Why I Write Erotic Romance

My husband calls me the princess writer of housewife porn. I kinda like that, but I’m hardly a princess. Erotic romance should be something that gives the reader a fantasy. Why not, men have their torrid mental affairs in sex magazines.

          “Oh, but I read it for the articles,” he pledges with a mischievous look in his eyes.

          Yeah right! **Rolling my eyes** How many times have you heard that ladies?

          No way am I taking away from such magazines. After all, they are the modern foundation for this particular genre. But in order to capture our attention as women make it more romantic.  Having sex with a busload of cheerleaders going to cheer camp isn’t appealing for some of us. Now, you make this a story about a rock band that is going to a concert, or whatever turns you on, and actually form a relationship of some kind with one, now we have a good start. Happily ever after, happy for now, it doesn’t matter. We romanticize it, make it realistic, and sweet…..but OMG! My body is on fire HOT!

          I view erotic romance as no-hold-barred sex and love within the woman’s terms. Not a story to get off on and leave unsatisfied. Characters need time to develop, the sex scenes need to be hot, steamy, and so well written so you, the reader, feels what the characters are feeling as well. The ending needs to be well rounded, satisfying, and hopeful. It can fill a dream fantasy, address an issue within the realm of society, or just plain be happy. Let’s face it, there are no Prince Charming’s out there, and love is found when you least expect it.

 

To find out more about Ronna Gage

View her website.

www.webs.com/ronnagage

                OR

Facebook page

www.facebook.com/ronnagage

 

 

      Ronna Gage Books

          Freya’s Bower

Tell Me a Lie

Afternoon Delight

          Romance Divine

Love Lessons

Friends and Lovers

Soon to be released; Bare it All

Noble Romance

Mystic Journey

Writing for Your Reader’s Entertainment

I got this idea from a conversation at my support group, Ronna Gage Group on Yahoo. Two of the members were having a conversation on the writing style of a particular author and the question of why should we show instead of tell a story? So I thought I would comment and use this topic as a blog. Thanks Karyn and James for this idea.

When you decide to write your story you sit and invest time, money, and imagination into it. You write about the facts of history for that historical, you suggest a character’s feelings of what they see and hear. As an author you created a good story. Unfortunately, if you don’t spend the time to bring your character’s world into focus for the reader, they will be lost, bored, and eventually stop reading. Your reader wants intrigue, drama, romance, and of course passion. Basically, an escape from their own world and set backs. They want a hero to fall for and a heroine to be like—or the other way around. And when you ‘show’ actions, emotions, etc. you give the reader a sense of being in that world.

You want your reader to fall in love with your characters; want to live in the world you’ve created, keep telling themselves “Okay, I’ll stop reading after this chapter, Maybe after this one because I have to get cook dinner.” Suddenly, it’s two chapters later and the kids are interrupting the story because they are hungry.

Sound familiar? Sure does to me. Time goes by so fast when I’m reading or creating a good book. 

It is the responsibility of the author to give every possible detail of the universe you created to transform them into your book and witness the stories characters traverse the plots to the ending. 

So, how can you make this possible you ask? Simple, write in the here and now. Sit down and let your imagination run wild. Focus on the descriptive and the sensory clues to the reader.

Here is an example of descriptive clues from Mystic Journey by Ronna Gage

Drake looked at the building and saw it was dark.

What do you think the reader is asking him or herself?  For one, I’m thinking, where is he at right now? What kind of building is he looking at?      

In the book it reads like this;

Drake scanned the dark perimeter of the building—no activity. In this light, it was difficult to see it as little more than a rusted out, metal structure. The last evidence of a former sheet metal company—long gone since it moved to a more lucrative spot in the business district.   

Even with the usage of ‘was’ in my manuscript, I am able to give the reader clues to the ‘sights’ as viewed by Drake.

Another way this could have been written;

Drake scanned the dark perimeter of the building—no activity. In this light, the building didn’t look more than a rusted out, metal structure. The last evidence of a former sheet metal company—long gone since it moved to a more lucrative spot in the business district.

As you get stronger in your skill, you learn to rephrase and restructure sentences to tantalize the reader and engage them into your characters.

Sensory descriptive example

Zander looked at Angelique. She was beautiful.

Is the reader engaged with Zander and his emotions toward Angelique? I wouldn’t be as a reader. I would wonder what made her look beautiful to him. Now, let’s add the ‘show’ skill.

Excerpt from Blood Bait a work in progress

Zander looked and his breath caught in his throat. Never had he seen a more beautiful baby as his little girl. His eyes scanned her face and took in every detail. Rosy cheeks, Soft tufts of hair curling into a long half roll on top her head, and perfectly rounded lips. She yawned; Zander chuckled at the sweetness in this little babe’s face and almost sobbed with the swelling love growing in his heart.

Have I engaged you, the reader with this paragraph?  Are you falling for Zander’s gentleness toward his daughter? Can you almost witness the bond of father and daughter?

Are you misty eyed, breath taken, and wishing for more?  I hope you said yes.

Writing in the here and now you show details, not tell the story. This skill is not a difficult task, but it is time consuming, and in my opinion, very critical to your success as a published author. Remember, for every one aspiring author that is successful, ten is rejected for various reasons, but the one most common—poor writing style.

Each paragraph, page, and chapter ask yourself.

What does it look like? This usually describes the setting. What the character sees in the surroundings, the other characters—this is where you can detail your character’s looks.

What does it feel like emotionally and physically? Soft touches, stinging slap of her hand…

His heart swelled with love and he almost sobbed.

What does it sound like? Dialog, thunderstorms, birds singing, music in background. etc. All things needed to transform the reader to your ‘imagery movie’ 

What does it taste like? This is great to describe a kiss, oral sex, the distinction between tastes of food. The sour pickle, the sweet watermelon. 

I have a few links on my yahoo group for you to view if you are interested. A book I can recommend that I have used is This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley.

Lots of success, best wishes, and most of all, have fun!

Ronna Gage!

I was interviewed by Freya’s Bower

Interview with Sassy Sipe aka Ronna Gage Just Ask by Sassy Sipe

We’d like to welcome Sassy Sipe to our interview blog this week. A very talented author, Sassy writes as herself and under her pseudonym, Ronna Gage. Her Freya’s Bower work includes Just Ask, a sweet romance, Afternoon Delight, a BDSM contemporary erotic short, and Tell me a Lie, a sizzling contemporary erotic short. Welcome, Sassy.

Thank you for having me.

FB: I’m not sure where to begin. Perhaps I should ask how you switch gears from sweet romance to the hot shorts that you write. Many people don’t realize just how hard it is to write a realistic sex scene or to keep romance sweet.

Sassy: The sweet romance ‘Just Ask‘ was actually my first attempt at a short story. I focused on the ‘love’ not the sex fact. I wanted to bring out the closeness of the relationship, to show how it built to friendships, lovers, and partners. Afternoon Delight is a wild romp in the afternoon. This story explains how after years of marriage you sometimes don’t know your spouse because of the lack of communications. The insecurities some have to tell and show that sensually, wicked side, even to their husband. Reasons vary from person to person, but it seemed logical–at my age–to base it on the possible rejection.

FB: Bliss, the heroine for Just Ask, is a woman most of us can relate to. All of us have had our moments of being tired. What’s wonderful is the surprise her husband of 16 years has for her. This is a very sweet story. It’s also very touching, laced with moments of reality and comic relief. (The son is great.) Is there a little bit of you in Bliss? Sassy: Yes, Just Ask is based on a true story. The night my husband proposed to me after 16 years of marriage. FB: Now, that’s just sweet. (sigh) Would you marry your husband again if he asked? And would you have a medieval wedding?

Sassy: I did say yes, LOL. And we are planning a medieval wedding. Which isn’t easy at all. Afternoon Delight by Ronna Gage

FB: Maudi and Sean’s story in Afternoon Delight is completely different. Well, not completely. They are a happily married couple, but their story is naughty. (grin) I love me a good naughty story. LOL Do you think it’s helpful to insert a little naughtiness to keep a relationship strong for that many years?

Sassy: Yes, it seems after a certain amount of time, some couples want to keep it fresh and experiment. Some have a midlife crisis and look around. I say let’s find that naughtiness in ourselves and introduce it to the marriage. Who better than our trusted mates to experience a new side of your personality.

FB: I agree with you 100%. If there was a second story after the Afternoon Delight, what new escapades do you think Sean and Maudi would get up to? Would the like bondage be a little more, um, intense? (grin)

Sassy: Yeah, I think so. In the bondage experiments I think focusing on the bond of trust would be the key. Even in someone you trust with your life, the vulnerability of surrendering control can be a big step.

FB: Absolutely. I haven’t yet. (grin) Tell me a Lie doesn’t tell the story of a married couple, but one just finding each other. Like the others, there is a thread of poignancy laced through it. Perhaps it’s because the three stories show the fears of each person, fears that most of us have experienced at one time or another, that I found them to be so engaging. What was it about Ford that made Ava want to trust him, especially after Rick?

Sassy: Ford, captured her attention first in a coffee shop, and then in the bar. Her soul purpose was to go and get laid, no strings attached. But after the night, he seeks her out, using his influence as a detective to find her. Neither could foget about the one night stand because they want much more.

FB: Do you relate more to any one of your characters than the others?

Sassy: To all of them in a way. Like Bliss, I found my alpha male husband to still be the man I would marry in a heartbeat. To Maudi’s personality I gave the desire to come forth with my fantasy to my husband. Building on something strong to get something unbreakable. And finally Ava’s personality, I lent her the bravery to go for it with no strings attached. I couldn’t leave it at: Great I did it that ends it. I had to have a happily ever after.

FB: Do you prefer writing shorts to longer stories? Sassy: Longer stories. I love detail. FB: Are there any other genres you’ve considered trying?

Sassy: I have written a paranormal, Mystic Journey. I sent it to a friend of mine to go over and give her opinion and feedback. She liked it so much she offered a contract.

 FB: What else are you currently working on?

Sassy: I am currently working on a couple of things. First off, I am writing a novel about high school sweethearts, Rae Anne and Landy, who are reunited after ten years. Thing is, she thought he was killed in Operation Desert Storm in 1990. He is told she’s decided to begin her life without him, being the wife of a soldier wasn’t for her. Reunited by fate, because her husband dies, she decides to take a sabbatical on the open seas. Her appointed captain….Landy. Stranded on an uninhabited Island, they must face the truth and realize they still love one another. Second, I’m revamping another story for Freya’s Bowers consideration. Send Her to Me. This is a cute story about a couple, Carter and Kelli, who meet, fall in love, and have a secret between them. Once that secret comes out, she leaves. Carter realizes he messed up badly and works to win her back. Problem is, she is seeing another man. He finds them at a bar one night. He must make a choice. Does he ruin her reputation, beat up her new lover and get revenge? Or, does he love her enough to see her happy and let her go.

FB: I look forward to seeing that, Sassy.

Now for some fun questions:

What about writing life/being an author took you by surprise?

Sassy: To put it on paper was harder than just telling the story to my friends and family. What I see in my head and put on paper don’t always match. But after much criticism, tools of the trade from groups, and working as a submissions editor, I’ve learned a lot.

FB: Where did your journey as a writer begin?

Sassy: I have been telling stories all my life. Giving my family and friends little tidbits of ideas. One day I thought, why not write them down and preserve them. Then Bam, I had some thing to work with. After five years, lots of lessons, and reading other authors style of work, I formed a style all my own.

FB: If you could be any man, living or dead, who would you want to be? Why?

Sassy: I guess I would want to be my husband, Ron. My true alpha male, my romance hero in real life, and I would teach him a few things.

FB: If you could French kiss any of the following men for charity, which would it be: Viggo Mortensen, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, or George Clooney? Or is there another man I didn’t mention, as they are so many French kiss worthy men? (grin)

Sassy: I don’t date or French kiss other men. It would annoy my husband.

 FB: My husband wouldn’t like it either, not even for charity. LOL Any last words? Um, for the interview, that is. (grin)

 Sassy: I would like to say to new authors, If you believe in yourself, and work hard, your dreams can come true. But this is a VERY competitive business. Mediocrity won’t do. Don’t depend on your editor to ‘fix’ your work. Their job is to make what you’ve written the best possible release it can be. It’s all on you.

You can learn more about Sassy and her books at her websites: Sassy Sipe/Ronna Gage. Freya’s Bower books by Sassy Sipe/Ronna Gage: Just Ask by Sassy Sipe Afternoon Delight by Ronna Gage Tell me a Lie by Ronna Gage tp://freyasbower.com/blogs/authorinterviews/2009/12/03/interview-with-sassy-sipe-aka-ronna-gage/

MYSTIC JOURNEY

MYSTIC JOURNEY
My first ever paranormal has been signed by Noble Romance publishing.
I am very excited to share the news.

This story deals with two couples. Lady Serena Willard and Derek Boydington AND Dr. Sabine Williams and Det. Drake Boyd.

Serena and Derek live in Renaissance England under King Henry VIII’s rule. She is a noble woman of society, and is accused of witchcraft and eventually executed.
Derek is a poor man looking to change his station in life to marry the woman he loves. Trouble is, he finds out that she is to be executed for witchcraft. Too late to save her, Derek lives his life in shame as he in a weak moment married a woman to save her reputation. Unable to stand a loveless marriage, or a life without his beloved Serena, he joins the king’s army to spy for the King.

Sabine and Drake live in present day Fort Worth. She is a Doctor, with recurring nightmares in which she can’t explain, but feels the suffocating bindings around her throat.

Drake is a Detective. His life is less than perfect. He fears dying alone. Their chance meeting happens when Drake is shot in a drug bust gone bad. He spends days in a coma recovering from his wounds. Sabine never leaves his side. She is compelled to stay beside him in his hour of need. Something about him is familiar. But she can’t place where she’s seen his face.

He walks in a misty cloud on some beach in a death stroll. He must atone for his sins. The heavenly mother was sent to help him Right the wrongs in his life. Problem is, it’s not his life he must correct in Renaissance England….but another man who looks just like him.

Release details to come.

www.nobleromance.com

for more great books

   OR

Books by Ronna Gage

www.fryea’sbower.com

www.wildchildpublishing.com

www.fictionwise.com

www.bookstrand.com

www.alleromance.com

Detailing a Story

Writing is  a very tedious process. After many years and stories, an author will be able to automatically write a story in a matter of weeks, instead of months, and make details count.  If you are new to this craft you will soon , if not already, realize just how tedious it can be.  So, I would like to share some hints to help you along.

In my daytime job, I am a teacher. I teach 7th and 8th graders. I love this group of children. They can be so wonderful creatures. One minute, they have all the knowledge in the world. They can handle any problems that come along,  fight thier way to the top. BUT, when they have a situation, like writing, that challenges their abilities, right away these bright, confident,boys and girls begin to doubt themselves and almost give up. As a teacher, I get to have that one moment of “I told you so!” Then I get to work.

I go over the poster in my room. The Steps of Writing!

1. Rough Draft- this is where the main ideas, the characters’ involvements, the plots begin. This is just the beginning. Where your idea forms, and you implement your research and your report or story together.

2.Second Draft- This is wehre you fill in the details paragraph by paragraph. (I ask a few basic questions that help to bring out such information.)  Sensory assessments *What does it look like? *What does it smell like?  * What emotions does the character react/act with, to the scene or other character?s around them, *What does it feel like in the scene? Is it hot, cold, warm, cool. These are great context clues to a paragraph. What is detailing any way? Clues to give the reader the idea of a season, a texture, a smell…sweet, savory, stinks…etc.

Editing- This is where you check for spelling words, usage of vocabulary, repeated phrases, crutch words, making sure the research fits the situation realistically.

Critiques- I added this one for manuscript writers like us. It is not in my classroom, although I am thinking of using this step. Astudent can get good feedback from a critique if it is done properly.  Basically, this is where you send it to your critique partner or group for thier views, opinions, and suggestions. A good diverse group will be beneficial here.

Final Draft- The end result.  This is the draft you send out to offer a publisher.

Some wonderful tools to use in your craft!, A dictionary- Of course. Thesaursus, grammar book usage, You can go to a librayary or bookstore in your area to get a great handbook. I suggest personally the Avoid Writer’s Hell handbooks by Faith Bicknell Brown. I use mine alot. Editing Bootcamp by Michele Bardsley. She has an official web page in which she helps authors in need.  I will add this to the bottom.  

Michele Bardsley’s Official Web Page   http://blog.michelebardsley.net/

Faith Bicknell Brown  http://faithbicknellbrown.com/

Avoid_Writer’s_Hell Yahoo Group  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Avoid_Writers_Hell/

ATTENTION: this is an adult group with adult content i.e. erotic romance and erotica manuscripts, excerpts, etc. Please don’t join if you are under the age of 18.

Wild Child Publishing www.wildchildpublishing.com

Go to the home page, on the left margin look for Resourse Links,  Inside is a host of wonderful tools for your use.

Noble Romace Publishing  www.nobleromance.com

Blog Tab, Jill Noble, the Sr.Editor for Noble Romnace write’s blogs to inform of new sites, new techniques, and other pertinent information for the new author.

If you are targeting a particular publisher, chedk thier home page for writing tips and resourses.

And of course, My own little set up!

www.ronnagage@yahoogroups.com

I try to encourage writers to get help from one another. You are more than welcome to drop by, check us out, and give a hand. I WILL WARN YOU! If you writing needs work, we will let you know. Sometimes it is not nicest way, but we will not give you false hope. We point out the weak points, make suggestions, and yes, we will give you a guiding lnk to help. 

This is a competitive business. Only the GREAT get published. With that said, Good Luck to all.

Sassy

COMING SOON!

MYSTIC JOURNEY

Noble Romance has contracted my first ever paranormal. YEAH!

I hope to have a release date soon. 

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

After ten years of marriage, do you know the person you married? Do they know your deepest desires? Do you know theirs? How do you tell them? How will they respond? Will it make your relationship stronger, or tear it apart?

 

Here’s one way to find out, read Sean and Maudie’s story!

 

Freya’s Bower Presents

An Erotic Short

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Ronna Gage

 

Blurb:

Coming home early gives Sean an unexpected surprise. His fantasies come true.

 

Excerpt:

The house would be empty for the night in a few hours. He took advantage of the stroke of luck and planned a night out for him and Maudi—maybe dinner, a movie, or both.

He pulled into his driveway and engaged the garage door opener. Maudi’s Jeep Liberty sat in its usual space on the right side of the garage. Once again, irritation swept through him.

Why didn’t she answer the phone? Or, better yet, call me back?

He shook his head at the unanswered thought. Walking into the house, he marveled at the silence that greeted him. His wife wasn’t in the kitchen. Surprised by her absence, he set down his briefcase, removed his jacket, and loosened his tie.

“The office,” he mused—it was the only logical place in the house. Feeling confident she still worked on a project and had lost track of time, he removed his tie and strolled through the living room and down the hallway.

Sean entered the office and came up short. The power light on the computer didn’t glow, her desk was clear of work. Setting the jacket on the desk, he stared in awe of the organized space.

“Maybe she’s out by the pool.” His coolness turning to frustration, he walked back through the hall to the back door. He peeked out the window but didn’t see her. “Where is she?” he muttered. With his hands perched on the rim of his trousers, he gave the question some thought.

The sound of running water caught his attention. Heading in the opposite direction at the other end of the hall, Sean walked toward the master bedroom. The shower’s spray sounded the closer he got. He glanced at his watch. It’s strange for Maudi to be in the shower now.

The closer Sean drew to the bedroom door, the more sounds he detected. He eased the door open. Nervous energy flooded him. What would he find? Whom would he find with his wife? 

A moan sounded among the shower’s spray, followed by another, much louder. He listened to his wife’s voice, and alarm gripped his heart. Another soft cry broke his concentration, but the tone changed his apprehension. He reached for the brass handle, turned it, and pushed through the door. A wall of light steam misted his face. He waved the steam away in hopes to clear the veil.   Her clothes lay folded neatly on the counter. Her fuzzy robe hung untouched on the hook next to the door. Nearing closer, he listened, intent upon her next noise. A gentle purr of a mutter told him she didn’t have a clue he heard her.

 

 

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!