The first tale of romance and conflict I read was Romeo and Juliet. A literary classic I've re-read many times since. Each page allowed me to vicariously visit the glorious Verona and experience the rising conflict dealt the passionate pair by Shakespeare. While I don't write tragedies, The Bard's mastery of language, dramatic structure and prose always provides an excellent lesson in creativity and craft.

When I first started writing romance fiction, I completed three historical romances, all of which were erotic in tone. Two of these novels are published, the third remains a work I tweak from time to time when the writing schedule permits.This weekend I'm celebrating a new book contract for the historical erotic romance novel I sold to Ellora's Cave. What made this novel sale even more special was the fact it occured during Mardi Gras Week, and my romantic tale is set in New Orleans.

For those who enjoy vampires, paranormal elements and believe love can solve many problems, this story will satisfy on all counts. Readers, what do you enjoy about erotic historical romances? The trip back in time? The setting details? The richness and authenticity of dialogue? Whether you're sipping a mug of cafe au lait or enjoying a decadent beignet, share your thoughts and let those good times roll! 

Feel the heat in erotic historical romances,

Shawna Moore

ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's  Cave

HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave

Someone's Dirty Secret…

 Okay, I've written sexy stories about domination and submission but this post is about submission of a different sort. I know some of you reading this blog are creative types.  You enjoy gardening, cooking, redecorating your home, painting, etc. We all know that, when things are going well, we bask in the beauty resulting from completed projects.  When unforeseen circumstances thwart our best attempts, and weeds or insects start suffocating and savoring our prize blooms, we sometimes wonder how to recreate that which was ruined and lost. We search our minds for the process we always followed to ensure a positive result, then we duplicate that process as best as we can. But nothing happens or whatever happens is far from what we expected. What to do?

I'm always one who believes in several approaches to a situation, but, even then, alternative approaches may also fail. Now our creative side takes a blow to its sensitive belly. Instead of lashing out at whatever is lacking, try a new approach. Not to say toss out all the tried and true ways that have worked in the past, but open your mind to a new way that might deliver the success you desire.

The oil paintings you've mastered for years lack the magic and depth of ones from the past? Try a new medium.  Watercolor is a challenge. Those roses simply won't bloom? Perhaps the soil there is somehow no longer suitable or Mother Nature simply couldn't bear blessing your precious blooms. Plant a rosebush in another spot. Or cultivate another flower you've always admired and that would put your gardening skills to a test. You've just finished writing another paranormal romance novel but had to really struggle to get to the end? You lost enthusiasm well before the black moment? Historical romances require lots of world building, so you could possibly find another avenue there.

Never admit defeat until you've done everything possible to turn around a current situation or find another path in your chosen creative endeavor. Positive thinking can cure the worst case of assumed defeat. Notice I said "assumed" because once you admit defeat, you've mired yourself and your creativity pretty deep.  Only upside of this situation (see, there is usually an upside) is if a handsome guy wanders past and offers a smile you can't resist and a strong pair of hands to haul you back on your feet again.

For more information about HELLE IN HEELS

Coming soon to Ellora's Cave Exotika

Feel the heat in erotic fiction,

Shawna Moore

Shawna's Standing on Her Head--Tagged by Monica M. Martin

2. Those who are tagged blog about the eight random facts and post the rules.

3. At the end of your blog, list eight people you tag.

4. Don't forget to leave them a comment that they've been tagged and that they should check your blog for details.

Here are eight random facts about me:

I adore shopping anytime but around Christmas.  The crowds create a retail feeding frenzy I'd much rather avoid.  To this end, I shop year round and pick up gifts well before the first snowfall.  When it comes to crowds, I only love them at parties and conferences.

If I hear a person's voice once, and learn their name, I'm able to identify them again—no matter how much time has passed. Same goes for faces. And I once considered a career in Forensic Pathology/Criminology.

One of my hobbies is researching ancient and unique sexual positions and practices.

I've encountered paranormal phenomena on several occasions.

I used to be able to stand on my head underwater for around five minutes.

My favorite Valentine's Day gift was a dozen lavender roses.  After I'd admired them for three days in a vase on my dresser, my boyfriend (later the man I married) plucked each petal, spread them on the bed and we enjoyed them together. Massage oil dampened our skin, so the petals clung and heightened the romantic experience.

One of my upcoming erotic fiction stories is partially based on an actual event in my life.

I still have the candles from my first birthday cake.  I'll always treasure them and the pictures my mom and dad took of the family party. From what mom once told me, I didn't have fondness for pastries back then and preferred some pureed fruit slush to the special cake.

Who I'm Tagging:

Jodi Lynn Copeland

Misty Simon

Kally Jo Surbeck

Sydney Somers

Leanne Burroughs

Cheri Valmont

Aleka Nakis

Sylvie Kaye

Since I've been tagged by Erin, I'll share eight things/secrets about myself most people don't know.

1.  I received a standing ovation for my first solo vocal performance as a grade schooler. The audience was quite large, but I wasn't scared.  My love of music carried me through.

2.  On the last day of sixth grade, I hit the home run that led my team to victory.

3.  I've discovered six spots on a man's body that, when properly stimulated result in almost instant arousal.  And these aren't spots you would traditionally touch to elicit such a response .  Someday, I'll put these and some additional sexy research into a non-fiction book to share with others seeking a romantically sexual relationship.

4.  I've professionally tutored Anatomy for college students (undergrad).

5.  I fainted while touring the King Tut's Tomb exhibit at The Smithsonian.

6.  For a couple hours at the beginning of our honeymoon, we were locked out of our beach retreat--because the owner provided us with an incorrect location for the hidden key.  Despite our calling and being given an alternate location, which also yielded no key, we finally had to get in touch with the neighbors. Fortunately, they were awake at that ungodly hour and provided us with their spare key.

7.  When I was misdiagnosed with cancer, my boyfriend (the man who is now my husband) promised he'd always be there for me with love, support and lots of laughs.  He kept that promise and we're still together over thirteen years later.

8.  During my childhood, my neighbor's son bit me in the stomach.

I enjoyed figuring out those interesting bits and am passing the fun along to the following eight friends:

P.G. Forte

Lindy Hudis

Sahara Kelly

Natalie Damschroder

Nicole North

Diane Wylie

Lizzie T. Leaf

Felicia Forella

Smiles across the miles,

Shawna Moore

Okay, Jess Dee tagged me LOL  I'm listing 10 weird/unique/wonderful things about myself. Much as you all would like, you can't tag me again ;) Following my list of bits about myself is the list of ten people I've tagged. Here's to fun and more about Shawna --

1. I have 132 pairs of shoes.
2. Against all medical odds, I survived at birth.
3. When exiting any building, I prefer going out the same door I came in.
4. I still have the Indian head bubblegum-machine ring given me by my first boyfriend in second grade.
5. The first skit I ever wrote was performed before an audience of Barbie dolls and stuffed animals.
6. While on one vacation, I experienced paranormal phenomena and received a very chilling, but peaceful, reception in the wee hours of one summer morning.
7.  Every night before we go to sleep, my husband and I say the same endearing phrase to each other.
8. At one time, I could tie knots in cherry stems with my tongue.
9. After showing a friend how to perform a handstand in a neighbor's pool, the guy on whom I had a crush asked me out.
10. Once while playing miniature golf, with my eyes closed I made a hole-in-one on a rather difficult shot that involved water, obstacles and a very sloping course.

The Ten People I've tagged are:

P.G. Forte, Katie Bryan, Dillon, Jude Mason, Sydney Somers, Doreen Orsini, Bonnie Clarke, Rayne Forrest, Cheri Valmont, and Meagan Hatfield :)

Gotcha!

Save money on lingerie...wear a sexy man to bed, instead

Shawna Moore

Adrenaline pumping and fingers flying over the keyboard, I'm driven to finish a couple scenes in my second installment in a new series for Ellora's Cave. Before Christmas, I sold a contemporary paranormal erotica novella to them for their new Exotika line. HELLE IN HEELS delivers a heroine hell-bent on proving six-inch heels were made for more than modeling.

Dare to be seduced by a paranormal premise, characters and story line blending the divalicious with devilish.

May your wildest dreams become reality,

Shawna Moore

http://www.grant-moore.com