What's happening...
Well, I didn't get a lot done in 2007. I had one story published in the Freya's Bower BDSM Anthology, A ROSE OF ANY COLOR: Book 2: MALEDOM. It's received some high marks with reviewers, although one or two reviewers weren't real happy with one of the scenes. However, those negatives have actually created quite a stir and I'm not complaining. My story, ON BENDED KNEES, is perhaps one of the more true-to-life D/s stories in the anthology. Those who understand the lifestyle haven't had a problem with it. As a matter of fact, one reviewer with no knowledge read the Foreword (which I also wrote under my D/s nick) and gave me one of the highest marks (5 champagne flutes). She stated it contained a quite beautiful love story and not to let the BDSM theme fool you. 
I recently submitted (on 02/25/08) SOMETHING STRANGE ABOUT ANGELINA to Harlequin's Nocturne Bites ebook line. I've got my fingers crossed on this one. Wedging one's foot inside the door at this longtime romance publishing industry icon would be a major kudo for me. I found out they are looking to acquire paranormal erotica (includes vampires, shapeshifters, etc.) and ANGELINA is a shapeshifter erotica! I did go through it and make a few final edits on it before submitting it. The good news here is that they supposedly will pay an advance!!! Below is a short blurb for ANGELINA:For over 10 years, Angelina Pratt has been a competent and competitive detective. Having to prove herself over and over again, she's earned the titles of "Freezer Queen" and "Frostbiter" within the precinct for good reason. The nicknames never bothered her. However, the gruesome murders of young women recently didn't affect her until she realized the heiroglyphics carved into their flesh actually matched the talisman she'd always worn around her neck. A medallion her father had placed there when she was a small child. He had disappeared without a trace. Numerous failed attempts, using her authority to find him over the years, had turned up nothing. Now his words that had warned her to never take it off so long ago echoed in her mind.
Stefano watches over Angelina from nearby with the aggressiveness of a ruffled black raven. He is her protector. He has to convince her she is in danger. The ritual murders are actually cases of mistaken identity and those who commit them are growing reckless and agitated. Angelina must find another sanctuary. A safe refuge. At least until her upcoming 35th birthday. Only then would she be able to fully protect herself. This woman, his promised mate in life, already exhibits traces of her intended destiny.
When Angelina's friend at the university decodes the heiroglyphics on her medallion, she's even more puzzled. Could her father be one of the perpetrators of the grisly killings? And who the hell is this "Rectifier" the heiroglyphics speak of? Is she going to have to remove the talisman in order to fight the evil that Stefano says is seeking her.
I'm hoping this will pique Harlequin's interest enough to contract it. Of course, they have the entire manuscript, but the cover letter has to push their buttons as well.
I've got another BDSM story started, titled THAT THING SHE DOES, and I've already got the coverart ready to go for this one too. I'm not sure where I want to submit this one once it's polished to within an inch of its life. I had actually wanted to send it to Freya's Bower, but I may steer it off in Ellora's Cave or Phaze's direction. They tend to be a bit more open to true-to-life D/s erotica than Freya's Bower. Heaven knows, I had a few "discussions" via email with the publisher regarding a reader misinterpreting that scene in ON BENDED KNEES. I simply refused to change anything within the scene as it had gone through the editor and the proofer and neither had a problem with it. Plus, I wasn't about to demean the lifestylers who might read it. I did agree to add more definition to the Foreword on the lifestyle and delve deeper into the psychology within the dynamics of a BDSM relationship. Frankly, I had to explain what a "mind f**k" is in so many words without actually using that particular term. 
I'm working on the edits to THE LEARNING CURVE which is book 1 of the 5-book Yesterday's Innocence series. I got way behind in this, but I'm back on it once again. The publisher and I are targeting a June 2008 release date. Tentative depending on circumstances surrounding my personal situation. I think this is enough for one afternoon. And I should be getting back to those edits. Oh whooped-t-doo!!!
posted by Brenda (aka: Canice Brown-Porter) at 1:43 PM
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