Latest Posts

elizabeth black

The Elephant In The Living Room – COVID-19

by | May 28, 2020 | | 5 Comments

It’s been hard to write with the elephant standing in the living room, staring me down.

I’m talking about COVID-19.

I’m fortunate in that not much has changed in my household. My husband and son are both essential workers so abject fear from unemployment is not an issue for us. Although my husband was moved from 3rd to 2nd shift and he has a lower pay rate because of it, we aren’t hurting for money. We have very little debt – a car payment and that’s it. The credit cards are paid off. There is money in the bank. We are healthy. I know how fortunate we are.

Even though not much has changed for us, I still feel the stress of the pandemic. There are lines at the grocery store. The marijuana dispensaries were closed until this week. We must wear masks in the common areas of the apartment complex and outdoors. Everyone is social distancing, although my husband thinks more accurate wordage is physical distancing. Social distancing implies something like shutting down your Facebook account temporarily because you’re stressing out from all the depressing political and pandemic talk. Physical distancing is more accurate and descriptive, but everyone knows what social distancing means.

I haven’t been able to write much of anything except for some blog posts for my blog tour for my new LGBTQ paranormal romance novel “Full Moon Fever”. I need to work on my horror novel “Hell Time”, but the desire simply isn’t there. I’m having very strange dreams. Not nightmares. Just dreams. I’m having trouble sleeping. I’m sure other people including writers are experiencing much the same. It helps to have someone to talk to about all of it.

While I haven’t been writing, I’ve been reading. I just finished the first book in J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It was good, but I thought the names of the vampires were silly. Rhage? Wrath? Zsadist? Seriously? The book held my attention, though, and I did enjoy it. I wanted to read the top best seller in the paranormal romance category, and that’s the book series that came up first. Now I’m reading a non-fiction book about feminism by Dr. Phyllis Chesler. I want escapism. So do some readers. Readers I’ve talked to aren’t interested in dystopian stories, especially those about pandemics. I do know of some people reading Stephen King’s “The Stand”, but most want something a bit more cheerful and uplifting. I had thought about rereleasing my novelette “Roughing It”. but it’s about a pandemic so I’ve decided against it. I also need to rewrite that story, and lengthen it to novel length. It’s too short.

I’m also watching TV. My husband and I are binge-watching “House M. D.”. I’ve never seen the show before. All I knew about it was that Hugh Laurie, who plays Dr. Gregory House, is British and can do a mean American accent. I also knew it was a medical drama. This show is damned good! We’re also binge-watching “Midsomer Murders”. I love that show. It’s whimsical and funny – just what I need to cheer up my somber mood.

I’m not going to pressure myself to write before I’m ready. I may reread “Hell Time” and see where I stand. The book is almost finished. I need to finish it. I also have an idea for a new contemporary romance/women’s fiction story. It’ll be a bit of a fish-out-of-water story about a woman who moves from the Big City (Boston) to my small island community Caleb’s Woe for the summer while researching a set of old photographs she found from film in a very old camera. She wants to locate the heirs and return the photos to the proper family. That’s as far as I got. I need to flesh out the characters and plot before I may begin writing. When I will write is up for debate. I simply don’t want to. Yes, I’ve been busy with book promotion but that’s really an excuse. I’m too distracted to write at the moment, but I know I will begin again soon. COVID-19 is stressful and I’m sure other writers feel the same way. I guess this is the new normal.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her new LGBTQ paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors..

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

 

Characters and Location

by | April 28, 2020 | | 9 Comments

Series are very popular with romance writers. I’ve never written a series, but I have had characters appear in more than one story. I have also set several stories (and one unpublished novel) in the same location.

My characters Charlotte and Lina originally appeared in my short story Neighbors. That story was originally published by Torquere Books for their lesbian anthology Vamps. It is currently reprinted in the lesbian anthology The Girls Next Door for Bold Strokes Books. That anthology is available at Amazon and at the publisher’s web site.

Today, you may see Charlotte and Lina at their best in my GLBT paranormal shifter romance Full Moon Fever, which is available at Amazon and other distributors. These two women work with a traveling theatrical road show as scenic artists. They paint sets. Charlotte and Lina are joined by my main characters Sam Hightower and Grant Newsome. They also meet up with dancer Luke Pearce. Charlotte and Lina are examples of the double – they look very much alike; so alike they may be mistaken for each other. However, their personalities could not be more different. Lina is quiet and reserved while Charlotte is loud and boisterous. They are two sides of the same coin.

More often, I’ve set stories in the same location. I created Norwich, Massachusetts and the island of Caleb’s Woe, which is located ten miles off the northeastern coast of Massachusetts. Norwich is not far from my home. It’s a sleepy little New England town where all sorts of mysterious things happen. Stephen King did something similar when he created his New England towns with interesting names like Jerusalem’s Lot, Derry, and Castle Rock, all in Maine.

Caleb’s Woe is similar to Nantucket, Massachusetts. It has a tourist trap area where people from around the world shop for t-shirts, sweatshirts, and all sorts of other junk. The restaurants are open, and the seafood is great. The beaches are open, but the water is cold. This is Massachusetts, after all. That scene in Jaws at the beach when no one wanted to get in the water because of the shark scare? The reluctance was real since the locals who were extras knew how cold that water was at the time of filming in June. It’s helps if you are wearing a wetsuit. I’ve set an unpublished mystery novel there, and I’m currently looking for a home for it.

While I have not yet written a series, I do like to revisit characters and locations. I’ve thought of setting a series of novels and more short stories on Caleb’s Woe. Once I find a home for the mystery novel, I will be very happy. In the meantime, I shall set my romances and scary stories in my New England town and on my island.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her new GLBT paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” is now available for purchase at Amazon and other book distributors..

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

For The Love Of Paranormal Erotic Romance

by | March 28, 2020 | | 2 Comments

Now that the entire world is on lockdown due to COVID-19, you need books to read. My favorite romance genre is paranormal, and I thought I’d suggest some very good books to help you avoid cabin fever. What are your favorite paranormal creatures? I like shifters, especially werewolves. I also like hauntings and ghosts. There are many different types of paranormals to choose from – vampires, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, psychics, mermaids and mermen, aliens, faeries, demons, angels, and witches. Then there are the many different types of shifters ranging from animal to mythological creatures. So much to choose from!

A good paranormal always gets lots of positive attention. Now where to begin to look for one? Get out some candles, draw yourself a soothing bubble bath, and dive into the water with a good romance like the very popular ones listed below. Blurbs are courtesy of GoodReads.

 

Pleasure Unbound (Demonica #1) by Larissa Ione.

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life . . .

She’s a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul . . .

Fury (New Species #1) by Laurann Dohner

Ellie is horrified to discover the pharmaceutical company she works for is doing illegal experiments. Company scientists have spliced human and animal DNA, creating exotic new species. One such “experiment” captures her heart and she’ll do anything to save him—even if he hates her for it.

Fury has never known compassion or love. He’s spent his life in a cell, chained and abused by humans. The one woman he allowed himself to trust betrayed him. Now he’s free and set on vengeance. He vows to end her life but when she’s finally in his grasp, harming her is the last thing he wants to do to the sexy little human.

Fury can’t resist Ellie—the touch of her hands, her mouth on his skin, her body wrapped around his. He’s obsessed with the scent of his woman. And Ellie wants Fury—always has. She craves his big, powerful body and wants to heal his desolate heart.

But loving Fury is one thing…taming him is another.

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J. R. Ward

The only purebred vampire left on the planet and the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who killed his parents centuries ago. But when his most trusted fighter is killed—orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate—Wrath must put down his dagger and usher the beautiful female into another world.

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of the Brotherhood and blood frighten her. Yet his touch ignites a dawning new hunger—one that threatens to consume them both…

Tempting The Beast (Breeds #1; Feline Breeds #1) by Lora Leigh

Callan Lyons is a genetic experiment. One of six fighting for freedom and the survival of their Pride. Merinus Tyler is the reporter who will tempt him, draw him, until the fury of the “mating frenzy” locks them into a battle of sexual heat there is no escape from.

Deception, blood, and the evil Genetics Council are hot on their trail. Callan will use his strength to try and save them both…and do all in his power to keep his woman in the process.

Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter #1)_ by Sherrilyn Kenyon

See how it all began…

Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power?

That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minute of it.

Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: an accountant. She’s smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal.

My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Now I find myself wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist.

Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there’s any way a woman can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he’s not sure it will ever beat again.

Kyrian of Thrace

—

Whether you prefer a serial or a stand-alone novel, there are plenty of paranormal erotic romances to choose from. I’ve named a few of the best. I’m excited about paranormals since my own paranormal erotic romance is going to be released very soon. “Full Moon Fever” features sexy werewolves who travel with a theater troupe.

Full Moon Fever by Elizabeth Black

William Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage,” but he hadn’t counted on shifters under a theater’s hot lights. Lovers, Sam Hightower and Grant Newsome, lived for the stage. Although they have enjoyed the wanderlust of traveling theater for many years, each had grown tired of the road and wanted to settle down. They also have a secret. As shifters and no part of any pack, they are lone wolves in every sense of the word. The full moon brings out the beast in them.

Even though their work as gaffers – lighting techs – put them in contact with a large variety of willing, sexy men and women to share their love, they preferred men. They found a dancer, Luke Pearce, who made their blood run hot, but Luke had a secret of his own to test them. Add scenic artists and lovers, Charlotte and Lina, to the mix, and you have a wild and sexy fivesome.

To spoil their fun and to their surprise, Sam and Grant discover another shifter in their midst, but this young person is so inexperienced and terrified she could expose them to the human hunters and get them killed. How can Sam and Grant protect themselves as well as the people they love?

 

 

Try to make the most of a bad situation. Make it a little easier with romantic novels to while away your hours.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her story “The Beautiful Move in Curves” appears in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon. Her new paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” will be for sale in 2020.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

Don’t Mock Romance Lovers

by | February 28, 2020 | | 3 Comments

I write in two genres that get a lot of grief – romance and horror. Romance readers are far too often stereotyped as fat, lonely women out for a thrill between the pages with sexy heroes to make up for the lack of excitement and love in their lives. Horror readers are far too often seen as weird loners or losers who have psychological problems. Sadly, sometimes the people and businesses who are in a position to uplift these readers ridicule and bash them.

Case in point: The Kennett Library in Chester County, Pennsylvania. You’d think a library would want to attract readers, not bash them. That wasn’t how romance lovers were treated during a recent event entitled “Bad Romance 2020” event. What’s even more aggravating is that this was the third year this event was held.

An announcement by the Kennett Library described the event as highlighting some “remarkable ‘vintage’ book covers” in a way that made it sound less like describing romance books than the women who read them: “languishing in obscurity… Sad. Boohoo. Unloved.” There are plenty of books in other genres that languish in obscurity. Why not pick on unread mysteries, comedy, or science fiction? Why are romances and the women who love them so often dragged through the mud like this?

It wasn’t enough to quietly mock these books. The event consisted of reading aloud what the staff determined to be the most awful, cringe-inducing passages – all for a laugh. So, the library laughs at its patrons who enjoy romances. One notice even described the books as “debauched” and then went on to further mock romance readers by saying “hold [these books] to our pounding hearts, caress their soft pages”. The only stereotypical words left out of the descriptions were “turgid” and “throbbing”, but they might have been a little too risqué for library staff.

It’s no secret that the vast majority of romances are written by women and read by women. These books are very formulaic. There are numerous tropes eager readers lap up and the books must have either a Happily Ever After or Happy For Now ending. Plenty of people who aren’t fans of romance bring those facts up and ridicule women for enjoying their chosen authors and sub-genres. So what? Mysteries are just as formulaic. Action movies are downright predictable. Horror movies are so formulaic and predictable spoofs have been made of them. Why not make fun of all of them? Yes, some do, but not to the extent that romance books and the women who love them are ridiculed.

This lack of love for a billion-dollar industry that outperforms all other genres comes down to not-so-thinly-veiled sexism. Women who read romances are seen by their critics as fluffy creatures who cannot stand up for themselves. They prefer to wait for a Handsome Prince to take their cares away. Rather than acknowledge that romance lovers are voracious readers who deserve respect, events like this discount their existence.

I write romance and I would not want to attend such an event. The ridicule has rubbed off on me. Sometimes, I’m embarrassed to read my own works aloud, especially the sex scenes. I don’t have that kind of feeling when reading my horror aloud, even though my stories can be very violent. Violence is more acceptable in American society than sex. Some very violent movies are seen as masterpieces, yet show a nipple and some Americans squeal in horror. That’s so wrong I don’t know what else to say about it. We need more love and romance in this world.

Life is difficult enough. Reading is escapism. If a woman wants to escape into a sexy and thrilling romance, why make fun of her? If I want to write a romantic and erotic story about two bisexual werewolves looking for a third partner (“Full Moon Fever” will be released mid-2020), don’t mock me. If I want to write a sexy retelling of a fairy tale like “Trouble In Thigh High Boots” (Puss In Boots) or “Climbing Her Tower” (Rapunzel), don’t snicker at me under your breath. I’m reading J. R. Ward’s first book in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I’m enjoying the hell out of it. A library should not be in the business of ridiculing its patrons. Remember – these women have money to burn on books, and if they want to read romance, leave them alone. Instead of making fun of them, lift up romance novels. Celebrate their optimism. Admire the complex characters and relationships. Relish that happily ever after ending especially when the world is in turmoil. Romance readers and writers deserve respect.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her story “The Beautiful Move in Curves” appears in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon. Her new paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” will be for sale in 2020.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

Help An Editor: Follow The Guidelines

by | January 28, 2020 | | 2 Comments

So you have written the Great American Short Story or Novel and you want to submit it to a publisher. The next step is to find the right publisher for your work. This post isn’t about finding an ideal publisher. It’s about an equally important item –  the writer’s guidelines.

I’ve been told by quite a few publishers that writers don’t necessarily follow the guidelines when submitting a work. I’m sometimes surprised by the number of writers who don’t follow a publisher’s submission guidelines. I’m not sure why some writers screw up this step, but plenty of them do.

First, find the guidelines on the publisher’s web site. They should be easy enough to find. While each publisher’s guidelines will be different, there are some things that are common to most guidelines.

Make sure your manuscript is formatted properly. The most common font and size for a manuscript are 12 point Times New Roman. Some publishers want a different font. If that’s the case in your submission, duplicate your manuscript and convert it to the proper font. No, you can’t submit in Comic Sans because you like that particular font or you think you’re being clever. Doing such a thing guarantees your manuscript will go into the “trash” file. Follow the guidelines and submit according to the publisher’s specifications.

Another big one on the list of no-nos is using spaces or tabs to indent your paragraphs. This is the one that surprises me the most since many publishers I’ve talked to over the years have brought it up. Your manuscript should default to double spaced and a one inch indent. On the Mac at least, Word has a Format tab and you go to Paragraph to set this up.

Keep an eye on headers and footers and page numbers. Some publishers want page numbers and some don’t. Some want you to put your contact information in a header and some don’t. Most often in my experience, the publisher wants your contact information at the top left of the manuscript without making it a header. It’s important to have your contact info at the top of the page, otherwise, the publisher won’t know who wrote the piece or how to reach you. Most publishers I’ve run into want your contact info both on the manuscript and in the body of your submission email, but as I’ve stated earlier, each publisher is different.

Pay attention to word counts. If the anthology submission calls for works no longer than 5,000 words, don’t send something that is 7,000 words long. Your story may be a work of genius (most likely not), but editors have a limited number of pages to work with. If you are able to whittle down your story to 5,000 words, do it. Otherwise, look for submission calls that allow for longer works. The opposite end is also true. Some publishers include a lower end word count limit, such as no shorter than 3,000 words. Don’t send flash fiction if the publisher didn’t request it. Keep to the guidelines.

If the publisher asks for a photo and bio in the body of your email, make sure you send them. Don’t forget. It can be a bit overwhelming to follow detailed guidelines, but take it step by step and you’ll be fine.

Pay attention if the publisher wants no reprints or simultaneous submissions. If the publisher does allow simultaneous submissions, make sure you notify that publisher as quickly as possible if your work is accepted elsewhere. It’s only polite.

When you follow the guidelines properly, you’re on your way to your work getting a look-see. Publishers will put your submission in the trash if it doesn’t follow the guidelines properly because, in not following the guidelines, you’ve give the publisher more work to do. Don’t do that. The first step in a successful submission is to do it properly. You may also write to the publisher if something in the guidelines isn’t clear. When you hit “send”, that euphoria you feel is in part due to following the instructions properly. When you do that, the publisher knows you’ve taken the time to read and submit in the best way possible. Best wishes for an acceptance!

Assessing 2019 – My Year In Review

by | December 28, 2019 | | 2 Comments

As 2019 closes, I’ve assessed my year to date. I’d say “as the decade closes” but it doesn’t officially do that until 2021. How did I do in 2019? Better than I had originally thought.

It’s easy for me to lose track of my acceptances throughout the year. Sometimes the rejections seem overwhelming, especially when they arrive a dozen at a time. It’s either feast or famine when it comes to fiction acceptances. I keep a word file of all my submissions and their statuses throughout the year. I include all acceptances in a different colored font at the top of the list.

As my readers know, I write in several genres – romance, erotica, dark fiction and horror. I published a lot of horror this year. I also saw one paranormal romance accepted and the novel will be published in 2020. Here’s what went on in 2019 for me:

“We’re All Mad Here” – short horror story reprint for Sirens Call Magazine. This is my crazy cat lady story.

“The Beautiful Move In Curves” – short erotic story for Dangerous Curves Ahead anthology. This book is full of stories of plus-sized women enjoying their sexuality.

“Can You See It?” – short horror story for The Horror Zine magazine summer issue.

“The Storm” – The Horror Zine’s Book of Ghost Stories. Coming out in 2020 as far as I know. I’ll update as I get news and permission to update.

Interviews with the following horror authors for The Horror Zine – Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, Ray Garton, and Paul Tremblay. I have another interview (surprise guest) coming in 2020. Tremblay’s interview should go live in February if my calendar is correct.

Article about writer’s groups for The Horror Zine. I’m in a writer’s group that meets on Wednesdays, and it’s been a Godsend to me. I’ve made some close friends in addition to gained some valuable insight into my writing.

“Full Moon Fever” – a paranormal romance accepted by eXtasy Books. Coming out in 2020. My two main characters are gay werewolves named Sam Hightower and Grant Newsome. They work lighting (gaffers) with a traveling theater show that has just landed in Portland, Oregon. Sam and Grant like to take a third partner for each tour, and they’ve selected a hot dancer named Luke Pearce. Luke is more than amenable to the idea, but he has a secret of his own. Add the shifter’s friendship with scenic artists Charlotte and Lina and you have a light-hearted and sexy book.

I’m proud of my accomplishments. Now to have a successful 2020. What about you? How have you assessed 2019? Tell me about your acceptances this year and what is in store for you in 2020.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her story “The Beautiful Move in Curves” appears in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon. Her new paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” will be for sale in 2020.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

It’s Time To Give Thanks

by | November 28, 2019 | | 3 Comments

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States. This is the time of year Americans gorge on turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. It’s also the time of year we see family we haven’t seen in years or see seldom. While the Thanksgiving/Christmas season can be stressful, I don’t see it that way. What am I thankful for? Plenty!

  1. I don’t have to cook Thanksgiving dinner. My husband is a gourmet cook and he takes on the entire task. He makes the green bean casserole from scratch, including the cream of mushroom soup and crispy shallots that get mixed in with the dish. It’s much better than the Campbell’s version. He brines the turkey overnight and then roasts it Thanksgiving day. I preferred to buy a pumpkin pie so he’d have less work to do. My job is to stay out of his kitchen and keep him company while sitting in a chair nearby. I am eternally grateful that I don’t have to take on the Herculean task of cooking turkey dinner.
  2. eXtasy Books has accepted my gay werewolf paranormal erotic romance for publication. It’s entitled “Full Moon Fever”, and it’s coming out in 2020. My book is about two gay werewolves who work as gaffers (lighting) for a traveling stage show. They are looking for a third partner, and they have their sights set on the lead dancer. They’re also friends with two female scenic painters who give them a run for their money. I’m planning a sequel for this book. One of my werewolves has to deal with a person from his past – his ex. I haven’t thought further on the sequel, but it’s going to be a fun ride.
  3. We don’t have a lot of debt, unlike many people. I was told that the average credit card debt in America is appx. $5,000. I owe about $500 on two cards and I plan to pay it off within two weeks. I always pay the credit cards when the bill comes in so I don’t have to worry about interest. We owe money on a used VW Beetle (love that car), but otherwise we are debt free. We worked hard to get there.
  4. Although we’re up there in years, we are blessed with good health. I have my daily prescriptions to take and so does my husband but it’s manageable.
  5. I am close to my family. My son joined us for Turkey day. I called my dad and sister. We also called my stepson and his wife. They live out of state. We don’t see them often but when we do we have a wonderful time. I’m not sure when we’re venturing down to their homes again, but we do plan to visit in 2020.
  6. We aren’t hurting for money. The bills get paid each month and there’s some left over for fun stuff.
  7. We are owned by three cats. I’m glad the apartment complex allows pets. They got turkey and giblet on Thanksgiving just like us humans.
  8. We live in a New England beach resort. For Christmas, we get to see the tree in town lit up and Santa arrives on a lobster boat. Everyone in town (this is a small town) comes out for the lighting of the tree and we drink hot cocoa. Living here is like living in a Hallmark Christmas movie.

There’s plenty to be thankful for, and I figured it was a good time to remind myself of that fact. I hope Americans reading had a very happy Thanksgiving. Here’s looking to Christmas to continue the festive joy.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her story “The Beautiful Move in Curves” appears in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon. Her new paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” will be for sale in 2020.

 

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

Oct. 29 is National Cat Day

by | October 28, 2019 | | 6 Comments

Tomorrow, October 29, is National Cat Day. I am owned by three cats, two of whom are blind. The 12 year old Maine Coon is a spirit cat – one that needs lots of love and care. He’s blind with FIV. His name is Mister, like Harry Dresden’s cat. His buddy, 8 year old Breena, has been blind since birth. Then there is Meriwether, the kitten. He bounces off walls and drives the other two cats crazy. We call him Meri or Merricat for short. Literature fans will recognize the name Merricat from Shirley Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived In The Castle”.

That brings me to the topic of this month’s post – Famous Cats in Literature.

  1. Crookshanks – Hermione Granger’s magical cat in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkeban by J, K. Rowling. Cats have long been associated with witches as their familiars. Crookshanks in the movies looks like a Maine Coon.
  2. Cheshire cat – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Louis Carroll. The Cheshire cat said the famous line, “We’re all mad here.”
  3. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. I grew up reading Dr. Seuss. I’ve always liked this cat’s top hat.
  4. Puss in Boots from Jerry Pinkney. My favorite fairy tale. My erotic fantasy “Trouble In Thigh High Boots” is my smutty retelling of this story. You may find it under Kindle on Amazon.
  5. Tom Kitten from Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Tom Kitten. Tom Kitten was a very naughty boy! When my son was a child he loved Tom Kitten. I even bought Tom Kitten baby bath products from Crabtree & Evelyn. Sadly, that product line isn’t available anymore.
  6. Church from Stephen King’s Pet Sematary. Cats can be scary, too.
  7. Mog from Mog The Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr. I discovered Mog in a British commercial for Sainsbury grocery store. These children’s books are very popular in U. K. households.
  8. Koko and Yum Yum from “The Cat Who…” book series by Lilian Jackson Braun. These cats owned reporter Jim Qwilleran. Koko and Yum Yum are two Siamese cats who help Qwilleran solve his cases. The whole concept is adorable.
  9. Mister is Harry Dresden’s cat in “The Dresden Files”.

Cats are wonderful writing muses. They walk across your keyboard and change the names of your files. They want to sit in your lap when you’re trying to write. They want to eat. All. The Time. They want to play as soon as you begin writing that action scene that had been pestering you for hours. They spill your coffee, hopefully not on the computer.

Halloween (aka Samhain) is in three days. Cats, especially black ones, are at the center of this day. Halloween happens to be my favorite holiday. It means decorations, candy, endless horror movies, fall baking, and honoring the dead. The religious aspect of Samhain is similar to our Memorial Day. I always have chocolate on hand for the kids who may stop by the house trick or treating. Although black cats have a reputation for being bad luck (an unfair reputation in my opinion), I have always considered them very lucky. I have been owned by three black cats – Fido, Speedy, and Mulder. Yes, I had another cat named Scully. Mulder and Scully were always together. So fitting. Black cats make wonderful companions.

So, on this National Cat Day, pick up a book that features a cat in some way. Or watch a cat-centered movie like “Bell, Book, and Candle”, which is the perfect romance for this time of year.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her story “The Beautiful Move in Curves” appears in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon. Her new paranormal erotic shifter romance novel “Full Moon Fever” will be for sale in 2020.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

Falling In Love With Gothic Romance

by | September 28, 2019 | | 2 Comments

It’s been Autumn in the northern hemisphere for a few days. This time of year the temperatures go down and the leaves fall from the trees. Bring out the hot cocoa, apple cider, maple candy, and of course pumpkin everything. And don’t forget the pumpkin spice!

Halloween is at the end of October. I decorate our home with candles, statues, jack o’ lanterns, black cats, and skeletons. I bake pumpkin bread and gingersnaps. Want to make this season extra special? Watch a few gothic romances while you sip your hot mulled cider. Not sure what to watch? Here are a few suggestions.

The Phantom of the Opera – Lon Chaney may have been one of the first to make the role of the Phantom famous, but later versions brought out the true romance of the story. This is a classic tale about an obsessive love. Whether you enjoy the musical or a movie version of the story, this one is well worth a watch. There is even a version starring Charles Dance. Imagine Tywin Lannister as the Phantom. You may find it on Youtube.

Ghost – That scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore at the potter’s wheel is one of the most sensuous and iconic romantic scenes in the movies. Watch this one with someone you love.

Jane Eyre – Some of us read this book in high school and loved it. It is a tale of forbidden romance. There aren’t many lovers as tragic as Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester.

Wuthering Heights – Another high school read. Cathy and Heathcliff are star-crossed lovers. The storyline can be convoluted, especially the intertwining family trees, but it’s well worth the effort.

Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier is the queen of Gothic fiction. Rebecca is a classic tale with a great twist at the end.

Interview With The Vampire – Homo-eroticism at its finest. This movie is brimming with sexual tension. Vampires have long been associated with the erotic as well as with death and fear. Combine the two and you have some powerful storytelling.

The Vampire Lovers – Lesbian undertones for those who enjoy the female variety. This Hammer Films retelling of J. Sheridan LeFanu’s Carmilla has long been a favorite staple of horror lovers, but its sensuality makes it a perfect fit for a romantic and decadent Autumn night.

So wrap yourself and someone you love in a comfy blanket on the couch, kick back, and enjoy the sweet coziness of Gothic romance. Whether the lovers get together in the end or if they are tragically star-crossed, you’ll enjoy cuddling while the plots play out. Make sure there is plenty of mulled cider on hand and enjoy the crisp Fall season.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Her story “The Beautiful Move in Curves” appears in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

 

 

Researching Stories, Or I Wonder How Big The FBI’s File On Me Is

by | August 28, 2019 | | 2 Comments

I often joke that considering my Google search history for writing research purposes, the FBI must have a massive file on me. I’m surprised I don’t get Pornhub spam in my email box. Here are some examples of my more amusing searches:

  1. What is the Altoids blow job myth?
  2. When is Steak and BJ day?
  3. Bigfoot erotica
  4. Cuckold fetish
  5. How to do pegging
  6. Lactation erotica

Research is an important part of a writer’s life. There are many ways to do research that will help you write a good book or short story. I read books on the subject matter I am studying. I also talk to people who are knowledgeable on a subject I am researching. For example, when I wanted to conduct an interview with Sexologist Dr. Petra Boynton to learn more about women’s sexuality, I contacted her directly. When I was writing an article about writers and jealousy, I posted on Facebook asking my friends for their own personal experiences with the green monster. I heard from plenty of people. Not only did I get good articles out of talking directly to people, I learned a few new things. It’s very beneficial to reach outside your own head and talk to others.

With Google at my fingertips, there is very little I cannot find online. Any time I have a question or concern about sex, erotic writing, and romance, I go to Google. It does take some doing to separate the wheat from the chaff, but I invariably find what I’m looking for. I used to write for Sexis Magazine and the U. K. publication nuts4chic. My articles ran the gamut of topics from men faking orgasms to hotel sex. I often relied on breaking and weird news stories to inspire my articles. The fallout from these searches has been both infuriating and humorous.

My privacy has been invaded on numerous occasions. I’m sure readers have experienced searching for something on Google – say, erotic shaving – and then find their Facebook feeds full of ads for razors. Social media spies on us. I find that to be a bit disconcerting but it’s a fact of life and I can’t avoid it. The purpose of social media is not to help connect us with friends and family but to send our information to advertisers who will spam our email boxes with junk. My Amazon, Google, and Facebook searches and commentary influence the kinds of ads Facebook tosses my way.

I’m sure writers reading this article have experienced Amazon recommending their own books for them to purchase. Same here. What you search for on Amazon influences what the behemoth store will recommend for you to buy. I’ve searched for big boob erotica for many of my stories and I’m inundated with bra ads. I figure if I’m going to be spammed I’d might as well make it worthwhile so I’ve searched for things like teabagging, cybersex, which states ban the sale of sex toys, hospital sex toy horror stories, and more. My inbox is… entertaining.

I’ll continue to conduct my writing research as I see fit. I just have to get used to my inbox being full of spam about bondage harnesses, the latest erotica awards, and singles groups for older people. I’ve added my email to the government’s no spam list but they somehow still find me. Despite the annoyance, I will find information I need on a wide variety of erotic topics that are necessary for my fiction writing. And I’ll have fun doing it.

———

Elizabeth Black writes in a wide variety of genres including erotica, erotic romance, horror, and dark fiction. She lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband, son, and her three cats. Coming in September, 2019 – her story “The Beautiful Moves in Curves” will appear in “Dangerous Curves Ahead”, an anthology of sexy stories about plus-sized women. Look for it at Amazon.

Web site: http://elizabethablack.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethablack

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ElizabethABlack

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethblack

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b76GWD

Hot Chilli Erotica

Hot Chilli Erotica

Categories

Babysitting the Baumgartners - The Movie
From Adam & Eve - Based on the Book by New York Times Bestselling Authors Selena Kitt

Categories

Archives

Pin It on Pinterest