Showing posts with label Mary Corrales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mary Corrales. Show all posts

Monday, October 23, 2017

What's there to Love about Vampires?

They are the epitome of dark and dangerous, and yet vampires continue to fascinate us with their 'come hither' ways. Even elements of evil cannot pull us from our desires to be called closer.

His breath against your neck, strong arms to hold you, powerful eyes to command you; these are what a female would notice when a male vampire takes her in his embrace. Why then does she submit?

Tell me there isn't a small part that want a powerful man in our lives? Someone confident and passionate. A man we feel safe and in danger with at the same time. For him, we are the 'one'.

TASTING CAMILLA
Camilla Ivanov never imagined that being kidnapped by a group of vampires would lead to the most erotic encounter of her life. Vladislas is a vampire master, bored with existence until Camilla’s blood awakens his deepest hungers. Locked together in a basement, who will be declared the true captive?

Buy Today:

Let's not forget the female vampires. Those seductive and alluring mistresses of pleasure that beckon males to their arms.

She chooses her prey wisely; a strong mortal man who can enjoy the ways she plays. He mustn't be afraid and if he inspires a little fear in her then perhaps she'll keep him as a mate. Power comes in many forms and being mortal doesn't make you weak to a vampire. It makes you special.

CRAVING ELISA
Vampire bounty hunter, Brandt Grayson, just betrayed his best friend, Camilla, to vampires to save her life. Vampiress, Elisa offers herself to Brandt in gratitude for awakening her master, Vladislas, with Camilla's blood. Can vampire hunter Brandt resist Elisa's decadent offer of gratitude, or will Brandt take much more from her than her body?

Buy yours today:





Whatever else is said about vampires, one thing is for certain, we will continue to crave their touch…their dark kiss. They'll continue to fascinate us with fear and seduction. Our dreams will continue to be haunted by their mysterious presence.

What do you love about vampires? Do you have a favorite vampire movie? Comment and share?
Wicked reading, *wink*

Mary

Mary Corrales is a multi-published erotica/erotic romance author who writes in several genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense, futuristic, and fantasy. She's an avid reader of romance fiction and military nonfiction. She loves to hear from readers and is open to guest bloggers. She can be contacted via her website at http://www.authormaryc.com.


Romance Author Lifestyle Blog: http://www.RomanceAuthorLifestyle.blogspot.com

Monday, January 23, 2017

Characters Run Amok #Erotica

Update on Clandestine Engagements (Contemporary Erotica)

I've been trying to finish Clandestine Engagements for some time now and it seems that my secondary characters all want in on the action. The book is currently at 34K words, and I now have two secondary couples that are vying for my attention. Yes, I could attempt to turn this into a series of short stories, but I really want this to be novella length for you readers.

Clandestine Engagements will be the full length retold story of covert agents that combines my quickie eroticas, Dangerous Moves and Clandestine Eyes. These two short stories are still available as audio books if you check on Audible.com or Amazon.

At one point in the story, I was stuck because I thought I'd written myself in a corner. Luckily, a secondary heroine decided to take a relationship into her own hands, and the story moved forward…in a very salacious way. *wink* Creating a novella filled with sexual escapades isn't easy. Who gets a happily ever after and who gets a happy for now is my goal.

All these characters deserve love, but I'm open to letting them indulge in lust if it means they capture a reader's heart.

I know my readers are anxious for this expanded version of my shorter works. I'm known for my salacious creativity when it comes to sex scenes and I don't disappoint. Yes, my dirty mind is a joy to behold. Lol.

Mary Corrales
Mary Corrales is a multi-published erotica/erotic romance author who loves crisscrossing genres. You'll find contemporaries and fantasy as well as paranormal and suspense stories. Follow her on Twitter and check out her website for all the great reads available.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Authors live Many Lives, their own and their characters

Authors are more than just what they write. I, personally, have a day job and that day job doesn't resemble anything to do with erotica or erotic romance. Still, I have specialized skills and knowledge that I employ for my day job.

There are those who have active family lives which consists of children, school, homework, love, and routines. There is writing but it's often in those times when the kids are asleep at night and the housework is finished. If a parent is lucky enough to be a stay at home mom/day then they get some writing in while the kids are at school.
What other lives do author's live?
CHARACTER LIVES
In some ways, authors much immerse ourselves in those lives so that each characters is unique. We must know the backstory of every character, their childhood experiences, moods, likes, dislikes, etc. Whether this information ever makes it into the book or not, authors know that such details make for a better writer.
How can you write a convincing character if you don't know their struggles, fears, frustrations, or even daily routine? Are they are sit on the couch, eat potato chips person when they're bored or do they get out and do something? Sometimes to know how a characters acts or feels, writers must put ourselves in that situation to understand the mindset.
For myself, a demon-bargainer like Sindriel is nothing like Brad Templeton from Bet Your Sweet Aces. Both men have different values, minds, affectations, appearances etc.
No two characters really react the same to the same situation. Consider your own emotions, and what affects them.
Personally, I love pushing my characters buttons, see how much they take before they start getting pissed with me. Haha. Okay, yes, I know they aren't real. Put away the cozy white jacket with straps.
Anyway, when you think of writers it's often as singular persons, but really we are many people living many lives. It's a fun existence if you ask me. I can be a vampire or demon one day/one story and a covert agent the next story.
Do I write from personal experience?
Short answer, no. I'm not a vampire, demon, covert agent, etc. I'm just someone who likes to get into the mindset of a character. I know secrets about them that many never make it into a book, but that just makes me a better writer.

So next time you pick up a book, think about the author and how many lives they might lead. If you're an author, how many lives do you lead?

Sexify your life,
Mary Corrales

Ms. Corrales is a multi-published author who loves writing erotica and erotic romance. She has stories published in several genres including fantasy, paranormal, contemporary suspense, and dystopian. She's currently working on a new scifi/space opera book that she hopes to turn into a series. She always has some character or another in her head, waiting for their story to be shared with her readers.

She's an avid reader of romance in whatever catches her eye, which is why she loves vibrant book covers so much. She judges books by their cover, but will always give a new writer a chance if the blurb is enticing enough. She also reads nonfiction military biographies and is a proud military supporter.

When Ms. Corrales isn't writing, she can be found tending to her garden, growing herbs and vegetables. Autumn is her favorite time of year where she gets to cook soups and stews for the family.

She loves to chat with readers and writers alike. Tweet her up and follower her at MaryCorrales_A1 or follow her blog at Romance Author Lifestyle.

Friday, September 23, 2016

New Release: SINDRIEL [Siren Allure: Erotic Fantasy Romance, demons, M/F, HEA]



Miranda Contreras never thought a bad choice in men could cause her to lose her soul. She must now call upon on a demon bargainer for help.

Demon bargainer and Lord of the Crimson Shroud, Sindriel, always bargains to his own benefit. What will he take from Miranda as payment for his assistance?

Miranda's life soon becomes one of hell realms and dangerous pleasures. Will she regain her soul but lose her chance at true love?

Sindriel has wanted Miranda from the moment he saw her at the wedding. He reveals his true nature to her to insure her safety in his realm while he retrieves her soul, which seems the perfect opportunity to indulge in her charms. He'll face off against demons to retrieve her soul, but will he choose to discard her rather than face the truth of his own heart?

A Siren Erotic Romance

(Adult) Story Excerpt:

Sindriel watched the woman rise out of the swimming pool, naked as a goddess in heat, and feared he’d signed his own demise.

He stared, unable to think. Had he conjured her? For a moment, the stupidity of hope held him immobile.

Her lush curves and pale, caramel-cream skin shimmered in the moonlight. Her long, dark hair curled over wet, peaked nipples and trailed down to her waist. She looked ripe for a night of pleasure with a demon like him. It was not, however, her body, but her identity, that shook him.

Miranda was the supplicant.

Oh, the nights he’d dreamed of seeing this woman naked and desirous for him. Too bad these circumstances were not to his liking. What fresh hell brought her to him in this manner?

He left the deeper shadows of the backyard trees and stepped into the moonlight.

Miranda stared at him with wide, surprised eyes but then gave a loud cough that might have destroyed his goddess fantasy, as if her identity hadn’t done that already. That was the trouble with the summoning ritual. One never saw the face of the supplicant.

Her mouth hung open in amazement even as she tried to cover herself with her hands. “Sindriel,” she squeaked.

“Miranda,” he murmured.

His bit the inside of his lip to keep from smirking as she rushed to cover her nakedness and dove for a towel sitting on a nearby chair. He possessed excellent vision at night, but he wouldn’t share that with her. He never would have guessed she’d ever perform a summoning ritual for a demon.

“It worked,” she exclaimed, wrapping the towel tight around her. The material did nothing to disguise the plumpness of her breasts.

His dreams hadn’t done her justice, come to think of it now.

What was she doing summoning a demon—summoning him? Suddenly it irritated him to know that she’d discovered his secret. Last he’d seen of her, she’d been dabbling in demon hunting or some such thing if the scent in her house were any indication. Why would she take such a risk as to call on him?

He’d find out soon enough. “What is it that a mysterious wet goddess might want from a humble, demon bargainer as me?”

SINDRIEL (Sequel to Love's Demon Ways)

Heat Rating: SCORCHING

Word Count: 68,370



Sexify your Life, 
Mary Corrales


Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Cover Reveal and Introduction: SINDRIEL

Meet Sindriel: Demon bargainer and Lord of the Crimson Shroud. He's a badass in the demon realm
and is as sexy as he is dangerous. Of course, if you're the woman he's set his sights on, you might not mind the attention.

His kiss is more addictive than your favorite dessert. One taste and you'll crave more. For me, it's cheesecake that holds such power over me, but I know a lot of chocolate lovers out there who know what I'm talking about.
Sindriel is a stand-alone novel, but is also the long awaited sequel to Love's Demon Ways. These demons just have a ways of getting under your skin until you beg for more. *wink*
The book will be published through Siren Publishing in Late September/October depending on edits, but I'll keep everyone updated as to the progress, and you can always find the latest info on my Twitter feed. After i sell 500 copies, the book will go to print. I hope all my readers can help me make that dream happen.

While Sindriel isn't a 1st person POV story, he's been kind enough to grace my blog with his presence and wit and introduce himself. Here's the link if you'd like to see how he says hello: Romance Author Lifestyle.  

Sexify your life,
Mary Corrales


Mary Corrales is a multi-published erotica/erotic romance author who loves to write is several genres including fantasy, paranormal, contemporary suspense, and dystopian. She's an avid reader of fiction and nonfiction alike and is always happy to chat with readers and authors on Twitter.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Writers: Have fun and use Twitter more effectively

Is Twitter for marketing or for fun?

Let's face it, the "buy my book…Buy My Book…BUY MY BOOK" approach on twitter is a study in futility. My timeline has a lot of authors using this type of self-promotion, most of which I ignore unless the book is a new release.

How can we as writers use Twitter more effectively and still have fun? Of course, and here is the best way to do it.

"Hashtags!"

Hashtags are the # symbol that is used before a certain word to create tweets within that group. Here are some examples of common hashtags for author.

#amwriting
#amediting
#erotica
#romance
#NewRelease
#WritersLife
#Writers
#1lineWed

One of my favorite is #1linewed because on Wednesdays it's a chance to put out tweets of your work in progress and get exposure for your future books. The #1linewed has themes for each Wednesday, and you can find that day's theme by the hashtag: #1LineWedTheme.

#WritersLife is another great one because you can find blog links and find out what other writers are doing in their life. You'll find inspirational quotes, tweets on people experiencing writer's block and this hashtag decently interactive.

Every writer wants to sell a story once it's been published, but marketing shouldn't make you miserable. Use a hashtag to get noticed.

Tweet something interesting.

My hero in (insert book title) won't let me sleep. #writerslife

Ask a question and use a hashtag.
Is 3 pages too short for a chapter? #Writers

Post an update on your writing.
1200 words written today on my contemporary suspense. #amwriting

Search the hashtags and reply to other writer's tweets. Interaction makes a huge difference in your enjoyment with Twitter. People truly do have common experiences and it's great when we can show support to others by replying to their tweet.

Some days will be more active than others, so don't get discouraged if you don't get any replies or retweets. Also remember that there is nothing wrong with promotional tweets in between your hashtag tweets.

If I like someone's profile and tweets, I'll retweet their promotional tweet. I'm always happy to support others if they're real on Twitter.

Do you have a favorite hashtag?

Any other Twitter tips you'd like to share?

Mary Corrales
http://www.evernightpublishing.com/bet-your-sweet-aces-by-mary-corrales/
 
Mary Corrales is a multi-published author of erotica and erotic romance in several genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense, fantasy, and dystopian. She love's hearing from readers so don't be shy and send her an email.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

New Release: BET YOUR SWEET ACES, contemporary erotic romance

Blurb:

Eve Sorrel is owner of the Double Tumble Hotel and Casino.
 She's got a reputation as a temptress whose wicked mouth makes men long for a taste of her.
 Scandal erupts and she finds herself the object of scrutiny from investment lawyer, Brad Templeton. 
 
Eve's naughty ways may have just landed her the perfect man, if she can convince him to fight for her. What's a woman to do when her heart is on the line, except stack the deck in her favor!

Bet Your Sweet Aces by Mary Corrales
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
SKU: 978-1-77233-650-4
Length: 109 pages

Story Excerpt (PG): BET YOUR SWEET ACES    

He caught up to her in a few long strides. "I intend to put you out of business."

"Not very sporting," she mused. "What have I done to you? Better yet, what would you like me to do?"

He blinked, opening then closing his mouth like a stunned fish, before frowning at her and catching her arm. "I'm not playing with you."

His hand was firm but not bruising. He knew his own strength, apparently, and she found that intriguing. "I look forward to the time when you do," she said. If he thought to intimidate her, she intended to show him the error of his ways. She might be a sexy woman but that didn't mean she didn't possess an arsenal of dangerous weapons, the most lethal being her cunning mind.

He frowned at her but otherwise ignored her comeback. "Why don't we go somewhere to talk?"

"Ah, so you do want to be alone with me after all." Eve hoped to get a smirk out of him, but his mouth remained a stubborn thin line. She gazed into his gorgeous blue eyes and felt frustration well up within her as they stared at one another. His silence irritated her on a level she rarely experienced with men. Maybe he'd be more amenable in private.  

Buy Links:




 


Mary Corrales is a multi-published author of erotic and erotic romance. She writes in several genres including contemporary suspense, paranormal, fantasy, and futuristic. She often combines genres for a uniquely sexy read. She loves to hear from readers and can be contacted via her website: http://www.authormaryc.com. Follow her on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MaryCorrales_A1

 

Monday, November 23, 2015

Fighting off the Blues as an #Author

Everyone has down days. It's those times when you're just not happy, the writing isn't happening, and you don't feel like you're getting anywhere in your dreams or life. Pretty harsh assessment? Yes, it is, but it's also truthful.

Now, what can we do about it?
How about chasing off that depression with the broom of perspective? For myself, I had to step back and realize a few truths when a slump hits me.

1.      I'm loved. I have a wonderful, supportive family, and great friends. It's not the number of people who care for you that matter, it's that they love you as you love them. You can get through any hard time when you have someone at your back.

2.      I'm a published author. How may in this world can say they've accomplished such a dream? I can look at my book covers and see my name printed right on the front. That's me. *grin* It's good to remember our triumphs. I've always loved writing. Now, I write and people read my books. How amazing is that!

Do you have kids? They are you. You brought life to this world. A little bit of you will go on in this world. That's no small feat. Be proud.

3.      Ups and downs are normal, and never last. Sometimes we want life to be all about the good. We want every day to be fantastic and exciting, but that's not life. Today may be boring, stressful, or downright crappy, but it won't last.

The beginning of this year was seriously bad for me, but I look back on it now and think "I got through it and here I am". Don't be discouraged if you're having a bad day, week, month; it always gets better. That's the nature of life…ever changing.

How do you beat the blues when they come around? Perspective is sometimes difficult to find in the midst of the darkness. Sometimes it just takes stopping for a quiet moment to see the light around you.

Mary Corrales



Mary Corrales is a multi-published author of erotic romance in a several genres including paranormal and contemporary suspense. She loves to chat with readers on Twitter.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

How does the Autumn season influence your mood?

Welcome to the autumnal equinox, otherwise known as Fall. I love this time of year, not just for the cooler temperatures and change in the leaves, but for its inspirational ambiance as well. This is the time of transition from light to the mysteries of the dark.

The autumn season has an interesting effect on my mood. I find myself feeling more restless, wilder. I change out my flowers arrangements to beautiful gold and red leaves. I light more candles in the evenings, most in flavors of pumpkin or apple spice. I also love to sit out at night and stare up at the sky, the beautiful twinkle of thousands of stars as my only companion.

Then, there is the baking. Oh, how I love to create delicious desserts. There something about the smell of pies and spice-filled pastries. I have a cranberry upside down cake on my blog, Romance Author Lifestyle today. Feel free to check it out.

This is a romantic time of year, when magic blends with the night. I find myself reading more books on vampires and werewolves, and anything else that lurks beneath the blanket of stars. So long ago, this season was where my vampire erotica, Tasting Camilla, first came to mind.  

October 1st will be your chance to delve into the night world of a dominant master vampire and the mortal who awakens his desires. This is a short erotica story for those who wonder what lurks in the night, and what is it like to surrender yourself to those darker desires.
 
How does the autumn season influence your mood? What's your favorite part about Fall?
 



Mary Corrales is an erotic romance author who writes in several genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense, fantasy and futuristic.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Romance Anthologies as Opportunites

What I love about anthologies is that a quick shorter story often allows readers to have a taste for a writer's style and voice. I've discovered some great authors by reading anthology books. The majority of anthology books are put out with certain themes in the stories.
            Themes can be anything from military, to creatures, or perhaps even seasons. These themed anthologies present a great opportunity for writers to reach more readers through shorter works. Shorter stories are definitely easier for me to write, so I'm always on the lookout for interesting anthologies where I might submit and allow readers to have a taste of my writing style.
            Most e-publishers will put out anthology collections and do have submissions for these on a frequent basis. The most popular anthologies are often holiday themed, so if you have a Christmas or Valentines story that is ready for publication, consider an anthology.
            The pay for contributing to an anthology is typically much smaller, but the upside is that it will often give your backlist a bump. Also, you never know what larger and more widely read authors you might be sharing the anthology with which can increase sales.
            Should you contribute to an anthology if there is 'no pay' involved? My answer would be no, simply because I believe an author's time and work are of value. There are plenty of romance publishers who will pay a small percentage and are more worthy of your good story. Don't sell yourself short.

I hope this has given you budding authors something to consider on your path to publication. Good luck to you all!

Mary Corrales
http://www.authormaryc.com

Monday, December 23, 2013

Falling Off The Writing Wagon

Perhaps it's simply the busy holidays, but I've for certain fallen off the writing wagon. I still think of stories, scenes, and exciting tidbits of conflict, but more times than not they stay in my head. It's now without some frustration that I'm coming to see that like any muscle, the more days that go by without writing, the more my writing muscles shrivels.
Yes, and as we all know, shriveling of any kind is unwelcome. *grin* What? I still have my dirty sense of humor. That never goes away.
Anyway, I have little excuse not to write now as my Christmas shopping is done and the wrapping nearly finished. The menu is also set; a lovely dinner of red chili tamales, beans, ham, and lots of desserts.
The big question is whether I will be writing after Christmas.
Certainly, not on New Years as I'll be working, but then we have 2014 to consider. I'd like to get a new book out for readers. I've certainly got enough stories, mostly unfinished and other gems to be polished before being sent out to publishers.
Well, I suppose no matter what I do, I'm going to have to get my focus back on writing. After all, love and romance doesn't happen on its own. It's a matter of craft.
The beautiful craft brought to life by romance writers.
Merry Christmas blessing to all,

Monday, September 23, 2013

Paranormal Fun for Fall TV

It's finally Fall! Who's excited? I can tell you that I definitely am. I love the change in the seasons when the weather starts to have that fresh crispness to the air. Plus, there are a great deal many t.v. shows that I'm looking forward to checking out. After all, writers need breaks and what better way to relax than with an hour of paranormal television.
Let's go through some shows both returning and premiering, and you tell me what you're excited to watch.
 Sleepy Hollow – Just premiered on the Fox network September 16th. It's on every Monday night.
If you haven't checked out the show I encourage you to give it a try. Icabod is sexy enough to keep your attention and the storyline is an interesting take on a classic.
The Originals – Special series premier on the CW network, Tuesday, October 3rd.
This is a spin-off from the Vampire Diaries and centers around the original families. Here's a link for more info and a preview. http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-originals/
Arrow – Returns to the CW network for another season on Wednesday, October 9th.
While not paranormal, it's an excellent show with great characters and plenty of action.
Vampire Diaries – Returns as well for another season on Thursday, October 10th.
I'm interested to see where the storyline will head. Again, this show is on the CW network.

So there a few of the great choices for Fall. What's your pleasure? I'm probably going to watch and/or record all these. Anyone know of any other great shows coming up? Feel free to share what you're most excited to watch.

Mary Corrales
Mary Corrales is a multi-published erotic romance author who writes in a variety of genres including paranormal, fantasy, contemporary suspense and futuristic. She loves hearing from readers, so send her a tweet or chat her up through her website.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

To Inspire Relationships

There are many reasons that I write: a love of stories, an affinity for adventure, and then there's the excitement of love. The most important reason I write now though is to inspire relationships.
I believe in love so much that I know even when we get our hearts broken it is sometimes the best thing that can happen to us. There is a mistaken belief that there can't be anything better out there than what we have now.
So, not true.
I'm not talking to those in healthy, mutually satisfying, relationships. You know how to makes things work—but romance novels aren't built on perfect relationships. Thank goodness, because imagine how boring those books would be. Instead think of those great romances novels we read that start out with a bad relationship in a hero/heroine's past.
You root for the heroine to overcome her insecurities, or perhaps you just want to throw the book when the hero seems more willing to let the heroine go than risk his heart. Oh, but what a thing of joy it is when they work together as a team to defeat their enemies and achieve their happily ever after.
That's why I love writing. Relationships are never easy. Some are worth saving and some aren't. Knowing when to hold on and when to let go is perhaps the hardest lesson any of us will learn in our lives. That's what romances teach us.
We deserve a great hero/heroine in our lives.
It's satisfying to put out a story where the heroine is broken hearted but overcomes her pain to catch her hero. Love can be worth the struggle when it's with the right person. I have to say, I'm so glad I never married my first boyfriend. He wasn't my "one."
That story from my heart has yet to be written. *sly grin*
Happy reading,

Mary Corrales is a multi-published erotic romance author who writes in multiple genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense, fantasy, and futuristic. She loves to chat with readers on twitter and share tips. Follow her blog for her exciting guests and inspiring tips on writing.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Failure vs. Setbacks for Writers

We all know that writer's have setbacks: a character isn't cooperating, the plotline isn't unique enough or perhaps just the dialogue is beyond boring. These things are points that most writers must fight against as they craft their stories. Then when the story is complete, they struggle to find the best publisher.
Finding a publisher means wading through rejection letters that usually don't include suggestions on improving the story. The writer feels discouraged and may not return to the story for a day or two as they nurse their wounded pride, but then the story calls us back.
This isn't failure though.
A rejection is little more than a momentary setback to success. Some stories never get published but that doesn't mean the story or writer is a failure. No, I think that instead failure has to do with giving up the dream…the dream of being recognized as a published author.
Failure is the end to the quest.
The hero doesn't want to go any further into the forest; the heroine doesn't push through her fears and trust the hero with her heart. No, failure to simply letting "what could be" slip through the fingers in favor of the safety of knowing where we are is all we'll ever be. No more adventure, no more risk, no more opportunity for success.
 Now doesn't that sound boring.
Writers love to write because it gives us an adventure. We pour our hearts and imaginations into complex plots for the chance to taste authorly success. We want that book cover with our name on the front. We want others to know that yes we wrote this. We want to know that we ourselves never caved to our fears and allowed failure to be our legacy.
Yes, writing is emotionally intensive in ways non-writers can't imagine, but so worth the work when a story is completed.
As a writer you will have setbacks, but so long as you desire to tell a story and have an imagination that refuses to be silenced, you are well on your way to defeating the monster of failure.
Good reading and writing to all.

Mary Corrales is a multi-published author of erotic romance and erotica. She writes in several different genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense and fantasy.  Tweet her or follow her blog for more interesting bit of writerly wisdom.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Number One Rule for Contract Negotiations

The number one rule for contract negotiations: Don't be afraid to walk away!

We as authors dream of those illusive publishing contracts, but contracts are universal and you must remember that you as the author must benefit from the signing. Believe me it's one of the hardest things in the world to get up and leave a contract behind, but better to do that than regret the decision that doesn't benefit you and will not further your career.

It's important to know how to read a contract in the first place. If you don't know terms, research them online or in your local library. Research is crucial to making a sound decision. Everything can be found online and don't forget your fellow authors if you get stuck.

Next, remember to check a publisher's reputation. Reputation matter, especially in this business. Now, like most businesses there will be those few author's who are never satisfied or happy with their publisher/editor etc., but learn to separate the gripes from the legitimate concerns.

Finally, remember that you can walk away anytime before signing the contract. It's difficult to refuse a contract. You fear the book will never sell elsewhere or you'll be blackballed. Don't worry about that. So long as you've maintained your professional demeanor through all negotiation processes, it'll all be fine.

Not all publishers will negotiate a contract, but if you have simple concerns about wording or such, bring it up to the publisher to get the dialogue rolling. If they become defensive and abusive in their reply, it might be a reason for concern. Good publisher will address your concerns without hostility. Do remember their emails are very short and to the point. Don't take this as abrupt; the editors are simply usually shorter on time than most.

Remember, walking away is your right. Do so with confidence in yourself and your book, if that is the route you must take. Otherwise, ask questions and don't be afaid to try and get them to negotiate if you have a contract term preference and the like.

I hope when you get your acceptance for a book that you feel excited. More so, I hope you feel empowered when you receive your contract and read through it. Remember, this is your life and career, so do what's best for it.

I've lucked out with excellent publishers in Siren Bookstrand and Breathless Press. I wish all of you the same success with your chosen publisher.

Mary Corrales
Twitter
Romance Author Lifestyle Blog

Mary is a multi-published author of erotic romance in several genres including paranormal, contemporary suspense, fantasy and dystopian. Find her at her blog or website. Follow and Chat with her on Twitter.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Why Write in the Paranormal Genre?

I love creating. There are the amazing settings and situations in addition to fantastic characters beyond our imaginings. Nothing is ever so exotic as that which we do not know. Reading paranormal books, for me those are romances, is the opportunity to experience something beyond reality.
Let me feel the cool touch of a vampire's fingers as he caresses my neck. Or how about the shiver that runs down the spine at the warm breath of a demon lover. What powers are available to this amazing creature so different from us? One might only guess before turning the page to find out.
Then there are the shifters among the group. Cat, wolf, dog, and even dragon shifters are as alluring as any creature of the night. Their abilities to become something other than human and yet still maintain that humanity is intoxicating.
Those who have never written in the paranormal genre might wonder if they have the ability or imagination. Indeed, it's something each author struggles with as we strive to make our characters and storyline unique.
Here's the answer: Yes! One hundred percent if you love paranormal stories you should try your hand at writing them. Why? Because stretching the boundaries of imagination is an amazing experience. I never dreamed I'd write a demon who could cause imps to get horny by blowing a breath at them, but that's what happened in Love's Demon Ways.
What's fun about paranormal is that the ordinary doesn't exist. While a character may be mortal, that character's love for a paranormal creature is extraordinary in itself.
Imagination…
It is a wondrous expansion of our minds to places yet seen, characters yet known, and moments yet experienced.
This is my playground, how about you?
Mary Corrales is a multi-published erotic romance author in genres including paranormal, futuristic and contemporary suspense.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Do Social Issues in Books Turn Off Readers?

We, as authors, walk a fine line sometimes of writing what we believe are captivating stories, and inserting our own social and political views in a book. Sometimes, an author may not even know they are doing such a thing.
Take global warming, for instance. Some believe it and some don't. Now if a heroine is a scientist that believes in it and the hero is the lawyer for an oil company facing litigation for illegal dumping, that provides outside tension. Then they are drawn to one another and the sensual courtship begins. But, depending on your view of the issue of global warming, you may not find the heroine likeable in her crusade.
Would you pass a book up due to the subject?
I don't advocate an author avoid social issues in their books. Indeed, if they think they can create a compelling story and love the characters, then the book must be written. Potential controversy isn't a reason to not write what you want to write.
No book will ever please every reader.
Interesting books to read are dystopian romances. These books are set in the future where society has denigrated and is dramatically different than what we live in the present.
The first book I ever had published was a paranormal, dystopian romance titled, Dhampir Passions. I enjoyed writing this book in a far different style than I write today. Rather than being close and involved, the reader is like a fly on the wall, present with the characters but unseen.
Dhampir Passions blurb:
Living in the post war American Western Barrans, Linea Kamiya is in danger of becoming a vamp master’s minion. While she hides Desmondi’s evil mark from the townsfolk of Whickeup, the town council intends to take her farmland for themselves. Linea’s only hope lies with an enigmatic stranger.

Raduslav Dracula is hunting for the vampire who stole the Draculesti Bloodstone from his family’s gravesite. When Radu’s attraction to Linea turns physical, he knows he will have to battle with his own heart as well as the demon Desmondi.

Is the half-blood Dhampir strong enough to embrace his own cursed nature to defeat Desmondi?

Dhampir Passions
Genre: Paranormal erotica
Word count: 12,080
 
I'm certain my social beliefs of what a dystopian society might be like are definitely in play in this book. The funny part is though that it's conveyed in a non-threatening manner. Paranormal is part fantasy after all.

What are your thoughts readers? How do you feel about social issues in books?