The Write Thing with @meganslayer #writing #advice #suggestions #iamwriting

I was asked recently, what is the one piece of writing advice that has stuck with you and why?

This is tricky. I’ve been given a lot of advice. Some has been good and a lot has been bad. I’ve been told to ‘try this _________ because it’s surefire’. I’ve learned that what works for one person doesn’t always work for everyone.

That said, one bit of advice I got very early on that has stayed with me. Think before you post something online and before you say something because you’ll have to answer to it for the rest of your life. Nothing’s ever gone from the internet. If you keep your message positive, then you’re golden.

This stuck with me because it seems like it would be an easy thing. Be positive and think before you hit post. But it’s not. Individuals get into trouble all the time for things they wish they hadn’t posted or said on social media.

As an author, your presence on social media is your brand. I don’t know about you, but I want to keep my brand positive. I don’t want readers to think of me as someone who complains or someone who doesn’t have a goal. I want them to see this person is having fun. I might not be rich, but I’m having fun writing and I’m following my heart. Do I manage to post every day on social media? Nope. Most of the time, my blog gets sadly ignored. Sucks. But I try.

That’s my advice. Be positive and think before you hit post. Diamonds and posts on social media are forever.

The Thing About Edits… with @meganslayer #iamwriting #iamediting #writing #authorlife #edits

When I set out to be a writer, I had this odd notion that the first thing I wrote would be wonderful and edits weren’t important. Boy! Was I wrong? You bet. Way off. I need edits and at least one or two sets of eyes on my work before it’s ready to go places.

A lot of authors, though, fall into that trap. My work is great without editing. Unfortunately, it’s wrong. We need edits. The first thing we say isn’t perfect and the first thing we write isn’t award winning.

I’ve had authors and those wanting to get published ask me why I bother with edits. I’ve given them the above reason. Practice sure does make better, but no one is a perfect writer and certainly not straight out of the gate. I can’t tell you how many teh and hte I’ve had in my manuscripts. Now I can hear you saying, um that’s what spell check is for. True. But when you’ve been writing and you’re tired and you mix your there, their and they’re… spell check won’t catch that.

But truly an editor is your best friend. They can help you mold a rambling story into a tight-knit tale. They can help you find your voice by snipping the unneeded bits out. They show you where you shine and where you could use some work. A good editor is a gem.

Which brings me to why I’m writing this blog post. Easy. I’m procrastinating. Snicker. Yep. I have an edit to do, know I should be doing it, but I needed a break. The edit will make the story better and needs to be done, but I need a couple minutes. It won’t be a painful edit, but…a few moments will help.

So what are you up to today? Are you procrastinating, too?

You’ll Think of Me by @WendiZwaduk #mf #romance #erotic #military

You’ll Think of Me by Wendi Zwaduk 

Totally Bound

Contemporary

Novella

M/F, Anal Sex, Outdoor Sex

The man of her dreams finally came home from the war, but is he still the man she remembers or have his demons changed him forever?

Melanie Roberts loved her best friend more than she could ever imagine, and for longer than she wants to admit. Though once lovers, she’s resigned herself to being no more than his best friend and roommate. On the eve of his return from deployment in Iraq, in order to keep her heart from breaking, she decides she’s moving on—after one last sexy night.

Cade Nicholson has come to a decision. As he comes home damaged in both body and soul from his latest deployment, all he wants is to find comfort in Melanie’s arms. Unsure and unsteady in expressing his love to the only woman to hold his heart, he has to find a way to convince her of his true feelings.

Can two best friends overcome their demons to prove their love for one another before past decisions come back to haunt them and it’s too late?

Available from: Totally Bound : https://www.totallybound.com/youll-think-of-me?author_id=125

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzaZlG

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O6MSXI/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004O6MSXI/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004O6MSXI/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004O6MSXI/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B004O6MSXI/

Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004O6MSXI/

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/youll-think-of-me

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/youll-think-of-me-wendi-zwaduk/1104681272?ean=9780857153418

 

EXCERPT:

© Wendi Zwaduk, 2010, All Rights Reserved

“I’m still his housemate, not his personal chauffeur.”

Melanie Roberts waited by the ticket counter at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport for her friends to arrive. Waiting by the gates ensured she’d see them faster than if she waited on the lower level by the baggage claims. She mumbled to herself as she gazed at the empty gateway. “I don’t know why I let him talk me into this.” A woman turned, glaring at Melanie who shrugged. “Who am I kidding? I can’t wait for Cade to return.”

The air in the terminal enveloped her in a personal sauna. What happened to the high-dollar air-conditioning system mentioned in the local newspaper? She fanned herself, trying to remember whether she put on deodorant this morning. Beads of sweat trickled between her breasts and dampened her bra. She blew out a puff of air and tucked her humidity-frizzed hair back under her hat.

An announcer interrupted her private sweltering. “Flight two-two-three-three from Dulles is on a thirty-minute delay due to heavy thunderstorms. Repeat, flight two-two-three-three from Dulles is on a thirty-minute delay.”

Melanie removed her ball cap. She ran a shaky hand through her hair. Her ruby ring caught on a few strands and she cursed under her breath. She replaced the tattered hat and tucked her hair under the frayed edges. Her heart thudded, making it hard to breathe. Her boys, Cade and Rhett, weren’t on that particular flight. She checked the nearby screen. Flight one-five-two-seven from JFK International Airport—their flight—was already on the ground and in the process of debarking.

Any time now, guys…

In the distance, someone’s cell phone played an old country tune, ‘He Loved Me’, and took her back to a time when things had been much simpler and her heart hadn’t been broken. She hummed a few bars and scanned the crowd once more.

The image of Cade and the words to the song stuck fast in her mind. If he hadn’t cheated, he’d still be mine… She fidgeted with the ruby ring and fought off the anxiousness that naturally came when she waited for him to return from a deployment. Nervous energy sizzled through her veins as she cracked her knuckles. She didn’t know what else to do with her hands when she couldn’t watch the world through the safety of her camera lens.

Where were they?

A barrage of laughter rang in Melanie’s ears and a shimmer of excitement slipped through her. She knew that baritone—Staff Sergeant Rhett Ione. “Give me sugar, Melanie!”

Opening her arms, she turned. “Rhett! How’s my guy?”

Crushing her in his grasp, he whirled her around. “You make coming home a blast, little girl!”

When he plopped her back onto her feet, she continued to clutch his biceps. “I missed you, but where is Cade? I thought you got leave together?”

Rhett tucked a loose lock of hair behind her ear. “Leave, yes. The same flight, no. Cade flew out of Germany and I came straight from the Gulf.”

Embarrassed by her lack of tact, she averted her gaze. Rhett tipped her chin. “Hey, I know you missed me, but you have a thing for him. But I’m still one of your best friends and only passing through. Chill. He’s due to land—” he glanced at his all-weather watch, “—in a moment or two.”

Melanie sighed. She opened her mouth to speak, when a voice from behind interrupted her.

“Excuse me?”

Ginnifer Larkin stood a foot away and narrowed her green eyes. “Are you here to give them a ride?” She folded her arms and shifted her weight. The pale yellow sundress clung to her slender figure and accentuated her pert breasts. Her silky caramel-coloured hair fell around her shoulders.

Why the hell did Cade’s fuck-friend have to show up? Melanie forced a smile to her lips. “I’m taking them home, yes.” Speaking under her breath so no one but Rhett would hear, she mumbled. “Just like an ex would…”

Ginnifer chewed her ruby-red bottom lip. “We never broke up, you know.” Her eyes lit up and a smile brightened her heart-shaped face. “You’re home!”

When Melanie tried to turn, a pair of strong arms enfolded her and restricted her movement. Warm breath tickled her cheek and the scratch of day-old whiskers abraded her neck. While her legs turned to jelly, her heart raced. Desire pooled low in her belly.

“I missed you, Melly.”

 

Writing and the Binge ~ Working and Once Upon a Time with @MeganSlayer #iamwriting #working #meganslayer

I’m notorious for having to have noise while I write. It’s crazy. I can’t concentrate when it’s quiet. Just doesn’t work. So this past weekend, I binged. I did. Once Upon a Time. First season. Why? I wanted to see Sebastian Stan. I admit it. Along with my thing for Cap, Young Professor X, Falcon, and Captain Hook…I’ve got a thing for Bucky/Winter Solider/White Wolf. Yep. And seeing him as the Mad Hatter was pretty great. He works the eyeliner well.

So I binged. I’m glad I kept going. Part way through the first season, I got a little bored, but finally…Mad Hatter.

While I binged, I wrote. I’m happy to say I finally have 9k on something accomplished. I had a few setbacks and started to think I wasn’t going to get anywhere. Between writer’s block and a few other things, I just felt stuck. Not now. Phew.

So what do you binge? Recently I’ve binged OUaT, plus Political Animals, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. Suspect Behavior had Matt Ryan from Constantine. Sorry, I’m a sucker for that accent. Oh and I binged Constantine. Not all this weekend. This has been my month for the binge. What’s on your binge list?

Embracing His Roar by @meganslayer #gayromance #paranormal #shifters #sanctuary #meganslayer #gay #romance

Embracing His Roar by Megan Slayer 

Sanctuary, Book 11

Gay Paranormal Erotic Romance

Novella

From SuperNova Indie Publishing

 

A bobcat who doesn’t think he belongs and a lion who believes he is unlovable…can they make a relationship work?

Avan has made his share of mistakes, but those are in the past. Moving forward means forgiving himself and having a life at the Sanctuary. He wants just one shifter—Oscar. The bobcat shifter soothes his soul and seems to see the best in Avan. But will he want to be with Avan, even after everything Avan’s done?

Oscar’s lusted after Avan since he first saw him. He doesn’t care what Avan’s done because he believes everyone deserves a second chance. But Oscar’s got a past, too. He’d never felt like he belongs, even at the Sanctuary. The one place he feels safe is with Avan.

The odds a bobcat and lion should be together are low, but the passion between them sizzles. Can they find common ground and embrace their roar or will their differences destroy the blossoming relationship?

 

Available at

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ3Z2MQ/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embracing-his-roar-megan-slayer/1128628195?ean=2940162013747

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/embracing-his-roar

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Megan_Slayer_Embracing_His_Roar?id=CCpaDwAAQBAJ

In Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623441269/

 

Life with Dogs ~ Compassion ~ with @meganslayer #lifewithdogs #pups #authorlife #meganslayer #compassion

This last couple weeks haven’t been my favorites. I had a couple of setbacks and found out my grandfather isn’t doing well. It’s been tough on me. But I’ve had bright spots. I’m back to walking 2.5+ miles every day and while I’m not writing as much as I’d like, the laptop is working. I can write. I’m writing a little and making some progress.

But the bright spot has been my pup. I know she’s older and she’s slowing down. She snores louder than she used to and can’t see where she’s going. She tends to pass gas right next to me and isn’t perfect, but who is?

What she is, is loyal. She knows when I’m down and when I need a hug. She knows when I want company. She’s been there for me this last couple weeks when I needed her. I’m glad. Without her, I’d be in a world of hurt. She’s my dog. She hangs out with me while I binge watch shows and write.

She’s not perfect, like I said. She’s a champion gas passer. But she’s the best. I’m glad I’ve got her.

I realize this isn’t the longest post and it’s probably a little boring or over the top. Oh well. I needed to get this out. I needed to talk a little about what’s been going on and how I’m dealing. Thanks for reading.

Tied Desire by @meganslayer #gayromance #erotic #bdsm #mm #meganslayer #spanking

Tied Desire by Megan Slayer 

Club Desire Book 1

M/M, Anal Sex, Toys, Spanking, BDSM

Novella

Resplendence Publishing

 

Get your rocks off however you want at Club Desire. We’re not easy and we’re not free, but we are discreet. Find your fantasy in the club.

Ford Gehrig likes everything hard—his racing and his sex life. His career driving stock trucks is riding high. He’s a top performing rookie. Club Desire fulfills his needs for pain in his pleasure. But even a strong man has his breaking point. His wounds run deep and won’t be easy to overcome. Will the club be his salvation or his downfall?

Master Zane knows the rough side of the club well. He’s been at Desire longer than many of the Doms. Few subs turn his head like Ford. He wants the hot blond on his table, against his cross and in his bed. Nothing at the club comes easily, but Zane’s not one to give up. Will he be able to pierce the protective walls around Ford’s heart, or will his own past be the barrier he can’t destroy?

Only time, some cuffs and a few spankings will tell if this tied desire is meant to last.

An AllRomance Ebooks #1 Bestseller!

Available here: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/639-978-1-60735-740-7–tied-desire-club-desire-series-book-one-by-megan-slayer.html

Universal Link: http://books2read.com/u/mYR9qw

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMOTVAQ/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00IMOTVAQ/

Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00IMOTVAQ/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00IMOTVAQ/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00IMOTVAQ/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IMOTVAQ/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tied-desire-megan-slayer/1118942769?ean=2940149568123

EXCERPT:

“Stand. I want you to sit on the couch with me.” Zane offered his hand.

Albeit tentatively, Ford cooperated. He rose and followed the Master to the oversized leather sofa. For the first time since he’d entered Zane’s private space, he glanced around. Instead of the stark look of T’s room, this one was decorated in rich burgundys and navys. A couple floor lamps provided light. The standard bondage bed and a mattress on a platform completed the otherwise lush look.

“We need to talk. Please sit.” Zane’s words forced Ford to look at him. “Were you happy with T?”

Ford eased down beside Zane, not touching the larger man. Should he answer honestly? Might as well. “I enjoyed our time together.”

But I’d rather he’d have been you. Oh shit. He couldn’t admit that.

Ford allowed himself to ogle Zane. Full muscle in every part of his body, his arms were both sleeved in tattoos and a thick leather X crisscrossed his sculpted chest. A barbell decorated his right nipple. His leather pants molded around his strong legs.

For the first time since Ford had come to Desire, he looked Zane in the face. Scruff darkened his thin cheeks and dark lashes ringed his eyes. His black hair stood in spikes and twin earrings dangled from his left ear. He didn’t have telltale smile lines around his mouth. Didn’t the man grin at anything? Ford doubted Zane could be sad with all of the sexy men and women at his disposal.

Zane’s brown eyes narrowed, and the crinkles formed at his brow. “Somehow, I don’t believe you enjoyed being with T.”  He trailed his fingers down Ford’s cheek. “He claims you get off on name calling and degradation. I don’t buy that. I can see you getting off on the power shift, but not the other. You seem too timid—in a good way—for that harsh of treatment.”

Ford pressed his lips together to keep from gawking. In less than a minute, Zane had read him well. “You’re correct, Sir.”

“I want to start there. I’ve watched you in action. I know what you like and don’t like, but I want to hear you tell me your boundaries.”

“No needles or blood. I’m squeamish. Don’t choke me or abuse me. I can take pain, and I’ll use my safe word when I get to my limits.” Ford held his head high. “I enjoy the paddle, being restrained and sucking cock.”

“Very good.” Zane curled his fingers beneath Ford’s chin. “What’s your safe word?”

“Biscuit, Sir.”

“Nice.” Zane nodded. “Since T has seen fit to toss you back into the submissive pool, I’m stepping in. You’re mine. Do you wish to play?”

All of Ford’s desires and fantasies were coming true. Sure, he hadn’t wanted to part with T, but if he could spend time with Zane, then perfect. Ford wished he’d worn appropriate clothing for a scene, but who cared. He didn’t. Time to channel his sorrow into something sexy.

Ford placed the still full beer bottle on the floor, folded his hands and bowed his head. “Yes, Sir. I’d like to play.”

©Megan Slayer 2014

 

My Grandmother Used to Say…A Lady is Measured by Her Garden @meganslayer #mygrandmotherusedtosay #meganslayer

My grandmother is 88 years old and sometimes doesn’t remember the things she says, but she used to give me nuggets of advice.

When I was a kid, she’d expect us grandkids to come to the farm to help with the chores and whatever else she could find to put us to work doing. You never knew if you’d be in the barn, the house or working on the landscaping. One day you could be on the wagon helping with straw and the next weeding the raised flower beds.

As I was outside weeding the other day, I thought about one of the things she’d tell me. A lady is measured by her garden. Like I said, she’s 88. She grew up in a different world than I did and isn’t shaped by today’s conventions. She was very much the housewife and took care of the children. She didn’t leave the farm much and took a lot of pride in her house and landscaping.

I’m guessing she learned about keeping a neat house from her mother. I don’t remember my great grandmother because she died when I was four. But I could see her being very meticulous about her gardening.

My grandmother was right–to a degree. I mean, if you have a neat house, it’s noticed. If you don’t…it’s noticed. I don’t know that it’s the measure of a lady, but it does show that you take pride in what you have. If you’re willing to work hard to make the garden, house or whatever the best you can make it with what you have, then that’s something. I think that’s what she meant. It’s not about having the best or newest or whatever. It’s about taking care of what you do have.

I have taken her advice to heart ever since I started my writing career. If the book isn’t up to snuff for me, then I’ll work to make it so. That might not please everyone and some might see my book as not being great, but I tried and did my best. That’s enough. Do the best you can do. So maybe I’m not measured by my garden, but I’m trying. That’s what she asked of me and I’ll do it.

 

Biting Love By @MeganSlayer #vampires #gayromance #erotic #meganslayer

Biting Love By Megan Slayer 

A Rosie Peaks Crossover Novella

Megan Slayer Publications

M/M, Anal Sex

Vampires

Contemporary, Paranormal

 

Mix one vampire with one human who doesn’t believe in the paranormal and add some sizzle.

Anson wasn’t looking for a partner when he spotted the handsome human, but he’s not about to argue when the mood strikes. He’s got to bring a date to the Halloween bash and Parker fits his bill exactly. Now all he needs to do is convince Parker that vampires truly exist.

Parker is practical, intelligent and a little on the geeky side. He can’t believe his eyes—a handsome man has not only hit on him, but asked him out…to a masquerade ball. He doesn’t believe in vampires, but Anson wears his Dracula costume a bit too well.

Can these two find love and trust after all or will the sparks only last until the dawn?

 

Universal Link: https://www.books2read.com/u/3nOWlB

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MHSXYL/

Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B075MHSXYL/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075MHSXYL/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075MHSXYL/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B075MHSXYL/

Amazon FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B075MHSXYL/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B075MHSXYL/

 

EXCERPT: ©2017 Megan Slayer, All Rights Reserved

 

“Okay, then where’s your boyfriend?”

“Don’t have one.” Not since Seth dumped him a year ago. Seth wanted to sleep around and Parker wanted monogamy. According to Seth, gay men couldn’t be monogamous. The asshole. Parker tried to get him back, but Seth never called him again.

“You should.” Anson grasped Parker’s hand. “But it makes this so much easier.”

“Me? I? What?” Oh Jesus, he had to stop talking. He made no sense and he could’ve sworn Anson wanted to kiss him.

“It’s rather difficult to ask someone out if they’ve already got a date or boyfriend.” Anson scooted he chair around the table until he sat next to Parker. “Right?”

“You’re asking me out?” He must’ve heard Anson wrong and understood the wrong vibes. “Really?”

“Of course…unless you don’t want to.” Anson trailed his fingers down the back of Parker’s neck. His eyes shimmered. “Not interested?”

“I…yes.” Christ. Start going for what you want, Parker. “I’d like a date. Yes. But I need some time. I mean—not tonight.” Shit. He was fucking up the plan. “I mean…”

“I’m pretty free. What works for you?”

“Uh…I need to get this paper down. But I’ve got time around lunch tomorrow. If I can get this turned in before tomorrow night, I’ll be free for Halloween. Would lunch work? Then if you don’t like me, we’re not committed to a night date?” He’d just talked himself out of a date. Shit.

“No good. I’m…in a class at lunch.” Anson draped his arm across the back of Parker’s chair. “I’m better at night.”

“Oh.” Anson didn’t strike him as a college student. “Which class? I could meet you at your building afterward.”

“Uh…it’s off campus at the sculpture building at the old farm.” Anson nodded. “You know, all of those power tools and bending machines. They can’t have it too close to campus in case one of the artists does something crazy.”

“I doubt that.” He turned in his seat to face Anson. “The worst you could do is burn down the building, but why? Performance art? Nah. You’re all careful. It’s a reason to be out there.” He wanted to touch Anson and prove to himself the man was real. He rested his forearms on his thighs instead. “I’ve never been to the arts building out there, so I wouldn’t know too much about it.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“No wheels.” Embarrassment washed over him. If his dorky personality wasn’t enough to push Anson away, his lack of a car would be the topper. “I had to sell my car to make my tuition payment. My job at the front desk at the student housing complex was cut.”

“That’s awful.” Anson didn’t pull away. He kept caressing Parker’s biceps.

“Unless I can find a sugar daddy or get some cash flowing from my writing, I’ll have to get a part time job over at the burger joint across from the student center. It’s not a bad job, but I’d rather be writing.” He smiled to hide how he felt—embarrassed, dejected, screwed over. He had to get more positivity into his life, but damn it. Life kept throwing him curveballs.

“You never told me what you write.” Anson wriggled his eyebrows. “Anything juicy?”

“No.” Here he wanted to be a writer and he hadn’t self-promoted. Bad Parker. “Science fiction with a little paranormal mixed in. It really depends on the day and my mood. I’ve got one about aliens invading the earth and this one is more paranormal.”

“Really?” Anson smiled.

Parker couldn’t read his expression. “You don’t like it? Too out there for you?”

“No, I’m fascinated.”

“You are?”

 

I’m on the Lady Smut Blog today! @megan slayer #guesting #blogging #ladysmut

Catch my post today at the Lady Smut Blog!