Erotic Cyn for your senses » Romance

My favourite Hero

cynnara — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:21:09 +0000

I’m often asked about who my favourite hero is when I write. Funny thing is, my favourite isn’t one of my own. In fact, he’s the creation of Elizabeth Peter’s (aka Dr. Barbara Mertz aka Barbara Michaels). To be honest, he’s not a true hero, but an anti-hero. If I were honest, he’s an art thief who doesn’t believe in violence against his own person. He’s British and very bold and daring, as long as he gets out before the cops arrive. But there is his feelings for Vicky Bliss- the woman who aggravates him and enthralls him at the same time. In fact, it’s his words that give me the ultimate declaration of love that just makes me sigh and whimper in need.

The Vicky Bliss series is the first series I read by Elizabeth Peters before I discovered the Amelia Peabody series. I found myself reflected in Vicky and when it came to the book, Street of the Five Moons, I found myself reluctantly falling for the bad guy– or so I thought he was. Who was he? Sir John Smythe, who is really John Tregarth. As the books progressed, John and Vicky’s on again, off again relationship progressed and regressed as they got into various troubles of the antiquities kind (she is a museum assistant curator, he a thief of said items). But in Trojan Gold, it came to a head when they were facing death by avalanche. John said something to Vicky as the roaring drowned out his voice– and she wanted to know if what he said was what she read on his lips. Thus came the most romantic line ever– at least to me.

“I love you,” he said flatly. “I- love- you. Shall I elaborate? I have loved you. I do love you. I will love you. I didn’t want to love you. I tried not to love you. I will undoubtedly regret loving you, but- God help me- I love you- so much-”

*sigh* Can we say that declaration just takes the cake when it comes to love? It’s also why I hope one day my heroes can reach the pinnacle that Sir John has in my heart. Why else would I take his last name as my own?

Writing: Romance for the physical and emotional

cynnara — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:43:37 +0000

I write erotic romance. I also write BDSM romance for those who like their romance on the kinky side. What’s funny is that I’ve always included elements of this type without knowing it. I guess it’s because I’m a kinkster and a BDSMer, but I also think it’s because it’s a fun part of reading romance. It’s every woman’s fantasy to fall in love with the right man, but sometimes, it’s about falling in love and finding the right man who knows how to have great sex too. Sometimes we focus so much on the emotional, we forget about the fun it is to fall in love- the sensations, the experiences, and just the whole physical process as well.

One thing I’ve noted the past few weeks for myself, I’m enjoying the physical aspects of being in love. Yes, I’m moving in with my male– he’s so damn good to me– but more importantly, he’s doing for me in ways that just blow the mind. (A particular Sunday comes to mind and it still blows me away!) I realize I write for both the men and the women. Though women mostly read romances, there are men out there who enjoy a good book of romance too. For them, it’s not just the romantic emotions, but also the physical, the actions of becoming a couple that is important for them as well.

What about you? What part of reading romance gets you going? Is it the emotional? Is it the physical? More importantly, what about the kinky aspects of romance do you find intriguing and scintillating? What turns you off? What do you want to read more about?

Let me know– you can email me at cynnara AT cynnara DOT com and tell me. You just might win the latest book I’ve put out entitled, Teaching the Male (available now at Aspen Mountain Press).

Sex Ed with Mistress Cynnara- BDSM 101

cynnara — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:33:41 +0000

Mistress Cynnara- I know you’re called a mistress because you engage in sexual BDSM. But honestly, what is BDSM? Is it just another form of kink? How do you know if you’re truly into the world of BDSM? — Tie Me Up and Spank Me in Texas

BDSM is a hot topic right now in many areas- from television, books, and more. Why? Because people are realizing that kink and the deeper ingrained needs aren’t just the usual missionary or woman superior sex anymore. What’s more important, great strides have been made, including the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) have declared that BDSM activities are part of normal life, as long as they, like most things, are not taken in the extreme.

That said, over the next few weeks, we’re going to talk about BDSM, the players, scening, toys and more. If you have any questions, feel free to post them here or email me at cynnara AT cynnara DOT com. The idea over the next few weeks is to introduce you into an ancient lifestyle that not only satisfies many sexual needs, but also emotional ones as well. So, let’s start from the beginning.

What is BSDM?

BDSM stands for:
Bondage – slavery
Dominant– rule, control, be the most powerful or influential member or part of something
Submission – surrender, defer, meek, obedient
Sadism – a form of (sexual) perversion marked by love of inflicting pain
Masochism – abnormal condition where pleasure (esp. sexual) is derived from pain humiliation, etc.

Some also categorize BDSM as Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/submission/sado-masochism. They’re all within the general umbrella, and many times there are crossovers within the world of BDSM.
What makes BDSM interesting is that most people focus on the extremes, yet it’s the moderate forms from tying each other up, role-laying, spanking and such that make up a majority of those within the lifestyle.
While at this moment, let’s discuss stereotypes. Yes, they do exist—the pussy-whipped man, the leather-clad Dominatrix, etc. Yet, there is more to it. There are specific reactions and emotions associated for those involved. Stereotypes often give us a flagpole to start at, but we might be lower in some areas, higher in others. Plus there’s another reason, one that two Dominants reminded me—safety. When you’re wielding whips and other toys, the wielder needs to be protected from a stray strike, especially if they’re trying to stop someone improperly trained.
It’s important to note that not everyone incorporates all aspects that make the term BDSM. It’s why there’s such a variation.
That said; BDSM is NOT a fetish. Fetish behavior is the act of adoration towards an object or an act, and not to a person. Boot fetish, leather, PVC, etc—it’s about how it heightens your desire, but it’s not BDSM. It can be incorporated in play, but fetish is not BDSM and BDSM is not fetish.
One major acronym you’ll hear spoken of a lot is SSC.
This stands for: Safe, Sane, Consensual.
This precept is important for all parties involved. Why? The goal is simple, Be Safe; in what we do. Sane; adult consent to be careful. Consensual; both agree to what happens.
There are those that go beyond the SSC, which is a shame. Within those bonds you know a limit is set and all things are done sanely, in a safe manner, and with full consent. Those who follow SSC, often institute safe words. These safe words are often easy to remember, and are different enough to stand out during a scene. Common ones are Red (stop), Yellow (slow down, pause), and Green (go). With your safe words and sharing what to look for in regards to distress, being uncomfortable; it allows both people to voice and stop play or to continue it.
Who plays within BDSM, and what are they thinking?
For this particular workshop, we’re going to concentrate on the Domination/Submission aspects, since all aspects boil down to three major groups, then subdivide further.
Getting to know the roles people fall into, will help you learn your characters better. So, we discuss the broad definitions, the variety of with the ‘genre’ and the psychological/emotional motivation, the richness of the lifestyle, will enhance your storyline.

The three major players are:
Dominant – The ‘Alpha’, the leader, the guide.
Submissive – The ‘Beta’, the follower, the guided.
Switch – The ‘Omega’, the second in command type, gives, takes, can lead but also follow.

Learning to see a person within their role can be hard, but many a top executive who controls millions by day, will walk through the doorway of their bedroom, or playroom, and will shift into an obedient submissive who leaves it to her Dominant to make all the decisions. Or you can take a woman that teaches school, takes care of her family, but when she walks through that doorway, she calls the shots, she will be obeyed and worshipped and given her due.
Yes, these sound stereotypical, we’ve been given those images, but what we need to ask is: what would make a person change 180 degrees from how everyone sees them, behind closed doors? What motivates them to want to be told what to do, to be bossed around, to spank another, to drop hot wax on another? What emotional fulfillment do these actions give them emotionally, mentally, and sexually?
Before we get into each type in-depth, there is something that needs to be clarified. There are people who live the BDSM both day and night.
There are those who have some BDSM in their ‘real time’ relationship outside of the bedroom. The come those who only play when they can, but wouldn’t bring it into their ‘other life’. Beyond that, you have the players – the ones who’ve read just enough to pass initial scrutiny, but have no clue beyond their thought on how BDSM is. Lifestylers – the first two mentioned are the ones we don’t often read about unless it’s some kind of scandal.

That’s all for this week. Next week, we’ll dive into the world of the Dominant. If you’re a Dominant within the BDSM lifestyle, I’d be honoured to have you participate and join in, sharing your knowledge and the lessons you’ve learned.

Until next time- dream hot, loved and be loved, and keep safe.

Always,

Mistress Cynnara

Flash Fiction- Guess what Fairytale?

cynnara — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:54:21 +0000

Ann Vremont posted links to a beautiful fairytale scene she created. Then she challenged people on the Changeling Press Yahoo group to come up with a flash fiction. So…I came up with one. Gods only knows what will happen next. LOL

These are the piccies- http://www.annvremont.com/images/fairylights_3_1024.jpg and a lighter version- http://www.annvremont.com/images/fairylights_2_1024.jpg

“If we keep following this trail, we should find our way back to our village,” Nadine whispered as she stepped onto the cobblestone path.

Derrick squeezed her hand. “I hope so, but I don’t ever remember walking on a path quite like this.”

They walked the path for a few minutes then stopped. In the middle of the path stood the deadliest yet most beautiful of all the forest fauna- the rose-thorn bush. How it managed to grow on the magickal path was beyond Nadine’s reasoning powers, but they needed to stay on the path or risk being lost forever within the Wildwood.

“Can we cut it down?” Derrick asked as he stepped towards the bush.

Nadine pulled him back. “Don’t! If you get too close it’ll attack you.”

“But those little creatures aren’t being hurt. They’re feeding it.”

Nadine nodded. “Exactly, Derrick. There is a way around it, but I can’t remember. Let me open up my magick book and see if it’s listed in there.” Carefully, she withdrew her pack and searched for her book. Once it was in hand, she scrolled through the pages, searching for one particular reference. “Ah ha! I found it. But…you might not like what we have to do to get by it.”

“What?” Derrick gazed down at her. “Tell me. We have to find our way back home to warn our people.”

“We have to have sex and let it touch us during it.” Nadine ducked her head, avoiding Derrick’s eyes.

Flash Fiction- Discovery

cynnara — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:20:03 +0000

I was exhausted yesterday after getting up early on my day off and dealing with a lot of crap. But I meant to write up this scene. This scene takes place in the P3 Universe. Will it be in a story– don’t know. LOL But I like the idea of the sex houses and more importantly, being open to your own nature and being sexually responsible and safe. Yet, part of me wonders- what if you felt you were one thing, but told by tests that you’re another way? How would you adapt? Would you insist you were right and all the science was wrong? What if the reason you did think you were that way was because you were afraid to embrace your essence? Hmmm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Well, I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting my sexual evaluation to be the exact opposite I believe myself to be,” Brielle stated, her hands folded in her lap. “What makes you think I’m a sexual submissive?”

“Actually, we believe you’re an alpha submissive, Brielle. The answers of your questions and your body responses to the simulated images presented to you indicates a need to submit, yet at the same time, there’s domineering aspect as well.” The counselor put the paper down on the desk. “If you don’t agree with our assessment, we can rerun the tests again. Though the science is 98% accurate, you might be in that small percentage that can be misread.”

“Is there another option other than being subjected to those processes for another five hours?” Brielle hated that testing, thought it was quite arousing on many levels she hadn’t believed possible. “What about within one of the houses? Can I try it my way first, then try it another way to see which feels better to me?”

Dr. Mae looked thoughtful. “Actually, there is someone at House Thor that might be able to help you. He, Dr. Viktor Garshon, is an expert in dealing with those in that small percentile or who may actually be a mixed category of sexual needs. I can contact him and arrange an appointment for you, if you’d like.”

“Yes. Maybe with his experience, he can make sense of how I’ve believed one thing of myself and how the tests say another.” Brielle stood. “Send me an email with the information once you’ve set it up. I can rearrange my work schedule if need be to accomodate Dr. Garshon.”

“As you wish. Best of luck, Ms. Frijion. Expect my email within the hour.”

*****

The next night

Brielle stepped up to the door of House Thor, her body shivering slightly in response to the colder weather, partly in nervousness. The house was in ancient Norse styling, with the fierce dragonheads looking out from each side of the double doors. She lifted her wrist with its id bracelet to one dragon, letting it scan and verify her identity. The doors parted and she felt a rush of warmth hit her. Walking in slowly, she spotted one young woman dressed in a simple dress with a waist chain heading her way.

“Miss Frijion? I’m Gelsi, one of the greeters here at House Thor. Let me take your coat and show you where you can change.” Gelsi led her to a small hallway that ended in a changing room. The young woman handed her a package. “You can change here in the open or in one of the smaller cubicles. These clothes were chosen by Dr. Garshon. Once you’ve changed, you go out the blue door and at the end of the hallway, go through the door marked with the sign of Thor.”

“Then what?” Brielle felt a bit curious. “Is that a play room of some kind?”

The woman smiled. “Dr. Garshon will be waiting there. The room is one reserved for training and privacy. Enjoy your stay here at House Thor. We hope you’ll fit in here with us.” Gelsi turned and left, leaving Brielle with her thoughts.

Brielle changed, then did as Gelsi directed. She felt a bit exposed in the deep blue linen shift that covered her body, but felt so thin as to be transparent. Standing before the door with Thor’s sign, she hesitated. The more she thought upon the test results, the more mixed up she felt. All her life, she thought she was a dominant- wanting to direct things, wanting to control all things happening. So why on earth would the assessment declare her an alpha submissive? She didn’t like giving up control ever in anything. Inhaling deeply, Brielle knocked on the door, then entered.

What greeted her made her pause. In the middle of the grey and white room, knelt a naked man, his dark blond hair pulled back in a thong and his body well-muscled and defined. Her heart raced as she gazed over his beauty until her gaze met his. Licking her lips, she stepped forward, itching to touch him, making sure he was truly there. “Dr. Garshon?”

“Viktor, please. You must be Brielle. There is only one rule from this moment until I say, ‘Molinjar.’ The rule is that you do to me as you wish, how you wish, but if I use my safe word of ‘Midgaard’, you stop and retreat to the couch in the far right. Agreed?”

“I guess so. But I don’t understand? I thought you were here to help me?” She looked at the doctor, trying to understand what he was doing.

“I am. But I need you to touch me, to do with me as you will, Brielle. Release me from my control. Touch me and bring this warrior before you to his knees. Rule me, conquer me.” Viktor’s hands clasped in front of his body, showcasing his partly erect cock. “Can you do that for me, Brielle?”

Brielle walked up to Viktor, her body feeling shaky. What do I know about bringing a man to service for a woman? What can I do to make that lost look disappear from his eyes? “What do you want, Viktor?”

“I want to please you, Mistress Brielle. I want to be yours.”

Oh fuck, what do I do? I don’t know how to make him serve me and my needs.

Flash Fiction: For Nik

cynnara — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:23:58 +0000

This story is for Nik. Don’t ask me how she got it, I think it was because she was online while I started writing the story– and because she prompted the opening line of the story. LOLOL I have to admit- this story grabbed me, captivated me, and I’m almost done with it– it’s a shorter novella at about 10k. This takes place in the near future or so– about 100 years after the end of the Mayan calendar. Times have changed and so has the world. Within this world, you’ll discover many of the problems of the past are gone, though there are some that still remain, though in less form. But there’s a new freedom in sexuality, one that’s led to the creation of sex houses and a multi-trillion dollar a year industry that promotes sex as part of good health. Enjoy!

“Why is there a purple rabbit vibrator hanging over my cubicle? Christmas is done, is it not?” Trina Edwards queried her two personal assistants, Jared Traynor and Scott Demaide as she sauntered up to their workstation. “I’m not amused; I really am not, even though it’s a lovely purple one. Is there a reason for the decoration?”

Scott smirked at Trina. “Well we know you love purple and it’s a reminder for you. It’s New Years Eve and you promised both me and Jared that you would give us something special for the holiday. Especially since we took our tests.”

Trina shook her head as she tried to delve into the mind s of her personal assistants. She knew that they were lovers, or had been up until four months ago, but something had shifted between them all. Though they worked with her over a year in the shipping department, the only thing she had done with them had been of the bossy nature. But that was her dominant nature—wanting what she couldn’t easily have. And honestly who wouldn’t want to do a blonde and a brunette at the same time? Why she hadn’t had them, she wasn’t sure. Perhaps it was because she wasn’t the best dominant for them, though they learned well at her feet. It was time for something more—for them that was.

But Scott was right; she had promised them something for the holidays between their holiday help and taking the submissive tests for those in training. They did deserve something special and if she was right, what she had in mind seemed to be in mind with what they were hinting at with the vibrator—uninhibited sex with their boss. Gods, what a scenario—the two assistants thinking to overtake their boss sexually, only to end up her sex slaves. Trina grinned at her two assistants, her mind working overtime. Perhaps an updated version of that classic should be done. And she knew just who to call to put that in motion. “Jared, call Nikita over in the film production.”

“Sure thing, boss lady, but are you sure you’re not forgetting to pay me and Scott our due?” His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. The man had a talent for arousing a woman verbally, but she wasn’t the one for him to take advantage of that skill. Oh yeah, she wasn’t forgetting a thing, though it meant more time at House of Seti in her future.

“Oh, I’m making sure this is one New Year’s Eve neither of you forgets.” Trina sauntered away, leaving both men wondering what she had planned. She headed towards the main offices of Plotted Porn Productions, known world-wide as P3, knowing that she needed to watch the two men on the security cameras to see if she could pull this off without any problems.

Friday Flash- Goddess Creation

cynnara — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:37:38 +0000

This came about because of Changeling Bar and Press night. Not sure where it’s going, or what will come of it, but part of me is intrigued. *grins* Think of a world, part of a conglomeration– and where entropy is prevalent and the world they know is dying. Prophecy states of a woman called She Who Walks the Worlds that would save their universe–but there’s a catch– she needs the one mate that can help her harness her power, submit to her– and force her to submit to the male force of creation as well. Enjoy!

Janelle stood inside the sacred hut. In this hut, she would call upon the forces of the Elements, demanding to be sent her lover, her protector, the holder of magick that would help her to create life upon new worlds. But she wanted more than that, she wanted a man to accept all of her, not just her role within the prophecy.

Opening the palm of her left hand she spoke ancient words as fire appeared as a ball above it. “I call upon Fire, that which has warmth to heal and pain to kill. Guide and direct this night my call for He Who Shall Inherit.” Carefully, she set the ball of flame upon the brazier, allowing the glow to light up the now darkening room.

Going to the east side of the hut, she opened her other palm speaking new words until a ball of water appeared. Placing it in a gold bowl, she whispered, “I call upon Water, which heals and takes away that which can harm. Thought it can also kill, it is the cleanser of what lies on top. Guide and direct my call.”

Over and again, she repeated the request of Air, which formed a small, contained tornado, and that of Earth, which formed a blossom that bloomed without roots or anything else. Once the room had been raised with the elemental protections, Janelle stripped off her leather pants, boots, and removed the silken shirt that covered her torso. Exposed to all the elements in her naked form, Janelle felt the pulsating power of life and balance around her. Tonight was the night.

“Come he who walks with purpose. Come he who wants to be one with the universe. Come he who will serve my needs above his own and let him serve me in all ways so that Creation will once again fill the universe. Saxaii, hear my demands, Saxaii, send me the best of your powerful warriors- male, strong, proud and willing to do what is needed to ensure our peoples.” Janelle threw her arms over her head, allowing the power to flow through her and into the ground, sending her magick far and wide.

After a few moments, she heard a noise in the distance, but didn’t yet move. Using her abilities, she enhanced her hearing to discern mortal breathing and the smell of magick. He was coming—and if he was truly the one, her wait would finally be over.

The door to the hut slammed open and before her stood a tall male, short wavy black hair, the golden amber eyes of the Saxaii, and the tattoos marking him as heir to the Tribal Council of his people. Yet he was clothed only in a pair of loose pants and boots, which framed his wide shoulders and muscled stomach. Before he could step forward, she put her hand before her in warning.

“You step on sacred ground, Saxaii. State your name and purpose.”

He removed his clothing, revealing his shaven skin, his tattoos of power, and an erection that would make any woman tremble in fear. “I am Khalil, and I’ve come to fuck you and claim you as mine.”

“We shall see, Khalil. We shall see. I am Janelle. Enter and be welcome among the ancient of powers.”

She shuddered as he kissed the small white tiger symbol at the base of her spine. “I love this tattoo. There is something so primal about you being marked…” he whispered.

Janelle stroked his inner thigh where his tattoos marking his power as Saxaii– a mage of great power– resided. “And this reminds me just how powerful you are, Khalil. You are high born among your people, just as I serve mine.”

“Yet this is more than just a tattoo, is it not, ainchura? This is a marking of the pasarei. You are warrior and shifter, clan of Tiger.” His lips brushed her hips while his fingers traced patterns surrounding the tattoo on her back. “You have great power, power you will give me to help me on my quest.”

Janelle lifted one snowy brow as she allowed her hand to brush his thick erection. “Only if you agree to be my bonded charge. There is a high price for those of the pasarei to be with a Saxaii. Are you willing to bond not just with me, but with my other half?”

“I am yours to command, Lady Janelle,” Khalil whispered before his mouth brushed one erect bare nipple.

His mouth felt hot on her cool skin, but Janelle knew that he was also controlling the power surrounding them on this sacred place. Only here could Saxaii and pasarei meet and enjoy the sharing of flesh and soul. Only here could the magicks be blended creating something more than what was to be expected in this universe. Her hand gently squeezed his erection, enjoying the power that flooded her being. Janelle knew that for all Khalil responded to her call for magick, there was more to her than he could ever know.

Gasping in pleasure, she pulled his short hair until he released her now damp and tight nipple. “You will serve me, Khalil. Raise your power to the elements and offer your oath, offer your body and soul to me.”

She watched as his eyes darkened from pale amber to the dark gold that denoted a raising of internal magickal power. “As you wish, Lady Janelle. And what else shall I do for you?”

Chuckling, she urged him to stand, allowing herself to take in his fully naked form. “You shall offer yourself to be my hetair, my sex slave and be the man I may one day name as heir. But first, once the power is raised, you shall bow and proclaim your obedience before I take your cock deep within me.” Gracefully, Janelle moved until she was on her knees before Khalil. “Do so or forfeit your life, Khalil.”

“I have bound your creature to my magick, you cannot harm me,” Khalil countered with a smirk.

One brow raised as she laughed. “Oh, darling Saxaii, you have no clue who I am. This will indeed be a good time in the power of our gods.” Carefully, she moved her hands and uttered the ancient words that even this Saxaii could decipher. As his eyes went wide, Janelle’s teeth showed. “I am She Who Walks the World. And you are mine to do as I wish. Now, beg Khalil. Beg that I take you, that I accept you so you may know that which is eternity in my soul.”

Then without warning, she leaned forward and slid her mouth over his semi-erect cock.

Janelle’s tongue stroked the head of his cock while her hands slid between his parted thighs. Magick was magick, but even among her people and his, there was always the prophecy of She Who Walks the World, the collector and the creator of life. For Janelle, since childhood she had dreamed of this moment– to bond with the one Saxaii who could handle her power and perhaps, just perhaps handle her other self– Lenaj– the white tiger.

Burning filled her back as Khalil’s cock expanded fully in her mouth as she slid him further within. Crackling power surrounded them as Khalil’s shielding shattered around them. Janelle reveled in the pleasure filling her body as the magick bonded them together. Slowly, she removed his hot, thick cock from her and growled, “My other comes and will watch over us as we feast upon each other. Come serve me.”

Khalil bowed his head and dropped to his knees on the padded floor. “As you command, Lady Janelle, goddess of our world and the prophecy fulfiller. Let me taste your sweetness, let me make pleasure the magick of your touch.”

Janelle’s smile faded into a soft gasp as Lenaj emerged from her back, growing to full size. ::This is the one? He looks sufficient to the task, but will he bow to us::, the white tiger asked, dark green eyes meeting Janelle’s.

::He must if we are to fulfil the prophecy and give his people freedom. Khalil has power and I believe the ability to be one of us::

::Then let him serve you, my Lady:: Lenaj stepped behind Khalil, pushing him forward towards a kneeling Janelle.

“My other, Lenaj, would have you serve me, Khalil.” Janelle laid back upon the pillows. “Come and taste of the juices of creation. More importantly, I demand that you pleasure me until I or Lenaj command you to quit. Should you fail, so fail your people.”

“My pleasure, my duty,” Khalil said, sliding his shoulders between Janelle’s parted legs. “A small kiss for reverence.” His mouth kissed the top of her naked mons. “A lick to show my subservience to your needs.” His fingers parted her damp slit, exposing her clitoris to his rough tongue. “And to taste the food of the gods, I thank you and give you my power,” Khalil moaned before placing his mouth over her wet opening.

Craft of Writing: Blurb- It’s What’s Happening!

cynnara — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:42:50 +0000

Blurbs–they can get people reading or they can make people pass on by. Yes, many will tell you that cover alone is the be all, end all of your book hooking readers, but many of us are drawn more to titles and blurbs over covers. Even if you have the most kick-ass cover–without a blurb snaring the attention–you can still lose readers. So, how do you write a blurb that hooks your attention without giving too much away?

First off, there are many kinds of blurbs, not just the one you often read on a back cover. I classify them as High Concept, Back Cover, and the Query/Highlight blurbs. Each of these have a place within publishing both for non-published and published authors. Once you know the basic requirements to write each kind, you’ll find that it becomes second nature to you to have each type ready. Let’s look at the High Concept blurb first since it’s the shortest, and in some ways, the easiest to write.

What does High Concept mean? Simply put, high concept blurbs use already well-known items–books, movies, phrases– together in combination to showcase the essence of your story. An example is how Gene Roddenberry billed Star Trek to the Desilu executives. He called it “Horatio Hornblower among the stars.” This concept caught the executives attention and asked him to explain more about it. Another example is my story called Argent Valkyrie. I call it “Manchurian Candidate meets Star Wars with a twist.” If you’re familiar with what the stories are about–you then can see the essence of the story being spoken about.

So, how do you write a high concept blurb? Sit down with your story–finished or not, and ask yourself a few questions like: What does this story say in general terms? What movie/book/tv show does this story remind you of. (It can be more than one or two.) Is part of the story the reverse of a story that is out somewhere? By asking yourself these questions, you can now put together a one sentence high concept blurb. Play with it, refine it, watch a few movies or shows to capture the feel of your story better. By having this high concept blurb–we’re ready for the next stage: Back Cover Blurb.

I enjoy writing the Back Cover blurb as it’s often one of the first things I write while writing the story. It’s part of my plotting process and it often is the motivation to keep things on track. In fact, the back cover blurb will lead us to the final blurb– the query/highlight one as it’s a refined version with small changes. So, let’s take that high concept blurb as our guide and begin the back cover blurb.

We know the essence of the story, so the next step is what is the crisis/decision moment that forces the protagonist to act? This should be the first sentence of your blurb. In this blurb, I often have one to two paragraphs, each composed of 4-7 sentences. This limits what is included and forces you to think in what I call movie trailer mode.

Movie trailers are one of the best ways to learn how to write back cover blurbs. Listen to them on the radio and watch them on tv. Take notes on what is used as the opening, the middle, the ending hook. These are what comprise the back cover for a story. Though there are many things that make up a book or movie, these three components are always present.

Take your opening sentence. Does it make you go, “Hmm, I wonder what this is about? How did this happen?” If you aren’t finding yourself wondering more about the character– you need a different first sentence. Once you open up with the appropriate attention grabber that sets up the book, usually introducing the main character or at least one of the main characters, you move to the next part. Normally my first two sentences are what constitutes not just the crisis moment, but the main characters first reaction. This allows the readers to identify with the character–even though they don’t know much else. Then we go to what I call the interference–why can’t the character do what is necessary to fix the situation? What is stopping him/her from moving forward? Normally, I pick one certain thing faced that is a failure or I generalize a couple of incidents that show just what the character/s face and why they’re not getting anywhere fast.

Then I bring in the emotions. Why? Because we are emotional creatures and we want to feel the humanity of the protagonists. We want to see them struggle, fall in love, realize that they need something more than what they are at that moment to accomplish their goals. When writing a romance, this is where I mention about the attraction factor, the intimacy, or even being overwhelmed thus causing the next set of circumstances that happen. Once I’ve done this part–which is often a few sentences, I get to the setup of the black moment/final crisis. When I prepare this part, I often take a few minutes with the story if it’s done and reread the first few pages before that moment and through that moment. If the story isn’t written, I play my movie trailer in my head, taking down the aspects that make it so intense you need to know what happens after.

Then I fiddle with it a bit, making sure that I don’t give away the ending but leave the reader wondering– “What happens?” Depending on the genre, I often try to form the last sentence or two as questions, bringing the whole story essence into that moment– “Can they love each other when they find out their love is based on deceit?” “Can he figure out who is behind the murders before the murderer wins the final round by destroying the one person that Jake can’t live without?”

By using a strong hook at the end of the back cover blurb, you are leaving the reader wondering, thinking, considering. You’re forcing them to speculate without too much information and one thing that never fails when it comes to mankind is curiosity. Make them wonder what the ending is, they’ll go around, look at other things, then find themselves back at that book going, “Hmmm how does he resolve this? Can they get through this without losing themselves?” Starting and ending with a hook is one sure way to have your book remembered. If the hook is also catchy–it’s one they won’t forget and will talk about to other people. Once this is written, I often spend some time revising, tightening, and rewording the blurb until I’m happy with it. This usually involves me reading it out loud, like a movie trailer. If I hear it and I feel excited, then I know that I’ve got the paciing and flow nailed for the blurb.

This takes us to the final blurb– the Query/Highlight blurb. Why do I have this one last? For me, this is one of the hardest to write because it’s shorter than the back cover blurb yet is the one I use most often when I query publishers, agents, etc. For this blurb, I try to keep it to one paragraph–keeping the opening and if possible, the ending sentences. I go through the rest of the back cover things, removing detailed information and replacing it with generalized overviews. The goal with the query/highlight blurb is to get attention and make them want to hear more about the story. Often times you’ll see this blurb in a magazine, front page of an epublisher’s website, etc. It’s a short 4-6 sentence paragraph that gives you more than the High Concept but less than the Back Cover.

Normally when crafting the query blurb, I remove the emotions sentences and increase the crisis ideas, making the reader antsy and anticipating the meaning of what is going on in the story. A good example is the query blurb for Mark of the Blood, my first Marauder book. Example– Wrongly cursed by their patron goddess, Morrigu, nine Druid brothers fight the forcesof evil for eternity. Worlds collide as Kirstie Blake and Marauder Dr. Niam Maraigh hunt a rapist and succumb to the Mark of the Blood.

Notice that it not only gives you an overview of the series, but it also hints at what’s going to happen within the story without bringing up the details? The goal of the query blurb is to make the person want more. So when you open up the page where Mark of the Blood is–you then read the back cover blurb, which is a bit more indepth and makes you even more curious. See, you’re building up the tension in the blurbs. That’s the ultimate goal. How does this work?

Someone asks you about the story you’re working on. You might say, “It’s Underworld meets Merry Gentry with a twist.” This is actually the high concept I use for Treaty of Desire. There is more to the story than that, but in essence–it gets the point across. Now you’ve got someone going, “Tell me more. What do you mean? How is it like Underworld?” This is where you’d break out the query blurb.

“Taja Drevin, a Were-subqueen must learn the ways of the Seelie Fey in exchange for teaching the greatest mage among them how to access the glamour magick the Fey lost for closing the mortal world from Helia, the world all preternatural creatures live. Neither Taja, nor the mage, the heir Adrastai are prepared for the attraction that springs between them. But all is not well during this teaching–someone wants the treaty between the Weres and the Feys broken and they’re willing to kill Taja to do just that. Can Taja and Adras discover who is behind the assasination attempts or will the Treaty of Desire be broken thus destroying any hopes of their world surviving mankind rediscovering them when the Gateway opens between the two worlds?”

Notice that now you’ve given them just enough to tease their attention and whet their appetite without giving out too much detail? My back cover blurb is just a couple sentences longer, speaking about Frelin, Adrastai’s brother who is a major pain to Taja as well as the fact that both Adras and Taja are hiding secrets from the other which play factor in when they become lovers. The progression of each blurb helps to not only give snippets of info, but like movie trailers of thirty, forty-five, and sixty seconds–they let you see more aspects of the story without giving away the ending.

Even though people know romance novels will have a Happily Ever After, they still like discovering how they get to that point. It’s the journey that people enjoy the most–take that away, then a reader won’t bother with your story. But if you hint, tease, and make them wonder how it can be done–they’ll pick up your book before they do anyone else’s.

Remember– Blurbs– it’s where it’s happening. Without them we’d not get anyone interesting in reading what we write.

Craft of Writing: Blurb- It's What's Happening!

cynnara — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:42:50 +0000

Remember– Blurbs– it’s where it’s happening. Without them we’d not get anyone interesting in reading what we write.

Friday Flash– Lord of Abs vs. the Angel of Death

cynnara — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:43:32 +0000

This is a story that I’ve sat on for years. I’m not great at romantic comedy, but this story every so often pops up and bites my ass. *grins* That said…one day, I’ll be able to use this story idea and we’ll see what happens.

Nick Giovanni sped his motorcycle down the street. Granted that it wasn’t the normal means of traveling he enjoyed as a superhero, but one must maintain appearances for the rest of humanity. Lakeland wasn’t one of his usual stops, but this time he was here for a reason.

A dog darted out into Lakeland Hills Boulevard in front of him. Nick swerved, missing the dog, but causing his motorcycle to slide sideways along the road. The mutt scampered away as Nick’s body slammed into the pavement. He tried to brace himself after the impact, but there wasn’t enough time.

* * *

Angelique Dawson, Jocelyn Rogers, and Ayumi McCabe emerged from the diner. They laughed at Ayumi’s joke as they waited to cross the busy street. They heard the crash before they saw it, the black motorcycle skidding across the asphalt road. Angel dashed into traffic, heedless of what could happen to her.

She bent before the man whose helmet laid split in half beneath his head. Quickly, she examined him for any injuries. His leg was somewhat shredded as it bled from open wounds caused by being dragged. As she laid her hands on his wound, he stirred beneath her touch.

His eyes tried to focus on the shape before him. The sunlight created a halo effect around the blonde hair of the person whispering comfort to him. He blinked again as warmth emanated from her. “Are you the Angel of Death?” he asked hesitantly.

Angel smiled. “I’ve been called the Grim Reaper because of what I did to Fred and Ethel, but never have I’ve been called the Angel of Death.”

His audible gasp caused her to place her hands firmly on his wound to stop the bleeding once again. He whispered, “Why do I think I should be afraid?” Then his eyes fluttered closed as unconsciousness surrounded him.

“Because most people are?” Angelique whispered as she tended his injuries the best she could. Seeing the damage to his leg, she placed her hands on it and began setting it as well as she could, using her metahuman abilities. “Where’s the ambulance already?”

“It’s coming. How is he?”

“I need you to check his pulse. He seems shocky. I’m trying to keep him from bleeding out too much.”

“Careful with your ability.”

“Well, the Lord of abs ain’t going anywhere quick, now is he?”

“Lord of abs?”

“Take a look at the six pack he’s got, you tell me?” Angelique said as she bit her bottom lip while trying to use her talent for degeneration for regeneration. Her mentor had tried to teach her, but it wasn’t always easy or successful, thus the reason her air ferns, Fred and Ethel were deader than a doorknob.