So, I get the 15th...

Hi! My name is Fran Lee.

Not sure whether we are getting started now, or when, but, hey...I will simply take this opportunity to introduce myself here so next 15th, you'll know who I am.

I write erotic romance for Ellora's Cave Publishing, and Resplendence Publishing. So far, I have nine books out...six with EC, and three with Resplendence. My most recent book in e-book form is shown here, and the anthology piece I wrote back in November for Resplendence just came out a week ago in print as part of the Carnal Reunions Anthology.

My website is at: http://www.franleeromance.com

I have several blogsites, and pages on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

You can find all of my books listed on my website. You can contact me through my contact page on my website, too, if you have questions.

Happy to be here. You'll be meeting some fabulous authors here.

Fran Lee
http://www.franleeromance.com

Here is the cover trailer for
A Brief Moment of Pleasure

Newest Release: "Anything You Can Do"

Before I begin to tell you about my book, here's some information about TWO BIG CONTESTS I'm running to celebrate the release of "Anything You Can Do". Two lucky winners will receive lots of prizes...one winner will get prizes valued at $25! Visit http://www.mariannestephens.net for details!
 Contest runs until 31 March!

  Women always seem to be on the side of defending their position of "I can do whatever a man can do". In my latest book, the opposite is true.

"Anything You Can Do" is now available at: http://www.breathlesspress.com.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSho7Mus4zo I got the inspiration for this book after listening to the song "Anything You Can Do" from the musical "Annie Get Your Gun" (Annie Oakley vs. Frank Butler). Love story where Annie had to prove she "could do anything Frank could do"...and still won his love.


 For my book, think: Hunky CEO vs. kids in childcare for a week, all for a dare to prove he can do anything the tantalizing daycare owner can do. This time, a man has to defend his capabilities. Childcare clueless Jeff Ryan hasn't any idea what's in store for him when he accepts the challenge from the daycare's owner, Allison Minetti. He figures he can "babysit" with her and get to know her better. If he wins, she'll spend a pleasant weekend with him.

Allison desperately needs funding from Jeff's company to keep her business running. Offering him a partnership in Ryan's Rugrats seems like a reasonable request to her, especially since all her clients work for his company. Irritated when he calls what she does "babysitting", she issues her dare. If he loses, he'll consider her financial needs. Deep down inside, he's sparked her interest and spending time with him would be an added bonus.

Things don't go as smoothly as Jeff hopes, and he questions his sanity in accepting her dare as the week begins. But, decreased numbers in childcare attendance during the latter part of the week eases his time working with Allison, and he wins their bet.

Allison welcomes their weekend together, and the chance to explore their passion for each other. After watching him interact with the kids all week, she figures  he'll still consider her request. But, someone's interference in their challenge leads to loss of trust, heartache and a rift in their relationship. Can they find a way to clear up the confusion and salvage their love for each other?

Excerpts available at my website. Visit: http://www.mariannestephens.net for information about all my contemporary/paranormal romance books.
Visit: http://www.aprilash.net for information about all my erotic romance books.

WHY CHOCOLATE IS BETTER THAN SEX

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day is only two weeks away. Are you ready for love and romance? Whether it's with flowers, candy or some other special treat, enjoy the day with the one you love!
Photo: Flickr: toephotophotostream

 Below are 12 Reasons Why CHOCOLATE Is Better Than SEX:
from http://www.flowgo.com/funny/2099_chocolate-sex.html

12 Reasons Why CHOCOLATE
Is Better Than SEX!

1. You can have chocolate in front of your parents.

2. Nobody starts rumors about who you shared chocolate with.

3. People of the same sex can share chocolate without being called names.

4. The word "commitment" doesn't scare off chocolate.

5. Chocolate is satisfying even if it's gone soft.

6. No matter what kind of chocolate you like, it's legal.

7. You can have chocolate with a whole group of friends without being obscene.

8. If you have to pay for your chocolate, it's not too expensive.

9. Chocolate is just as attractive when you're sober.

10. A big piece of chocolate lasts longer, but even a small piece is satisfying.

11. You can have chocolate in the office without upsetting your co-workers.

12. It's easy to GET chocolate any time you want!!!

Do you agree? Now, I love chocolate and maybe sometimes it's just a wonderful, satisfying treat, but could anything replace sex in your life?

My romance books are all about love and sex, and none of my heroines would ever trade their heroes for chocolate...having both at the same time maybe, but not just chocolate without their men!
Visit www.mariannestephens.net for information about my mainstream romances. "Gone to the Dogs" is now available in print! "Anything You Can Do" releases 19 February from http://www.breathlesspress.com/.
VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSho7Mus4zo
Visit http://www.aprilash.net/ for information about my erotic romances.

New Year, New Resolutions

Photo: ori2uru'sphotostream/Flickr

Happy New Year! May this year be a wonderful one for you!

I love champagne, but usually only drink it on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Those bubbles are wonderful and adding a berry somehow makes it taste so delicious!

I'm not doing the standard New Year's Resolutions this year as I've opted for a more "down to earth" approach. Losing weight and exercising more just gets boring! I want to focus on different things for a better upcoming year!

1. Finish my surgeries. Yes, I have ONE more to go (and this SHOULD be the last one). When the nurses and cleaning people on the hospital floor know you by name, you've been there too many times!


2. Read a classic book, not necessarily a romance. I can't remember the last time I read a classic like "To Kill a Mockingbird".

3. Go to a movie theater. It's so easy to sit at home and watch a movie on TV, but I need to get out and go!

4. Get more sleep. I'm usually up late at night because it's the only time people don't "need" me for something. Then, I get up early. Raccoon eyes aren't attractive. More sleep is needed so I should go to bed earlier or get up later...or, take a nap during the day.

5. Try new restaurants. Yeah, we all have our favorites, but how many good places have I missed because I've gotten into the same "Let's go here...it's my favorite" rut?

6. Learn to say no. I have a horrible time doing this. Everyone around me seems so "needy" that I usually cave in and "help". Then, my time is shot to hell. As an organizer, I'm programmed to "fix" everyone so their lives run smoothly. Guess what? People still screw up no matter what my "suggestions" are. Saying "Figure it out. Sorry I can't help" should be my mantra.

7. Write names on the back of old photos before no one can tell me who they are. As a baby boomer, I have to rely on my mother for the names of unfamiliar faces in photo albums. I need names and hopefully some dates so I'll have these family memories to pass on.

8. Spend more time with older relatives to record our family stories. My mother is one of two remaining siblings out of ten. My uncle has Alzheimer's. Only she can now recall stories of the past and I want to record them all. She's now 86. How much longer can I put this off?

9. REALLY de-clutter my home. I've got tons of stuff, some from my kids, still lurking in my basement. I need to go through, room by room, and decide to get rid of stuff I haven't used in the last two years. I'll say goodbye to unused items/those I no longer use at all.

10. Say "please" and "thank you" more often. I've gotten into the habit of expecting things to be done and forget the pleasant feeling I can give someone with a simple "thank you". Saying "please" will make my request seem less like a command. I take people and what they do for me for granted, and forget the good manners I was taught as a child.

Happy New Year!
Marianne/April
www.mariannestephens.net
www.aprilash.net

I PICKED UP A "HUNKY" PRESENT WHILE SHOPPING!

Here I am, wearing an apron while shopping! (use your imagination with me on this!) When I saw this "Santa" in his cute little hat and socks, I just couldn't resist. After all, I'd already gotten presents for others (see the bottom of my cart...did you even notice the gifts until I mentioned them?)

No matter how much you beg, I won't tell what store I was in or how much he cost...that's my little secret! Now I have to decide whether or not to gift wrap him and put him under my tree until Christmas, or treat myself to an early Christmas gift! Decisions, decisions!

Speaking of gifts, I got a nice "surprise" a few weeks ago. I sold another book! "Anything You Can Do", by Marianne Stephens, will be published by Breathless Press. No release date has been set. The new cover is here on my blog and on my website: http://www.mariannestephens.net.

Unofficial BLURB:
Daycare director, Allison Minetti, challenges Ryan Industries CEO, Jeffrey Ryan, to spend a week in daycare with her. Clueless to childcare programs , he calls her business “just babysitting” and hesitates to donate financial aid to her center.

They agree to the following terms: if he makes it through the week, she’ll stop funding requests and spend a friendly weekend with him. If he can’t survive the five days, he’ll seriously consider donating to Ryan’s Rugrats, where his employees send their children. Allison makes sure he gets a full dose of childcare daily routines, including Diaper Day, Kitchen Day, field trips and swimming lessons. All of these test his orderly realm of sanity.

Instant mutual attraction leads to a week of seductive teasing and brief steamy encounters. Both welcome the weekend and satisfy their lustful passion in a series of lovemaking encounters. Hurtful lessons of betrayal from past loves haunt each of them so trust is vital in their relationship. Will someone else’s interference in their challenge lead to mistaken conclusions and pull them apart?

Happy Shopping! Let me know if you find a present like mine!

http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.aprilash.net
http://www.breathlesspress.com
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=11
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=13

I'm Thankful For...

So much to list! Family, friends, good health, career... The list is endless.

I love Thanksgiving! It's been years since I've been able to have the entire family sitting around our dining room table, sharing a turkey and all the trimmings. Children grow up and have families of their own...and create their own Thanksgiving traditions either living nearby or moving far away.

Photo: feltmouse's photostream, Flickr

One event on Thanksgiving I absolutely adore...Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This always signals the start of the Christmas holiday season...although stores have Christmas items on display even as I write this! I love watching all the balloons and seeing the groups marching through the streets of New York. My mother says I've been to one of the parades as a child, but, sadly, I was too young to remember any of it.

I've asked those on my newsletter list to tell me what they're thankful for and will add their comments below during the month:
Marianne/April - Besides what I mentioned above, living in the US

Misty - I give thanks to my family.

Maureen - I am thankful for my wonderful family and health.

Tracey- I am thankful for many things this year. I'm thankful for finally landing a job (I was out of work for about 6 months). I'm thankful to have my loved ones healthy for another year. I'm thankful for the endless support of my family and friends. I'm sure there are more but those are the ones that popped into my mind first.

Tamsyn - I give thanks for all my loved ones and friends and that I still have a job!

Audra - I'm thankful for my family and that they are healthy, and that I still have my job.

Melissa Keith - I'm thankful for my hubby, family, kitties, and my friends. I'm also thankful for Hershey's. It was extremely thoughtful of them to create Hershey's Kisses!

Karen Haas - I am thankful for my good health. That sounds a bit trite, I know, but considering the fact that I am now the sole survivor of my immediate family (parents & 2 older brothers are all dead now) and I have passed the ages my brothers were at their deaths (54 and 61), I do feel fortunate...and thankful!

Dena - I'm thankful for my daughter. I have a lot of medical problems and it was a very difficult pregnancy. She was born early (6 weeks) but had no medical complications. Even though she will be twenty-one in February, I still am amazed that she's my little girl, well young lady now. I am also thankful for the rest of my family and especially my sister, without her help through the years I wouldn't be here.

Roberta Harwell - With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I start thinking about what I'm thankful for. I think about the members of my family who have passed this year. It might bring a tear to my eye, but I know they are in a better place and no longer in any pain. I'm thankful for the members of my family who are still here. The friends who have stood by me through my trials without being judgmental. For having a home and a wonderful man to share each day with. For having two handsome boys, tow beautiful girls, and two beautiful granddaughters with another on the way are the apple of our eyes. They bring us such joy.

Beverly - Hum. What I'm thankful for. Everyone asks me that a lot now this time of year but even all year. I'm thankful for the good friends whom I see, all family, my husband, and my children, our nieces and nephews, my parents cause without them I wouldn't be. And most importantly, I'm thankful for the ability to read. Unfortunately, even in this day and age, literacy is a huge issue and I'm thankful everyday that I can read and I was one of the lucky ones.

Sue A. - I'm thankful for my health, which has allowed me to be in a position to help a family member through their own health issues.

Gayle - I am thankful that my father-in-law is getting treatment for his liver cancer, my sister is beginning to walk with just a cane after her knee replacement, my friend's father is able to function by himself after his stroke and that we all are doing pretty good right now. The other surgeries seem to have fixed the problems with the children and we are very lucky that we are doing as well as we are. I am thankful things are not worse. God truly has blessed our family.

Jackie Wisherd - First, I am thankful for my good health...as they say "When you have your health you have everything". Then my family and my dog Sandy, who has been with me for 18 years.

Stacey Smith - I give thanks for my nieces and nephew. They give me reason to keep living and see how their lives are going to turn out. It's fun watching them grow up.

Amira - I am thankful for my wonderful husband, my stepson, and my great in-laws. I am also thankful for my ever-loving family.

Brenda Rupp - I am giving thanks for my husband and my grandmother. My husband has gotten me through seven surgeries and bacterial spinal meningitis, and saved my life literally twice. My grandmother is 94, still works and is in fabulous shape. She is awesome and keeps me level and gives me something to work towards, as she is such a role model. I give thanks for those people in my life!

Carol L. - I am eternally grateful for my 22-year-old daughter's health. She had Osteo-Sarcoma (bone cancer) and survived a one-year stay in the hospital for chemo. She's now a healthy 22-year-old. Thank God.

Earlene Gillespie - I'm thankful for my family most of all. My parents are still with us even though they have health problems. I'm thankful that I have a secure job in these trying economic times.

Molly Daniels/Kenzie Michaels - Right now, I give thanks every day for a healthy family, a roof over our heads, and plenty of food in the house. Also for the support and encouragement of wonderful author friends! It it wasn't for my writing ability and faith, I'd be an angry, depressing mess right now.

Jeanette Bowman - I'm thankful that my family is all here and healthy.

Vicki Hancock - I am very thankful for the birth of my first Grandson this year. Also for my family and my parents. My Dad had a lot of health issues this year and we thought we would lose him so I am VERY thankful he is ok for now.

Joy Isley - I am thankful for a lot of things, especially that I have a lot of time to read, read, and read.

Sherry Haut - I'm thankful that I have a healthy child and a wonderful husband.

Debby - I am going to give thanks for my family. My daughter is missing a leg and needs some prosthetic work but I heard about someone who lost theirs. My sister is going in for a lung biopsy but she will be with us this Thanksgiving. Some sisters are not. So I know that everyone will give thanks for the family. That is what we truly should be thankful for when we sit down to enjoy that meal. They many not be there next time.

Mina Gerhart - I work with mentally challenged people in an institution and I'm thankful that I don't have the developmental challenges these beautiful have to deal with every day. I'm thankful for my family's and my health, a good job, roof over my head, and all of God's blessings he's seen fit to give me.

Jody Faltys - I'm very thankful for my family who have stood by me ever since I became a quadriplegic at the age of four. They have encouraged me to live life to the fullest and helped me attain as many of my dreams as they could.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Don't Forget to Vote 12-30 November in NIGHT OWL ROMANCE'S KISS SCENE CONTEST! Go to:

http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/contests/authorcontests.aspx

MARIANNE STEPHENS' ENTRY IS # 4

http://www.mariannestephens.net
Cerridwen Press:
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=13
Breathless Press:
http://www.breathlesspress.com
"Anything You Can Do" Release Date TBA
http://www.aprilash.net
Ellora's Cave:
http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=11
"SEXY GAMES"
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-7393-sexy-games.aspx
5 HEARTS, Diana Coyle, Night Owl Romance, REVIEWER TOP PICK

HUNKY HALLOWEEN ANGEL!

I swear some people spend their days just looking for "chain letter" emails to send out. I rarely will forward anything to anyone, and never give a second thought to the "bad luck" I may get if I don't, nor do I wonder about the "surprise" or "good luck" I'll get if I do.

SO, BE HONEST...how many of you REALLY ENJOY getting them from every person in your address book?

Here's one I received and just can't resist sending to you through this blog. Forget the "cutesy" angels you normally get. This version is different.

Take some fairy dust:


Add a "cutsey" angel:



And, POOF!




Did you smile? Have you finished trying to see up his loincloth? YOU JUST LOOKED AGAIN, DIDN'T YOU?

Hmm. My creative mind is spinning away with thoughts of a story centering on a hunky angel now that I have plenty of time to just stare at his...ahem...charm, grace, and saintly attributes.
RIGHT! Get a good look at this guy...don't you wish he was on one of your covers?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

My newest release, "Sexy Games", by April Ash, has the hero and heroine donning costumes and testing adult role-playing games. Too bad I hadn't seen this hunky angel before I wrote the book. I could have written him and his costume into a scene!
www.aprilash.net
www.mariannestephens.net

Do People Influence the Characters You Create?

I'm old enough to have "senior moments", so I guess I've met all kinds of people in my long life. Do they creep into my writing? Do I find them in my books?

One person in particular crept into my writing in ALL the earlier books I attempted (poorly) to write. My first three books all had nasty women named "Laura". Yep. Used that name with vengeance in my heart and a need to make "Laura" a villain.

Over the years, I still don't talk to "Laura", but I no longer put her in my books. Had my full of her and my need to seek revenge of some type. But I do see some hints of others I know or have known in my books.

My erotic books have no basis whatsoever on anyone I know. Not me. Not my husband. Not friends or family. Although, in "Strip Poker for Two", I made the hero an Army captain and have known men in the Army, including my husband. But, we never played strip poker!

I'm starting to think that some heroes and heroines have characteristics of TV or movie personalities. We're constantly bombarded by images on screen and those have to slip into our heads as we write. I see the image of Sandra Bullock, the heroine in "While You Were Sleeping" and think of Katie in my book, "Gone to the Dogs". I see the heroine of "Ugly Betty" and think of Eileen in my book, "Street of Dreams"...someone always trying to prove her worth.

I see a combination of my daughters in some of my heroines as they search for true love and maneuver the pitfalls and rocky roads to love. Didn't I do the same thing? Only a few of my friends/family members fit into the category of "love at first sight" with their first and only love. The rest of us had to tread water and separate the nice guys from the losers.

What about you? Do you see others in your heroes and heroines? When you read a story, can you "see" someone you know?

Visit www.mariannestephens.net and www.aprilash.net for updates about our books. Join our newsletter for a monthly contest and news about our books there, too! Email either marianne@mariannestephens.net or april@aprilash.net and put "Join Newsletter" in the subject line.

Write What You Know - Do I?

We've all heard "Write what you know" many times...but how often do we stretch our imaginations to delve into unknown areas? Surely, those who write paranormal and fantasies do just that.

I have to admit, I don't always follow that rule. My life might seem too boring to put on paper and turn into a page-turning romance book. I taught school. Raised kids. Play bridge. Bowl. Everyday stuff lots of people do.

Do I write about historical figures or wealthy world travelers? No. I'm not a history expert and certainly not wealthy. Travel? I've taken a cruise, been to Canada and Mexico, and visited lots of states here in the USA. But, can't say I've been to intriguing spots of the rich and famous?

Does the Grand Canyon count?

My first book, "Second Sight Dating", is definitely pure fiction. I never used a dating service. But, I know two couples who did and got married. Am I psychic? No, but that didn't stop me from making my heroine one. I have no background in detective work (unless you count the endless detective TV shows I watch), but I did ask a former police officer a few questions.

I guess I kinda wrote what I knew. Hmm.

My second book, "Street of Dreams", is a paranormal. This time, I could make up stuff and not have to have real background for it. But, I did have some knowledge of the time setting since I sent my H/H back to 1965...a time I remember. And, I sent them to a specific place and time that I could relate to and had knowledge of.

I guess I kinda wrote what I knew. Hmm.

My third book, "Gone to the Dogs", I wrote in first person. Yep, I have a Corgi and put him in the book. Wrote things in the book about the Wizard of Oz and Kansas...where I live. But the advertising business...I kinda threw in things I remembered from TV shows again.

I guess I kinda wrote what I knew. Hmm.

Now the next two books are erotic romances. I think I'll end this blog here, and not give away information about "writing what I know" for those. Although, I do play cards and my husband was in the military...like my book "Strip Poker for Two".

Then there's my newest release, "Sexy Games"...and it's time for me to stop!

So...do you write what you know? Enjoy reading books and wonder if the author is doing just that?

"Sexy Games", by April Ash, is now available from Ellora's Cave:
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419922978

RWA - Should I Remain a Member?

I've been upset with RWA since 2007, a year that saw my first book published and filled me with joy. Finally getting published, a goal I strove toward for over the course of many years, satisfied my need of fulfillment and confidence. I did it. I wrote a book and found a publisher.

The RWA conference in 2007 took away all my happiness and managed to irritate and anger me in those four days in Atlanta. Instead of proudly wearing my "pink ribbon" indicating I was a first-time published author, I found myself disenfranchised with the whole RWA organization, including PAN.

From an editor, a published author, and a new author whose book wouldn't release for TWO years from a NY publisher, I found myself on the receiving end of disinterested looks and comments...all because I was published by an ebook publisher, Ellora's Cave.

I went from a euphoric feeling of elation to a dismayed and barely tolerated third cousin of those "big" publishers and their authors.

Change is needed and will come. Enough people have been stewing about RWA's attempts to squash epubs and small print publishers in favor of the old, familiar print publishers...most from the NY area. Rules of acceptance and recognition have changed to "legitimately" block and keep epubs and small print pubs from being "blessed" by RWA.

One survey done shortly after the dreaded 2007 conference was worded to benefit RWA's stance on issues. When I tried to add comments, I found myself limited to only about 10 words, not enough to voice my displease and challenge the wording on their survey.

I battle with myself every year as to whether or not I'll rejoin. My initial reason for joining was to share in their wealth of information, but I believe a desire for power has made those in control go overboard with their personal ideals of "purist" romance books...and bias for big, NY print publishers.

Will things change this year? Next year? I don't know, but there are a hell of a lot of people unhappy with the way and direction RWA seems to be heading. Purist heads are going deeper in the sand, ignoring the advances in technology...namely, the improvement and popularity of ebooks. Some will never change their ideals or compromise.

My biggest pet peeve is simple. It's no one's business what my contract says, what I agree to, how much I make. That information is privileged information between myself, my publisher, and the IRS. Period. Simple. My financial situation isn't public knowledge.

RWA has my blessing if they want to exclude self-publishing, vanity presses and authors. I can also compromise and agree to making a publisher be in business 3-5 years before being recognized. These seem like reasonable requirements...keeping in mind that both ebook and print publishers have gone out of business at times.

Reluctantly, I paid my RWA dues again this year, only because I don't want to lose the friends and support I've found at my local chapter.

It's funny. Not one person has ever asked if I was a member of RWA...no one at a book signing, talk, etc. No one on the many non-rwa sponsored loops I'm on nor anyone on my newsletter list has asked either. Makes me wonder as to exactly what benefit I gain (other than my local chapter) by agonizing over sending in dues every year.

April Ash, www.aprilash.net, has a new erotic romance book releasing 24 July! Look for "Sexy Games" at Ellora's Cave, www.ellorascave.com.