Wanna talk BDSM? Wanna win something?

I have a special guest here today with an 'interesting' topic :) to keep things moving while I'm making my way to the Annual Romance Writers of America conference in New York. I'll be checking in and hopefully posting some progress reports. Until then, take it away, Randi!

I want to thank Kaily for letting guest blog today. I’m Randi Alexander and I write cowboy erotic romance. My first book, Chase and Seduction was released May 27 from The Wild Rose Press' Cowboy Kink line.

The Cowboy Kink line is - just as it sounds - a line of kinky erotic romances focused on cowboys. Each of the books is written by authors who have their own version of 'kink.' And with cowboys, you know a lot of the kink has to do with ropes and whips.

But I want to talk BDSM today. If you're not familiar with the acronym, it stands for Bondage and Discipline / Dominance and Submission / Sadism and Masochism. It's not specific to sex, but in erotic romance, it is sexual in most stories. The reason I'm sounding like Wikipedia is that I've had a few people in a variety of age ranges ask me what BDSM was.

While I'm not familiar with it personally, except for a little 'slap and tickle' now and then, I did write some light BDSM into Chase and Seduction. The excerpt below is the opening of the scene, which takes place outdoors, making it extra-kinky.

I've read a few erotic BDSM books, where there is meticulous detail paid to the bondage, the discipline, the role playing. While it was titillating, it wasn't what I wanted to see my characters doing. It just didn't fit the character backstories I'd written for them. But Chase does have a kinky side, which he gladly introduces Reno to, but it's not BDSM. The outdoor 'slap and tickle' scene is just a little extra treat I threw into the book, and it's one of my favorite sex scenes.

But many readers love erotic romances with heavy bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, or masochism. They sell very well, and are exciting, seductive, and just as romantic as my light BDSM. And that's where I need your help.

I have a story in mind, and I'm considering including some BDSM. What do you like to read? Do you prefer a story without it, or with a little 'slap and tickle', or do you like a full-throttle BDSM story? I'm excited to hear your comments.

And, as promised, following the story blurb, I've attached the beginning of my BDSM scene.

Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything–and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno. 

Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase. 

Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame? 

EXCERPT: Over 18 only please.
“Woman! Don’t make me come after you!”
Reno straightened, showing him her profile. “You could never catch me, old man.”
“Old?” Chase leapt to his feet, and she jerked, dropping the flower.
He stalked toward her. “I’ll show you old.”
She let out a shriek and bolted in the opposite direction, laughing crazily.
He took a hop, then ran hard and fast, and was upon her in seconds. Grabbing her around the waist, he lifted her off her feet. “There’s no getting away from me, Reno.”
She slapped at his hands. “Let me go, you evil letch.”
He released her, only to grab one wrist, bend and grab her opposite knee, and lift her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry, her warm skin rubbing against his, kindling a fire in each nerve she touched.
She squealed and laughed. “Chase, you put me down.”
Dominating her this way sent a rush of desire through him, and her weight felt like a feather as he strode back to their blanket. Reaching up, he swatted her behind. “You hush now.”
Her indrawn breath was followed by a soft moan. Then she asked, “And if I don’t hush?”

To celebrate the release of Chase and Seduction, I'm giving away, to one lucky *commenter, an e-copy of my novella Her Cowboy Stud. Just leave a comment today and we'll choose a winner tomorrow. *Commenter must be 18 years of age or older to win.

I'm also giving away a cowgirl hat to one subscriber to my newsletter. For more details, and to sign up for this contest, please go to my website, RandiAlexander.com  And while you're there, you can read the first chapter of Chase and Seduction.

Good luck, and thank you!

RandiAlexander.com

WildAndWickedCowboysBlog

TAG. I guess I'm 'it'!

I was tagged last month by the wonderful Rula Sinara on her A Writer's Rush blog. If you haven't ever checked it (or her) out, do! Rula does the most fabulous author interviews. Now, I know Rula totally cheated when she responded to this tag. Of course, I wouldn't do anything like that. O.O Right? So here goes....

Do you think you're hot?
Depends who's asking... *wink, wink*

Upload a picture or wallpaper you're using at the moment.
OK, I use some VERY hot pictures when I'm writing for inspiration. I'm doing my final edits on a short I've been calling POINT BLANK and below is a pic I've been using for the hero. Now, my heroine really doesn't wear an outfit like that, but I just love how the guy has angled his head completely for the heroine and there's just something about the placement of his hand on the wall that's sexy to me. It reads as consideration to me. He's not crushing her against the wall, he's mindful of his strength and size... Seriously, I could probably go on and on about it. But I won't!

When was the last time you ate chicken meat?
Mmm, I don't actually like chicken. Much. I think hubby made a chicken & nectarine curry thingy over white rice about two weeks ago. I'm not sure he realizes, but I pick the chicken out and it...disappears. Oops.

The song(s) you listened to recently.

No idea. Whatever is on the car while I'm playing kid chauffear. I immediately go into thinking/plotting mode when listening to music.

What were you thinking as you were doing this?

Why? WHY? And...I should probably be writing LOL.

Do you have nicknames? What are they?

Nope. No nicknames. Kinda boring, I know.

Tag eight blogger friends.

OK, a lot of people have probably done this already, but I'll throw out eight and see what works:

Desiree Holt

Cari Quinn

Amber Skyze

Wendi Zwaduk

Lacey Devlin

Lynne Roberts

Jackie Ashenden

Kaye Manro

Who's listed as No. 1? Desiree Holt just published her 100th romance novel. How cool is THAT? SHE'S the hot one.

Say something about No. 5.
Lacey Devlin is on the road to becoming a published author!!

How did you get to know No. 3?
Amber Skyze is an awesome romance author and we share the same publisher.

How about No. 4?
I can't remember how I first found Wendi Zwaduk's blog. I may have been attracted by that name. I finally got to meet Wendi just recently at Lori Foster's Annual reader event in Ohio!
Leave a message for No. 6.
Lynne Roberts you are an aweome writer. I love your work :).

Leave a lovey-dovey message for No. 2.
Roses are red
and sometimes they're not
Cari's stories aren't always in a bed
but they're steaming hot
- Hey I write fiction, not poetry for a reason!

Do No. 7 and No .8 have any similarities?
Not that I know of LOL!

GO!!

RT Book Reviews gives PLAY ME 4 stars!!!

Wow. Just wow. What a wonderful, awesome surprise today. PLAY ME received a 4 star review from RT Book Reviews!! This is in the August edition, which will be given out at the RWA National conference in NY next week so I'm super psyched. Happy dancing and finding it difficult to concentrate today :). You can read the full review here if you're an online subscriber!!

Ask A Writer

OK, I haven't done one of these in awhile. I'm opening up the floor!! This is a chance for anyone to ask me anything about anything. Well, almost anything :). It could be about the process and craft of writing, about being published, about the industry in general. It could be about my books or current projects I'm working on. I'm getting ready to head to NY for the annual RWA conference, so it could be something related to conferences or other writer events. Ready? GO!!

WIP it Wednesday

So, I got distracted from finishing my lastest novella, PIN DOWN by a story that just wouldn't let go. The characters hammered at me until I just had to write it. They were driving me crazy, especially him. You see, Rex had waited long enough and I wanted to see him have his chance with Lanie. Finally. The story is about secret crushes, regrets and finally taking a risk, even if it all might come crashing down. It's only a short story and I'm in the final stages of editing, but thought I would share a snippet today.

Warning, it's R-rated and kinda hot. I think you'll know what he's referring to ;).

     His eyelids flickered, his jaw flexed. He grabbed her hand and walked backwards towards the bed, almost as if he couldn’t bear to take his eyes off her.

     “Lanie two. Rex zero," he drawled. "I think it’s time we evened things out, don’t you?”

     Oh God. Yes.

     Rex was her go to fantasy. Always had been. His was the image she called up when she needed to send herself over, the hands she thought about stroking her, tormenting her, the body she dreamed of fucking her, hard and fast when she needed it most. And the arms she imagined holding her at night when she just needed warm and strong.

     And she was going to get everything, all of that and more, right now.

I should probably get out more often...

I went to my local Romance Writers of America (RWA) chapter meeting last Saturday. It had been awhile and a heck of a lot longer than I'd realized since I'd last attended a Florida Romance Writers get together. During the school year, it's difficult for me to make it to these gatherings, but it helps to know these wonderful folks are out there, willing and ready to support one of their own. At least for me that's huge!

It was a great agenda. There was a panel with multi-published authors and we could ask anytthing. Well, almost anything :). In attendance were Allison Chase (Penguin/Signet), Bonnie Vanak (Harlequin), Cindi Thomason (Kensington/Harlequin), Marcia King-Gamble (Kensington/St. Martin/Harlequin) and Linda Conrad (Harlequin) - left to right in the picture below.

OMG, can you imagine the collective experience and knowledge contained on this panel? They took questions from the group and answered with frankness, honesty and with a goal to help others navigate the mine field that is the publishing industry today. It was totally awesome ladies!!

I also had a wonderful surprise. I was given a gorgeous art glass art in recognition of my first sale last year. President, Kristin joked that at the last meeting I attended I announced my sale and then they didn't see me for another 9 months! I was writing, okay LOL?? Besides, it was probably more like 12. Isn't it just absolutely beautiful? Of course, if I'd known there was going to be presents involved, I might have been at a meeting WAY sooner!

It's just another one of those things that feeds the soul of the writer and gets the inspiration roaring and singing!

So...the Lori Foster Annual Reader & Author Get Together 2011!

Better late than never I always say! Yep. I went. It was a last minute decision and boy am I glad I decided to go! It was great to get to meet online friends in person...you know, just to make sure they were really real.

And of course, I had an opportunity to meet THE Lori Foster (swoon, swoon, major fan girl moment). I've read Lori Foster for as long as I can remember. I just love her heroes--the strength with a core of honor and integrity will get me every time. Sigh...

I was also fortunate to meet Nalini Singh who is another of my favorite all time writers (more serious swooning). Her psy changeling series is an auto-buy for me and I ended up with an autographed copy of KISS OF SNOW. It will have a place on my forever keeper shelf, that's for sure. What an amazing story teller she is and just a sweetheart as well! Of course, she's from my part of the world so I wouldn't have expected anything less :).

I also had a chance to meet fellow Romance Divas and KJ Reed and Sasha Devlin, fellow Ellora's Cave authors. That was awesome because we share the same editor. But we didn't gossip, Grace. Seriously!

I think one of the most important things writers get out of writer get togethers is inspiration and a renewed enthusiasm for writing. At least, that's what I want (hope) to get out of them. There's just something so special about connecting with other writers, people who really do understand what it is that drives us, because let's face it, not many other people do.

Want to know about my writing process?

I'm over with Micole Black today on her blog.. She asked me some really great questions about my writing process, heroes and advice for aspiring authors. Come by and say hi!

Keeping it Clean - Missy Jane

I have a special guest with me today, fellow Ellora's Cave author, Missy Jane! Missy and I share an editor, so she's extra special :). Missy has a tag line which I just love - Make reading a guilty pleasure... I just adore that because for me, reading has always been a special treat I reward myself with, something to savor, something to look forward to. Missy has a great post today, one that I can totally and completely relate to so I'm going to hand it on over to Missy...

Keeping it Clean

I became an erotic romance author by accident. Four years ago, all of the writing I did was just for me. I’d get ideas in my head and have no choice but to write them out of my brain. Writing kept me sane and happy. Once I made the decision to query a publisher I did my homework and decided to start with Samhain, but knew from their backlist that I needed to add romance to my book. Okay, not just romance but S-E-X. I was wary and giggled through the entire first scene as I wrote it. I’m sure I was probably blushing too. I kept looking over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching. Once I got through the first one it became a lot easier and now I have to work not to put sex in my books. Much to the annoyance of my daughters.

My kids want to read my writing but they can’t…at least not for a few years. They’ve been asking me to please write something they can read. I’ve tried, really I have, but it’s just not working. Every time I start a nice, clean manuscript the characters decide to do things their way and either kill someone violently, start cussing up a storm or have sex. Maybe even all three, but not usually at the same time. Perhaps I need to write the ending first where everyone lives happily ever after. I should probably start with a married couple, or make sure all of my characters are under the age of ten. The book will probably only be about twelve pages long but there won’t be room for sex or violence.

If you were writing a book for your children to read what would you put in it or keep out? Leave a comment and you could win a prize pack. Plus all commenters are entered to win the Birthday Blog Tour grand prize! Please include your email address. For all the details check out my website. Good luck!

Missy, thanks so much for stopping by!! My own kids are still small but I've thought about writing YA for them when they get older. It would probably be something urban fantasyish, perhaps with a little romance thrown in. My son has already warned me that there can't be any kissing!