Isabelle Drake...the nicer side of naughty

Better ending for the movie Young Adult

2012-01-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

By the time I reached my car after seeing Young Adult, I had rewritten the end. My new improved ending is so clear in my mind, that I can barely remember the actual ending.

Spoiler Alert: If you haven't seen the movie and plan to and don't want it ruined for you, don't read this whole post. Just read the two next sentences.

It is not a fun movie to go see with your best friends and expect to leave laughing. It is....um ...well written (at least the new improved version in my head) with good acting, but it is not fun.

I wasn't expecting depressing, so I was caught off guard. It really isn't fair of marketing people to market a movie as one thing when it is actually another. There just isn't enough in the trailer or ads to really capture exactly what the audience gets. The trailer sells it (the new improved version) short.

To experience the new improved ending to do the following.

Watch movie as is until the scene when Mavis is in bed, waking up for the second time with a guy's arms across her chest. (echo)

Cut the rest of movie. Replace with the following scenes:

Mavis leaves the guy's house.
Goes back to hotel. Takes her dog for a walk. (character growth)
Gets in her car. Drives to the end of the parking lot and stops. Gets a plot idea and stops to write it down. Woman behind her honks. Mavis flips her off and mutters about small town bitches, continues writing until she is done. (hope for her improvement, yet don't over-do the character growth)
Mavis merges onto the freeway. She hits play on the tape player. It's the same song she listened to on the way home. She pops the tape out the throws it out the window. (again, shows hope but don't want to over-do the character growth)

More French vampires

2012-01-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

I'm still working my through the the Jean Rollin vampire movies on Netflix. Last night I watched The Shiver of the Vampires (1970). If you like groovy and vampires, you'll like this.

The plot is one of my personal favorites.

Honeymoon couple stops off to see family they haven't seen in years. They arrive at the isolated place of residence to find things are not as they expected. (!) Things are odd. The family members are strange. (!) One of the honeymooners wants to leave. The other wants to stay. Tension increases. Weird things happen.

In this case, the weird things happen in French with subtitles and are done by frequently topless women. Unfairly, the men are not much to look at. Unless you have a thing for red and purple velvet.

My favorite moments:

The bride groom has to go chase some girls who'd just climbed into his bed naked and then run off. He first ties on a sweet, sheer floral scarf and _then_gets the gun out of the box.
The same man must fix the car. He first ties on pale yellow neckerchief and_then_fixes the car.
A woman vampire is complaining to the other two male vampires. She says she does all the work. The other two, she tells them, are bourgeoisie vampires.
The same woman vampire rises up from nowhere several times. Once from a clock. Once from a fireplace. Once from a fountain. You get the idea. Things don't make sense.

Serious note. The use of color, lighting, and camera angles in awesome. Go watch it.

The Nude Vampire by Jean Rollin

2011-12-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

If you're into trippy pop culture and vampires, you ought to check out French Director Jean Rollin's movies. I watched one last night, The Nude Vampire. It was in French with English dubbing.I prefer subtitles, but in this case it wouldn't have mattered much because there are about 6 sentences of dialogue.

The video clip of the opening scene gives you a pretty good idea of what you're in for.

I'm not complaining about the dialogue. But don't try to watch this while knitting or messing with your phone because you'll miss pretty much everything. Don't watch it around kids, either, because there are a lot of naked people and strange clothes. Both of which will require so much explaining that you will miss the slowly developing plotline.

Don't expect an upbeat ending. It is French.

Do expect a surreal experience.

Suggested accompanying drink: red wine. Of course.

...another gift consideration

2011-12-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

A Jane Austin action figure.

Jane Austin comes with a quill pen, desk, and copy of Pride and Prejudice.

Now there’s an idea many writers could get stressed about-being sealed into a tidy package with a copy of your own book. If nobody buys you, you’d be sealed in there for all eternity with only your own work to read. Over and over again.

I suppose if you had that quill and desk, you could write yourself a new one. If the ink didn’t run out, that is.

Got gifts?

2011-12-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

Warning: this post is kind of snarky.

Earlier this month I was thinking about gifts for writers. I did what alot of my students do when they have important questions about life; I turned to about.com.

I don’t know anything about the writers at about.com. Well, that’s not true anymore because now I know that they have an excellent sense of humor. The gift suggestions are darkly hilarious.

Among them:

A magazine subscription.

Like our desks aren’t *already* piled with words (ours and other people’s) we don’t have time to read.

Books on writing.

Don’t writers only turn to those in times of horrible desperation? When they are convinced that they only wrote something decent by accident and they will never, ever, write anything good again? They turn to the how to write books in the hope that they might find a tiny something that will help them fake their way through whatever terrible, terrible manuscript they are currently ruining with their bad, bad writing.

Tickets to see an admired writer.

One, aren’t these things supposed to be free? Two, good God, is there anything worse than hearing someone else talk about their huge writing success? Especially when you, the gifted writer, is facing the guilt from the magazines and journals you have not read and the shame of sneeking in dark corners to discover whatever secret will enable you to keep fooling everyone that you are a writer to be admired?

Next gift suggestion: A journal filled with blank pages.

Oh yeah. That is exactly what every writer wants. A crap ton of more blank pages to fill. ‘Nuf said.

Alright, I admit the whole list wasn’t ironically funny. The fifth item: a massage.

This sounds awesome. Especially if the masseuse doesn’t speak English. That way they won’t ask what you do for a living, and make you remember why you need the massage so badly in the first place.

Letting off Steam, new release

2011-08-10T03:25:00.000-07:00

Out today from Ellora's Cave

After rugged loner, Harrison Denton, spends a night in Carly Jameson’s barn, she realizes she’s missed an opportunity to have a no-holds-barred, no-strings-attached roll in the hay. But after years of holding back and letting the opinions of other people control her actions, it will take a determined and capable man to bring the wild out in Carly.

Luckily for her, the rough and ready man who has just come into her life has what it takes. When the two of them come together, Harrison is forced to face facts: sex with Carly is more than a one-time opportunity to let off some steam. It’s a very personal challenge that just may loosen the grief holding his heart hostage.

Hit here to read an excerpt.

****

Love the Jimmy Thomas cover

Kindlegraphs-Personally signed kindle editions

2011-08-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

The ebook world just shifted because now you can get your kindle editions signed by the author. I signed my first kindle edition a couple minutes ago and the thing I love about it is that there is space for a personalized note.

If you own a Kindle edition of one of my books, I'd love to kindlegragh it. The request is simple.

Here's the link to request: Isabelle Drake Kindlegraphs

Cave Chaos, Ellora's Cave Radio

2011-07-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

On August 1, Ellora's Cave founder and Chief Strategic Officer Jaid Black will launch Cave Chaos, a hilarious, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner workings of Ellora's Cave. The weekly, hour-long, live talk radio show airs every Monday from 4 to 5pm Eastern Time (1-2pm Pacific Time). The first show airs August 1! Keep reading to find out how.

The shows are anchored by blatantly and unapologetically in-your-face hosts Jaid Black (@JaidBlack) and Lisa Marie Gray (@ECBadGirl) and will cover every taboo topic under the sun as it relates to the female sexual experience. If the subject matter is politically incorrect and considered off-limits, Black and Gray are all over it.

For more information, check out (and like) the Cave Chaos Facebook and the radio station's page .

Rock and Roll Fantasy, new relase from Total-E-Bound

2011-05-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

What do you think? Are guys with tattoos hot?

Both the heros in my new relase, Rock and Roll Fantasy have tattoo. And they're both rock stars, so they pretty much have to have tattoos, right?

Maybe one of the reasons people like tattoos is because they represent the rebellion that is pretty much a part of being young. The heroine in my story, Karrie Nicol used to be rebellious, but somewhere along the way, she started thinking that to be a real adult, you had to do things the "right way" and that meant putting aside pure fun. I had to write this story for her so she could see that just isn't the case.

Hit here to read more about this new relase and check out the excerpt.

Zombies in a snow storm~new free read

2011-04-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Undone by the Undead

a free read out now from Ellora's Cave

The Boston Public Library is a lonely place to be in the middle of a snow storm, but Hayden Thomas isn’t going anywhere until he gets what he wants--information about zombies he can use for a tabloid newspaper article he’s writing. A book on zombie sex rituals promises something fresh, exactly what he needs to please his boss who’s convinced the undead are combing the streets.
The problem is, Hayden has been buried in books and research for so long, he can’t resist the urgent, sexual advances of the smudgy-eyed girl in tattered tights who climbs in through the library window. But is she human, his imagination, or a zombie needing human flesh?

Get it now for free!

LA here I come!

2011-04-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Yes! LA here I come. I love RT as much as anyone else, but I have to admit to sneaking away from conventions from time to time to see some stuff. Don't tell anyone, but this time I plan to sneak out for a minute or two to see a live taping of Bill Maher LIVE. I have to confess, I'm not really a fan. I get mixed notes from people about whether or not I'll think he's funny, but I figure I'm in LA - I should see something TVish. Right?

Did you know all those TV show tapings are free? And you can get tickets easily off the net. Here's one place to check tvtix.com. Last time I looked there were seats available for the Tuesday night taping of Rules of Engagement with David Spade. If you are going to RWA national in New York in June, you can check that site for NY tickets.

I was out in LA last month and went to a taping of America's Got Talent. Did you know the clapping is fake? They tape it ahead of the acts. Am I innocent or what? I had no idea.

When I haven't zipped out for a minute to see something, you'll find me around the convention hotel. My official plans include:

Wednesday night Ellora's Cave party
Thursday morning workshop on using sensual imagery to make scenes come alive
Club RT most afternoons - look for me at the TEB table!
EBook Expo on Friday afternoon

Like always, RT promises to be a crazy event! Can't wait!

Zombies! a new free read at Ellora's Cave

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for this story came last winter at a writer's workshop. The assignment was to read a tabloid newspaper, like the National Enquirer or the Weekly World News, and use one of the articles as an inspiration for a scene. I think the goal was to loosen us, the writers up, and get us to think outside our usual pages.

I'd been thinking about writing a zombie story for a while, so I was instantly enthused when I saw a couple articles about zombies. One in particular caught my eye: How to prepare for a zombie attack during the holidays. There was even a video. Then there was the zombie Barbie. Were girls all around the globe being encouraged to turn themselves into flesh eating undead? Awesome. Around this time, Boston and New York were hit with a couple huge snow storms. That was pretty much all I needed to get started.

How did it turn out?

Find out for yourself by getting it for free at Ellora's Cave.

Check out the dedication: To Mrs. Pine’s people with special thanks to RK and his Eclectic Eight. That's my shout out to RK for getting me going and everyone else who encouraged me.

Fate Unbound ... the EC release January 18, 2011

2010-12-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Submission to all men who approach her--that is the dictate Taryn must obey. In doing so, she will find the one man who will tame her wild heart.

The Oracle of Greece has a dictate for Adrian as well--patience and self-restraint. But those are not the qualities of a man accustomed to demanding the pleasures of the flesh.

When the two former lovers are cast out of Greece and sent to modern LA, The Oracle's words of warning are not enough to quell their desires.

this book was previously published by TotalEBound

Contest? Find Me on Facebook

2010-12-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

If you haven't found me on Facebook yet - come on over...

I've just announced my Ellora's Cave 2011 Caveman Contest!

Get your work in the hand's of an Ellora's Cave Editor

2010-08-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

Starting October 25th, 2010, my friend Tawny Taylor will be hosting a writing contest!

The final judge is an editor from Ellora’s Cave.

The Prize? Read on!

All SubGenres of erotic romance accepted, including:

~Contemporary~Fantasy~Futuristic~ Shapeshifter/Vampire~BDSM~

*You may submit one chapter--not to exceed 5000 words. Stories must be complete and unpublished.

*Each Monday, two stories will be selected by an Ellora's Cave editor who is actively acquiring. At the end, six weekly winning authors will submit a partial (first three chapters, last chapter and synopsis) to the final judge for ranking.

The first place winner will receive ...

A critique of the full winning manuscript by EC editor Grace Bradley!

The second place winner will receive...

A critique of the partial manuscript by EC editor Grace Bradley (first three chapters, last and synop).

T
he third place winner will receive...

A critique of the first chapter by EC editor Grace Bradley.

THE DETAILS:

*Starting Date: October 25th 2010

(Submissions received between 12:00 am October 25th and 11:59 pm October 29th will be considered for round one. Submissions received between 12:00am Oct. 30 and 11:59 pm November 5th will be considered for round two. And submissions received between 12:00am November 6th and 11:59 November 12th will be considered for round three.)

*Weekly Finalists Announced on November 1, 2010, November 8, 2010 and November 15, 2010.

*Last Finalist Announced: November 15, 2010

*Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm November 12, 2010

*NO Entry Fee or purchase necessary to win

*Please send entries to writingcontest@tawnytaylor.com. A one-page synopsis may be included along with genre, word count, and your name and contact information.

*For any questions, email Tawny (tawny@tawnytaylor.com)

Official Rules:

Eligibility

This contest is open to both unpublished and published authors of erotic romance fiction. All entries shall be the author's original work and not contracted for publication prior to the entry deadline. (Authors currently published with Ellora's Cave are not eligible to enter.)

Entry Deadline

All entries must be received between 12:00 am October 25th and 11:59pm November 12th (Eastern U.S. Timezone).

Entry Details

Entries will be accepted in electronic (e-mail) submissions only. If you have problems sending electronically, please email the coordinator.

Each electronic entry should include:

One (1) copy of the first chapter of your manuscript (5000 words maximum) and 1-page synopsis (single spaced is acceptable, but please, keep the font at 12pt or larger). Total entry must be in one file; synopsis can go at the beginning or end of an entry.
Name and contact information must be listed in the body of the e-mail.

You will get a confirmation of the arrival of your entry. If you do not receive a confirmation within two days of sending, please e-mail the coordinator to ask if it was received. (tawny@tawnytaylor.com)

Entries should be received in RTF (rich text format) files only.

Please enter a story only once. Authors may enter more than one story, but only one per week. Please keep in mind, the book must be finished.

Judging

First Round: The first round will be judged by Grace Bradley

The scores/scoresheets will NOT be returned to entrants. Entries will be judged on the following: plot, pacing, characterization, genre appropriateness, narration, dialogue, writing mechanics and originality.

Weekly winners will advance to the final round.

Final Round:

The finalists will be asked to send the first three chapters, last chapter and synopsis to the coordinator by 11:59 pm November 19th, 2010 for final judging.

The winner of the grand prize will be announced on November 29th, 2010.

Notification

The first round finalists will be announced weekly on Tawny's blog (www.tawnytaylor.net) and facebook page, the last one on November 15th, 2010.

Additional Prizes:

One entry will be selected each week by random drawing to received a detailed critique by an author published with Ellora's Cave. The weekly random drawing winner will also by announced on Tawny's website and blog.

IMPORTANT!

Understand that by entering you are stating that:

You have read, understand and agree to abide by the rules of the Some Like it Hot writing competition.
You understand that contest judging is subjective, and that the decisions of the judges will be final.
You agree to be bound by the judges’ decisions and by the contest officials’ decisions, regarding any question or dispute arising from or relating to the contest, the interpretation of official rules, and any other matters relating to the contest, not specifically covered by the official rules.
In the event of any dispute arising from or relating to this contest, you agree to defend and hold harmless Ellora’s Cave, Tawny Taylor, contest personnel, and judges from any and all liability.
You understand that failure to agree to the above terms automatically disqualifies your entry.

PLEASE DO NOT ENTER IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS.

Finally, please understand Ellora’s Cave publishes Erotic Romance. If you have questions about what is appropriate material to submit, see the submissions guidelines at: http://www.jasminejade.com/t-writerscircle.aspx

While no purchase is required to enter or win, I suggest anyone wishing to enter Tawny’s Some Like It Hot writing contest read books published by Ellora’s Cave.

Get Hot for Free

2010-07-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago I went for a walk on the beach with a friend of mine. She was letting her dog run in and out of the waves, I was wading in the water, cooling off. I guess I wasn't watching where I was going because I waded right in to a weird muddy spot. Three steps in I was stuck. Not just ha ha this is funny stuck--but really stuck. It was creepy! Who knew it was possible to actually get stuck in mud? Not me. After about fifteen minutes of wiggling we did get me out. The sensation of being stuck stayed with me and soon became the spark that gave life to BRIGAND LOVE, my new free read. When you read it, it'll be easy to spot the scene.

Here's a bit about the story:

Restless and unsatisfied with her life, Lacey is looking for answers. But the recurring dream that haunts her sleep delivers only more questions.

When the fierce brigand of her nights seeks her out, Lacey’s tormenting dreams become reality and her past becomes her present.

Get BRIGAND LOVE for free now!

RT 2010 Report Part 2

2010-05-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I exaggerated. RT wasn't all surprises. Thursday there was only one surprise.

Except that the EC lunch location was moved, then moved again. Lucky for me I ran into some other people on their way there, so I just ducked in. The lunch was wonderful and EC gave us all gorgeous fleece blankets with the EC logo. Very nice.

After the lunch I sent to a couple talks about graphic novels. Very interesting. I'm intrigued by them but haven't done much more than think "hmmm...interesting." After those talks, I went to the agent/editor panels. Most of that was the usual stuff. One thing that did stand out to me was the intense interest in Steam Punk. Message: If you have a steam punk story tucked in a file somewhere GET IT OUT there. Seems like pretty much all the editors are interested.

RT ended for me on Thursday as I received the final surprise. Bronchitis. Yuck. And so not fair. My mom, who is awesome, drove me home and put me to bed.

RT in LA next year will be better. !

RT 2010 Report!

2010-05-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

Pretty much everything about this year's RT Booklovers Convention was a surprise. First off, I hadn't planned on going, but thanks to a last minute twist of fate I found myself on the registration list and off shopping for a red dress for the EC party on Wed. That was exciting and fun, but I didn't find a dress. My sister did though, while she was shopping for a dress for her daughter's graduation, so that was great.

Because I live in Michigan and RT was in Columbus I drove. My mom came with me; she's also a writer and always happy to go to a different city and see what's going on there. We followed a google map--which is always a bit iffy--and found ourselves weaving through a really weird place outside of Columbus. The sights were interesting (lots of confusing streets and oddly placed stores) but the roads were in really bad condition. I dodged the pot holes as best as I could but eventually one got the best of us and bamm! Flat tire.

I pulled over in the first "best" spot. It turned out to be a Pontifical College. It was very quiet. Peaceful. But not the kind of place where some people are going to zip out to help. So we called AAA. While we were waiting for AAA I put on my eyelashes. My mom napped the free wii-fii. We tidied up the car. Looked at conference stuff. You know, got things done. Eventually the AAA guy came and changed the tire. He said, "Lots of people have this happen." Good news for the tire stores in the area; bad news for us. We had to by a new tire.

We did eventually get to the convention. That was great, of course. No so great--because I'd been a late add there was no name tag for me. I went back to the "problem" table a couple times, but the printer was being moody, so no name tag for me. I was okay with that, except it meant I couldn't get in to the goody room to get some free books. I did get there the next day, but I had to wait. Waiting stinks. Another thing that stinks--not having a name tag at a party that requires one to get in.

I managed to "sneak" in to the EC party through a side door. I had a beer, chatted with friends. Did the introduction thing...but eventually I had to go to the bathroom. So I went. But when I tried to get back in the woman at the door asked me where my name tag was. I tired to condense my whole - the machine wasn't printing and I was a late add - story but it wasn't easy. Especially with the loud music and all the craziness. I guess she didn't believe me, which is probably pretty reasonable given the silliness of my "explanation" so she went to get one of the people who'd been helping with the registration table. She brought him over and told him what I'd said. He looked at me, his face letting me know he did not recognize me. Problem: earlier that day I'd been sporting my own hair. Right then I was wearing a very long, curly black wig. He didn't recognize me. So yeah, I had to explain the wig. After explaining the whole machine wasn't working bit. It's funny now, but right then I was starting to feel a *bit* crazy.

That was day 1.

How Fiction Feels so Real

2010-04-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

You know that fantastic feeling you get when you're so totally into a book that it really feels real? You know that I mean, you're so into the story that you feel like you're living it right along with the characters. That's the fictive dream, part of what makes fiction so amazing.

James Frey noted three stages that enable the writer to reach the subconscious and thus fully transport the reader into the fiction dream:

Sympathy: “Sympathy it is the doorway through which the reader gains emotional access to a story.”[i] It requires that a character be placed in a situation which will evoke an emotion so intense—loneliness, repression, danger, embarrassment—that the reader will feel sympathy for the character.

Identification: “Identification occurs when the reader is not only in sympathy with the character’s plight, but also supports his or her goals and aspirations and has a strong desire that the character achieve them.”[ii] In order for the reader to support those goals and aspirations the writer must make clear what the character does or does not want to happen.

Empathy: A writer can “…win empathy for a character by detailing the sensuous details in the environment: the sights, sounds, pains, smells, and so on that the character is feeling—the feelings that trigger emotion.”[iii] Empathy is a much stronger emotion than sympathy, and it is through empathy that the reader will feel what the character is feeling. This is achieved by using sensuous and emotion-provoking details that suggest to the reader what it is like to be the character and to experience what the character is experiencing.

For more information on the fictive dream and how to invoke it, read James Frey’s How to Write a Damn Good Novel II: Advanced Techniques for Dramatic Storytelling. New York: St. Martin’s, 1994.

[i] Ibid., p8.
[ii] Ibid., p10.
[iii] Ibid., p13.

Roughneck by Request Cover Magnets for Readers

2010-04-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Want your own personal copy of this hot cover?

Just send an email with your snail mail addy and I'll be happy to mail you a cover magnet.

isabelle@isabelledrake.com

What reviewers are saying:

"A quick read that sucks you in and holds your interest. The characters are easy to like and while there are times when Sadie’s inner demons try to break free Mason proves that he can help Sadie master her fears and help steer her through her sexual rebirth."

--Rites of Romance

"This is the perfect example of what Exotika should be. Great characters, enough plot to make the story flow and burn me up love. Ms Drake has done a fantastic job creating a tale that kept me pulled in and made my mouth water with want for a taste ;) If this story is any clue as to what can be expected all I can say is WOO HOO!!!! look out ladies, you may need a new pack of batteries!"

--Seriously Reviewed

Out Now, Next in the By Request Series

2010-03-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

Fed up with her so-so sex life, Sadie Walker seeks out the services of By Request Inc., a business that specializes in custom sexual experiences. She expected a good time with a handsome man, a willing partner who’d follow her lead and do whatever she asked him to.

When the roughneck who’s been hired to take her on wrestles her down and demands that she submit to both him and his hired hand, Sadie realizes that unleashing her sexual side is a two-man job. She knows her afternoon in the barn is a one-time fling, so she’s ready to take all she can from her roll in the hay.

Roughneck by Request is out now from Ellora's Cave

To Go or Not to Go

2010-01-18T05:21:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again, time to think about whether or not to go to which conferences for what reason. Sometimes the decision is easy, sometimes not.

I’ve been to LoTs of conferences. Maybe more than I want to admit. But over the years I’ve learned a few things.

Know what to expect. Some excitement, some disappointment. No big deal. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Ditto a writing career.

Know what not to expect. See above.

Know what you’ll remember. Having an awesome time catching up with friends, meeting new people all over the place, and generally having a fast-forward good time.
Know what you won’t. When someone gives you a business card, write something on the back to remind yourself who/what/when/why. You think you’ll remember what you were talking about with Ms. Lunch Companion, but...

Know something about the place before you arrive. That way you’ ll be able to do at least one non-writing related thing, something you wouldn’t be able to do at home. Go to a museum, walk through a historic neighborhood, visit a park. You get the idea.
Last thing. Let other people know you’re going-so you can get cell numbers ahead of time. Once you get there, finding people can be insane, especially if its a big conference.

I know that doesn’t help much with the ultimate decision – to go or not to go – but it does give you something to think about once you get there. If you go, that is.

Gothic Master by Request by Isabelle Drake in Flavors of Ecstasy Vol. IV out now from Ellora’s Cave

2009-12-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

If you need something to warm up with check out the latest Caveman anthology, just released from Ellora's Cave.

My story, Gothic Master by Request, is the first in a series about By Request, Inc., a business that specializes in custom designed sexual experiences. Each of these stories will have a heroine, or maybe a hero, who needs to get over something from the past. What better way to put the past behind than with some awesome sex?

The next in the series is titled Roughneck by Request and will be out later this year.

more about the Favors of Ecstasy Vol. 4 stories...

Companion Operation

L.A. Day

Jewel betrayed Reece, the only man she ever loved, when she confessed to a murder she didn’t commit. Sentenced to life on a desolate prison colony, she faces the horror of becoming some warlord’s sex slave. Miraculously, she’s offered an alternative. Sign on as sexual companion for a long-term space mission. She’ll still be a sex slave, but only until the mission ends. Jewel agrees and is introduced to the man who will use her body for the next five years—Reece.

And contempt has replaced the love in his eyes.

Gothic Master by Request

Isabelle Drake

Bound and naked in a training Master’s bed, Lorelai struggles to forget her sexually disappointing and emotionally painful past. When her alluring attempts to convince the cloaked man to untie her fail, she challenges him to teach her something new.

Will the Master and his red velvet bag of training tools help her accept her passionate appetites?

Hotter Than Hell

Regina Carlysle

Ellie Grant hasn’t had the best luck with men, unless you count her friendship with Sam Dare—a friendship on the cusp of change as the sexy fireman challenges her to a weekend of no-holds-barred, hotter-than-hell sex.

Sam had spent plenty of restless nights aching for Ellie and he’s grown tired of waiting for her to notice the attraction. As a firefighter, he knows a little something about heat and, as far as he’s concerned, Ellie is the only woman who can make him burn.

Nadia Seduced

Madison Hayes

Tall, dark, sinfully handsome Mikhail is fascinated by stories of the lovely whore who never climaxes. Unable to get her out of his mind, he vows to be the man who makes her scream with pleasure.

Eighteenth-century women belong to their husbands, but Nadia is determined to remain independent. Mikhail must convince the headstrong beauty to face her greatest fear—allowing him to possess her heart as thoroughly as he’s claimed her body.

Silent Abandon

Aubrey Ross

No past, no future, no questions. Tonight there are no words.

Devastated by betrayal, Starla is unwilling to risk heartbreak again. She hides behind a fictitious persona and arranges a purely sexual rendezvous with a coworker she’s been attracted to for years. But Cole knows her true identify and the reason for her fear. He’s determined to fulfill her every fantasy…then help her mend her broken heart.

Stick Up

Brigit Zahara

The wonky thermostat at the historic bank building where Monica works is on the fritz again. Just when she thinks things can’t get any hotter, a pistol-packing stud slides her a note. He’s demands money while his sexy smirk demands her body’s response.

Realizing that he is none other than her old boyfriend from college, there with his appearing-out-of-nowhere sidekick, the couple’s former best friend, Monica gets pretty hot under the collar. But when the daring duo take her hostage and retreat to a rustic hideout, the situation really heats up. Reader Advisory: This book includes an attempted rape scene by a villain.

The Perfect Chocolate Cake

2009-11-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

I've had a couple requests for the chocolate cake receipe from my Cake post in October. Here it is, perfect for this time of year!

Chocolate Farm Cake

Ingredients for cake:

1 cup flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

6 tablespoons soft butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

¾ cup milk

Prepare:

Preheat oven to 350’

Grease bottom of 8 x 8 pan, line with wax paper, grease and flour.

Steps:

In medium bowl, stir together dry ingredients and set aside.

In large bowl, beat butter for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until well combined.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one, then beat in vanilla.

Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, beating until just combined after each.

Beat on medium to high for twenty seconds more.

Ingredients for frosting:

3 ounces unsweetened bakers chocolate

4 ounces soft cream cheese

2 tablespoons soft butter

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

Coarsely chop bakers chocolate, melt, and cool to room temperature. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese and butter until well combined.

Beat in powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time.

Add cooled chocolate until smooth.

Beat in milk, as needed, to create desired texture.

Do not overbeat.

Romanticon 09 Done Deal, 2010 Coming in 11 Months

2009-11-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a month already since Romanticon!

If you haven't heard about it already; Romanticon is Ellora's Cave's new annual conference. The first one was this year--next years is already in the works. It will be around the same time next year, early October, and again at the same hotel in northern Ohio.

My favorite part was participating in the reader round-tables--sessions when readers got to tell the writers and EC execs what they want more of and less of. There was a lot of conversation about BDSM, MMF and MFM and even some talk about FF. It was fun to hear how readers tastes and interests have evolved. This discussion was easy-going, the perfect atomsphere to say what's on your mind.

The parties were fun of course. The EC CaveMen were very visible. If getting pics with the CaveMen is your thing, do come next year because it was just that easy. Each night they performed and then hung around after.

The signing on Sunday was awesome. Thanks to everyone who stopped by! I'd been expecting Cowboy for Hire but found Satisfaction Guaranteed waiting at my spot for me instead. Guess that means RT in Columbus will be the first big event for Cowboy for Hire.

Thanks to Megan Conrad for snapping this pic of me at the signing. I got to sit next to Cheryl Dragon and Dalton Diez--love those ladies. Cheryl always teases me about traveling light and hitting the road quickly. I do tend to get going quickly because signings always inspire me to get back to work and write some more. Which is exactly what I did when I got home...started working on the next story in my By Request series.

Thoughts About Fiction

2009-10-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

For me, writing fiction is much like making a dish to take to a potluck dinner. I create the best possible product, using all the skills I’ve acquired to date, with the intent of bringing pleasure and satisfaction—from start to finish—to whoever wants what I’ve produced. My potluck dish is usually a cake because cakes are what I make best. Chocolate cakes with homemade chocolate cream cheese frosting are what I get asked for most, so I often make those.

I bake mine in a simple, disposable foil pan. I know that there will be other cakes at the potluck, maybe a fancy one with fresh fruit across the top or a delicate five layer torte served on a glass plate. That doesn’t matter to me. At the potluck, I set my cake on the table alongside the others and leave it unattended. Not everyone will reach for mine; some will take a piece of the one covered in fruit or a slice of the torte. Their preferences are okay with me; different people like different things. When it comes to mine, I don’t care who eats it; I only care that they enjoy it, that it satisfies, that it is what they wanted it to be.

Amazon News

2009-10-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Big fun, I now have an author page on Amazon.

COWBOY FOR HIRE, my newest paperback will be up there soon. Also, Kindle versions of everything are in the works.

Amazon rocks.

New Release~Fate Unbound

2009-10-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

FATE UNBOUND, included in the NECTAR OF THE GODS anthology, now available as a single from Total-E-Bound.

Forced to leave her homeland of ancient Greece, Taryn must search modern day LA for the one man who will tame her wild heart. The Oracle has dictated that she must submit to all men who approach her. In doing so, she will find the single man who desires submission to her, then, and only then, may she return to her beloved home.

Adrian, frustrated by being forced live as an unrecognized son of Zeus, seeks his fate from The Oracle. The Oracle has a dictate for him as well, he must be patient, accept what comes to him, and never act on his own desires--especially those of the flesh. In doing so, he will, when the time is right, receive the recognition as Zeus’s son.

Ms. Drake delves into Taryn and Adrian’s story with abandon and delivers a sensual twist that will leave you breathless.

--Dawn, Love Romances and More

Cowboy for Hire now in Paperback

2009-10-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

COWBOY FOR HIRE by Isabelle Drake

Available now from Cerridwen Press

from CHAPTER ONE:

Lang Thompson eased his foot off the worthless brake pedal and waited for the red Arizona dust to clear. A board swung above the cab of his truck, once, twice, three times. The rusty nail holding it gave up the fight and the weathered two-by-four smacked across the hood with a weary thump.

One more dent wasn’t going to matter.

He pushed back his beat-up Stetson, mumbling a string of words that in his childhood would’ve earned him an afternoon in the milk house. He didn’t need this.

Outside his window a hairy, black Australian shepherd barked and waved its tail.

“You don’t need to tell me, I see the mess.”

For a split second he considered backing out and leaving. The way the place looked, the owner probably wouldn’t even notice the new gaping hole.

No, he didn’t want any unfinished business hanging over his head when he hit the highway again to head south, away from the miserable memories he’d left behind. There was that and the fact that his conscience had an unfortunate way of popping up at the worst times.

He glanced down at the animal now sitting among the rubble that used to be the side of a barn. A tired, seen-better-days barn but a barn nonetheless.

For the sake of his furry witness, he held back another string of words unfit for delicate ears as he shoved the door open and stepped out. He leaned against the truck and yanked his hat down to block out the afternoon sun. The owner had to be around somewhere.

“I guess I should’ve hung a no parking sign there.”

Lang turned to the shapely outline in the shadows. His bad luck kept getting worse. A woman. He didn’t want to shoot the breeze with a bored rancher’s wife.

“If you’ll tell me where to find your husband, I’ll straighten this out with him.”

As she moved into the sunshine Lang tried to convince himself he didn’t see her thick blonde hair or clear, blue eyes. He didn’t notice the way the way her breasts strained against that plain white t-shirt tucked neatly into her faded jeans, either. And that bolt of physical awareness that shot straight to his cock? It didn’t exist.

A blindingly bright smile spilt across her sun-kissed face. “I can’t do that.”

No, those sweet lips didn’t really have an effect on him either. But just to be sure, he stepped away as she came closer. “Do what?”

Raising her hand to shield her eyes from the desert sun, she glanced over her shoulder toward the mess. “Did you plow into my barn because you suffer from memory loss?”

Lang turned toward his truck. He had indeed plowed into the barn. Her barn. “Your barn?”

She nodded, then reached down to rub the dog’s ears, giving him the perfect opportunity to look down her shirt. Was that a white bra with pink lace trim?

Damn he loved lace.

Forcing his gaze back to her face, he asked, “You don’t have a husband I can talk things over with?”

Sunlight blinked off the golden strands of her hair as she shook her head and scratched under the animal’s chin. Her silence didn’t make sense. Why wasn’t she pissed? “Look, ma’am, I’m really sorry—”

While waving her hands to cut him off, she moved closer, her sexy, long legs making short work of the distance. “You don’t need to explain right now.”

Judging from the tilt of her head and the welcome in her eyes, he was missing some piece of a puzzle.

But what?

He stamped out his curiosity. He only wanted to take care of business, then get back on the road and find that ranch for sale his cousin Cole had badgered him into looking over. With that out of the way, he’d get back to his real goal, which was putting as much distance between the remnants of his old life and himself as possible. He tugged his gaze away from her all-too-easy-on-the-eyes face, glanced around but soon found himself looking her way again. “Where am I anyway?”

Her delicate eyebrows knotted together and her shoulders dropped. “You didn’t come about the ad for work?”

“Work?” He shook his head. “No. I was trying to turn around, get back on the freeway.”

Her kissable pink lips curved weakly, the glimmer in her eyes faded but didn’t go out completely. “You’re at The Circle Cat Ranch.”

“And where is that?”

“Cactus Junction.” She dipped her head the other way and a few tempting strands of silken hair slipped over her shoulder. “You do know what state you’re in?”

Arizona. Only a couple of hours from the Mexican border.

Her gaze circled his face, considering, then dropped lower, assessing. He straightened, planting his legs wide enough to place the bulge in his pants front and center. If she insisted on getting a good look at him, he might as well give her a view worth the effort.

As though she realized she was rudely looking him over like he was a colt on the auction block, she brought her attention back to his face and tried to cover her actions with a smile as she spoke. “You look like you could use a drink. I know I could.” She brushed past him without waiting for a reply. “Come on up to the house and have some lemonade.”

That place his cousin was so hot for them to buy was in Cactus Junction. At least he didn’t have much farther to go.

Not that he wanted to buy a place and start all over but Cole had cajoled him until he’d agreed to at least look it over. A promise is a promise. Even to a cousin like Cole.

The woman’s hips swayed invitingly as she strode toward the house. Each determined stride called to some better left unspoken part of him.

He grumbled and tore his gaze away. He’d written complicated entanglements with women off. For good.

The screen door smacked shut after she disappeared inside.

Why did it seem like the last shred of control he had over his life was slipping away? The hot wave of lust pooling in his gut shouted a warning, telling him to forget his so-called integrity and take the chance that once he got on the road he wouldn’t need brakes any time soon. He could always coast to a stop.

He groaned. All those hours in the milk house taught him more than to mind his tongue. He had to stick around and settle the issue at hand. That ranch for sale wasn’t going anywhere. With a quick glance down to be sure he wasn’t wearing any of his fast food breakfast on his shirt, Lang headed after the woman and the dog

Isabelle's Alter Ego, MFA Student

2009-08-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

Over the summer I started an MFA in Fiction program. Needless to say my to-be-read and reference stack is bigger and more varied than ever. The Art of Fiction by John Gardner is right next to my getting more tattered copy of Different Loving by Gloria and William Brame.

If you're interested in the MFA world, check out my new blog Adventures in MFA Land.

My Workspace

2009-08-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

I should be working on my current work-in-progress, but I got stuck so I did what I usually do when my characters stand still, I started cleaning my office. Once I got done, I realized it looked pretty good. Why not take a couple pictures? (Yes, more task avoidance, I know.)

I have a garden right outside my windows. Nothing is blooming right now, the hosta is getting ready to, but still the different colors of green are

great.

Yes, my desk has two computers. That way I can hop from one thing to another without all that distracting clicking around. That big picture on the wall is something I bought at a garage sale for about 2$. There are two people talking by the sea shore. I often wonder what they're saying.

Play for Keeps, excerpt

2009-08-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

Excerpt From: Play for Keeps

“On your way somewhere?”

Keera Koltai lifted her gaze from the nearly empty beer bottle wrapped in her fingers to connect with a pair of very liquid, very male eyes. Brown, with flecks of lighter tan about the same colour as the bare skin of his lean chest.

What was it with the guys around these islands? Didn’t any of them wear shirts?

At least, this one had a black tee tucked into the back pocket of his low hung jeans.

He spoke again, his southern Florida accent hanging heavy in the damp August air. “Where’d you ride from?”

“Up by Tampa.” Keera swallowed the last of her beer and rolled the empty bottle in her hands as she scanned the mostly empty roadside park. The only life enjoying the mangrove shaded crushed shell shoreline was a trio of stilts, wading along in the quiet tide. Over on the other side of the parking lot some parents dug through their van, sorting out gear while their kids jumped up, trying to touch the low needles of a slash pine.

When she looked back to the guy, he nodded, swinging himself around her bright yellow Buell and dropping onto the sandy grass where she’d stopped to stretch before continuing the last few miles to the isolated campground where she was headed. The day’s last rays of sun crossed over his chest, casting shadows over his long, lean legs. Tipping his head, he said, “Nice bike.”

The Buell was Keera’s only real possession, a symbol of some constant quest. Maybe a quest for freedom, maybe a quest for something else, she really didn’t know. The bike was such a personal part of herself, a part that even she didn’t understand, she rarely talked about it with anyone. So she simply nodded and said thanks.

He slanted her a grin and held out his hand. “I’m Samuel, off-duty fishing guide.”

Keera accepted the gesture, wrapping her fingers around his wide palm. Calloused skin rasped against her fingertips as he slowly pulled away in a release so gradual it was a sensual promise. A warm sliver of awareness slipped through her, and she found herself taking an appraising look at his leanly muscled chest and flat stomach.

He noticed her stare and angled back onto his elbows, strands of his shaggy black hair catching in the evening breeze. “I was fishing the rivers that come off White Water Bay the past couple days, now I’m headed up Tamiami Trail to hang out with some friends, then, you know, whatever.”

Right.

Whatever.

Keera knew where the conversation was headed.

To hook up or not to hook up.

It was the scenario she’d heard her customers at Fantasies Inc. recount over and over, mostly on Wednesdays when they stopped in to take advantage of the Hot Hump Day specials as they stocked up for the upcoming weekend. She loved hearing their lusty stories about frisky one night stands and leisurely afternoons spent with long-time lovers but lately as she’d listened to the tales she’d started to wonder if there was something wrong with her.

Like now, for example. Here she was with a sexy, easy-going hottie with rough hands that could probably deliver on some sigh worthy stories for when she got back to work but she didn’t feel…enough.

Shouldn’t she be panting? Or feeling all hot and melty? Shouldn’t she be fantasising about all the things this guy could do to her—or what she could do to him?

“So how about it? You up for something?”

An inner voice shouted, this is exactly the sort of thing you need.

An opportunity to jump start her sex dive. But she hesitated. She had no reason not to hook up with him for a night or two—but she couldn’t find a reason to want to.

Think sex, Keera. Want it. Feel it.

Play for Keeps

2009-07-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

Two men, one woman, a secluded beach and a challenge - which man really knows how to give her what she craves?

Dominic Santos is fed up with Jace Cater's know-it-all about women attitude. That's the only reason he accepts the challenge - a four day road trip to see which of them really understands how women think. He knows Jace is wrong about women and is ready to show it. Sweet talking a woman into having sex isn't a guarantee of having a good time - finding a woman who knows what she wants is.

Keera Koltai is convinced she's lost her sexual spark. Burnt out from her work at an adult toy store, Fantasies Inc., she's headed south for some time alone - away from men. But thanks to a washed out causeway, she finds herself stranded on a tiny island with two guys. For years, she's listened to customers talk about lust at first sight, but she'd decided if it hadn't happened to her already, it was never going to happen. Her instant reaction to the men proves that theory all wrong.

Available now from Total-E-Bound only 2.87

The Irishman, Book to Movie Interview with Author and Agent

2009-07-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

By
Roberta M. Gubbins, Ingham County
Legal News

Lawyers write. They write briefs, opinion letters, memos, contracts of all sorts and sizes, wills, trusts—I could go on forever. Many write fictionalized stories based on events that happened during the course of their careers. Some of those stories are published and some are made into movies. How does that happen?

Recently I met with Rick Porrello, author of “To Kill the Irishman, the War that Crippled the Mafia” and his agent, Peter Miller, of PMA Literary & Film Management, Inc. They were in Detroit to assist with the filming of the action movie based on Porrello’s book, the true story of mobster, Danny Greene, a violent Irish-American gangster who competed with the Italian mob in 1970’s Cleveland--a competition that provoked a country-wide turf war.

Code Entertainment is producing the movie, which stars Ray Stevenson as Danny Greene, Christopher Walken as loan shark and nightclub owner, Shondor Birns, and Val Kilmer as the Cleveland police detective who befriends Greene. Jonathan Hensleigh directs the film. “They plan to release it by St. Patrick’s Day,” said Porrello.

Porrello, now Chief of Police in Cleveland, wrote his first book, “Superthief,” about his mobster grandfather and uncles who were killed in the early 1930s by opposing factions of the mob. “I started “The Irishman” immediately after my first book. My wife and I opened a bottle of champagne when we got the author’s copies, and I said I would never, ever do this again. But once I got those books in my hands, I thought ‘I’ve got to do this again, very soon.’

I self published “The Irishman.” I couldn’t come to terms on a deal with my original publisher so I decided to self-publish the book.” When it came out, two movie companies got in touch with Porrello, wanting exclusive movie rights. “I had no idea how to decide between them. I contacted Peter (Miller). He read the contracts, negotiated for me, and advised me which deal was best.” Code Entertainment bought the movie rights. “That was eleven years ago.”

“Where we are now,” said Miller, joining us after one of his many phone calls, “with the movie in production, and the book going to be published by Simon and Schuster, and I’m now going to auction it off in England and Ireland, is where we want to be.”

“It is not easy getting a movie produced. It has gotten much more complicated. There are two ways to make movie deals. One is you work with a studio, sign a contract with them, and you are at their complete mercy. On those deals, I get a fee as an executive producer and they buy the movie rights. That is plan A.”

“Plan B is an independent deal. Code Entertainment has five investors. We wanted to do it as a bigger movie, but the actors wanted a bonus package to be able to bring their entourage. You would not believe what these actors bring to the table—‘an extra non-accountable one million dollars for their chef and their barber and their baby sitter and on and on.”

“This is very important to Rick, I am proud that we worked for a long time to accomplish this. And the script is dynamite. This has been a long road for Rick, but it is a good road, and it will give him gravitas in his world. He will sell more books.”

“My first edition of the “Irishman” had lots of errors in it,” said Porrello, laughing. “I didn’t have a professional editor or proof reader, but the book was selling so well that after the third printing, I got almost all of the errors sorted out. It still needs work but we never got to that point. Now we will, because the book is being published by Pocketbooks and they will work with me to polish it.”

“I promoted it by starting a web site called AmericanMafia.com. It is the biggest and most comprehensive organized crime history on the net. We are eleven years old, and we get several thousand hits per day. And everything is archived—we have many original feature stories. Several authors who have written books about organized crime started with AmericanMafia.com.”

Miller and Porrello are executive producers of the film. After our meeting, they were off to the film set to watch as Porrello’s book was made into a movie. With luck, we will see the final result next spring.

Cutline for photo.
Peter Miller, PMA Literary & Film Management, Inc. and Rick Perrollo, author of “To Kill the Irishman,” celebrate the filming of a movie based on Perrollo’s book.

Article and Photo by Roberta Gubbins, Ingham County Legal News

Free Read from Ellora's Cave

2009-03-29T17:45:00.001-07:00

SHOW AND TELL by Isabelle Drake

Dressed as a harem girl and hiding behind a veil, Emily discovers that she’s having sex with a stranger, not the co-worker she’d set out to seduce.

Daniel hadn’t planned on attending the costume party, but when a woman wearing silk so sheer it can’t hide the tight nipples of her big breasts grabs his cock and calls him “Master”, he forgets his hesitations and leads her away from the crowd.

Lying in the leaves with the stranger thrusting into her, Emily must choose between the revenge she sought and the awesome sex she just found.

Get SHOW AND TELL for free from Ellora's Cave

Chatting with Sascha on The UnNamed Radio Show for Radio Dentata

2009-01-15T17:42:00.001-08:00

Last week I did my first radio interview. Sascha, who does a show called the UnNamed Romance Show for Radio Dentata called me up and we chatted for over an hour.

If you've never heard of Radio Dentata, here's a bit about it from their webpage:"Radio Dentata was founded on the belief that people are more than just one type of music, talk show, opinion, or even sexual position.

"Consequently, the station doesn’t treat listeners as one-dimensional. We erase the labels, bridge the gaps, blur the lines and show the similarities and contradictions. The programming is distinguished by a fearless approach to sex, life, poetry, politics, and music and offers listeners graphic, forthright, and topical entertainment."

Head on over to the page, there's tons of fun stuff there!

Here's a bit about Sascha's Show, The UnNamed Romance Show."The inside information from romance author Sascha – Featuring the good, the bad and the ugly. Excerpts of work, Interviews with erotic and romance authors and publishers.PLUS reviews and news… Come listen in and hear the inside dirt on who is doing shit to whom."

You'll want to check out his page, to see what he's up to each Monday.

My interview will be aired soon...stay tuned for details.

Naughty Nooners for a New Year

2009-01-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Starting around February this year, Ellora’s Cave will be introducing Naughty Nooners, a new line of stories – free reads. These short works will be a great way to try out new authors and genres.

I don’t have a release date for my Naughty Nooner, Show and Tell, but I do have an excerpt.

SHOW AND TELL

A Naughty Nooner, coming soon from Ellora’s Cave

“Invitation, please.”

Emily handed over the elaborate card Jenn had received in the mail and waited while the bare-chested muscleman checked her friend’s name off the list on his clipboard. Sure, she could’ve used the card Gino had sent her but she didn’t want to leave a trail. “Thank you, Miss McNeil.”

Two steps later she was inside Gino’s large and lavish apartment, instantly becoming one of the mass. Although almost everyone there probably worked for the Smithsonian, Emily didn’t even try to guess who was behind which mask. There would be time later to catch up with old friends.

That particular night she had only one item on her to-do list. Seduce then reject the infamous Randall Kentworth. If she did a thorough enough job, she’d leave him panting, wondering pointlessly who the hot woman in the gold brocade jacket was.

As she slid through the mob, scanning for her prey, something rubbery caressed her waist. She twisted to find a huge cactus staring at her.

“Can I get you a beer?” it shouted, holding up a half full plastic cup.

Emily pulled the plant’s other hand off her waist, still gawking at the insanely large Saguaro cactus, complete with a cluster of yellow flowers and bird’s nest. “A cactus?”

The blue eyes hiding inside the plant blinked and the muffled voice shouted in defense, “Hey, there’s cactuses in the desert.”

Emily grinned. Museum people. Always looking for ways to prove how clever they are. “I’m meeting someone,” she said but then to let him know she appreciated the offer, she patted the tiny wren sitting in the nest.

As the giant plastic cactus melted into the crowd, Emily made her way toward the backyard where Gino always put the keg. Randall would be there, surrounded by an adoring mob. Unbuttoning her jacket as she went, she mused, all I have to do is wait until he’s alone.

Once she was done with him he’d know what it was like to want someone you couldn’t have. Her own hopeless wanting was undoubtedly worse than anything he’d end up with, because she’d watched the object of her desire flirt with every female in his path—with the exception of her. He hadn’t even known she’d existed.

That had mostly been her own fault. She’d been too shy even to be considered coy. She’d been damn invisible.

But that was then.

One thing her term in the Peace Corps had done for her was take away that life-ruining shyness. Who has time for hesitation when trying to find lost medical supplies through an interpreter?

Twelve months might only be a year but because of her time away Emily’s life was spilt into before—when she had been quiet and unassuming—and now, when she was demanding and pushy enough to make up for the time she’d wasted waiting for what she wanted to come and find her.

That was why she was there.

To make up for a mistake of her past.

But was it that she wanted to leave him with a sense of longing or was it that she finally wanted to get a piece of that yummy body?

Either way, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T12:35:00.001-08:00

What’s the best thing about New Year’s Eve?

Anything that happened last year that you want to forget and pretend never happened? No problem, put it behind you and move on—it’s a whole new year!

Anything you want to happen? It’s a whole new year, anything is possible. Dream big, its all good.

Happy New Year!

Cowboy for Hire Reviewers Said...

2008-11-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

"I love the dialogue and the way the chemistry works between Victoria and Lang. Their relationship springs to life and leaps into the readerʼs heart. Isabelle Drake is a great storyteller. She allows the reader to envision the backdrop of the ranch, and blends in all the elements that make this read outstanding...a page turner."
CherokeeReviewer for Coffee Time RomanceReviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

"I enjoyed the interaction between Lang, Victoria and the rest of the characters...this was a fun book to read full of dreams and real life."
Terri, Night Owl Romance

Reviews for Hard Fall, A Collection

2008-11-15T05:48:00.000-08:00

"Isabelle Drake has a way with sex scenes that fulfill any woman’s wildest fantasy – a cowboy in a black hat and a hard-bodied construction worker? Oh yea!"
Sandra M. Webster, Reader Views

"Ms. Drake makes the forbidden fantasy of a night with a stranger a great escape. Chemistry in unexpected places can change lots of things, and she does a good job of illustrating that fact. Liam and Brooke complement each other, and I found this to be a delightful read."
Chris, Night Owl Romance

"I recommend this book highly."
Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio

"I really enjoyed Ms. Drake’s story, it flowed well, the characters were believable and likable and I loved the heat between them. Pick up this story, you won't be disappointed."
Vikky, A Romance Review

What He Really Means

2008-11-13T18:26:00.001-08:00

I was talking to a guy friend of mine about how to make sure my male characters sound like real men, and our conversation turned into a discussion on coded speech—the stuff guys says to girls when they want to say something nice but don’t want to come across as a rude jerk who’s only interested in her body.

Here’s what he told me.

If a guy says:

that’s a pretty sweater

He means:

you have pretty breasts

If he says:

those are awesome boots/shoes

He means:

you have awesome legs

If he says:

those are great jeans

He means:

you have a great ass

Ok. That’s not the whole list. There were others including potential compliments including her jacket, blouse, skirt, turtleneck, tank top, khakis, gloves, hat, scarf—and others I’ve already forgotten.

I do remember though, when I asked him if there were any coded compliments about other things—other things being anything other than the woman’s body—and him drawing a complete blank. I prompted him with, you know, like maybe if they want to say something about her personality.

Again another blank.

Hmmm. I guess that coded speech does serve its purpose.

Ellora's Cave First Convention, October 2009

2008-11-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

Meet your favorite authors and cover models at Ellora's Cave RomantiCon 2009!

Ellora’s Cave first ever convention October 9-11 2009 at the Quality Inn & Suites, 4742 Brecksville Rd. Richfield, OH!

Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press and The Lotus Circle authors will be spotlighted.General Attendance Registration is $250. Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press and The Lotus Circle authors will receive a $50 discount.

Registration covers:
Goody bag Attendance at the Psychedelic Soiree (Friday, Oct. 9th)
Buffet breakfast (Saturday, Oct. 10th & Sunday Oct. 11th)
Appreciation Dinner (Saturday, Oct. 10th)
Workshops (Saturday, Oct. 10th & Sunday Oct. 11th)
Book Fair (Sunday, Oct. 11th) featuring Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press and The Lotus Circle
Farewell Bingo Party hosted by the Ellora's Cavemen Cover Models (Sunday Oct. 11)

To get convention updates, join our RomantiCon Convention Yahoo chat loop by emailing RomantiCon_Convention-subscribe@yahoogroups.comFeel free to email any questions to conventions@EllorasCave.com

Happy Election Day!

2008-11-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

Remember to take a book to read while you wait in line!

Two Lips Reviews Hard Fall

2008-10-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

Liam Derby sat in a sports bar in a ridiculous flowered western shirt, a black cowboy hat atop his head and new cowboy boots. He could have cared less that the Red Sox were losing as he just wanted his brother to show up and free him from the bet that they had made. Liam was a sour loser and felt that his brother had intentionally gotten the most girly shirt he could find. What the heck do cowboys do with pearl buttons, anyway? His brother calls off the bet, but before Liam can stand up to go, a woman enters, capturing every male eye in the bar.

Brooke Miller is an artist. Her dream is to have a gallery of her own to exhibit the work of other artists, and her own work one day when the time is right. Her ex-boyfriend had recently dumped her for a woman who would take him to the top…he claimed. Brooke was still reeling from his comments, which had cut her deeply. Brooke was in a self-help program and this was the week to do something totally spontaneous and risky. Going to a bar to pick up a man for a one-night stand was about as risky as she could get, as well as being totally out of character. When she walked into a sports bar in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and locked eyes with a cowboy, her knees went weak.

Isabelle Drake blends the perfect story, geared to a lost bet and a self-help program. Liam is the owner of a construction company, and built the building where Brooke is leasing space. Brooke thinks, though, that Liam is an out-of-town cowboy, and he lets her keep thinking it. Once they make love, Liam knows Brooke is a keeper, and not at all like his ex. All he knows is Brooke's first name, that she is an artist, and afterwards, that he was a fool ever to let her go! Hard Fall is an erotic story that will have readers panting…while craving more and more.

Reviewer: Alisha

Bound and Determined, Work in Progress

2008-10-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

“Invitation, please.”

Emily handed over the elaborate card Jenn had received in the mail and waited while the burly man checked her friend’s name off the list on his clipboard. Sure, she could’ve used the one Gino had sent her, but she didn’t want to leave any trail. “Thank you, Miss McNeil.”

Seconds later she was inside Gino’s famously large apartment, instantly becoming one of the mass. Although most everyone there probably worked for the Smithsonian, so Emily had worked with and knew, she didn’t even try to guess who was behind which mask. There would be time later to catch up with old friends.

That particular night she had only one item on her to-do list. Fuck with Randall Kentworth’s head by seducing him. If she did a thorough enough job, she’d leave him wanting, wondering pointlessly who the hot woman in the gold brocade jacket was.

As she was making her way through the mob, scanning for her prey, something rubbery caressed her waist. She spun around to find a huge cactus staring at her.

“Can I get you a beer?” it shouted, holding up a half full plastic cup.

Emily pulled the cactus’s other hand off her waist, as she continued to stare at the insanely large Suaro cactus, complete with a cluster of yellow flowers and bird’s nest.

The blue eyes hiding inside the plant blinked and the muffled voice shouted in defense, “There’s catuses in the desert.”

Emily grinned. Museum people. Always looking for ways to prove how clever they are. “I’m meeting someone,” she said, but then to let him know she appreciated the offer, she patted the tiny wren sitting in the nest.

As the giant plastic cactus melted into the crowd, Emily made her way to toward the back yard where Gino always put the keg. Randall would be there, surrounded by an adoring mob.

Unbuttoning the jacket as she went, she mused, all I have to do is wait until he’s alone.

Once she was done with him she was hoping that he, like her, could end up hopelessly pinning for someone. In her case, that hopeless pinning was undoubtedly worse than anything he would end up with, because she had had to watch the object of her desire flirt with every person in their path—every person with the exception of her. He hadn’t even known she’d existed.

That invisibility had partly her own fault, she’d always been too shy to even be considered coy. She’d been damn invisible.

One thing her term in the Peace Corps had done for her—take away that life-ruining shyness. Who has time for hesitation when trying to find lost equipment through an interpreter?

Was it that she wanted to leave him with a sense of longing or was it that she finally wanted to get a piece of that yummy body?

Either way, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

FATE UNBOUND excerpt

2008-10-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

“I’d remember you if I’d seen you here before.”

The man, not much more than a boy really, was swaying as he leaned back, trying to get a look at her ass. Brown hair hung across his face, hiding one of his bright blue eyes. His jaw was pleasantly square, his skin nicely tanned and contrasting well with the casual, soft brown sweater clinging to his lean muscles. Denim pants hung low on his hips, showing off a small slice of his strong midsection.

He certainly wasn’t puny, or unattractive, but he wasn’t up to Taryn’s usual standards either. He had no sword or markings of battle, and his face was fresh with the enthusiasm of youth.

She preferred her men strong and experienced. Vigorous. Capable. In Kate’s words–edgy.

But, she reflected ruefully, always getting what she wanted was the problem.

Or had been.

The newcomer set his hand on her waist, gripping it firmly, and leaned in. The bristled shadow of his facial hair brushed across her cheek as he spoke, his hot breath blowing across her neck. “I come here all the time. Want me to show you around?”

She shook her head, easily meeting his gaze because he wasn’t more than a few inches taller than she. “I’m meeting someone.”

Still holding her waist, he angled back, his gaze darting across the mass of people before coming back to her. “Another girl?”

Girl?

Did she look like an unripe, inexperienced girl?

Taryn straightened, looking down her nose at him, but because his attention had dropped to the swells of her breasts, her distain went unnoticed.

She set her hand on his to pull it away, but he gripped hers tightly and smiled, his vivid gaze coming back to her face. His grin was sweet, his azure eyes glowing brightly under the shaggy locks falling across his forehead.

A mature man would’ve been subtle and realised the importance of anticipation. This boy’s inexperience was well balanced by drunken confidence. “We can wait for her,” he replied, stretching to the bar to discard his empty beer bottle, intentionally letting his arm brush across the side of her breast. “Then I’ll show you both around.” Moving his gaze to the dusting of glitter she had skimmed between her breasts, he added, “This is a big place. You need to know where to go to get what you want.”

He seemed harmless enough, but Taryn wanted to end things quickly, before he made the offer she was forbidden to refuse.

FATE UNBOUND excerpt # 2

2008-10-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

“The Fates have been cruel, casting me from Greece.” Adrian tossed the chisel from his calloused hand, watching it skid to a stop under the expansive window. Gazing across the private courtyard swimming pool towards the glittering neon lights of Los Angeles, he continued, “Sending me to this modern world, where I am nothing, no one, I—”

“Not even your true father, Zeus himself, can deny The Fates,” Linus said to his friend, trying as he had many times over the past several weeks to remind Adrian that he had no control over his predicament.

“Curse The Fates and curse—”

“Don’t. Have patience.” Linus’ tone was sharp but softened as he continued. “You will regret those words later, when you get the acknowledgement you crave.

Running his fingertips over rough edges of marble that would eventually be two lovers, Adrian scoffed. “Patience?”

Linus set down the brown leather chest he’d just carried in. “Let me remind you, you sought your future from The Oracle. Besides, you will be getting what you want—if you only follow—”

“The dictates.” Adrian’s hand stilled where the woman’s waist would be. “It’s a trick. Commanding me to not seek the touch of any woman, then placing me here, where she is nearby.”

“And what would you do if you could touch her?” Linus asked. “Seek vengeance?”

Gliding his hand lower, he flattened his palm across the area where the lovers’ bodies would merge and pressed hard. There was no room for gentleness when it came to the unfinished business between him and his former lover, Taryn.

He turned away so his friend would not see that cruel truth on his face, but the concealment came too late.

“What good would such an act do? It certainly would not help you achieve what you claim to want. Single-minded revenge does not suit a god—or even a half god. Perhaps the Fates know you better than you know yourself.”

Nectar of the Gods ~ Just Out

2008-09-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

FATE UNBOUND is my story in the Nectar of the Gods anthology. Each story features a son of Zeus.

FATE UNBOUND

Coming September 25- Cowboy for Hire

2008-09-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Anxious for adventure and the chance to prove she’s not the spoiled socialite her friends and family believe her to be, Victoria Moore buys The Circle Cat ranch, rolls up her sleeves, and begins the repairs that will turn the ramshackle place into the best dude ranch in Arizona. One thing she didn’t plan on was a dark, down-on-his-luck cowboy smashing into her barn. But when he does, she turns the problem into an opportunity. Armed with limited experience, but a lot of determination, Victoria sets out to get what she wants from the wandering cowboy.

The last thing Lang Thompson wants is to get tangled up with a woman. Especially one who’s used to getting what she wants when she wants it. He knows what rich girls like her expect and he isn’t interested in playing games. But he’s no match for Victoria’s hardworking determination and sexy brand of innocence.

Excerpt:

Lang Thompson eased his foot off the worthless brake pedal and waited for the red Arizona dust to clear. A board swung above the cab of his truck, once, twice, three times. The rusty nail holding it gave up the fight and the weathered two-by-four smacked across the hood with a weary thump.

One more dent wasn’t going to matter.

He pushed back his beat-up Stetson, mumbling a string of words that in his childhood would’ve earned him an afternoon in the milk house. He didn’t need this.

Outside his window a hairy, black Australian shepherd barked and waved its tail.

“You don’t need to tell me, I see the mess.”

For a split second he considered backing out and leaving. The way the place looked, the owner probably wouldn’t even notice the new gaping hole.

No, he didn’t want any unfinished business hanging over his head when he hit the highway again to head south, away from the miserable memories he’d left behind. There was that and the fact that his conscience had an unfortunate way of popping up at the worst times.

He glanced down at the animal now sitting among the rubble that used to be the side of a barn. A tired, seen-better-days barn but a barn nonetheless.

For the sake of his furry witness, he held back another string of words unfit for delicate ears as he shoved the door open and stepped out. He leaned against the truck and yanked his hat down to block out the afternoon sun. The owner had to be around somewhere.

“I guess I should’ve hung a no parking sign there.”

Lang turned to the shapely outline in the shadows. His bad luck kept getting worse. A woman. He didn’t want to shoot the breeze with a bored rancher’s wife.

“If you’ll tell me where to find your husband, I’ll straighten this out with him.”

As she moved into the sunshine Lang tried to convince himself he didn’t see her thick blonde hair or clear, blue eyes. He didn’t notice the way the way her breasts strained against that plain white t-shirt tucked neatly into her faded jeans, either. And that bolt of physical awareness that shot straight to his cock? It didn’t exist.

A blindingly bright smile spilt across her sun-kissed face. “I can’t do that.”

No, those sweet lips didn’t really have an effect on him either. But just to be sure, he stepped away as she came closer. “Do what?”

Raising her hand to shield her eyes from the desert sun, she glanced over her shoulder toward the mess. “Did you plow into my barn because you suffer from memory loss?”

Lang turned toward his truck. He had indeed plowed into the barn. Her barn. “Your barn?”

She nodded, then reached down to rub the dog’s ears, giving him the perfect opportunity to look down her shirt. Was that a white bra with pink lace trim?

Damn he loved lace.

Forcing his gaze back to her face, he asked, “You don’t have a husband I can talk things over with?”

Sunlight blinked off the golden strands of her hair as she shook her head and scratched under the animal’s chin. Her silence didn’t make sense. Why wasn’t she pissed? “Look, ma’am, I’m really sorry—”

While waving her hands to cut him off, she moved closer, her sexy, long legs making short work of the distance. “You don’t need to explain right now.”

Judging from the tilt of her head and the welcome in her eyes, he was missing some piece of a puzzle.

But what?

He stamped out his curiosity. He only wanted to take care of business, then get back on the road and find that ranch for sale his cousin Cole had badgered him into looking over. With that out of the way, he’d get back to his real goal, which was putting as much distance between the remnants of his old life and himself as possible. He tugged his gaze away from her all-too-easy-on-the-eyes face, glanced around but soon found himself looking her way again. “Where am I anyway?”

Her delicate eyebrows knotted together and her shoulders dropped. “You didn’t come about the ad for work?”

“Work?” He shook his head. “No. I was trying to turn around, get back on the freeway.”

Her kissable pink lips curved weakly, the glimmer in her eyes faded but didn’t go out completely. “You’re at The Circle Cat Ranch.”

“And where is that?”

“Cactus Junction.” She dipped her head the other way and a few tempting strands of silken hair slipped over her shoulder. “You do know what state you’re in?”

Arizona. Only a couple of hours from the Mexican border.

Her gaze circled his face, considering, then dropped lower, assessing. He straightened, planting his legs wide enough to place the bulge in his pants front and center. If she insisted on getting a good look at him, he might as well give her a view worth the effort.

As though she realized she was rudely looking him over like he was a colt on the auction block, she brought her attention back to his face and tried to cover her actions with a smile as she spoke. “You look like you could use a drink. I know I could.” She brushed past him without waiting for a reply. “Come on up to the house and have some lemonade.”

That place his cousin was so hot for them to buy was in Cactus Junction. At least he didn’t have much farther to go.

Not that he wanted to buy a place and start all over but Cole had cajoled him until he’d agreed to at least look it over. A promise is a promise. Even to a cousin like Cole.

The woman’s hips swayed invitingly as she strode toward the house. Each determined stride called to some better left unspoken part of him.

He grumbled and tore his gaze away. He’d written complicated entanglements with women off. For good.

The screen door smacked shut after she disappeared inside.

Why did it seem like the last shred of control he had over his life was slipping away? The hot wave of lust pooling in his gut shouted a warning, telling him to forget his so-called integrity and take the chance that once he got on the road he wouldn’t need brakes any time soon. He could always coast to a stop.

He groaned. All those hours in the milk house taught him more than to mind his tongue. He had to stick around and settle the issue at hand. That ranch for sale wasn’t going anywhere. With a quick glance down to be sure he wasn’t wearing any of his fast food breakfast on his shirt, Lang headed after the woman and the dog.

San Francisco ~ Career Stuff & Cocktails with Nora

2008-08-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

As part of RWA's Published Author Retreat, I attended a talk by Gail Blanke who spoke about embracing change and making it work for you. She highlighted some points from her new book Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease. Although she was focusing on career change, the points apply to most every area in life. She emphasised that growth comes from change and that courage comes from action.

Tap into the power of vision - personal motivation comes from a vision, not information. Ask yourself, what do you see that is holding you back?

Let go of negative voices in your head - including regrets, anger and fear. Ask yourself, does being right matte

Own and acknowledge your achievements - look for patterns of courage in your life. Ask yourself, what defining moments can you find in your life?

Dust off entrepreneurial spirit - realize you can't grow without change.

Know who you are, know who you aren't. Ask yourself, what does your personal brand promise?

Distinguish between fact and interpretation - facts are true, interpretation is your view of the facts.

Her presentation was both inspiring and entertaining, the Trapezes is on my to be read stack right now. FYI, she has a website dedicated to the book.

I also attended Blake Snyder's session on screen writing. He used the plotting structure from his book Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need.

It seemed to me that his screen plotting structure was very similar to Vogler's Hero's Journey. IE, the plot point he calls 'fun and games' to me serves the same purpose as Vogler's 'enemies and allies'. I don't think the similarity matters much, except that it gave me something to think about. I imagine his writing style is as accessible as his speaking style, so if you're looking for a book on plot structure I imagine its a good one.

Switching Gears...

Saturday night I was fortunate enough to find myself at Nora Roberts' cocktail party. How awesome is that?! Here I am with the poised and charming Ruth Ryan Langham - too funny that's Nora Roberts behind, zipping off to do the amazing things she does.

Sunday I took the afternoon to see Chinatown, did a post with pics on the Goddesses Blog, then around 9 pm I headed to the airport, flight pillow in hand.

San Francisco ~ Victoria's & Vibrators

2008-08-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thursday I was up at 7am to drink Starbucks, eat yummy pastries and attend The Official Conference Kickoff. After that I did some meetings, then went and collected some books and fun promo stuff from the goodie room. By 12:30 I needed to get out of the hotel (I know, already?) so when a couple friends asked if I wanted to walk down to the Pier for lunch you know what I said.

We walked down Market Street all the way to the end, then went along the water until we got to Pier 39 (or is it 29?). Whichever it was, it was jam! packed! with people from everywhere. If you’ve never been there, but you have been to Disney, the Pier pretty much looks like that. The shops are small, filled with souvenirs, and everything is colorful and carefully put-together. So carefully, that it looks fake. Like Disney. It’s still a fun place though, just don’t try to get anywhere in a hurry. Anyway, while we were there we did the usual touristy stuff, like look at the seals, buy over-priced cameras to take pictures of Alcatraz and complain because the fog was covering up the Golden Gate Bridge. If you look at my pic with great enthusiasm, you can sort of see the bridge.

After all that, we wandered on the Fisherman’s Wharf to find a restaurant with outside, bay view seating. That’s harder than it sounds. Anyway, while drinking beer and eating shrimp I discovered that none of the three other women I was with had ever worn a thong! To me, this was a wrong that had to be righted. ASAP. After our round, we took the trolley to the Union Square Victoria’s Secret and resolved the situation. Thank goodness.

After a celebratory round a beers at an Irish Pub we came across, we headed back to the hotel for dinner. After dinner I zipped off to the Passionate Ink (RWAs erotic romance chapter) party.

Cheers to Harlequin SPICE’s Susan Swinwood who had the challenge of speaking to a group of women who had just been given free drink tickets and door prize gift pack packs that contained vibrators. Despite those possible distracters, she gave us an update on Harlequin’s erotic line. Bottom line seems to me, the stories do not have to be romances/ do not have to have a happily-ever-ending. Also, according to my understanding, all expressions of eroticism are welcome (with the exception of the usual taboos). [Send me a note if you’d like more info].

After the party, there was more running around, chatting in the hallways, and general silliness. Eventually, bedtime.

San Francisco – A Lesson, a Lounge, and possible a Liar

2008-08-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

First thing Wednesday morning I found out the hard way that the airlines weren’t kidding about that extra charge for the second bag. That’s right; I paid an extra $25 bucks to transport my bag of hair spray, make-up, safety pins, and misc. girly stuff. Apparently it costs money to live ‘n learn. Okay, lesson learned.

It was noon when I landed; I had lunch at a place near the hotel: kung-pow chicken. Yum. After lunch, I checked into my room, did a bunch of businessy stuff, then headed to the hotel bar to chat with whoever was there and have a nice glass of red wine before the RWA Literacy signing. While at the bar I met Meredith Duran who could not be any cuter. (!) She flattered me by asking my advice for newly published authors; I asked her did she want serious advice? She assured me serious advice would be fine. I think I said something to the effect that 1) authors should not take themselves too seriously and in support of # 1 is 1B) authors should not be too worried about following “the rules.” She was very gracious and nodded politely. Later I wondered if I sounded pompous – and serious. LOL.

The RWA signing was huge, 500 some authors; I sat next to Jocelynn Drake, who was signing her just released first book Nightwalker. I had a great time telling everyone she was my sister; I was still laughing about it later.

After the signing, one of my roommates and I zipped off to the Starlight Lounge a dance club in the historic Sir Francis Drake hotel. There was a bridal party there, so we admired the bride’s dress and fussed over the newlyweds a bit. Also, there was much silliness including:

· Dancing to hipster remixes.
· Talking with some British guy about his company that dashes off to dangerous countries to rescue kidnapped Americans – I know, sounds like a Serious Line but when I asked him if he could drive backwards, as I have heard that that particular skill is essential to such rescuers, he told me he could but not with much skill, I figured maybe he wasn’t making it up. But what did I care anyway?
· More dancing to hipster remixes.
· Taking pictures of the view from the club as seen here.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go dancing that’s casual, I’d recommend it. Around 1:45 my roomie and I headed back to our hotel to tuck ourselves into bed and get ready for day 2.

Hard Fall Contest Winners!

2008-08-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

The five cover magnet winners are:

f.che
blessed_
beka328
marthaj
NEZTEP

And the ebook winner is:

luvfuzzeee

You should have rec'd an email from me, but if you haven't, send me a note isabelle@isabelledrake.com.

If you didn't win - but love the cover - I have some cover postcards and I'd be happy to send you one. Just send me your snail mail addy isabelle@isabelledrake.com.

Thanks for entering - watch for my COWBOY FOR HIRE release contest in September

San Francisco Here I Come...

2008-07-28T01:40:00.000-07:00

Later this week I'll be headed to San Francisco for the Romance Writers of America national conference. Workshops, editors, book people - all the usual great stuff. As always, I'll take time away from all the conference stuff to see what's what.

Cool things about San Fran.

1) It has the world's curviest street - Lombard. Cute guy in the YouTube clip is a bonus.

2) The world's tallest trees are nearby. If you've ever seen them, you know looking up at them can make you dizzy.

3) Hot clam chowder and cold beer by the bay.

4) Alcatraz. Hmm...

5) Great weather - forecast for my arrival day is 70' and sunny.

More later--

Hard Fall Contest!

2008-07-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

To celebrate the upcoming release of HARD FALL, I'm having a contest. Here's the scoop:

To enter send me an email (isabelle@isabelledrake.com) with Enter Me - HARD FALL in the subject line.

Prizes include 1 ebook edition of HARD FALL and 5 cover magnets.

Contest ends on the release date, July 30-winners announced here on August 7.

Signing in Michigan, July 12

2008-07-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

July 12, 2008 from 12 - 3 PM

Paperbacks N' Things

8044 North Wayne Road Westland, MI 48185

*****

I'll be signing Everglades Wildfire and Satisfaction Guaranteed

Other authors signing include: Cindy Spencer Pape, Lacey Thorn, and Kaenar Langford

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

What's more American than a cowboy in a black Stetson?

Tired of being “daddy’s little girl,” and anxious for a chance to prove that she’s not a useless, spoiled socialite, Victoria Moore is ready to roll up her sleeves and start making her new ranch, The Circle Cat, into the best dude ranch in Arizona. One thing she never planned on was a dark-eyed, long-legged cowboy smashing into her barn. But when he does, she sees the unexpected arrival as an opportunity. Armed with limited experience, but a lot of determination, Victoria sets out to seduce him.

Cowboy for Hire will be out this September from Cerridwen Press

Gothic Master...work in progress...

2008-06-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

“I’d nearly given up hope that you would arrive, but I am certainly glad you finally found your way.”

Lorelai shook her head, fighting the lavender haze in her mind and the soft, expectant tension running the length of her spine.

The man’s voice continued, his evident excitement tempered with age. “Yes, certainly glad. It’s been years since we had a luscious one in his bed.” He fell silent then added, “All the girls before—back before—never mind. You are here now, things will be different.”

The world began to present itself more clearly, two twin posts about seven feet beyond her face came into focus.

She blinked, ignoring the voice, staring through the dim light and willing herself to focus.

Bed posts.

Wide dark wooden door, left open.

Fireplace, flames hungrily licking cords of wood.

Soft, sheets beneath her flushed skin, a heavy down comforter pressed against her, caressing her. And the sweet languid sensation running from her spine into her limbs.

“Would you like more tea, dear?”

“Tea?” She voice was soft, husky, warm, like the sweet gentle heat that seemed to be everywhere inside her.

“Yes, you took quite well to the cup you drank upon your arrival.”

The images tumbled in, memories clicking into place. The last one was of herself, covered with snow and chilled from the bitter winter wind, accepting hot tea as she inquired after her friend Katherine.

“What hap—?”

“No need to be upset with yourself. Many girls are skittish when they first arrive; I saw it in your eyes, that’s why I administered the tea.”

Still bleary, she rose up onto her elbows, the cover fell from her shoulders exposing her bare breasts.

“But don’t worry, soon enough Master will have you strutting with your shoulders thrust back, showing off those gorgeous tits and swaying that generous bottom.”

“No, that’s not—” but the words why I came here fell away as she struggled to sit up only to realize that her arms and legs were bound. The bindings were not tight but they were secure. Her legs were spread wide, her hands tied just tight enough that she could not touch her own body.

This is from Gothic Master a work in progress...

First Ever Ellora's Cave Convention! 2009

2008-06-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

The first ever conventions for Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press, and Lotus Circle authors and readers will be held in Akron, Ohio in 2009.

Here are the dates being considered (all Friday-Sunday):

September 18th - 20th
September 25th-27th
October 2nd – 4th

If you are interested in the convention, respond with name, address, and phone number (optional) via email to Ellora's Cave Conventions!

Tentative schedule:

Friday Night – EC/CP/TLC Celebration Party

Saturday Morning – Continental Breakfast then Workshops

Saturday Night – Awards Banquet

**The city is working on something fun to do (if interested and thirsty) after the Awards Banquet.**

Sunday Morning – Continental Breakfast

Sunday Afternoon – Book Fair

Sunday Evening – An author sponsored event.

If you want to participate or have a suggestion please include that information in your email.

Once EC has an idea of the number of interested people (authors, readers, book stores, models), and they decide on the hotel, food, etc., they'll be able to determine the cost.

Excerpt of Hard Fall

2008-06-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Liam Derby stretched, letting the scarred back of the wood chair smack against the wall as he scanned the early evening bar crowd. The tall stools near the televisions were packed with local Red Sox fans but none of the people was anyone he knew.

Thank God.

“Need another, cowboy?”

After glancing at the nearly empty Rolling Rock bottle nestled in his right palm, he nodded to the overly attentive waitress. “Sure, thanks.”

She started to walk away, but hesitated, turning back to eye him cautiously from beneath dark lashes. “Um…Can I ask you a question?”

He lifted his eyebrows, silently inviting her to continue.

She pushed a few stray blonde curls off her cheek and giggled. “Is it true you—I mean cowboys…have sex with your, um—I mean their—hats on?”

Liam considered pushing back his hat to reveal his thick red hair or asking her if she’d ever seen an Irish cowboy, but that might force him into having to explain why he, a city slicker construction worker, was wearing a cowboy hat and an absurd Western-style shirt. The last thing he wanted to do was explain that. So instead, he winked and replied slowly enough to mask his Boston born-and-bred accent. “I never kiss and tell.”

Her slightly disappointed gaze darted up to the fresh-out-of-the-box black Stetson sitting atop his head down to his denim-covered crotch, then skittered back to his stunned face. But instead of saying something—which would have been the decent thing to do, she scooted off, dodging between the tables and giggling as she slid behind the bar.

Jesus.

What was it with women and cowboys?

Liam was about to check his watch again but the vibration of his phone stopped him short.

He flipped it open and checked the display.

Crusher.

“Where the hell are you?” he asked, not bothering with pleasantries like hello.

No reply from his brother, only deep laughter.

“What the hell? I’m sitting here in this fucking hat and this hideous shirt, nearly getting mauled by the waitresses, and all you can do is laugh?”

“So you’re wearing it? The hat? And the shirt?”

“Yes. And yes.” Liam glanced down at the snug, red and yellow-flowered shirt and fingered one of the white pearl snap buttons. “The least you could have done was gotten me a shirt that fits.”

After another burst of laughter, Crusher came back with, “Oh shit, I wish I could see it.”
“What do you mean wish?”

His brother replied but the words were lost in a burst of frustrated yelling when the batter from the Sox struck out again. When the noise lowered to a discontented murmur, Liam repeated his question.

“You’re really doing it? You’re sitting in Swifty’s wearing that stupid hat?” Crusher was nearly giddy with laughter.

“I lost the bet. I’m wearing the damn hat.”

“And flowered shirt?”

“Yes,” he ground out.

“Want to make another bet? We could add chaps if your team loses again.”

Liam checked the score on the screen. Texas 7. Boston 0. “No,” he grumbled. “You’ve made your point. Hurry up and get here so I can leave.”

After another burst of ear-grinding snickering, Crusher replied, “Can’t make it.”

The waitress slid up to the table, set down Liam’s beer with a gentle but firm thump, smiled, then slowly fell back, keeping her gaze connected with his until she nearly fell over backward when she bumped into a table. Still leering, she spun around and headed back to the bar, swishing her hips as she went.

Liam would’ve laughed, if he wasn’t feeling so stupid. As it was, he was in no mood to laugh.

“What do you mean, you can’t make it?”

“Got something going on with Natalie.”

Liam softened at the mention of his brother’s new girlfriend. She was a keeper, as far as he—and the rest of their very close family—was concerned. And it looked like she and Crusher were getting serious, which was a good thing.
But still—

“I know. You think I’m an ass. So we’ll make a deal. According to the bet you had to sit there until the end of the game. Since I’m not coming, you can leave.” He paused for effect, then added, “You’re off the hook. You have my permission to leave the bar.”

“For fuck’s sake, I—”

“You miss me. I know. I’ll make it up to you, I promise, so—”

While his brother was still babbling, Liam snapped his phone shut and slipped it back into his pocket. He leaned forward, dropped the legs of the chair to the floor, getting ready to leave until a sudden burst of excited shouting stopped him. A square shouldered old man was smacking palms with a wide-eyed college kid while a trio at the end of the bar started pounding on the counter, yelling, “Head for home! Run!”

Liam reached for the fresh beer, figuring he may as well drink it and see if his team could manage to climb out of the slump they’d fallen into. But all intentions of watching the game skittered from his mind when he spotted a woman make her way into the bar.

A skimpy white tank top that curved around a pin-up worthy rack, long legs and a short floral skirt so light that a gentle gust of wind could easily blow it up far enough to reveal a lacy pair of panties. Or even better, a thong. When she pushed back the long curls that cascaded down her back, she revealed delicate bone structure and lips that looked full, even from a distance.

Full and begging to be kissed.

Hard Fall will be released July 30 from Ellora's Cave.

BEA LA #3

2008-06-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

I know its pretty impossible to see this, but trust me when I tell you - this is a taping of the Sarah Conner Chronicles. If you look really, really closely maybe you can see the non-trailor worthy actors waiting under the tree for their next scene.

Do you suppose that water bottle on the front corner is part of the set?

As with the other sets, all the buildings are exterior only the backside is either a completely different looking building or blank cement or metal..

On our way out of the lot we saw another part of the taping, a bunch of fire trucks and ambulances lined up. After the director gave the cue, people started milling around and pretending to talk to each other. Apparently, the sound people but the sounds in later and if the actors make any actual sounds those sounds will get in the way or the added in sounds. Makes sense in a movie making sort of way.

BEA LA # 2

2008-06-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Fan of ER? This is the outside set of the hospital. The bags of trash are actually stuffed with newspaper, not smelly garbage, guess that keeps it from smelling. The bricks and cement siding are actually plastic. Because there are no rooms behind the windows, the lighting comes from outside the building in the form of giant spot lights that can be dimmed or brightened according to the time of day. Have you ever seen the emergency doors slide open? They'll pulled open by people (one on each side) not electricity. The emergency room is there, we went in and admired the fake foods in the vending machines.

I find all this stuff fascinating.

BEA LA #1

2008-06-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

I got off the plane, rented a convertible (yum), and headed--of course--to Hollywood. My plan, see what there was to see there and then go to Warner Brothers Studios and get into one of the studio tours. As someone who loves movies, a studio tour was a must.

The drive started out great, even though I couldn't quite read the map with the wind blowing it around. Got lost. Got found. Got confused. Finally got onto Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills. It's beautiful, and I had plenty of time to admire the lush gorgeousness while parked in Friday afternoon traffic.

No problem, I turned the music up and crept along. Once I got started again, the thing that struck me was that many things in LA look vagely familiar. From movies, perhaps? But sometimes that is a problem, because you think you know where you are when of course you don't. Funny. Sort of. I finally did get to WB Studios and saw lots of cool stuff.

Including:

The orginal costumes from the Matrix movies

Several street sets, including the ones used in the Sarah Connor Chronicles.

The Mac 5 car from the movie Speed Racer.

The Central Perk set from Friends. That's the couch in the right hand corner of the picture.

Hard Fall, Coming July 2008

2008-06-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Have sex with a stranger? Never. But Brooke is fed up with life and looking for a change. When she meets an out-of-town cowboy in a Cambridge bar, she decides he’s exactly what she needs—a quick, anything goes, one-night-only distraction.

Liam thought wearing a cowboy hat to his favorite sports bar because he lost a bet was pure humiliation, but when a hot, short-skirt wearing woman tells him he’s just what she wants, he changes his mind.

But one night isn’t enough for Liam and he’s willing to change the rules of their game to get what wants.

Used and Liking It

2008-05-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

So I was at the annual Memorial Day used book sale picking up some paperbacks, gladly preparing to pay the .50 each because all the money raised goes the the local library - and there nestled between a Marian Keyes and Heather Graham was a Melissa Ford. Four Weeks by Melissa Ford to be exact. Why does that matter? Because I'm Melissa Ford and Four Weeks is my book.

Too funny! I think seeing one of your books at a used book sale must be some type of author turning point. Like the first time you get offered a free coffee at a book store. It's one of those things you don't think about or expect, but when it happens you get that somehow you've crossed some thresold.

Of course I bought it. And if you're the first person who emails me, I'll send it to you.

Congrats to Karen from Tulsa! The book is on the way...

On my way to LA

2008-05-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

In a couple days I'll be on my way to LA for the 2008 Book Expo America. If you're around, stop by the Jasmine Jade booth. I'll be signing on Saturday, May 31st from 11 - 1, but there'll be authors signing pretty much all day Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st.

Last time I was in LA, I was attending the RWA national conference as an Golden Heart finalist in the traditional romance (read: very sweet, No Sex) category. This time I'll be signing my erotic romance books. Hmmm...guess my career path took a turn I wasn't expecting. That's the fun thing about life you never know what's coming next.

Satisfaction Guaranteed now in Paperback

2008-05-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

Like the feel of something solid in your hands? How about a paperback edition of Satisfaction Guaranteed. No problem, you can get your copy from Cerridwen Press.

What's it about?

Workaholic, accountant Elizabeth Sewell needs a man. According to her well-laid-out life plan, it’s time to find Mr. Right and move on to the next phase of her life--married with children. The problem is, she’s been so busy working her way up the career ladder, she won’t spot Mr. Right even if he’s carrying a neon sign. So, being an organized businesswoman, she comes up with a strategy. She’ll hire a man to teach her what she needs to know to get what she wants.

Disillusioned, attorney Jack Harley needs a distraction. He’s left behind a high-pressure job with a prestigious law firm in Houston, and he’s determined to get his life back on track by opening a private practice in Dallas. When a sexy brunette mistakes his new office for the recently relocated escort service, he’s stunned silent by her request for ‘a variety of men and experiences’. But when she asks him if he’s man enough to uncover what turns her on, he finds his voice in time to accept the challenge.

What do reviewers have to say?

"...sure to satisfy with this sexually unsure heroine and the man who wants to meet her needs both in and out of the bedroom.

"...when Jack and Elizabeth finally get under the sheets, their lovemaking is explosive and intimate. For a guaranteed sexy romance, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED is one I would recommend you pick up."

--Katie
Reviewer, Romance Junkies

"Ms. Isabelle Drake has written a wonderfully upbeat story which was detailed with various sub-plots to enhance the storyline. Her characters were so well created and enjoined that the book flowed brilliantly. Her supporting cast emerged to boost this unique plot. The work and family situations made this a work which expressed alternate activity so that there was great dimension in the book.

"I highly recommend this book to all who like to experience real-life people with a strong attraction which has some great ups and downs. It is a good book which I think you will certainly enjoy and remember for some time to come."

--Brenda Talley
Reviewer, The Romance Studio

Hot Release for a Hot Month

2008-05-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hard Fall will be out July 30.

If you've been reading my stuff since I was with Venus Press, you might remember "Well Hung" in the Hard Hats, Hard Bodies anthology. Hard Fall is a revised edition of "Well Hung," so the story is the basically the same, only now there's even more of the good stuff. I usually get a bit stressed while filling out the covert art form. It's hard to boil down the tone of the story, the personliaty of the characters. But I shouldn't, because the art department at Elloar's Cave is fantastic. Isn't this an awesome cover?

RT 'o8 Pittsburgh

2008-05-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

Why does my blue hair look green in this picture?

I'd like to blame my leprechaun locks on the hotel hallway lighting but I think it has more to do with the limitations of my camera phone.

This is the sort of thing that happens when you forget things. Important things. Like cameras.

But thanks to awesome people like Ellora's Cave author Kaenar Langford, you can still see what went on.

Check out her beautiful slide show.

Worse Case Scenario

2008-02-28T17:26:00.000-08:00

I’m actually glad my worst book signing fear has come to pass. Now I can stop sweating it, right?

What is...was..my worse fear? Having no one stop by my table? Spilling my complementary coffee all over myself? Saying something stupid?

Nope. I’ve lived through all of those. Spelling someone’s name wrong - or otherwise messing up the whole written part. For years I’ve been freaking out, thinking what if I spell the name wrong! Well, it finally happened. This last Sunday, I was doing a signing in Pickerington, Ohio (at an awesome Barnes and Noble) and a spelled someone's name wrong. And like most of these kinds of anxiety fears when it actually happened it was no big deal. I just laughed it off, tossed it on my own book stack, and picked up another copy. No. Big. Deal.

It was fun buying a copy of my own book; I gave the messed up copy to a friend. He thought it was hilarious.

Next I need to learn how to sell more books than I buy at signings.

Signing in Ohio, near Columbus

2008-02-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 23rd - 2:00pm-5:00pm

Barnes & Noble1738 Hill Road North, Pickerington, OH 43147

Participating Authors:TL Gray, Isabelle Drake, Saralee Etter, JC Wilder, Madeline Oh, Marcia James, Paige Cuccaro, Various EC/CP/TLC Editors and the Tour Bus!

Happy...Happy?

2008-02-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Singles Awareness Day!

Wait no More!

2008-02-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Waiting for the first review of a new release is AnXIety PrODuCIng !

Thankfully, my wait for the first review of Satisfaction Guaranteed is over. I'm totally thrilled with Brenda Talley's review.

Here's a snippet:

Overall rating: 5 hearts

Sensuality rating: Very sensual

For the full review visit The Romance Studio.

But in Short, What are They?

2008-01-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

Amazon Shorts are still fairly new, so a lot of people don't know what they are yet. In short, LOL, they are short stories, essays, prequels,outakes--anything and everything short. Curious? Head over to Amazon to check them out.

From the Amazon Website:

About Amazon Shorts:

Amazon Shorts are available exclusively at Amazon.com; you will not find them anywhere else.
Amazon Shorts are delivered electronically; there are no printed editions.
Amazon Shorts are yours forever - after purchase, you can read them anytime at Amazon.com. (They'll be stored forever in Your Media Library in PDF, HTML and text e-mail formats.)
You are free to print Amazon Shorts to read in hard copy form at your convenience.

New Release - Available Now

2008-01-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

Head over to Cerridwen Press to buy this new release or visit my website to read an excerpt.

Brava!

2008-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

How cool is this! My novella 'Something to Prove' is a finalist in Brava's Novella Contest.

This contest has 20 finalists; reader's get to vote on their favorite excerpts. The reader voting hasn't started, because all the finalists aren't up yet, but if you'd like to read my excerpt please skip on over to Brava's Forum.

In 2007 I Resolve...

2008-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, I confess. I have not written down my 2008 New Year's Resolutions. After much procrastinating I have come up with an even better idea - writing my 2007 New Year's Resolutions (which I haven't done yet either.) I'm already thinking I may adopt this new system permanently as the benefits of said system are undeniable. They include:
Being able to look back over the year and determine what the most suitable and manageable resolutions are.
Not having to worry that you won't complete or accomplish the resolutions.
Not having to face the shame of admitting you have forgotten what the resolutions were in the first place.
See what I mean?
With that in mind, I will list my 2007 New Year's Resolutions.
1. Have a book listed on the Amazon Bestseller list.
2. Complete two new manuscripts.
3. Receive three new book contracts.
4. Start a blog.
5. Start two new manuscripts.
6. Have fun doing signings and chatting with readers
Planning ahead is great, but looking back is fun too. What about you? What did you accomplish in 2007?

Isabelle Drake, books sold separately

2007-12-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

If I was being sealed up and sold, please don't put any of my books in with me. Don't get me wrong, I love my books, but I'm sure that if I did keep reading and rereading them for all eternity, I'd want to rewrite them. Over and over. You see?

Instead, seal me in with a parrot, rubics cube, and bicyle. I know, the bicyle won't do me much good until I get out, but I like to be ready.

Fate Worse than...?

2007-12-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Jane Austin comes with a quill pen, desk, and copy of Pride and Prejudice.

Now there's an idea many writers could get stressed about-being sealed into a tidy package with a copy of your own book. If nobody buys you, you'd be sealed in there for all eternity with only your own work to read. Over and over again.

I suppose if you had that quill and desk, you could write yourself a new one. If the ink didn't run out, that is.

Argh! Love Pirates?

2007-12-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Brigand Love, a sexy paranormal

available now exclusively at Amazon shorts for only .49

Restless and unsatisfied with her life, Lacey is looking for answers. But the recurring dream that haunts her sleep delivers only more questions. When the fierce brigand of her nights seeks her out, Lacey’s tormenting dreams become reality and her past becomes her present.

Read an excerpt @ www.isabelledrake.com

Link to Buy @ Amazon.com (Romance Shorts)

Run for Cover - its a surprise

2007-12-04T05:59:00.001-08:00

It took a minute for me to realize I was the background image for my own Amazon Short. It was *surprising*. Once I got over the shock, I think I started to find it funny. I think.

The story is awesome: it has a pirate ghost.

Check it out, its an Amazon Short - only .49!

Link to Buy @ Amazon.com (Romance Shorts)

A List Revisited

2007-11-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

One thing I know about Amazon's New Release Bestseller List. No matter how awesome a book is, it gets bumped off after 12 weeks.

Well, okay. I guess that makes sense, considering that after 12 weeks a book isn't really a new release.

But, it's still awesome having been there and being able to lament the fact that you, your book, is no longer there.

Right?

Lists Ahoy

2007-09-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

For a while now, I've been skimming over information about bestseller lists including how these lists are put together and what they mean. But I'm starting to catch on to the idea that I might actually need to know this stuff, so I better stop skimming and start reading.

Why? Even though Everglades Wildfire was released June 27, 2007 it remains on Amazon's Hot New Release Bestseller list. It's been as high as 4 and as low as 21. What do I know about this list? Only what it says on the page, "The bestselling new & future releases in Erotica. Updated hourly." Hourly. A person can waste a lot of time looking at that page every hour. As I write this post, Everglades is #5. Here's the link- who knows where it'll be when you hit it. # 7? # 18? Will it have dropped off?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/new-releases/books/227073011

Everglades was also on the general Bestsellers list for a minute. It isn't on there as I write this, but trust me, I spotted it there, as I was checking hourly, in the 90's, a couple times. What do I know about that list? It contains, "The most popular items in Erotica. Updated hourly. " http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/books/227073011/ref=pd_ts_pg_4/102-2305503-3717729?ie=UTF8&pg=4

Go ahead and take a look if you're curious, but I doubt Everglades will be there because it seems to be more of a Hot New Release Bestseller than a General Bestseller.

But what does that really mean?

I don't know. But I'll let you know what I find out.

New Jersey Here I Come

2007-09-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

I’ll be off to New Jersey next month for the New Jersey Romance Writers annual Put Your Heart in a Book Conference. I haven’t been to this conference before, but I’ve heard great things about it, so I’m excited. (!)

I’ve been to LoTs of conferences. Maybe more than I want to admit. But over the years I’ve learned a few things.

Know what to expect. Some excitement, some disappointment. No big deal. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Ditto a writing career.

Know what not to expect. See above.

Know what you’ll remember. Having an awesome time catching up with friends, meeting new people all over the place, and generally have a fast-forward good time.

Know what you won’t. When someone gives you a business card, write something on the back to remind yourself who/what/when/why. You think you’ll remember what you were talking about with Ms. Lunch Companion, but...

Know something about the place before you arrive. That way you’ ll be able to do at least one non-writing related thing, something you wouldn’t be able to do at home. Go to a museum, walk through a historic neighborhood, visit a park. You get the idea.

Last thing; let other people know you’re going.

New Jersey Romance Writer’s Conference Bookfair

Saturday, October 6 @ 4-5:30

Woodbridge Sheraton

515 Route One South, Iselin, NJ 08830
Phone (732) 634-3600

Confession for the Day

2007-09-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

OK. I admit it. I missed Britney Spears on the MTV Awards show Sunay night...so I went and looked the clip up on the Inet. I'm not putting the link here because:
A) You've already seen it.
or
B) Youhave the good sense to just say no.
Either way, you're one step ahead of me.
But tomorrow is another day. For me. And Brit.

No Labor This Labor Day

2007-09-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend driving, visiting with family and watching movies.

We went to see Halloween - director Rob Zombie. I'd gone thinking it would be a psychological thing about how MM got to be so evil. It was sort of about that. But mostly it was about how teenagers should not have sex, drink, or do drugs because if they do, a crazy man will hunt them down and stab them. LOL. Go see it if you liked the original. If not, pass.

Isabelle on the Cheap!

2007-08-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

Awesome news! My pirate ghost story, Brigand Love, will be re-released in time for Halloween. And to make that even better--it's only going to cost .49!

Brigand Love will be released through the Amazon Shorts program. If you haven't heard of those yet, you might want to go check them out. All stories are only .49, so they're a great way to try out new authors or genres.

Also, while flipping around the I-net, I noticed that there are some used copies of Everglades Wildfire on ebay. So if you haven't read that one yet, you might zip over and see if you can still get one at the used price.

Excerpt of Satisfaction Guaranteed by Isabelle Drake

2007-08-17T02:27:00.000-07:00

Jack Harley was not a deceptive man. As an attorney, his professional code of ethics required him to be completely honest and up until that moment it never crossed his mind to be anything but up-front. But this cool brunette who’d walked into his life and recited something like one of those made up stories in “Penthouse Forum”, she’d changed everything.

He’d have thought the whole thing was a set-up, a personalized welcome wagon joke delivered courtesy of his cousin, Denton but the determined set of this woman’s kissable mouth assured him she was serious. Unbelievably serious.

Admittedly, her proposal came across a bit stiff and lacking in detail but his imagination had already filled in the blanks. Not even Theresa Hill, the high maintenance girlfriend he’d left behind in Dallas, ever made him this shameless. Self-control? Good judgment? His two best personality traits had gone AWOL.

He looked down, almost hoping he’d find them within easy reach, sitting on his desk. No luck. Truth be told, there probably wasn’t anything that would douse the liquid spell this dark-haired ice princess had poured over him.

He swallowed hard and forced his face into what might pass for objective professionalism. She didn’t miss a single movement. If she applied that thorough approach to her love-making, she’d eat a man alive. But what a way to go.

Maybe he should’ve been insulted for being examined like a piece of meat. Maybe he should at least try to remember all the things his mother had taught him about being truthful and tell the woman that she’d made a simple mistake. The ever-popular escort service had moved to a bigger office down the hall. Remembering that he was an attorney would’ve been a good first step on the path to socially acceptable behavior.

But he’d suddenly stopped caring what was socially acceptable. He wanted to keep this woman right where she was, doing exactly what she was doing. Making him feel more alive than he had in months.

Years.

Hell, maybe ever.

“The arrangements, Mr. Harley?”

To read the full excerpt visit my website http://www.isabelledrake.com/.

Satisfaction Guaranteed in 2008

2007-08-15T01:08:00.000-07:00

I've just received the release date for Satisfaction Guaranteed - January 3, 2008.

Here's the blurb:

Workaholic, accountant Elizabeth Sewell needs a man. According to her well-laid-out life plan, it’s time to find Mr. Right and move on to the next phase of her life--married with children. The problem is, she’s been so busy working her way up the career ladder, she won’t spot Mr. Right even if he’s carrying a neon sign. So, being an organized businesswoman, she comes up with a strategy. She’ll hire a man to teach her what she needs to know to get what she wants.

Disillusioned, attorney Jack Harley needs a distraction. He’s left behind a high-pressure job with a prestigious law firm in Houston, and he’s determined to get his life back on track by opening a private practice in Dallas. When a sexy brunette mistakes his new office for the recently relocated escort service, he’s stunned silent by her request for ‘a variety of men and experiences’. But when she asks him if he’s man enough to uncover what turns her on, he finds his voice in time to accept the challenge.