Quickies and a Contest

I love writing quickies in between other books. Why? Well because they’re fun, quick and it’s a book out there. Lately though I’ve been getting discouraged, mostly because some readers obviously don’t get the “jest” of quickies.
A quickie is a blip in time, usually one event. Take for instance my recent release Submit With Me. It’s a quickie – 7400 words. It’s a story about giving someone control of your body for one night.
Two people who purchased the book over at the Jasmine Jade site gave it 1 star. One stated it wasn’t worth the $1.49 and the other said the characters weren’t fully developed. I’m not sure how developed they expect them to be when it’s written under 10k. On top of that it was all about the fantasy.
One nice commenter gave it 5 stars.
I’ve learned to take the good with the bad, but now I question writing these quick books. Is it worth the backlash? A bunch of EC authors told me it would be a smart idea to write a free read story. They said it gives you a lot of exposure you might not have gotten otherwise. I can see the point. If you’re unsure you want to try an author a free read could help you decide if you want to buy her other books.
I had considered writing one about Tommy from Pretend With Me, book one in the Freedom Fantasies series or one about Lucky from my Cougar Challenge book Gettin’ Lucky (coming soon). Lately I’ve been asking myself WHY? WHY bother? These are under 6k – I can’t imagine what these people commenting on my stories will say then.
Readers complain they want a quick, cheap read, but expect the full plot and storyline you get from a 30k. What’s a writer to do?
Today I've decided to give away a copy of Submit With Me to one lucky commenter and I'd love to hear what you think about the story after you read it. I'm a big girl if you hate it, tell me. If you love it, tell me. :o)

Chatting with Amber Skyze

Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure of reading Amber Skyze’s newest offering from Ellora’s Cave “Submit With Me” and what a wild little ride I got! This is a fast paced “Quickie” and the pages just fly by. I must warn readers be prepared to be nervously concerned the first few pages but get in the elevator with Marc anyway and submit.
Blurb: “Submit With Me”.
Rena is on a quest to get laid and she’s willing to go to any length to fulfill her need.

Marc has a thirst for a submissive. He longs to find someone he can bring to the edge of ecstasy and rein back in before an orgasm. He wants to tie, tease and torture his submissive, pushing the limits of sexual awareness.

When he offers Rena five hundred dollars to be his sub for the night, he gets more than he bargained for. This spitfire is about to show him a thing or two about submitting.

Katalina Leon: Amber what specifically inspired you to write this story?

Amber Skyze: This started with a call-out for a series of Pretend. It was rejected for not being kinky enough at one publishing house. I let it sit for a while and when EC opened its doors to the “quicker” quickies, I cleaned it up and submitted it. The rest is history.

Kat: How much of your heroine Rena is in you?

AS: That smart-ass attitude is all me!

Kat: A few very interesting tools of submission are mentioned in the story, which is your favorite?

AS: The DH is always online researching and when he told me about a clit taser I just knew I had to incorporate it in a story. Can you imagine jolts of electricity zapping…oh my.

Kat: It sounds quite “shocking”! Which do you prefer a fruity rum drink or a glass of wine?

AS: I love fruity drinks, but liquor is not for me. So fruity wine ;)

Kat: A spanking or a slow tease?

AS: It depends on the mood, but a good ole spanking never hurts and it definitely warms things up.

Kat: If it’s done right a good old-fashioned spanking definitely hurts! lol Who’s your favorite bad boy?

AS: Colin Farrell

Kat: OMG! Colin is a pretty bad boy… I love Colin’s heavy black brows. He looks like a young Sean Connery. Can you imagine being spanked by him? Of course you can. Thank you Amber, I really enjoyed “Submit With Me”.

AS: I’m thrilled you enjoyed Submit With Me.

Kat: If you like a little kink in the spirit of exploration you’ll love “Submit With Me”
XXOO Kat

“Submit With Me” Ellora’s Cave Taboo Line available July 21st!

An Array of Information

I’m excited. Tomorrow is release day for Submit With Me. It’s a quicker quickie at Ellora’s Cave, available for the low low price of $1.49. LOL

In other news I signed a contract last week for a book called Gettin’ Lucky. It’s part of the Cougar Challenge series, also at Ellora’s Cave. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to live up to their standards, but it turns out my editor liked the book, along with the fellow cougars who read it!

Speaking of series I’ve recently had discussions with two different authors about writing two different series. I adore both authors and am excited about the prospect of writing with them. I also feel honored that THEY wanted to collaborate with me. I know vague, but until we hash out all the details that’s all I can say.

Another exciting piece of news is the release date for Adrift from Loose-Id – November 9th. Edits are finalized. Now I’m waiting anxiously for cover art.
I recently joined a group of women from my local writer’s chapter in a new blog endeavor. If you have a chance drop by and check it out – http://apinchofromance.blogspot.com/ We’re an eclectic group, but there’s something for everyone. :o) I’ll be there every Tuesday too!

Until next week!