Thursday 31 July 2014

7 Questions with #Author Mary Frame (Imperfect Chemistry) @Marewulf #Romance #Comedy




How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I’m having self-doubts and fear AS I TYPE THIS. I have no clue what I’m doing half the time, but Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” And really, I think the only way to work through those insecurities is that simple. Just keep going!  When it comes to writing and publishing, there’s ALWAYS going to be something inciting fear and causing anxiety.

It’s sort of like having children. When they’re first born, you’re worried they’ll stop breathing in their sleep; when they start walking, you worry they’re going to run into a sharp corner and poke their eyes out; when they hit their teens you’ve got drugs, driving, dating (all those terrible D words).

Writing is no different. We’re scared to write badly, we’re scared to share our work, we’re scared that people will hate it, we’re scared people will love it and then we won’t write anything as good ever again! There will always be fear, no matter what stage you’re at, no matter how successful or unsuccessful you are. There will always be self-doubt, we’re human. My philosophy is, just stay true to yourself, and keep on swimming.
 
Have you always enjoyed writing?
I wish I could say I was one of those people who started writing in the womb, but the truth is I was never big on writing stories as a child (although I did write crappy poetry as a teen). It wasn’t until my mid-late twenties that I sat down and wrote a novel—after writing nothing except professional e-mails and such for work.  But, once I started, I couldn’t stop. It quickly became an addiction, and a goal. The first book I wrote was so terrible, I had to keep going until I wrote something better. And the writing itself became cathartic. I didn’t realize how much I needed a creative outlet until I found it, and I haven’t looked back.
 
What books did you love growing up?
When I was about eleven, my older sister brought home a book by Christopher Pike called Remember Me. It’s about a teenage girl who is shoved off the balcony of an apartment on her sixteenth birthday. She doesn’t see who kills her, they think it’s a suicide, and the rest of the book she follows around her friends and the detective assigned to her case to try and track down her killer. It was the first time I had ever seen/read a YA paranormal book, and I was hooked immediately. I read EVERYTHING Christopher Pike put out when I was a pre-teen/teen, and I still have all of those books in my bookshelf! My poor husband wails and moans every time we move and he has to lug around my old books. I also loved LJ Smith, RL Stine, and as a teen moved into Stephen King, Dean Koontz…I really had a thing for paranormal and creepy stuff.

Who is your favorite author?
I don’t think I could EVER pick just one, but I still love my old YA books from Christopher Pike. I also adore Meg Cabot, Sophie Kinsella, and Tessa Dare.

What genre of books do you adore?
I have a sick addiction to historical romance novels. I particularly like ones set in Regency and Victorian England, but the Scottish romance novels can be pretty hot, too. I don’t know what it is about that time period, I mean, in real life I don’t think I could be into a guy in breeches, but for some reason it just works.

What book should everybody read at least once?
I can’t think of one single book that would encapsulate this, but I think everyone should read something that exposes them to a culture entirely different from the one they live in. For example, I read Shogun by James Clavell when I was sixteen. It was fascinating to fall into a time and society that was unlike anything I had ever experienced in my life. Books like that teach you more than reading a text book or taking a class. The characters are so well drawn, you’re sucked into an entirely different world, and it’s almost like experiencing it yourself. I think it made me more open minded, so when I got older and travelled to other countries, I was more open to strange and new experiences.

How did you develop your writing?
Slowly, painfully, and with a LOT of wine. Also…I attended local writer’s conferences and workshops, I read everything I could get my hands on about writing craft from my local library, and most importantly: I kept writing.

Writing is like anything else. If you want to be a professional baseball player, you can’t expect to walk up to bat and hit one out of the field on your first shot (although there is always beginners luck. I hate those people!). You have to practice, which means you have to write. A LOT.

For me, I felt like it took me longer than most. I spent years and years writing and throwing things away, re-writing, throwing that away too, wailing and moaning in frustration and agony before writing some more. I’m convinced it’s the only way to get better at writing. Just keep going. Eventually, you will get there. Don’t give up! And finish what you start. I made the mistake of writing about 40 bazillion half-finished novels and now I’m really good at beginnings but my endings stink!

Imperfect Chemistry

Lucy London puts the word genius to shame. Having obtained her PhD in microbiology by the age of twenty, she's amassed a wealth of knowledge, but one subject still eludes her—people. The pendulum of passions experienced by those around her both confuses and intrigues her, so when she’s offered a grant to study emotion as a pathogen, she jumps on the opportunity.

When her attempts to come up with an actual experiment quickly drop from lackluster to nonexistent, she’s given a choice: figure out how to conduct a groundbreaking study on passion, or lose both the grant and her position at the university. Put on leave until she can crack the perfect proposal, she finds there’s only one way she can study emotions: by experiencing them herself.

Enter Jensen Walker, Lucy's neighbor and the one person on the planet she finds strangely and maddeningly appealing. Jensen's life is the stuff of campus legend, messy, emotional, complicated—in short, the perfect starting point for Lucy's study. When her tenaciousness wears him down and he consents to help her, sparks fly. To her surprise, Lucy finds herself battling with her own emotions, as foreign as they are intense. With the clock ticking on her deadline, Lucy must decide what's more important: analyzing her passions...or giving in to them?

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Romantic Comedy
Rating – PG-13
More details about the author
Connect with Mary Frame through Facebook & Twitter

Wednesday 30 July 2014

#BookReview - Dance for a Dead Princess by @DeborahHawk3 #ReviewShare #Mystery

Dance for a Dead PrincessDance for a Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took me awhile to get into this book. First, using Princess Diana as an 'attraction' for the plot made me skeptical and second, the writing was long-winded. However, as it got to about 30%, it moved a lot faster and I was hooked. Deborah Hawkins writes from her heart and I have a strong fascination for author who do this because you become privileged to take a small piece of the author once you have read her work.

(may include some spoilers after this point)

Her writing is for the most part consistent and her ability create contrasts between characters, settings and emotions made this an interesting read for me. It was as if to say - if you have light, you must have darkness and as humans we all have a bit of bad and good within us.

At the end, it becomes a fascinating whodunit with a whole new twist on 'the butler did it.' Nicholas Carey is a strong presence and it was especially interesting to see how Deborah Hawkins did not allow anything in plot or secondary characters to overshadow this.

Would I recommend this read? Yes. Be patient with the beginning. I also recommend this book for reading groups which are looking to discuss authors who use contrasts to accentuate characters and scenes. Deborah Hawkins pulls this off with such ease unlike some authors who only focus on all good or all bad.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 4/5
Formatting: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3.5/5

Offensive content?: I was given this book with a G rating but based on language and settings, I would recommend this book for anyone aged 13 and above.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

#BookReview - Trailing: A #Memoir by @KristinDuncombe #ReviewShare #Africa

Trailing: A MemoirTrailing: A Memoir by Kristin Louise Duncombe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started reading this book at an especially crucial time in my family life. My husband was offered a job in Asia. While the decision to keep the family together came automatically, everyday leading to the big move meant asking myself over and over if we were making the right decision. Yes, the children learn a different culture. If I stay in England with the children, how will affect our marriage? While the move and our lives in Asia are no where near as eventful as Kristin Duncombe's life many questions and situations about her marriage were scenes I could relate to.

What I especially liked about the book was her honesty. She pointed out her mistakes. Her weaknesses. Not many people do this. Some memoirs are written to reflect the author as the hero. Not in this case. Then there's the beginning and the ending, one starts with a bang and then closes with the gentle whisper of wisdom as if to say, "look, this is how far I'm come."

In any marriage, it isn't easy to say who comes first. Is your job more important than mine? Who is more emotionally invested in the marriage. When you've been married for a long time, like it or not, these questions will come up. Easy to ignore but they can't really go away until dealt with. While I appreciated the author sharing her 'adventures' it is the journey of her marriage that made me fall in love with this book. Definitely a keeper.

Would I recommend this read? Absolutely. For the more mature reader who is looking for something meaningful, this is definitely the book for you. I also recommend it for anyone who is in a serious relationship or at crossroads in their marriage. You may find that some minor parts of the book are long-winded but I recommend you share Kristin Duncombe's journey for what it is, a journey into the heart and soul of a couple who beat the odds from one continent to another.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 4.5/5
Formatting: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5

Offensive content?: Based on language and settings, I would recommend this book for anyone aged 13 and above.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

#BookReview - An Absent Mind by Eric Rill @ericrillauthor #ReviewShare #Alzheimers

An Absent MindAn Absent Mind by Eric Rill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I do not have first hand experience with Alzheimer's, I did experience a close friend's nan crumble to dementia and it was an emotional journey for all of us who had to see him go through day to day taking of her. I do remember the hardest part was when she did not recognise him or keep telling him she was in the wrong house.

It is by no means easy and a difficult journey for everyone involved so this fiction book by Eric Rill was especially interesting. On the one hand, you have a fictional character who has been built to connect with the reader emotionally. Did Eric Rill succeed? On so many different levels. On the other hand, the situation this fictional character faces is very much a reality.

The strongest part of this novel was how people react to something so big. We have so many ideas of what to do, how to do something until it happens to us and then it's a whole different story. Get your tissues ready and prepare yourself for a story that will touch your heart and make you appreciate life. In the end, it really is the small things that count.

Would I recommend this read? Very much. To a younger reader this may seem to be a wasted journey. To someone who has experience with a family member or friend with Alzheimer's or dementia, this will be one of the most powerful books you have read.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 4.5/5
Formatting: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5

Offensive content?: Based on language and settings, I would recommend this book for anyone aged 13 and above.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

Saturday 26 July 2014

Making Wishes, The Beautiful American & Pegasus by Marilyn Holdsworth #AmReading

Making Wishes

Elloree Prince is an attractive, creative young woman who marries a wealthy businessman, Tom Randall. After courting his bride with unrelenting determination, Tom moves her into old-moneyed Oak View, where generations of Randalls have lived for years. 

Outwardly, Elloree appears to settle into raising their two sons within Oak View's stifling social structure, but inwardly, she yearns for her artistic work. An unexpected phone call from Mark Williams, her former employer, offers her the career opportunity of a lifetime, and she must make a choice. She is torn between her devotion to her sons and her love for her work. Her decision to return to Wishes, Inc. brings dramatic life changes to her and the people she loves.

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Women's fiction
Rating – PG-13

beautifulAmerican
"Abby Long is thrilled when she offers the winning bid for an antique desk at an auction. With its intricately inlaid woods and elegant style, the desk is perfect for Abby; it is the gift she promised herself to finally celebrate her thriving antique business. She has no idea that the antique desk holds a secret that will lead her on a fascinating, life-changing journey back in time.
 When Abby discovers a hidden diary stuffed inside a secret compartment in the desk, she can hardly wait to read the spidery, faded script. As she carefully turns the tattered pages, she reads the captivating story of two remarkable women from opposite backgrounds who somehow manage to form an unforgettable bond against the backdrop of a fledgling America struggling to find its place in the world. Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, the wife of James Monroe, and Jasmine, a young slave girl, develop an extraordinary relationship as they are united by pivotal historic events, political intrigues, and personal tragedies.

From a bucolic Virginia plantation to the bloodied, starving streets of post-revolutionary Paris, this powerful tale follows the lives of two courageous women from the past as they quietly influence—and inspire—a woman of today’s world."
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Historical fiction
Rating – G

pegasus
Widowed at thirty, Hannah Bradley is a successful journalist focusing on animal abuse issues. An accidental meeting introduces her to lawyer, Winston Caughfield III. Drawn to Hannah’s gentle beauty and fierce commitment to her work, Win joins her in a fight to save wild mustangs from slaughter. Together they rescue a badly injured horse with a mysterious background. Hannah’s search to discover the animal’s true identity leads them into a web of black marketeering and international intrigue. Action packed with crisp colorful dialogue the story propels the reader to a race against time conclusion. Marilyn Holdsworth delivers a gripping tale of mystery, adventure and romance guaranteed to hold the interest and capture the heart. She brings true-life characters together with real-life issues to create a fast-paced irresistible story.
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Contemporary fiction
Rating – PG
More details about the author
 Connect with Marilyn Holdsworth on Facebook & Twitter

Thursday 24 July 2014

7 Questions with #Author D. Aliesh (Party of Gifts) #AmReading #SciFi


Tell us about your family
I come from a combined military family. My mother and both of my dads (biological and step) were all military, so discipline was a must. I am one of nine children between all four of my parents, and raised as an only child for most of my childhood. My brother and I lived with our grandparents while my parents were still in the military, so my characters typically have grandparents or value that relationship with them. Both sets of my parents are also interracial so my characters tend to be also.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
Honestly, I just have to get out of my head. I have to understand that this is something I love, and some people will appreciate my work, while it won’t be others’ cup of tea. As long as I feel like I put my own into it, I have to stand behind my work.

What scares you the most?
A large population of ignorant people. Unfortunately, I have been told my biggest fears have come true.

What makes you the happiest?
I enjoy doing things that will make others happy or laugh so hard until they pee or snort. I usually laugh so much until I get hiccups, but that’s when I’m happiest.

Why do you write?
I have to. Writing is therapeutic.

Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes. I remember doing it in first grade and I loved it. My favorite part of elementary was free writing; just 10 minutes of non-stop writing.

What motivates you to write?
I truly love it. My mind is always running and creating. I’ll get an idea and I’m like, “I have to write it down immediately.”


partyOfGifts

The modern day heroes assembled in this journey get to go to places most people will never see. With the gifts of the spirit and some other talents added to the bunch, they restore faith, hope in order into the world, while shaking it up in themselves. If you are a sci-fi extraordinaire looking for a good read, or if you need an escape from worldly limitations...join the cast of Party of Gifts.

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Sci-Fi
Rating – PG
More details about the author
Connect with D. Aliesh through Facebook

Tuesday 22 July 2014

7 Questions with #Author Sandy James @SandyJamesBooks #Romance #Fiction

Tell us a bit about your family.
Jeff and I have been married for thirty-one years. Hard to believe! We have two grown children, Laura and Kevin, who are both married. Laura and her husband Jon just had their first baby—our first grandchild.

We’re a very close family, and I love that my children both live in Indiana now so that I can see them often.

Is your family supportive?
Very! My husband has been the best about the changes I’ve tossed his way. Ever since I started writing, he’s had to endure all the ups and downs of my new career. The reviews. The worrying about submissions. And the success. But most of all, he tolerates me ignoring him for hours on end so I can write.

My kids are also very supportive. When my daughter has time, she’s a fantastic proof-reader, and my son is my “idea guy.” If I’m ever stuck, all I have to do is call him for a brainstorming session. He always helps me find my way around any block.

Have you always enjoyed writing?
Back in junior high school, my friends used to love to read stories I’d write when I was bored in class. My seventh grade English teacher predicted I’d be a writer. It took me a lot of years to fulfill that prophecy, but I’m finally here!

What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I’m very proud of my teaching career. When I started at Greenwood High School, the school wasn’t even offering psychology. I was able to get psych added as a course and started with a couple of one-semester classes. Now, I have a full schedule of full-year advanced psychology classes (and over a hundred of those kids are earning college credit) and a few one-semester grade-level courses.

Who is your favorite author?
That’s a tough one, because it depends on the genre I’m reading. If it’s non-fiction, I’m reading Ann Rule. I’ve even emailed her a couple of times to discuss a local case. Her books are amazingly detailed and always good reads.

If it’s non-romance fiction, I’d say Stephen King. His It and 11/22/63 are my favorites. The man is a superhero to me.

In romance, I have two “go to” authors. Hannah Howell and Julie Garwood. I love Scottish romances, and Hannah Howell delivers every single time I pick up one of her books. Julie Garwood is my favorite historical author, although I must admit I don’t like her romantic suspense or her contemporaries. But I read The Bride at least three times every year. It’s that entertaining.

What genre of books do you adore?
Romance, of course. But I also enjoy non-fiction, especially biographies and true crime. Those loves probably come from my interest in history and my degree in criminology.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for your success?
There are so many people I could thank for helping me get where I am! It would take a heck of a lot more space than one blog, so let me focus on my “gateway” guy. My father-in-law, MR James, is a successful author. When I finished my first book, I asked (begged) him to read it an offer me pointers. He went one step better. He did edits on the entire story! I’d printed the book out and put it in a binder. When he handed it back, he warned me that if I planned to publish, I should develop skin as thick as a rhino. The moment I opened the binder, I saw why he’d given me that advice. He must have used three red pens on that story! But I thank him every day for teaching so much about writing. His honesty and guidance made me a much better writer.

SignedSealedDelivered

For the fans of Jennifer Probst, Ruth Cardello and Jill Shalvis, comes a series about love, friendship, and lunch!

When life gets tough and love is hard to find, four friends take their troubles to lunch. High school teacher Juliana Kelley tells the Ladies Who Lunch that her life needs an overhaul . . . and gets a whole lot more than she wished for.

Juliana has spent thirteen years in the same teaching job. She's ready to dive into a new career with both feet . . . when a run-in with the hottest man she's ever seen knocks her head over heels. But with her failed marriage to a fellow teacher fresh on her mind, Jules can't afford to lose herself in a relationship-no matter how perfect it may seem.

Connor Wilson has hit rock bottom when he loses his career as a top-notch Realtor because of a large gambling debt. Now, in a small town he finds a fresh start-and a gorgeous redhead who sparks new life into him. Together they start a successful real estate company, but when pleasure sneaks into the business, they'll have to decide what they can let go . . . and what they can't live without.

Word count: 75,000-85,000
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Rating – PG-13
More details about the author
Connect with Sandy James through Facebook Twitter

Thursday 17 July 2014

#BookReview - Fatal Greed by John W. Mefford @JWMefford #ReviewShare #Suspense

Fatal Greed (Greed Series #1)Fatal Greed by John W. Mefford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When an author takes a single book and then converts this into an experience not just a book, this is when the generic rating system is just not enough. We first received Fatal Greed followed by Lethal Greed. It was only after this that we realised the author had a whole campaign set up around his new releases, #SummerofGreed.

Of course, one of the perks of this campaign are numerous giveaways but I for one was truly fascinated by the time, effort and thought the author had taken into launching the series. Where most authors publish one book and then focus all their resources on that one book, here was an author who was doing it differently and thinking on a far larger scale. Impressive.

Now, on to Fatal Greed. The undercurrents of lust, excessive desire and greed in general reminded me of Seven (Brad Pitt & Kevin Spacey). It's sickening to imagine these things and yet you know it happens. I did find some of the sex imagery a bit disturbing so those easily disturbed by such scenes may want to read the sample chapter first.

John W. Mefford can certainly write and pull you into the story in ways you won't expect. If you have an open mind and crave for a plot that is imaginative and exciting, Fatal Greed must be on your reading list.

Would I recommend this read? Abso-bloody-lutely and I have only said that for one other book.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4.5/5
Editing: 4.5/5
Formatting: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5

Offensive content?: Based on language, settings and overall content, I would recommend this book for adult readers.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

#BookReview - Order of Earth by Jennifer Cornet @J_Cornet #ReviewShare #Fantasy

Order of Earth (Elements of Ink, #1)Order of Earth by Jennifer Cornet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talk about a bad tattoo. The author takes a simple outing and turns it into an imaginative chase with a highly effective plot and character driven scenes. As with most fantasy books these days, I was worried this was going to have a cliffhanger ending which gave me no clue as to how things end for Onyx. Thankfully, it wasn't that way. The ending is spooky enough for the reader to form their own conclusions while there is some closure for the main character.

It had just the right amount of action and drama, entwined with fantasy and science fiction. Good ingredients for a good book, and the cover goes hand in hand with the title of the series which is 'Elements of Ink.'

What caught me most offguard was when Onyx was arguing with Philip about the all things he had done TO her instead of FOR her and her outburst causes him to be thrown against a car, it was cool and creepy at the same time. If only there was a similar method to handle all domestic abuse like that.

Would I recommend this read? Sure, if you are the pedantic kind of reader who is easily bothered by spacing and paragraph breaks, you will find that these are not always consistent in the book but I must stress that these were minor and did not distract my attention from the story.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4.5/5
Editing: 4/5
Formatting: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5

Offensive content?: Based on language and settings, I would recommend this book for anyone aged 13 and above.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

#BookReview - From #Stress to Stillness by @GinaLake #SelfHelp #ReviewShare

From Stress to Stillness: Tools for Inner PeaceFrom Stress to Stillness: Tools for Inner Peace by Gina Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this book in mid June when life was beyond stressful so in a way it was putting the author's methods to the test. I am a big fan of Deepak Chopra and was looking for something similar. While the concepts and writing style is not as deep as Chopra's, I do appreciate the author's unique take.

"Self-doubt is what most stands in the way of following our intuition, which is the true voice of wisdom." - I completely agree with this and the essence of From Stress to Stillness is dealing with negativity in your life without affecting your physical and emotional being with negativity.

The section on a New Relationship to Thoughts and Feelings is especially important for those who are dealing with a lot of stress or juggling multiple roles in their day to day lives. Gina Lake's writing is easy to understand flows but I do think that some sections were a fairly touch and go when it could have been more but this thought may stem from what I needed or was expecting at this juncture in my life.

Would I recommend this read? Absolutely, I do think that some of the author's thoughts may come across as unconventional but I say give it a chance. The problem with stress, is that we create a lot of it ourselves and different books / self-help tools work differently for each of us.

Overall assessment:
Content: 4/5
Editing: 4.5/5
Formatting: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5

Offensive content?: Based on language and overall content, I would recommend this book for anyone aged 13 and above.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author. I did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was I obliged to write a positive one.

View all my reviews

Hacker for Hire by Pendelton C. Wallace #AmReading #Mystery #Thriller

hacker

If Clive Cussler had written Ugly Betty, it would be Hacker for Hire. 

Hacker for Hire, a suspense novel about corporate greed and industrial espionage, is the second book in a series about Latino computer security analyst Ted Higuera and his best friend, para-legal Chris Hardwick. 

The goofy, off-beat Ted Higuera, son of Mexican immigrants, grew up in East LA. An unlikely football scholarship brought him to Seattle. 

Chris, Ted’s college roommate, grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. His father is the head of one of Seattle’s most prestigious law firms. 

Ted’s first job out of college leads him into the world of organized crime where he faces a brutal beating. After being rescued by beautiful private investigator Catrina Flaherty, Ted decides to go to work for her. 

Catrina is hired by a large computer corporation to find a leak in their corporate boardroom when the previous consultant is found floating in Elliot Bay. 

Ted discovers that Chris’s firm has been retained by their prime suspect. Now he and Chris are working opposite sides of the same case. 

Ted and Catrina are led deep into Seattle’s Hi-Tech world as they stalk the killer. But the killer is also hunting them. Can Ted find the killer before the killer finds him? 

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre – Mystery, Thriller
Rating – R
More details about the author
Connect with Pendelton Wallace on Facebook

Tuesday 15 July 2014

7 Questions with #Author @ClarissaClemens (The Poetic Art of Seduction) #Erotic #Poetry


1. How much editing is involved in writing poetry?
The best gems come unfiltered. What seems to be a whole lifetime ago, before kids, I made a living as a textile artist splattering paint on cloth and watching it soak up. I realized back then that there are no mistakes in art. Art is entirely subjective and so when I opened up my poetry valve again to let all the words spill out, I realized that allowing the words to just come out raw, without any judgment or filter, was the best and most natural flow for my poetic scribblings. Most all of my poetry is left as is with maybe just a tweak here and there to ease the flow and enhance syncopation.

2. Why do you write erotic poetry?
As long as I can remember I have been a very sensually oriented being. I remember thinking to myself when I was probably 14 years old that I was going to need to find a life partner who had a strong physical drive so that we would be sexually compatible in our relationship.

After divorce, poetry became my therapy. I processed all the feelings and emotions through the poems. Early on (I believe the 4th poem I wrote) the words started channeling all the pent up sensual feelings that I had not been able to release for way too long. The poems were filled with passion, fantasies, and hope. I needed to reconnect with myself by writing all that was bubbling up just under the surface. The poems were my life preserver pulling me back into myself and giving me hope for my future.

3. Your poetry is quite vivid; is it inspired by your imagination or real life?
In the beginning, my erotic poetry was either based on memories of wild times or fantasies of what I had always longed to explore. It had been a while since I had been sexually active (due to a failing marriage) and there was all this pent up sexual tension that was rearing it’s gorgeous head as if to say, “Hey, did you forget about me?” After a couple years of healing and sorting out what I wanted, I began to live out the activities in my poetry. Today my poetry is based on the real life sensual adventures that I take with my loving partner.

4. When did writing become a part of who you are?
I have always loved the act of written expression and the copious highway between the brain, the imagination, and the ability to transcribe it onto ‘paper’. As a girl, I wrote articles about smog, women’s rights, and various school activities for my grammar school newspaper. In high school my favorite classes were always the ones where I could write and set my imagination free. When I went back to college, after my divorce, being able to compose an intelligent sounding paper helped me get through all kinds of challenging classes. I feel like writing has always been there for me from my earliest days of communicating to present day.

5. What are you most proud of in your personal life?
My daughters. Divorced when my girls were 8 and 5 years old, I became a single parent pretty much raising them by myself. It was an emotionally difficult situation to find myself in being suddenly alone and responsible for my 2 young daughters. With the help of my family and support of friends, I was able to take care of my girls and instill the values I hold dear while providing a safe and loving home for them.

My oldest daughter graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at the top of her major last year and was able to get a great job 2 weeks after she graduated. She is loving, responsible, compassionate to others and the earth, and a true leader for her peers. My younger daughter is halfway through college and continues to amaze me as I watch her grow and mature as she discovers her passions. She is smart, adventurous, loving, a true lover of animals and science, and understands human nature. I love them dearly and am so proud of them both.

6. Tell us about your latest book?
The Poetic Art of Seduction – The Erotic Poetry Collection is a compilation of the 3 volumes of my most sexy poetry to date. There are over 70 poems to be devoured in this book. The subject matter is highly sensual, oftentimes kinky, but always classy. There is a playful element that I like to include in my erotic writings. After all, sex should be fun, right? In addition to the 70+ poems, I have included over 40 photos to complement and enhance the sensory experience to include visual stimulation as well.

7. What’s the reason for your life? Have you figured out your reason for being here yet?
Yes, I do think I have it figured out. My inherent talent is to put into words the feelings that surge through us as sensual beings. I am able to assemble prose to paint pictures of the way it feels to want, desire, love, need, have your heart broken, feel hope for love, portray fantasies without a filter, and live a fulfilling sensual life. When people read my poetry they are able to put themselves behind my words and live through them. The poetry allows people to connect to a deeper place residing inside their heart and soul. I had no idea when I wrote my poems that they would be this universal.  Over the last couple of years since I published my first book, I hear comments over and over about how my poems have helped people to process buried feelings and open up a fountain of sensuality that was lying just under the surface.

My reason for this particular life is to help people love and feel joy through the scenes I paint with words.

poetic_art_seduction

A collection of all 3 volumes of Clarissa O. Clemens' erotic poetry book series, The Poetic Art of Seduction, under 1 cover! 

An erotic gift of lyrical rhyme to keep on every bedroom nightstand for play. Kinky yet classy erotic poetry painting sexy pictures and scenes with seductive words to read to each other and get the mood soaked in seduction. 

What critics have said about Clarissa's poetry: 

"...A delicious dance with words..." 
"Impossible not to be aroused..." 
"...mouth-watering feast of erotic rhyme..." 
"...her words ebb and flow with a superb sensuousness." 
"5 Stars is just not enough for this exquisite work of erotic art" 

78 Passionate poems of seduction are waiting for you to be devoured with lust and desire. 

41Beautifully sensuous photographs have been included to heighten your visual experience with Ms. Clemens poetry. 

A must-have for every couple looking for new ways to add the spark back into their flame.

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Erotic Poetry
Rating – R
Connect with Clarissa Clemens through Facebook Twitter

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...