BIG GAME Draws BIG Attention
The third book in my bestselling V V Inn series, BIG GAME, launched earlier this week. It was the perfect time after my participation on a FOX5 panel in San Diego discussing “Mommy Porn” and before a slew of radio interviews —including a really detailed one with blogtalk radio this week hosted by Garrison Leykam on Conversation Crossroad. The reader feedback on the book has been overwhelmingly positive so far. YAY! I couldn’t be happier!
As a lot of you know, April 23 marked the two-year anniversary of my nephew’s death in a motorcycle accident. I plan on donating a portion of BIG GAME’s proceeds to a group that helps promote motorcycle awareness to motorists. Making this deadline to honor him was incredibly difficult, but despite everything—I did it. Reader support kept me going these last two months, like an IV drip of caffeine might for some writers.
I can’t adequately put into words what your emails and comments do for me. I’ve been largely housebound for over three years. Sometimes my only adult interaction (besides my husband) is through these online relationships and interactions. When a writer lives in their head it can become very lonely and often discouraging. It’s extremely easy to give up, or put off writing until you feel like it. Family, friends, and sheer force of will can become the only things sustaining you.
When you add in my medical issues—Rheumatoid Arthritis, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Celiac’s, Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Murine Typhus… and other stuff that is hopefully on the ‘outs’ this season… well, damn, there are some days I don’t even want to get out of bed. Not only do I seem to pick up bacteria every where I go, I have such a weakened immune system that whatever it is can become a big issue real quick.
In the hope of stirring up reader interest, I sent an email out to my distribution list in March—asking for reviews of the first two books in the series in exchange for their name being entered in a private drawing. I did not publicize this offer on Facebook, Twitter, or directly on my website. It was an insider’s deal. There were 58 entries for the following prizes:
- Three books: one signed and numbered set of print editions of the first three books in the series
- One signed and numbered edition of book three, Big Game
- A $50 gift card to the eBook retailer of your choice
- A $25 gift card to the eBook retailer of your choice
I received some phenomenal reviews on Amazon (and the UK Amazon), Apple, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and on blogs—you all went above and beyond, thank you!! As much as I’d like to award the prizes to the most well worded reviews, I can’t. I promised it would be a drawing based on a number generator, and it will.
If you don’t win, please understand that I do value your support and kindness. It was incredibly inspiring to read the reviews posting each day while I was pushing myself to finish this book on time. Due to the outpouring of support on this drawing, I’m running a similar one right now for reviews of BIG GAME, but making it open for everyone. Check out this public Facebook event for more details on how you can win and how to have more than one entry, too. Give me a week and I’ll transfer the details to this website and make a new contest page as well.
The winning numbers picked by generator.org were 2, 9, 28, and 52 (in that order). Those numbers correspond to the names listed alphabetically in a spreadsheet. Without further babbling on my part, here are the winners:
Grand Prize Winner of an entire set of signed print books: Ashley Harvey
Winner of a signed copy of BIG GAME: Christine Appleton
Winner of $50 gift card: Johnni Bayne
Winner of the $25 gift Card: Tarisa Tate
Book winners: please email me your physical address at cj@cjellisson.com to receive your prize. **Print copies of BIG GAME will not be ready for two more weeks, so expect your package to go in the mail by the end of May.
Gift card winners—I will need to know the retailer you prefer to issue the gift card.
There is still a chance to win signed & numbered copies of my books. Please check out the event on Facebook listed above for details. If we get over fifty individual entrants, I will double the gifts awarded.
Lastly: I have not heard from Nolene Eliassen Wold, winner of the proof copies back in January. If I don’t hear from you by the end of the month I will include the proof copies (the only ones in existence) in the Facebook BIG GAME review event as well.
Thank you all for your continued support and I sincerely hope you all enjoy the latest (and what I think is the best) installment to the series - BIG GAME!
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords
(other retailers to follow within the month)
Cheers,
~C.J.
Mommy Porn
I participated in a newscast on the FOX5 San Diego morning show yesterday, hosted by Erica Fox. There were four of us on the panel—Dr. Samuel Wood, Dr. Rose Hartzell, bestselling author Sylvia Day, and moi. I flew out the day before and left almost immediately after, but it was a whirlwind adventure I’m glad I experienced.
Dr Hartzell, Dr Wood, me, and Sylvia Day posing in front of the gorgeous cast photos in the greenroom.
Here is the youtube link if you’d like to watch the discussion:
I found one thing to be the most fascinating aspect of this entire foray into TV—I had no idea what the host was going to ask. I made some flip comment when they walked us out to the set about the old bodice ripper covers they had in the background and boom that’s the first question I’m hit with. Damn!
At least I plugged the hunky (and friendly) Jimmy Thomas. I’ve never encountered such a hardworking man in the romance industry and it’s a crying shame they didn’t have one of his many thousands of covers up there instead of the old Fabio inspired ones from the 80s.
Maybe that’s all the media thinks of women who read romance books? That we all prefer to pick up books with heaving bosoms on the cover, which often contain rape-like first encounters of the virginal main characters.
I’ll admit, I read those books twenty plus years ago.
And then, I grew up. I didn’t want to read about the heiress in a forced marriage where he semi-rapes her on their wedding night, then she falls in love with him later. Or the Viking who captures his enemy’s daughter and falls for her strong, proud bearing—making up for his harsh first encounter with her throughout the whole book to win her heart.
Thankfully, writers grew out of those trends, too. Publishers finally showcased stronger female characters who had a more active role in their sex lives. No longer did she have to be a virgin when she met the hero. It was refreshing—and readers loved it.
Don’t get me wrong; a lot of these newer books still had the man saving her at the end of the day. And that’s okay, too. For some women that’s what floats their boat. But not me.
I no longer need a man to save me than do the millions of women out there who are raising kids alone, working two jobs, dealing with health problems, or a major financial crisis. Life is hard. And strong women, well, we survive.
Does that mean we don’t want sex and romance in our lives—simply, because we don’t require to be rescued?
Surely, I’m not the only one who knows if you have confidence in yourself, you appear desirable to the opposite sex? Hell, when you read a book are you drawn to the mousey man who can’t stand straight and look the heroine in the eye, or do you find yourself pulling toward the man with confidence?
We all want the man who doesn’t need us, but one who wants us. News flash, most men want the same thing, to be desired for who they are, not for what they provide.
Life mirrors what we read. You’d no sooner choose the deadbeat dad who can’t hold a job or the player who can’t keep his pants zipped if you knew he was like that ahead of time, right?
So, is it then a crime for women to enjoy reading about men who are confident and sexually knowledgeable, too? Should what we read, that stirs our imagination and helps us desire our spouses, be deemed “mommy porn”?
Ummm… I can’t speak for the rest of you, but I discovered the Black Lace series when I was about twenty-six. Which, I’d like to point out, was way before I became a mom. When my fiancé (now my husband) found out he benefitted greatly from what I was reading, he encouraged me to buy as much erotica as I wanted.
We didn’t read the books together. I read them alone. Occasionally, I would read a steamy scene to him. The erotic stories stimulated my brain and did what every sex therapist knows—if you think about sex you will want it.
Perhaps, the biggest difference is women don’t need to read erotica to reach sexual gratification like some men do regarding watching porn. Lots of men are literally addicted to it. Or, they get so wrapped up in the fantasy they can’t perform without it. Sad, isn’t it? That you can’t talk to your partner about what you need to be happy?
I learned more about myself and my sexuality from those books than I ever did from the porn I watched.
There. I admit it. I watch porn.
I’m not ashamed of it. I’m a sexual creature—much to my satisfied husband’s delight. Sex isn’t dirty or shameful and we shouldn’t need to hide what we like. But, at the same time, sex should never replace the loving connection we have with our partners. Pornography addiction does that. It sets up unrealistic expectations, whereas reading about sex allows the fantasy to play out in your mind, encouraging you to act out your desires with your partner.
Seduction starts in the brain. You glance at your husband with longing when he’s dressed up for an evening out. You hug him from behind while he’s at the sink (sorry, but seeing my man help out around the house is a huge aphrodisiac for me. I know I’m not alone on that one!). You pat him on the bottom when you lovingly tease him on something. You text him a naughty thought.
Every small thing you do primes your partner for later on when you’re alone—and all of it centers on his brain’s responses to your stimuli. He returns the heated looks, the hugs, the pats, and the fun texts… and then what do you have? You have a man who desires you, simply because you have shown your interest in him. Not some fake image on a screen.
And if all of your desires were triggered by a book with a sex scene that got your blood moving, then what of it? Should that be relegated to the male-coined phrase of “mommy porn”? All I can say is, the idiot who thought that up sounds like a man trying to justify his Internet porn addiction.
I know what porn is. I know what is bad porn and good porn, too. Erotica and erotic romance is neither. Anything that is well written enough to inspire you to have relations with your partner is golden, not worthy of being compared to a visual aid needed to reach gratification. Puh-lease. Don’t get me started. I could be here all day ranting about this one.
How about you? What are your thoughts on this “mommy porn” term? Does it make you laugh or does it piss you off? Please share!
When Twilight Fans Grow Up...
....What Do They Read?
Lots of readers related to the familiar teenage angst in the popular Twilight books. Past a certain age, most of us would like to forget about that awkward time in our lives and focus more on the rest of what life has to offer… you know, the good stuff, like SEX.
Sure Edward’s sensitivity and creepy, stalker-like devotion may thrill the younger set…
“Oh, he loves me....”
...but I’d prefer a hunky vampire to sweep my off my feet and ravish me all night.
“Oh, how he loves me!”
I know I’m not alone in my thinking—as the many bestselling vampire books out today can certainly attest!
Twilight was just a tame version of a really good paranormal romance book. The mature readers have known where the action has been for years, and it wasn’t penned from a mom on a soccer field as a gift to her sister. (okay, to be fair, some of them might have been, who knows?)
But what do younger adult readers grab when they out-grow Twilight? Do they want more weak female lead characters, or do they want one with some teeth?
“I have a sword and I’m not afraid to use it. Bring it, beyotch!”
I think the smart ones move on to urban fantasies written in a first person point of view. These stories put them in the place of the main character… the one who is ultimately seduced by, or falls for, the male vampire, werewolf, or other supernatural critter.
I’ve read some amazing series where she is the demon hunter, the werewolf, the witch, the necromancer, the ghost whisperer, the reaper, or the newly turned baby-vamp. She might be fighting a crime, solving a mystery, saving the world, or protecting those she loves… Sure, she might might mistakes, but she is no swooning heroine who goes off in the woods to die when her heart is broken.
“It’s cold out here and growing dark. Think I’ll just lay down here and go to sleep.... ”
No sir. This heroine will probably track the heartbreaker down and give him a good what-for and an ass-kicking for good measure.
“Did you drink the last cup of coffee, again?”
She is who we long to be. She is our inner diva. She’s the gun toting, knife-wielding woman who won’t take any crap, won’t accept being treated like a doormat, and demands sexual satisfaction.
Now let’s imagine…. There is an entire market catering to these ass-kicking heroines and what do we find? Their tragic flaw is they can never seem to find relationship happiness.
Why? Will her ability to be an ass-kicking heroine somehow be diminished by her monogamous relationship? Will she no longer engage in hot sex because she’s with the same person night after night? Will her sense of humor at stupid things the man in her life does no longer apply? Will she not suffer the same day-to-day traumas we all do at home and still manage to not smother her spouse each night?
How did we go from fake, drippy teenage romances with complicated love triangles to books with bed hopping, unhappy, but incredibly strong, women?
Real women take control of their lives and don’t wait for the day when someone will come along and make them happy.
Nor do they listen to pig-headed men who call them sluts because they’d like their health coverage to cover birth control pills. But I digress... 
Where are the books where she has more sexual knowledge than the leading male and isn’t ashamed of her experiences? (Hey, she could have learned from a book for all you know)
Where is the heroine who bitches, cracks jokes, and barks out orders, but invariably always comes back to the strong man by her side?
Where is the female character who helps solve the crime, goes on the adventure, and has some smoking hot sex that reminds you of what real intimacy is?
Oh, that’s right. There aren’t any books like that.
When I couldn’t find one, I had to write it.
Book three in my V V Inn series will be out next month if all goes as planned. I’ve posted six chapters of Big Game here on the site for you all to enjoy. Thanks for your continued support and I’m honored to have such incredible readers who keep me going.
You all don’t need to grow up from Twilight…. You already have.
Cheers,
C.J.
Contest Winners!
Thank you one and all for entering the two contests, the first one here on my website for the signed proof copies of the second editions and the larger one on Facebook, which I dubbed my “Thank You” contest for reaching 10k fans.
I apologize for my delay in getting the winner of the first contest out. I’m a bit of a lazy bitch sometimes, but I mean well, honest.
Without further ado – here are the winners picked by Random.org:
Website contest – Nineteen entries, Number fourteen was the winner!
Nolene Eliassen Wold you have won the signed proof copies, the only ones in existence!
Facebook Contest – twenty-three entries for the three signed and numbered ebooks (total taken from the post on my profile, another Page, and on the CJ page), Number ten is the winner:
Angelina Sagittarius – you win three signed and numbered books. This prize will not be award until the third book comes out this spring.
Seventeen entries for the name a character contest; Number seven is the winner:
Rebecca Graham – you win the option of naming a vamp or Were character in book three, Big Game!
Eight entries for the beta reader prize, Number three came up as the winner:
Kay Ramsey – you win the spot as a beta reader!! Yay!! Okay, now I just have to finish the book.
Winners, please email me at cj@cjellisson.com so I can award your prizes!
Thanks so much for playing along, everyone. It was absolutely awe inspiring to read the positive outpouring and enthusiasm on Facebook and here on my website. I’ve been in a writing slump for a while and it has helped put me back on track and remain focused on my writing.
I’ll keep you all posted on the progress of the third book, and Kay Ramsey will be one of the few who gets to read it early!
And if any of you are feeling down for not winning, please consider stopping by the Red Hot Readers FB Page or Website to get some free ebooks from some other truly talented authors.
Dreaming of Reaching More Readers...
Like most people, some days I sleep better than others. Recently I’ve been getting epiphanies on marketing concepts and ways to reach readers that literally wake me up at night. Sure, these posts on my website are a fabulous way to do it, but there are many more great ideas out there as well.
For one, I’ve started a HUGE giveaway on my Facebook page and I’m inviting all of you with ereaders to participate and to please share the link with others. At least 1500 ebooks will be given away if we get enough takers. New indie and small press authors are added daily and the line up of genres varies. If you’re an author and would like to have your work showcased at no charge, please email me at cj@cjellisson.com (requirements apply).
Another great way to reach new readers is through blog tours and such. I’m hiring a new publicist in addition to my existing one. If you’re an author or a book blogger, please check out Danielle Gavan’s new company Red Hot Promotions. I’ve known her for a while and she doesn’t do anything half-assed—this venture is sure to be a success.
Now, the exciting stuff: More free reads on the website! I’ve recently added a naughty little holiday short involving Dria, Rafe and some interesting stocking stuffers. This X-rated piece originally aired on Everything Erotic last year, so some of you may have read it already. Cerara’s Tales now has its own tab and a new installment will be up before the end of the year—watch my FB page for the announcement.
Starting this week, I’m on a new kick-butt schedule to get the next installment of the V V Inn out—projected release is the end of March, 2012. Thanks for your patience. And now, for shits and giggles, a repost of a holiday piece I did on a blogger’s site:
Eight Ways to Stay Sane During the Holidays
1) Never buy your children gifts that need to be assembled the night before. Like bikes. Give them a picture and tell them Santa dropped it at the store because it was too big for the chimney, then go "pick it up" at before mentioned store. We built bikes one year. Kills all chances of getting a little Christmas Eve nookie when your spouse is pissed off and frustrated from building something with lots of tiny parts.
2) Do not invite friends over. Don't think a gathering mid-month with a few friends for cocktails at your house isn't a party. It is, and the bastards will stay late and make a mess. They will only exit after drinking all your best wine and waking your kids up with their drunken laughter. Avoid such a gathering at all costs, no matter how easy it sounded in November, and get together in January—much cheaper when they're all trying to lose their extra holiday weight *snort*.
3) Volunteer for only one thing. Be it your kid's school party, donating all the crap in your house that has barely been used or still in boxes to those less fortunate (let's face it, cleaning out all those closets takes way more time than the kid's one hour party at school), or organizing the buying of all gifts for your combined extended family. Pick and choose wisely. To do more than your share makes the rest of us lazy bitches look really bad.
4) Run from your family for several hours each week. I'm not saying you should literally run screaming from the house, but if it's a nice day and your neighbors are far away, go for it. But you should take time for you—even if it's to escape into the bathroom to soak in the tub with a good book. A relaxed parent is less snarky and more patient.
5) Drink a lot. Okay, not if you're an alcoholic, and if you are I'm sorry for my crass comment. But if I couldn't drink at least a little every day (and with my current life on various antibiotics that means sometimes only one drink or, eek gads, none), I'd probably need to run screaming from the house more often—like nightly, right after dinner. Or on bad days, before dinner.
6) Have lots of sex. What? You only give it up for birthdays, anniversaries, when you want something, it's Valentine's Day or after a fight? Change the mindset, girlfriend. Steady sex will make you realize killing him in his sleep just means you'll have to train a new one all over again, and really, he's not so bad.
7) Limit the time you spend with your extended family. High hopes this year no one will mention the horrid thing you did ten years ago? Wrong. Most families live for the sharp jabs, the passive-aggressive subtleties, and the late night slurred slams. We optimistically think they will evolve, but no, sadly, they never will. Accept it and you'll be happier.
8) Get enough sleep. This really helps with numbers four and six. You handle stress better when you are well rested and won't be too tired for your man to shower you with affection—letting him prove, once again, how awesome you are.
~~*~~
Contest time: If you’d like to win a signed, numbered proof copy of the first two books in my series, please comment below with an email address and either tweet about this post or share it on Facebook.
Theses books are the second editions of the novels and the only proof copies in existence. Open to US contestants only, contest will run until January 10th and I will personally ship the books to you within two days.
Eat, sleep, drink and be merry this holiday season. You deserve it.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy New Year’s!
Cheers!
~C.J.
** Updated Jan 4th: I forgot about this contest while setting up the new Red Hot Readers Page (which was an expansion on the original contest that ran on my FB page in mid-December) and would like to extend the deadline date to January 9th, midnight, EST **
Good Luck, Everyone!!