Bullies in the author world

Today was sad. I had to remove a few friends from facebook, blogpot and goodreads. There was a scathing book review. Which wasn't the problem. It came from a prominent and well known Goodreads reviewer. While the review was very scathing, its there opinion of the book. But then the reviewer posted a picture of the author and began to ridicule the author and encouraged her friends to join in on the trashing. I won't put up with bullies. Nor will I associate my name with people who engage in such activities.

But what is more sad, is that several of the people joining in on the bullying, were goodreads librarians, book reviewers from prominent book review sites and even another author whose book is soon to release (which I will never buy or endorse based on what I saw today). These were people in the industry!

Word got around quickly and many of us came to fend off the bullies, causing the original bully reviewer to delete the thread and alter her review. Then she had the audacity to get upset at the people for being offended at her bully fest. Now, my small token effort of deleting these people, marking them, so that my publishers are aware and hopefully will avoid these reviewers and the author as well... it still just irks me. Frankly, I'm outraged.

There is little more cowardly than to sit behind an anonymous handle on the internet and gang up on someone whose only crime it seems, was to write a book the reviewer did not like. And dress in a manner the reviewer did not like as well. To maintain a weight level the reviewer did not like. When her gang was outnumbered by the protesters, she started crying foul, that SHE was the one being bullied... As if!!!!!

Look, good or bad, a review should be honest. But it is for the book. Not the author. Trash a book? Sure. No problem. But trash the author and you'll find there are many in this industry who insist on a certain level of maturity, respect and professionalism that was grossly vacant in this review. I remember those people and while I have little significance in the industry, what little I do, will be to fight against those who tear at its respect and integrity.

And one last bit of bitter disappointment, is Goodreads did nothing about the flagged reports. The reviewer removed the content on their own. The Goodreads librarians, whose job is it to monitor and intervene in this sort of activity, did nothing and in fact, several joined in on the bullying. It leaves this author wondering about the validity and integrity of Goodreads in the publishing industry.

Gothic City Lights Scores again

Back to back reviews, both great. This one comes from Wicked Little Pixie and I'm just humbled by all the praise and even critique.

http://wickedlilpixie.com/2010/11/20/gothic-city-lights-brindle-chase

Parajunkee's View: Gothic City Lights by Brindle Chase

Parajunkee's View: Gothic City Lights by Brindle Chase: "Gothic City Lights by Brindle Chase PJVs QUICKIE POV: A unique turn on the “usual” paranormal male/female play, GOTHIC CITY LIGHTS, pairs a..."

Flirtatious Friday (on Tuesday) w/ Sayde Grace

Once again, my apologies for the late posting. My email is acting up again, as things keep disappearing outbound. Anyway, Sayde and I reconnected and here is my interview. Sayde Grace brings a new perspective to westerns that might have Zane Grey rolling in his grave, but I think the rest of us approve! Talk about some hot cowboys!

So saddle up!

1.) Thank you for visiting today and answering a few questions. I'm going to step into uncharted territory with a few of my questions, but let's start with the staple... Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Okay let’s see, I’m from the deep south. I usually say y’all in every other sentence and Jeff Foxworthy happens to use a lot of my every day dialect in his comedy skits J I’m pushing my thirtieth birthday and don’t know whether to have more than one or just accept that I’m getting old. I love watching television shows like Swamp People, Dirty Jobs, Swamp Loggers, and Black Gold. I rodeoed for most of my life, up until I had my two children. I’m married and I’ve watched enough Scooby Doo and ICarly until I dream of Spencer’s sculptures and giving Freddy a few new uses for his ropes. Ok, let’s move on. I’m sure that was TMI for most of you J

2.) Tell us about your latest book.

My latest book is the second in my Cowgirl Tough Series. This book is all about realizing no matter who raised you or how they did you can always open yourself to love. And there’s a lot of hot steamy sex involved in my characters finding love.

The Harder They Buck takes an injured cowboy whose mom had left him as just a child, leaving him to doubt every woman’s love and introducing him to the one woman who he has no doubts about. Lance Wright knows from the moment he lays eyes on Melanie Brantley that she’s the one and will never leave him. He just has to convince her she doesn’t hate him or want to rip his who-ha off and feed it to her dog.

Melanie doesn’t believe in love. She’s never been the recipient of love (or so she thinks). But she can’t deny having feelings for Lance. Those feelings drive her to a club called Minx which caters to it’s patron’s sexual desires. Her desires center around Lance who happens to own the club. Both show up at Minx looking to forget the other and hidden under masks and no talking they have a night full of passion, neither knowing that the object of their passion is the one person they desire and love. Well, let’s just say when that little secret comes out it takes them both by surprise.

3.) Romance heroes come in many flavors, but most are some epitome of a woman's fantasy, rather than a truthful everyday guy. However, because they represent what many women need/want or wish for in a partner, what could men learn from your heroes?

Wow, that’s a loaded question if I’ve ever read one! Geez, let’s see. You know I have to admit that my heroes are not really the men I fantasize about (I’m married I don’t fantasize!). I know that’s horrible right. But usually when I decide on a hero and his attributes I’ve decided on him because of my heroine or the plot. For example right now a story is playing in my head that I’m thinking of writing. The story ping-ponging in my brain is about a girl who gets arrested when she’s just turned 18. She’s pulled over for speeding but she and the officer get into it and he arrests her. Six years later she’s back in town and guess what? She gets pulled over by the same cop. So here I have to decide what’s up between her and my cop. What pisses her off so bad about him that she smarts off and gets arrested? And what is going to turn her on so hot that she gets over him arresting her TWICE? This is where I build my hero. So from here if you are that man I’d suggest you run for cover.

But seriously I’d tell the men reading this not to worry so much about the heroes in the stories. Those guys are fantasy. The heroines in the stories are more important. Watch their reactions and needs, those are the key because in my case I know that before I write something I ask myself how I’d react to the scene or emotions.

4.) The heroine is the backbone of every romance and represents for the reader, a little part of themselves. I daresay, even for the male readers. What aspects of yourself, might we see a hint of in your heroines?

Usually my heroines have a smart mouth, feisty and know what they want. Sometimes they don’t go about getting what they want the right way but that’s what make them so fun. I’m very sarcastic and have a temper, you see those traits in my characters a lot.

5.) A followup question, if I may. What aspects common to your heroines, would you like to see in yourself that isn't readily seen by others in real life?

Emotions. My characters show a great deal of emotion. I’m not that way. I pretty much keep my emotions to myself and don’t like letting others know how I feel. Maybe that’s something my characters will help me with.

6.) The term "Alpha Male" means two different things to men and women, in a very general and broad sense. What characteristics do you like to include in your heroes, that might qualify them as an Alpha Male?

My heroes are tough. They ride bulls or broncs for a living. They also know what they want and won’t stop until they get it. They have a sense of loyalty and honor to them even if they don’t always show it. I try really hard to make the characters likable not only on a physical level but emotionally yet still be tough.

7.) What's your favorite non-romance book?

Hmm, well I don’t really read non-romance but I have to say that Gilbert Morris has a Christian series set in Texas in the mid 1800’s that I love. I don’t normally read in that genre but I love a good western and bthis series just captivated me.

8.) If you could be any fictional heroine/hero, who would it be and why?

You know there are so many great characters out there until I can’t decide! Nancy Gideon has a great character named CeeCee and I’d love to be her just for a little while!!

9.) Hair chest or smooth?

Smooth. Sorry but I like that smooth glistening look.

10.) Romance is made up of many facets, each reflecting an emotion and I believe, corresponds to a physical reaction. What three emotions are most important in your vision of romance?

This is a big one for me because most of the time when I say I write erotic romance people go “Oh porn?”. There is a lot of sex in my stories but I use emotion to drive those scenes so it’s a little different than just plain porn.

I love writing and I write what I read. I don’t just write steamy sex scenes with guys who make porn stars blush. I read a little of everything. My favorite author builds up fantastic sexual tension but then gives us closed door sex scenes. You know the ones I’m talking about, the ones where you’re holding your breath thinking any minute now the characters are going to have this earth moving love scene only to have the bedroom door slammed in your face. But that’s ok because the emotion was there.

For every touch, caress, or scorching gaze there has to be emotion behind it. Without emotion we don’t know why the characters are doing what they’re doing. What are their real motives besides just wanting to be touched? Most of my characters go through, heartache, anger and finally happiness. To me those three emotions build characters and can bring reality into your scenes.

In my next Cowgirl Tough book my heroine’s fiancé, the love of her life, died. Now she’s just watching life pass her by and not wanting to ever replace her love for him. But she finds out that her plans are unrealistic, especially when a cowboy she’s been avoiding shows up and makes her face the facts, she didn’t die with her fiancé. She begins to heal her broken heart but during the process makes a lot of mistakes, including comparing the man who loves her now to the man who died. There’s the anger, the cowboy can’t seem to make her see that he can’t promise not to die but can promise he’ll love her no matter whether he’s on earth or in heaven. It’s a huge struggle between the two and finally when the heartache fades, the anger recedes, they find happiness with each other.

You can find out more information about Sayde at the following and to read about her novellas please visit her website or The Wild Rose Press Scarlet Rose line.

http://www.saydegrace.com

Group Blog http://www.southernsizzleromance.wordpress.com

Personal Blog http://www.romancewithakick.wordpress.com

And I am on facebook as well as twitter as Sayde Grace.

Brindle exposed!!!

Come check out Lynne Roberts interview with me "under the covers" and the very intriguing questions she made me answer!

http://lynneroberts.blogspot.com/2010/11/under-covers-with-brindle-chase.html

Writer Retreats: Good?

So one of my publishers is sponsoring a "Writer's Retreat" and I'm contemplating attending. They never seem to be anywhere close to me, so I would have to fly. Plus hotel, taxi, etc... So it's going to cost me about $1000.00 all told. That's ALOT... ALOT. So my question is, has anyone ever been to a writer's retreat and do you think it's worth the expense?

Sneak Peek!

Here's a teaser of the cover for my contemporary erotic short, Trading Up, which I have just entered into edits with my publisher!!! Coming later this year or early 2011 from Breathless Press.

Also... This cover is the rough, and was designed by yours truly!! The final edition will be nearly the same, but I have a few more tweaks to go for the final cover!!! I'm thrilled to have been allowed to design my own cover... another love of mine is graphic arts!

Best Seller?!?

Having only just entered the world as an officially published author, I didn't expect to land on any bestseller lists anytime soon... But to my elation, and surprise, my short story, The Grass is Always Greener has landed at #2 on Breathless Press's Bestseller List. I know its not the New York Times... but hey... it's still pretty cool!

If you like a spicy romance, it's on sale for only 99 cents right now! Maybe push me up to #1? Hehehe.

Flirtatious Friday (on Sunday) w/ Annabel Joseph

First, let me apologize for not posting this Friday. Suffice it to say... it's been one of those weeks. Without any further delay... here is the wonderfully talented Annabel Joseph...

1.) Thank you for visiting today and answering a few questions. I'm going to step into uncharted territory with a few of my questions, but let's start with the staple... Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Sure! I’m a mom, wife, southern girl, and I’ve been writing since I was about, oh...five or six years old. I love beautiful things, strong alpha men, and fried zucchini. Oh, and really emotional relationships, which is why I love romance so much.

2.) Tell us about your latest book.

Fortune came about when a girlfriend of mine started seeing someone who was really into rope play. This guy also did origami compulsively. A story started to take shape in my mind of a man who was very dexterous with his hands--oh, the possibilities. I knew I wanted the book to have a rope/shibari theme, and so I created a heroine who was very flighty and difficult to tie down, both literally and figuratively. Their struggle to create a workable relationship is the main focus of the story, but there’s a lot of mysticism too. The heroine’s mother is a fortune teller, so aside from the hot sex and shibari there’s a lot of deep thought about life and intuition, and taking chances even when it’s scary. I think that’s something we can all identify with.

3.) Romance heroes come in many flavors, but most are some epitome of a woman's fantasy, rather than a truthful everyday guy. However, because they represent what many women need/want or wish for in a partner, what could men learn from your heroes?

Oh my, what a great question-- although I may not be the best person to ask, since many of my heroes have flaws. I mean, they’re all hot, successful, and sexually voracious, but they also make mistakes and get carried away with passion and emotion sometimes. I guess the one thing men can learn from my heroes is that if you make a mistake, or the heroine makes a mistake, it can be an opportunity for growth, and not always an ending. Forgiveness is powerful. Never give up on love.

4.) The heroine is the backbone of every romance and represents for the reader, a little part of themselves. I daresay, even for the male readers. What aspects of yourself, might we see a hint of in your heroines?

I think I’ve always been a fairly flighty, uncertain person. I’m also very secretive and self-protective, which makes being a sub that much more challenging. I think of all my heroines, Kat in Fortune and Wednesday in Owning Wednesday are most like me, because of their uncertainty and their struggles to commit and open themselves up to their dominants.

5.) A followup question, if I may. What aspects common to your heroines, would you like to see in yourself that isn't readily seen by others in real life?

I would like to be better at processing pain in my BDSM play! My heroines are great at it. Me, not so much.

6.) Who is your favorite Disney Heroine?

It’s Cinderella all the way for me. I remember making my mom read me the Disney Cinderella book every night before bed for about six months in a row when I was little. I just love the Cinderella story. The beautiful gown! The castle! The ball! Something about being whisked away from your desperation to a whole new glittering world, and your life being transformed by love. My next book, Lily Mine, is a Regency historical in the Cinderella archetype. It’s about a common girl who ends up playing wife to a member of the aristocracy due to some extenuating circumstances. Of course, they fall in love and...well, you’ll have to read it. There’s drama and torment and bliss.

7.) What's your favorite non-romance book?

Oh, it’s hard to narrow it down to one, but I have to say The Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor. I love her voice, I love the way she’ll shock you when you never even saw it coming. She so subtle, and then she’ll hit you with a ton of bricks! She’s just really good at the craft of writing...setting the scene, drawing you right in without even realizing she’s doing it. Her writing is very powerful.

8.) If you could be any fictional heroine/hero, who would it be and why?

Cinderella, of course! I want that diaphanous silver-white gown from the Disney movie. And a handsome prince...

9.) Pure fantasy here, someone seduces you. Who would it be, and how would they ignite the fire? (It's fantasy here, so there's no boundaries. If its Leonardo Di Caprio taking you on the bow of the Titanic, so be it! Run wild with it!)

There’s something about the collaborative process that is just unbearably sexy to me, like Prosper and Jackson working together on the ballet in my book Firebird. The whole “give and take” of collaborating and brainstorming would seduce me in a second, especially if the result was something successful and impressive. Plus, intelligence and ideas arouse me, which would add flames to the fire.

10.) It’s been said by many a romance writer, that beta heroes don't sell. What defines a male character as beta to you?

I suppose a beta is just very tender and sensitive to the heroine’s needs and feelings first and foremost. That doesn’t work for me because I like my men to be just a little selfish and demanding. I know, I know! I can’t help it. In BDSM books especially, I need the dom to be alpha all the way.

Thanks for having me, Brindle. These questions were a lot of fun to answer!

Running behind!

My apologies... today's Flirtatious Friday with Annabelle Joseph will be posted, but obviously... late. I'm sorry!