What have you read lately?

I've been writing a lot recently (always good in my book) and my reading has been haphazard. But I have read a few great books that I want to share with you.

Now, my first genre of preference is Romance. Always has been, always will be. Funny, I haven't read one in a couple of weeks but I did pick up Stephanie Lauren's newest one for the Bastion Club today that I cannot wait to sink my teeth into. I've read each one of the Bastion Club novels and this last one is about the mysterious Royce. I know it'll be good. Don't you love to pick up a book simply because you know the author and you know proof positive you'll enjoy it. Then again, on the other hand, I can name a few authors who have fallen in my esteem. Authors who I used to buy blind, but no longer . . . but this is another story, another post.

On to another genre - Fantasy. I love a good fantasy. A favorite author of mine, James Rollins, I recently discovered writes Fantasy under the pseudonym of James Clemens. It took me awhile to find one of his latest (and this is from 2005), but I got ahold of Shadowfall, Book One of the Godslayer Chronicles. LOVED IT! I have Book Two, Hinterland, on order to arrive any day.

Now, have I finished writing my own contemporary yet? No. But it's nearly there. One more good night and then brush up a few edits and finally, I'll be able to send it out. Can't wait!

I'm Still Here

It doesn't seem like I'm around since I haven't posted since, oh, months! But never fear, good ol' Ayla is still here.

I've been sweltering this summer. The incessant heat leaves me feeling like a wilted flower all the time. Give me warm clothes, a fire and a book to snuggle down with and snow outside and you've got a happy girl. What am I doing locked in the south???

Can you believe my story is not yet done!? My girlfriend is completely exasperated with me. I know because she hounds me every week. But I need that from her or it'll drop. My life is brimming with kids, pets, husband, teaching . . . basically what any author deals with. I am simply not selfish enough.

Even though the story's not through, it's almost there. I've had to completely rewrite the thing, but I did this willingly as now it's a much tighter, better written tale. I can't wait to share the good news of where you can purchase it!

I'm on a roll now with the story and the husband and the kiddos are playing outside so I'll take this opportune time to get back to work!

It's a busy life

Yes, I've been extremely remiss with my posting. Almost a month now! Shame on me. Kids, part-time work, homeschooling, a new exercise plan, housework, sicknesses and life in general notwithstanding, my writing has sadly been pushed to the wayside. But not for long. I have complete edits on my threesome story and let me tell you, it's times like these a person is tested on her passion and desire in continuing to write.

Thank God I still have my drive or I'd give up now. Pat yourself on the back, Steph. I will pass this test presented by your edits. THANK YOU for doing this for me. I don't think my story will end up anything like I'd originally intended, but the story should end up being a tighter, more entertaining read.

My husband gave me the "night off" from the kids to concentrate on the story (yea) and my revisions are going at the speed of moving through molasses. Do I change this word or that? What's another word for "slid??" Do I completely cut out the threesome deal and just go for the MF main story? So many decisions. But it's working. I still need several more "nights off," if you're seeing this, love.

So for now, I've exhausted my brain with the story for the night and I've exhausted my body from my exercises, of which I'm not real happy about. My latest progress report showed very little change. Very little. I'm working toward what you see in this pic. I'm not quite near it. My husband says any progress is good and I keep telling myself that. It's tough. I do vow, however, to publicly wear a swimsuit this summer. God help me with this.

For the love of sexy love

Oh, I love to write about love. There is nothing better, to me, than to create a couple of characters who want to connect to someone out there on all levels. The level I explore more in depth, of course, is the physical side of a relationship. It works for me because if people in a relationship cannot connect physically, it will hinder any other aspect of their relationship.

Right now I'm working on a really hot story about a guy who's slow and easy and a woman who has never been in a relationship where the guy didn't want to get to business as soon as possible. I'll keep you posted on this yet-untitled work as well as my other story, nearly finished, The Deciding Factor.

Enjoy the fruits you create of this brand new year!

Tis a New Year come sliding in

Ah, now begins the imminent countdown to end 2008. There once was a time when I would be busy with the parties and group excitement of waiting for the new year. Maybe it's because I'm older or maybe because my life doesn't revolve around "parties" (unless they're a birthday party) so much anymore, but it's not that way for me now. It's alright. Take now for instance, my two youngest are asleep and my oldest is playing Wii with my husband and I'm working on my writing. Go figure.

He (the oldest) will be getting to bed soon, and my husband and I will quietly, although snuggly, bring in the new year together. So I guess I can't complain even though there are times I quite fondly remember the rousing bru-ha-ha of loud shouts, sloppy kisses and spilled champagne . . .

So here's to the coming year and all the wonderful joy it will bring to all of us. I for one, resolve to get my name out there and my stories spread and (finally) have a publishing house to call home!

There's a first time for everything ...

Hello out there in web world! I am completely new to this thing called blogging and looking forward to the potential of those I can reach. I am a busy, practical housewife and mother by day, and when the sun sets, I turn toward my more romantic, erotic side.
I have been writing almost all my life but only in the past recent years have I been more focused on writing to be published. Currently, I have finished an exciting story that a dear friend of mine is reviewing for edits. I plan to put this story out there to potential e-publishers within the next month or two. I am holding my breath and crossing my fingers and saying whatever prayers I need to say that I'll get this story out to the right publisher on the right day at the right time and snag! My story will be loved and bought!