create?

I am a very creative person. I am a jill-of-all-trades when it comes to art and different crafts. I have painted, done pottery, photography calligraphy, tole and many other types of art. I did a singing tour in Europe when I was in my early twenties, and actually did some acting in San Francisco. So I’ve done it all.

I have a great respect for all artists. I usually will make one of my characters an artist to honor them. Plus… I’ve noticed that most of us creative types are more likely to suspend disbelief and do some of the things that happen in my novels, so I guess it’s for a practical reason as well.

4. Your stories have spanned several genres- from a shapeshifting rabbit, to fantasy, to steamy romance, to a very sensual vampire. Is there a particular genre you prefer?

While I write in all genres… I really like to write paranormal and fantasy. It seems to be what flows the easiest. My Jonathon tells me it’s because I live in my own little world. But like the t-shirt says… it’s okay ‘cause they know me there and tell me all these fantastic stories so I can write them down for you. I would like to write a mystery or suspense someday, but that would mean planning ahead and that often makes my head hurt.

5. I know that you provide other writers with a lot of support and encouragement and have stated you wished you had pursued getting published earlier than you did. What was the catalyst that pushed you into pursuing your writing in a published form?

I do try and support other writers. It doesn’t have to be a cut throat business. My chat list is like a big family and I know of two newly accepted authors that were encouraged by my list to submit. I will take the time right now to invite any authors to ‘come dream with me’ on my list and promote themselves. Contests, excerpts, and announcements are all welcome!!! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

I personally have been writing since I was in second grade. I’ve done newspapers and magazines, but I’d never taken the time to send off a story until I discovered e-publishing. I researched and dreamed and six weeks later, I had a full length novel accepted.

My first novel was actually The Peacekeeper Journals: The Joining but I didn’t know quite where to send it to, since it isn’t an erotic romance, but more sensual.

I love e-publishing for its ease of use and availability to both authors and readers. Even though I have been asked to submit to New York, I plan to keep e-publishing.

6. What first sparks a story idea for you? Is it the scene, the characters, or something else that kickstarts your creative muse?

YES! I can be inspired by the weirdest things. It can be a TV show like Supernatural and The Mythbusters. I got to thinking… what if you combined the two and boom… The Mythfinders, one of my WIPs was born.

Or then there is the other side of the coin when I have no idea where the thoughts come from. Like Here Comes Peter… still haven’t figured that one out yet!

But as you probably know, most of my ideas come from my dreams. Either I go to sleep and dream a book, or I take an idea to bed with me and when I wake up in the morning, I have a new story.

7. I know a lot of authors credit varying musical artists with providing them inspiration and motivation while writing. What inspires you while writing?

I sometimes listen to music. It isn’t what inspires me though. I have my desk set up so I can look right out my window at the lake. I also love to hear the wind blow. My air totem is the wind and it inspires me to dream.

When I do listen to anything, it will depend on what mood I am in, but country music is what I enjoy the most.

8. Your stories seem to have a lot of “Kleenex moments”. How do you visualize the balance of sensitivity and alpha qualities in your male characters?

I make it my goal to write about life. Even in a fantasy or paranormal, art should imitate life. And life has tons of both laughter and ‘Kleenex moments’. Someone just asked me how I put humor into my books so effortlessly and I responded with the simple answer… just look around you. Life is hysterical... all you have to do is write it down.

On the flip side… life can be full of sadness too and when you are in love you usually move between the two. If you have ever had your heart broken, you will understand my books. Life hurts, but the great thing is in my books, no matter what they may go through, you will always see a happy ever after. It’s in the CJ rule book.

Men in real life are never one dimensional. I never enjoy as much the stories that focus solely on the woman’s point of view. I like a balanced story which means letting the reader know what they both think. A good alpha male will be sensitive, just like a kick-ass heroine will have a soft heart too.

And of course they will always love and be true to each other.

9. This question goes hand in hand with the previous one. How would you describe the ideal romantic hero?

This is a tough one, because I adore so many types of men. But if I were to describe my favorite hero to write it would be this way... Tall, dark, handsome in a bad boy rough around the edges way. And he’s got to be in great shape. I don’t go for the guys who are so built they can’t put their arms around a girl. But I do want nicely defined muscles and rock hard abs. And a nice butt is a must.

Long hair and bedroom eyes and he has to know how to use his hands and mouth. And kiss…. he’s got to know how to kiss.

That’s the outside. But the inside is just as important. Even though he’s rough around the edges, he has a kind heart. He’s proud, a touch arrogant, honorable and of course totally alpha. But he’s got that hidden sensitive side. And, the most important thing of all… he is utterly and overwhelmingly in love with his lady. She is the center of his world.

Whether he be a prince or a witch or a vampire, a rabbit, a divemaster, or a hot tub installer. No matter what is going on in his life, she will always come first.

10. What author or authors have made you say, “I wish I’d written that”? And if we were to peek, which books would we find on your bookshelf?

I love quite a few authors, but my four favorite authors are Nora Roberts for her wonderful characters and story telling, Linda Howard for her great heroes and hot sex scenes, Jayne Anne Krentz for her humor and alpha males that aren’t the norm and finally Elizabeth Lowell for her heartrending ‘Kleenex moments’.

If I had thing that I wished I had written, I think it would be the series by JD Robb (Nora Robert’s alter ego) Murder by… I love that series. It’s got your kick-ass heroine, a gorgeous alpha male and a world that is so creative I wish I could do half as well. Who knows maybe The Peacekeeper Journals will go that route some day.

11. Do you have any personal celebrations or rituals that you perform once a book is completed?

Once I totally finish a book, I get it all ready to go. Whether it’s an electronic submission or mail, I give it a squeeze and a kiss and then mail it.

When I get an acceptance, Jonathon always brings me home chocolate! Last time it was Ben and Jerry’s Double Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream! YUM!!!!!

12. Your relationship with your husband, Jonathan, is an extremely important part of your life. How do you balance your writing time, promoting your books, and still spend time with him?

My relationship with Jonathon IS my life. If I didn’t have him, I wouldn’t be complete. I know that may not sound politically correct, but there it is. He is my soulmate, my lover and my best friend.

It isn’t easy to balance everything. I’m an all or nothing person, so it’s tough sometimes. I try hard to make sure that if he’s home and wants time with me, I drop everything. He and my kids have to come first. I have to practice what I preach and my books all say the same thing. Love is the most important thing in the universe.

I’m very organized. I have lists everywhere and it’s only because of those that I can get everything done that I need to!

13. Which book has been your favorite to write and why?

Tough question. I love all of them, or I wouldn’t have written them in the first place. My readers all seem to love Here Comes Peter… because of the sexy alpha hero and all the fun puns and jokes in it.

But overall I think I love The Peacekeeper Series the most. My first creation, it’s got six sexy heroes and one heroine who is innocent yet can kick some serious ass when she wants to. I’ve built an entire world around this series and I’ve dreamed up books for each of them.

My proof reader said that ‘Peacekeeper is like a fine brandy. You savor it slowly. Just swirl it in the snifter and smell the bouquet and take a sip and enjoy the flavor and swallow slowly.’

14. Your stories are very sensual. How would you explain the difference between sensual/erotic stories and porn?

I think in some ways it’s a matter of personal belief. You can stand ten people in a room and ask them that same question and get ten different answers. Even RWA can’t decide.

But for me, I believe that sensual romance isn’t a heat level but an emotion level. My books are all very hot and sexy but the emotions between the characters are just as, if not more important. In many erotic novels, that isn’t the case. It’s more about the sex and the relationship is secondary or non-existent. I like the term romantica better for books such as mine. The storyline is strong, the sex is hot, but more importantly the characters are deeply in love with each other. That is the difference.

Most porn has no love story, it’s just about getting off. And if there is a storyline, if you took the sex out, it would fall apart.

15. I understand that your mom is also a writer. What does she say about your books?

My mom, bless her, tried to read The Mylari Chronicles: The Soulmates, but she couldn’t do it. She’s a bit shy about sex. She said she had trouble reading it with one hand over her eyes. Told me the love making scenes were too long. She said the story was great, but it was hard having to read ‘all that stuff’.

Suffice it to say, my mother writes a more traditional story. She loves me and says she supports me, but she’d rather have me write inspirational stories. I’ve done those too, but right now, my heart is with my sensual romances.

16. Thank you so much CJ for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. Is there anything you would like to say in closing?

I would like to invite all of you to join my chat group. We are a family and love to get to know new people.

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

And I’d also like you to go visit my website. I update it regularly and you can find out more about me, read excerpts from ALL my books and see what contest I have going.

http://www.cjengland.com/home/

Finally, I have a list of some other places you can find me on the web. Get to know me a little more and then email me. I love to hear from my readers!

Newsletter group... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsDreamtimeNewsletter/
My CHAT BLOG... http://cjslivingdreams.blogspot.com/
My FREE READ Blog... http://cj-england.livejournal.com/
Email... womanofthewind1@yahoo.com

Thanks Anne for having me. I appreciate you taking the time! And good luck to CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. It is a wonderful review site!!!!

And remember everyone… Follow your dreams... for they will lead you into a world of imagination.

Interviewed by Anne
August 2006

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There you have it! I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better. Come on back on Monday where I'll have my last pre-set blog before getting back in gear for normal blogging life!

Hugs to all,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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

Sultry Summers Blog- Don't Have

Hey all,

It's time for another guest blogger. Today I have the honor of introducing Selena Robins, a fellow Samhain author. This is what it says about her on her website...

Unable to stay focused in school—science and math didn’t equate to happily ever after—Selena excelled in Daydreaming 101 and Creative Writing. Her entrepreneurial skills became evident in the latter part of Junior High when she found herself penning essays and short stories for five bucks a pop. Her future as a writer was foreshadowed by winning first prize in a contest run by the Humane Society—a romance about two race horses who fell in love (the filly won the race and the stud).

And the rest is history. LOL So let's get to know her a bit better, shall we? Please join me in welcoming, Selena Robins!!!

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Where In The World Is CJ England???

Inquiring minds want to know... And will continue to question through the month of May...

Hey all,

As promised, since Jonathon and I are on our private mini retreat, here are some cartoons to keep you amused. Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts still. I'll be back the first week of June to pick up my life again and maybe actually get some writing done. LOL

Hugs to all of you and enjoy the cartoons!!!







I'll be back on Wednesday with another guest blogger, Sultry Summers. She'll have some interesting things to share with you all. Until then, take care and I miss you all!!!!

Hugs,
CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

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