It's annual prognostication time when folks like me stick out their necks and try to predict the future. I invite you to join in the fun. Brush up your crystal ball and share your publishing predictions for 2011 in the comments field below.
Earlier today, Jeff Rivera over at MediaBistro interviewed me for my ten book publishing predictions for 2011.
I'll list five below, and then I encourage you to click over to Mediabistro for the full ten in his interview, Publishing Predictions for 2011 from Smashwords.
If 2010 was the year ebooks went mainstream in the U.S., 2011 will be the year indie ebook authors go mainstream. We've already seen this start to happen with some tremendous indie ebook author breakouts in 2010. I wrote about Smashwords author Brian S. Pratt a few weeks ago.
So here are five predictions for 2011:
1. Ebook sales rise, unit consumption surprises – Ebooks sales will approach 20% of trade book revenues on a monthly basis by the end of 2011 in the US, yet the bigger surprise is that ebooks will account for one third or more of unit consumption. Why? Ebooks cost less and early ebook adopters read more.
2. Agents write the next chapter of the ebook revolution – Agents, serving the economic best interests of the best-selling authors, will bring new credibility to self publishing by encouraging authors to proactively bypass publishers and work directly with ebook distribution platforms. Agents will use these publishing platforms for negotiating leverage against large publishers. The conversation will go something like this: “You’re offering my author only 15-20% list on ebooks when I can get them 60-70% list working direct with an ebook distributor like Smashwords or a retailer like Amazon?”
3. More big authors reluctant to part with digital rights – Indie ebook publishing offers compelling advantages to the author. The economics are better (see #2) and the publishing cycle times are faster (an ebook manuscript can be uploaded today and achieve worldwide distribution in minutes or days, not years). Ebooks also offer greater publishing flexibility (shorts, full length, bundles, free books), and the opportunity to reach more readers with lower cost (yet still higher-profit) books. The advantages will entice more professional authors to self-publish some or all of their future catalog, and all of their reverted-rights catalog.
4. Self Publishing goes from option of last resort to option of first resort among unpublished authors – Most unpublished authors today still aspire to achieve the perceived credibility and blessing that comes with a professional book deal. Yet the cachet of traditional publishing is fading fast. Authors with finished manuscripts will grow impatient and resentful as they wait to be discovered by big publishers otherwise preoccupied with publishing celebrity drivel from Snooki, Justin Bieber and the Kardashians. Meanwhile, the break-out success of multiple indie author stars will grab headlines in 2011, forcing many unpublished authors off the sidelines. As unpublished authors bypass the slush pile, publishers lose first dibs on tomorrow’s future stars.
5. Ebook prices to fall – It’s all about supply and demand. Demand is surging, but supply will overwhelm demand. Average ebook prices will decline, despite attempts by Agency 5 publishers to hold the line. The drop will be fueled by the oversupply of books, abundance of low-cost or free non-book content, influx of ultra-price-sensitive readers who read free first, fierce competition for readership, and digitization of reverted-rights and out-of-print books. Indie authors, since they earn 60-70% retail price, can compete at price points big publishers can’t touch.
Read all ten of my predictions in the full interview over at Mediabistro, and please share your own predictions in the comments below.
**Post has been reposted from the Smashwords Blog with permission from Mark Coker.
Bekki
http://bekkilynn.net/
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
How to have a Long Lasting Relationship
I love yahoo for my home page as it gives me plenty to look at. I get headlines, I get local news and I gets hot topic searches. Sunday, one of the headlines was: What make a man fall in love {5 Secrets to Making a Man Love You}
1. Share an activity
2. Cheer him on
3. Let him be himself
4. Tell him what you think
5. Give him his space
Often my husband and I find we're asked, how have we managed to stay married so long. This article tells why. We're friends. We love to do things together, shopping, movies, dinner - in fact, I prefer to do these things with him. It seems only he appreciates the humor I find in some things as well as why I like or dislike something. I've shopped with friends and alone -- it never fails that I wish he were there. I also give him his space to do the things enjoys and I don't. He hunts and metal detects while I often prefer to sit at home to write, read or do nothing.
When we were young, he was a show-off when it came to entertaining my younger siblings and other family members with his karate moves. Sometimes it was disruptive and embarrassing during family gatherings, but it was a part of who he was. He grew out of it. I wasn't outgoing and he was so I think that was the biggest reason I felt as I did.
Honesty is all apart of a relationship. If you can't dislike something, because you fear you'll lose him. You're on the wrong foot. Sometimes I wouldn't tell him things he needed to know all because I was afraid of hurting his feelings - it usually showed on my face or by the fact I avoided it. It's endearing when he says, "You can tell me you don't like it. It's not going to hurt my feelings. I'll just get you something you do like."
We also believe one of the reasons we have become such great friends and endured all that we have over the past 33+ years is because not long after we were married, we moved away from family. They couldn't simply drop in unannounced, they couldn't interfere. I was 18 and he was 19 - we took the bull my the horn and wrangled it ourselves through most of our time. There were times when we did require help from the family and they were always there for us. I think they respected what we did and how we handled it.
And:
His mom told him he could never come home without me.
My dad told him if he ever laid a hand on me, he'd live to regret it.
I wish what we have on our sons and their mates.
Bekki
http://bekkilynn.net/
1. Share an activity
2. Cheer him on
3. Let him be himself
4. Tell him what you think
5. Give him his space
Often my husband and I find we're asked, how have we managed to stay married so long. This article tells why. We're friends. We love to do things together, shopping, movies, dinner - in fact, I prefer to do these things with him. It seems only he appreciates the humor I find in some things as well as why I like or dislike something. I've shopped with friends and alone -- it never fails that I wish he were there. I also give him his space to do the things enjoys and I don't. He hunts and metal detects while I often prefer to sit at home to write, read or do nothing.
When we were young, he was a show-off when it came to entertaining my younger siblings and other family members with his karate moves. Sometimes it was disruptive and embarrassing during family gatherings, but it was a part of who he was. He grew out of it. I wasn't outgoing and he was so I think that was the biggest reason I felt as I did.
Honesty is all apart of a relationship. If you can't dislike something, because you fear you'll lose him. You're on the wrong foot. Sometimes I wouldn't tell him things he needed to know all because I was afraid of hurting his feelings - it usually showed on my face or by the fact I avoided it. It's endearing when he says, "You can tell me you don't like it. It's not going to hurt my feelings. I'll just get you something you do like."
We also believe one of the reasons we have become such great friends and endured all that we have over the past 33+ years is because not long after we were married, we moved away from family. They couldn't simply drop in unannounced, they couldn't interfere. I was 18 and he was 19 - we took the bull my the horn and wrangled it ourselves through most of our time. There were times when we did require help from the family and they were always there for us. I think they respected what we did and how we handled it.
And:
His mom told him he could never come home without me.
My dad told him if he ever laid a hand on me, he'd live to regret it.
I wish what we have on our sons and their mates.
Bekki
http://bekkilynn.net/
Monday, December 27, 2010
Semper Fi Christmas - An Awesome 'Christmas Carol' take by Kent Faus
However, this holiday season is different as men and women visit Gunny from his past bringing painful memories to light.
It takes the wise words of a wily old bartender to bring Gunny Christmas’ chaos full circle. He warns the gray haired Marine of his ultimate end if he didn’t change his ways.
Buy Now
I'm so glad Kent finally put this story out. You won't be disappointed. This is my favorite story of his.I met Kent several years ago during NANO.
Bekki
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Blue Christmas
I have this urge to post the video of Elvis singing Blue Christmas, but I really don't want to hear Christmas music. I must be sick. Yeah, in the worst way.
For the first time ever, I've lost my Christmas spirit.
Thursday night, I was in the living room fighting with the 3M hooks that refused to stay up, much less hold lighted garland or an empty stocking. They will be hearing from me.
Every few minutes I'd come into the make shift living room and check on my bunbuns. I'd spent so little time in here with them this week that they missed me and I missed them. Natalie was becoming a cuddle bunny. She started wanting to be on the couch with me and in my lap. Adam simply likes me around.
The last time I came to check on them, I found Natalie laying on her belly unable to stand. OMG! My heart broke. She was healthy, happy and I loved her so much. What the hell happened! Jeff got a hold of Jesse who was at his girlfriend's house. He raced home. The three of us sobbed as she died in my arms at 11:39pm. When I could let her go, he buried her next to Faith under the lone pine tree at the back of our property with her Christmas stocking tucked in with her.
I was amazed he could dig up the ground, but thankful.
None of us got much sleep. My husband awakened about 1am and came looking for me. I told him what happened and he sat with me for a while as I couldn't control the tears. He told me we'll have to get another bunny for Adam. He talked about going down to the hardware store and I told him they haven't been carrying bunnies for which I'm thankful. I suggested we either get one at the community auction where we purchased Faith and Adam or do a rescue. The auction is in March.
I have mixed feelings about getting another bunny. Adam will be five next month, how will he take to a new bunny? The bunnies we normally purchase are two months old; if we do a rescue, the bunny will be older. In either case, bonding could be difficult or not happen at all. According to some bunny owners, I've broken all the rules by allowing my does and my buck to be together. I'm risking their lives they claim. Well, we've never had a problem, so maybe we'll get lucky again if I choose to bring home another bunbun.
Part of me just wants to see how Adam gets along on his own. When I let him out of his condo Friday morning, he went and laid down next to the couch. That isn't normal for him. He knew. I think he knew the night before when I only fixed one bowl of greens and closed him up for the night when I usually let him run for hours after getting his greens. However, first thing in the morning, he normally runs to Natalie's condo and says good morning to her and they spend time together before he runs around the room.
I put new boxes behind the couch and that helped keep Adam busy while I dismantled Natalie's condo, however he came out and sniffed the parts then went into his condo where he looked on with sadness in his eyes.
Dismantling her condo was one of the hardest things I had to do. I balled while doing it. I thought when I do it, it would be when I moved her to her new one.
Natalie loved this bunny key ring with two little carrots on it - I had gotten one for her stocking this year. I went ahead and gave it to Adam Christmas Eve morning. He tossed it aside as if to tell me it's not really his. He won't touch it, but I have it in his condo just in case he changes his mind.
This morning, I gave him his own Christmas present - it's a carrot chew toy. He went to town on it. A little while ago, I was talking to him and I picked up the carrot toy. He snatched it from me. He's so darn cute.
Adam has looked for Natalie tonight. She liked to lay in front of the heater and he went there and she wasn't there, he stood up on his hind legs and looked around. Then he came over and put his paws on my chair and looked to see if she was in my lap. It's heartbreaking. He and Natalie did this same thing after Faith passed a year ago last month.
I've read sites where it talks about how bunnies don't grieve. I beg to differ. I saw it in both of them after Faith passed. And I see it in Adam now.
For the first time ever, I've lost my Christmas spirit.
Thursday night, I was in the living room fighting with the 3M hooks that refused to stay up, much less hold lighted garland or an empty stocking. They will be hearing from me.Every few minutes I'd come into the make shift living room and check on my bunbuns. I'd spent so little time in here with them this week that they missed me and I missed them. Natalie was becoming a cuddle bunny. She started wanting to be on the couch with me and in my lap. Adam simply likes me around.
The last time I came to check on them, I found Natalie laying on her belly unable to stand. OMG! My heart broke. She was healthy, happy and I loved her so much. What the hell happened! Jeff got a hold of Jesse who was at his girlfriend's house. He raced home. The three of us sobbed as she died in my arms at 11:39pm. When I could let her go, he buried her next to Faith under the lone pine tree at the back of our property with her Christmas stocking tucked in with her.
I was amazed he could dig up the ground, but thankful.
None of us got much sleep. My husband awakened about 1am and came looking for me. I told him what happened and he sat with me for a while as I couldn't control the tears. He told me we'll have to get another bunny for Adam. He talked about going down to the hardware store and I told him they haven't been carrying bunnies for which I'm thankful. I suggested we either get one at the community auction where we purchased Faith and Adam or do a rescue. The auction is in March.
I have mixed feelings about getting another bunny. Adam will be five next month, how will he take to a new bunny? The bunnies we normally purchase are two months old; if we do a rescue, the bunny will be older. In either case, bonding could be difficult or not happen at all. According to some bunny owners, I've broken all the rules by allowing my does and my buck to be together. I'm risking their lives they claim. Well, we've never had a problem, so maybe we'll get lucky again if I choose to bring home another bunbun.Part of me just wants to see how Adam gets along on his own. When I let him out of his condo Friday morning, he went and laid down next to the couch. That isn't normal for him. He knew. I think he knew the night before when I only fixed one bowl of greens and closed him up for the night when I usually let him run for hours after getting his greens. However, first thing in the morning, he normally runs to Natalie's condo and says good morning to her and they spend time together before he runs around the room.
I put new boxes behind the couch and that helped keep Adam busy while I dismantled Natalie's condo, however he came out and sniffed the parts then went into his condo where he looked on with sadness in his eyes.
Dismantling her condo was one of the hardest things I had to do. I balled while doing it. I thought when I do it, it would be when I moved her to her new one.
Natalie loved this bunny key ring with two little carrots on it - I had gotten one for her stocking this year. I went ahead and gave it to Adam Christmas Eve morning. He tossed it aside as if to tell me it's not really his. He won't touch it, but I have it in his condo just in case he changes his mind.
This morning, I gave him his own Christmas present - it's a carrot chew toy. He went to town on it. A little while ago, I was talking to him and I picked up the carrot toy. He snatched it from me. He's so darn cute.
Adam has looked for Natalie tonight. She liked to lay in front of the heater and he went there and she wasn't there, he stood up on his hind legs and looked around. Then he came over and put his paws on my chair and looked to see if she was in my lap. It's heartbreaking. He and Natalie did this same thing after Faith passed a year ago last month.I've read sites where it talks about how bunnies don't grieve. I beg to differ. I saw it in both of them after Faith passed. And I see it in Adam now.
Losing Natalie took the joy out of Christmas for me, but I went through the motions for the family. However, they may not realise it themselves, but my kids and my husband were my rock; they got me through last night and today.
I still haven't made the sugar cookies that I planned on baking Christmas Eve, maybe in a few days.
Maybe in a few days, I'll see the pictures of the day in my mind and gain pleasure from them and share. I mean after all -- all four of my sons and my three future daughter-in-laws was here. My heart normally would have been overwhelmed with happiness. I'd be giddy, I'd be driving my husband crazy with it.
Bekki
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas without the Kids - Panic Ahead!
Many moons ago when my husband and I were married, holidays were a mass of scurrying from one side of the family to the other. I can recall my mother-in-law trying very hard not to be upset, because we either had to arrive at the start of a function and leave early, or come later when most of the fizz had gone out of it. However, I couldn't disappoint my family either.
Now I'm in the same spot she was in. I know I must share my sons with their future inlaws, and I thought I was really all right with that. I was proud of myself for being mature about it. Tonight, I don't feel very mature. I want to say no, stomp my feet and demand they be here, be selfish, but I can't. That would be foolish. I suddenly realized two of my sons definitely won't be here for dinner. It will be about eight for one to arrive and nine-thirty for the other. One son hasn't given me any idea of their plans yet. At least I can count on my youngest - he lives here. lol
It was bound to happen. I can't keep my boys - boys forever. They are young men with lives and responsibilites to their wonderful mates. And I am so proud of them. I need to suck it up and enjoy the time I do get with them.
This gives me an eye into the future when the time will come when tradition will change to become only my husband and myself for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. The boys will have families of their own and start traditions of their own and it will be there turn to be pulled in three different directions.
I think I need to have a heart-to-heart with my mother-in-law and find out how she dealt with it. How did she survive the first years of not getting up early on Christmas morning to kids all excited about opening gifts, or teens humoring mom. The very thought brings on the tears. I hope I don't become of those who use their pets as replacements.
I guess as long as they don't forget me and include me in some part of their holiday, I'll adjust. It's the way it is. Millions of moms have survived it.
I wonder, will I get a survivor pin if I make it five years after I'm dumped?
Now I'm in the same spot she was in. I know I must share my sons with their future inlaws, and I thought I was really all right with that. I was proud of myself for being mature about it. Tonight, I don't feel very mature. I want to say no, stomp my feet and demand they be here, be selfish, but I can't. That would be foolish. I suddenly realized two of my sons definitely won't be here for dinner. It will be about eight for one to arrive and nine-thirty for the other. One son hasn't given me any idea of their plans yet. At least I can count on my youngest - he lives here. lol
It was bound to happen. I can't keep my boys - boys forever. They are young men with lives and responsibilites to their wonderful mates. And I am so proud of them. I need to suck it up and enjoy the time I do get with them.
This gives me an eye into the future when the time will come when tradition will change to become only my husband and myself for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. The boys will have families of their own and start traditions of their own and it will be there turn to be pulled in three different directions.
I think I need to have a heart-to-heart with my mother-in-law and find out how she dealt with it. How did she survive the first years of not getting up early on Christmas morning to kids all excited about opening gifts, or teens humoring mom. The very thought brings on the tears. I hope I don't become of those who use their pets as replacements.
I guess as long as they don't forget me and include me in some part of their holiday, I'll adjust. It's the way it is. Millions of moms have survived it.
I wonder, will I get a survivor pin if I make it five years after I'm dumped?
Bekki
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Need a Last Minute Gift
Well, Lulu is making it easy for you. Each day until Christmas day, they are providing a daily sale coupon code. Today's coupon code is Dec21 - simply put it in at checkout.
Why am I suggesting a self-publisher? It's the new wave and you can and will find some fabulous books for those you love or if you simply can't find anything else that would do. Or maybe you need a last minute gift and don't have time to get out there and shop.
And, yes, I happen to have three fabulous choices for consideration:
http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=3243294
Annie and the Young Master - a spicy historical fairy tale
Jackie's Boys - a comical menage a trios
LOVE, Stalker of the Heart - a collection of poetry for the poetry lover - more for the teen.
Happy Holidays!
Bekki
Why am I suggesting a self-publisher? It's the new wave and you can and will find some fabulous books for those you love or if you simply can't find anything else that would do. Or maybe you need a last minute gift and don't have time to get out there and shop.
And, yes, I happen to have three fabulous choices for consideration:
http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=3243294
Annie and the Young Master - a spicy historical fairy tale
Jackie's Boys - a comical menage a trios
LOVE, Stalker of the Heart - a collection of poetry for the poetry lover - more for the teen.
Happy Holidays!
Bekki
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Reader Review for Annie and the Young Master - 4 Stars
Review by: Stephanie Burkhart on Dec. 16, 2010 :
Lynn pens a heartwarming tale of the power of love with "Annie and the Young Master." Lillian Basford comes from a well off family, but her father casts her out after a slight with nothing but the clothes on her back. Lillian encounters Samuel Wadkins as she walks away from her home and two share a powerful lovemaking encounter. Lillian tells him her name is Annie. Samuel departs.
Lillian soon finds employment as a servant for the Hammond family. The Wadkins host a local ball. Despite Lillian's love for Samuel, she's hesitant to attend not wanting Samuel to discover she's a servant. Can Samuel's patience and determination help the couple find happy ever after?
Lynn intrigues the reader right from the start with Lillian's plight. Lillian is full of resolve, determined to find her way despite the challenges she faces. Samuel knows his heart and won't give up until he gets what he wants.
The love scenes paint a highly charged erotic connection between Lillian and Samuel that will leave the reader wanting more.
Annie and the Young Master is a sinfully delicious Cinderella story.
Excerpt:
She scanned the room, taking in the gowns of reds, greens and blues, even gold, silver and purples. They made her pastel pink dress feel drab. Stepping back to take her leave, her eyes landed on his. He came toward her and she froze. How was she going to escape?
He stopped before her and bowed. “May I make your acquaintance?” he asked. “My name is Samuel Wadkins.”
Manners led her to curtsy. “Excuse me. I can not stay.”
He held his hand out to her. “I’d be pleased if you danced with me.”
His eyes held hers when they met. Lillian could not deny him. With her hand in his, he led her to the dance floor and laid a hand on her waist. She followed his lead easy enough, having danced with her father many times around the house.
“I’ve not seen you before, have I?” he asked.
“Would it matter?” she asked, her eyes lowered, voice quiet.
“Who’s your family?”
“Many questions. Am I to believe you’re in training for service?” she asked, tilting her head to look up at him.
“Forgive me.”
Samuel’s hand tightened on her waist as he whirled her around the floor, stopping to twirl and dip her. He held left her bent over his arm longer than necessary, his eyes penetrating hers. She worried he might see familiarity in her depths. Part of her wished not, part of her was glad to be near him even if she suffered another cold dip in the water to cool her wanting of his body. His eyes began to darken with desire and she shivered. If he laid her out now on the floor and loved her, the onlookers would be forgotten.
He drew her up, saying, “I feel I’ve seen into your eyes before. They’re such a unique blue, between the sky and the night.”
“It’s the lighting, maybe the event,” she murmured. Her heart pounded from both the dance and the desire steadily rising from being near him and remembering what it had felt like to have her body with his.
“I shall like to dance with you all night.”
She didn’t know what to say, but the change in the music temple set them off on a waltz. They glided around the floor as if they were alone. For her it seemed so. Their eyes watched one another as they whirled among others. If his could be trusted, he saw into her soul, the depths of heart. No laughter came from what he saw, but rather his eyes darkened with the same need she'd seen that morning too many fortnights ago.
When the music ended, he drew her close to him. She felt his breathlessness equal hers, from activity she would have believed had she not seen the growing need spread over his face. Was he so easily taken he couldn’t control himself? This thought pricked her heart, but she wanted to believe somewhere deep within him, a particle of him knew she to be Annie. It could wishful thinking or a way to save her heart for the moment, maybe.
He led her toward a table and handed her a glass of punch before guiding her through the nearest open door. She found herself in the night air, welcoming the breeze.
“I used to wonder about these affairs, but then I was sent off to school before I could attend.”
“Is it everything you imagined?”
“Yes, and no,” he said, closing the respectable distance between them. With a finger, he tipped her chin up. “There’s something about you, familiar.” His head bent near her ear and he whispered, “My body claims to know you in ways it desires.”
She swallowed and took a step backward. “Did your school teach you to be so forward?”
“Pardon my bluntness. I’m not normally brash.” He took her glass and set it down on the nearby table. “Shall we?” he asked, extending his arm.
Relieved to return to the dance floor, she wished for the normalcy the night should have had. Maybe know Samuel in an accepted sense of what's proper.
The chimes of a clock reached her. She listened and knew it to be the hour of ten. She must hurry home. Before the music began once more, she reached up on her toes and whispered in his ear. “Blessings to you, Samuel.” Then she turned to leave, but he pulled her back, holding her to his body.
His mouth claimed hers, releasing a hunger she should have kept back. Rather she drank and gave as she’d done that morning many weeks ago. The quiet of the room disturbed her and she pushed at him to let her go. “I have to go.” She ran from the room.
“Annie, wait!”
She heard him, but went for the buggy sitting beside the nearest carriage rather than wait for it brought up.
“Annie!” he called after her again.
If you'd like to read more, Annie and the Young Master can be purchased at the following links.
ISBN: 978-1-4524-3636-4 Purchase at: Smashwords - [Holiday sale, 50% off if you use code phrase MK54K] , Kobo, Lulu, Diesel, Sony, and Barnes & Noble.
Bekki
http://bekkilynn.net
Lynn pens a heartwarming tale of the power of love with "Annie and the Young Master." Lillian Basford comes from a well off family, but her father casts her out after a slight with nothing but the clothes on her back. Lillian encounters Samuel Wadkins as she walks away from her home and two share a powerful lovemaking encounter. Lillian tells him her name is Annie. Samuel departs.
Lillian soon finds employment as a servant for the Hammond family. The Wadkins host a local ball. Despite Lillian's love for Samuel, she's hesitant to attend not wanting Samuel to discover she's a servant. Can Samuel's patience and determination help the couple find happy ever after?
Lynn intrigues the reader right from the start with Lillian's plight. Lillian is full of resolve, determined to find her way despite the challenges she faces. Samuel knows his heart and won't give up until he gets what he wants.
The love scenes paint a highly charged erotic connection between Lillian and Samuel that will leave the reader wanting more.
Annie and the Young Master is a sinfully delicious Cinderella story.
Excerpt:
She scanned the room, taking in the gowns of reds, greens and blues, even gold, silver and purples. They made her pastel pink dress feel drab. Stepping back to take her leave, her eyes landed on his. He came toward her and she froze. How was she going to escape?
He stopped before her and bowed. “May I make your acquaintance?” he asked. “My name is Samuel Wadkins.”
Manners led her to curtsy. “Excuse me. I can not stay.”
He held his hand out to her. “I’d be pleased if you danced with me.”
His eyes held hers when they met. Lillian could not deny him. With her hand in his, he led her to the dance floor and laid a hand on her waist. She followed his lead easy enough, having danced with her father many times around the house.
“I’ve not seen you before, have I?” he asked.
“Would it matter?” she asked, her eyes lowered, voice quiet.
“Who’s your family?”
“Many questions. Am I to believe you’re in training for service?” she asked, tilting her head to look up at him.
“Forgive me.”
Samuel’s hand tightened on her waist as he whirled her around the floor, stopping to twirl and dip her. He held left her bent over his arm longer than necessary, his eyes penetrating hers. She worried he might see familiarity in her depths. Part of her wished not, part of her was glad to be near him even if she suffered another cold dip in the water to cool her wanting of his body. His eyes began to darken with desire and she shivered. If he laid her out now on the floor and loved her, the onlookers would be forgotten.
He drew her up, saying, “I feel I’ve seen into your eyes before. They’re such a unique blue, between the sky and the night.”
“It’s the lighting, maybe the event,” she murmured. Her heart pounded from both the dance and the desire steadily rising from being near him and remembering what it had felt like to have her body with his.
“I shall like to dance with you all night.”
She didn’t know what to say, but the change in the music temple set them off on a waltz. They glided around the floor as if they were alone. For her it seemed so. Their eyes watched one another as they whirled among others. If his could be trusted, he saw into her soul, the depths of heart. No laughter came from what he saw, but rather his eyes darkened with the same need she'd seen that morning too many fortnights ago.
When the music ended, he drew her close to him. She felt his breathlessness equal hers, from activity she would have believed had she not seen the growing need spread over his face. Was he so easily taken he couldn’t control himself? This thought pricked her heart, but she wanted to believe somewhere deep within him, a particle of him knew she to be Annie. It could wishful thinking or a way to save her heart for the moment, maybe.
He led her toward a table and handed her a glass of punch before guiding her through the nearest open door. She found herself in the night air, welcoming the breeze.
“I used to wonder about these affairs, but then I was sent off to school before I could attend.”
“Is it everything you imagined?”
“Yes, and no,” he said, closing the respectable distance between them. With a finger, he tipped her chin up. “There’s something about you, familiar.” His head bent near her ear and he whispered, “My body claims to know you in ways it desires.”
She swallowed and took a step backward. “Did your school teach you to be so forward?”
“Pardon my bluntness. I’m not normally brash.” He took her glass and set it down on the nearby table. “Shall we?” he asked, extending his arm.
Relieved to return to the dance floor, she wished for the normalcy the night should have had. Maybe know Samuel in an accepted sense of what's proper.
The chimes of a clock reached her. She listened and knew it to be the hour of ten. She must hurry home. Before the music began once more, she reached up on her toes and whispered in his ear. “Blessings to you, Samuel.” Then she turned to leave, but he pulled her back, holding her to his body.
His mouth claimed hers, releasing a hunger she should have kept back. Rather she drank and gave as she’d done that morning many weeks ago. The quiet of the room disturbed her and she pushed at him to let her go. “I have to go.” She ran from the room.
“Annie, wait!”
She heard him, but went for the buggy sitting beside the nearest carriage rather than wait for it brought up.
“Annie!” he called after her again.
If you'd like to read more, Annie and the Young Master can be purchased at the following links.
ISBN: 978-1-4524-3636-4 Purchase at: Smashwords - [Holiday sale, 50% off if you use code phrase MK54K] , Kobo, Lulu, Diesel, Sony, and Barnes & Noble.
Bekki
http://bekkilynn.net
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sharing the Joy of Christmas
I love the holidays. My greatest joy is watching the kids open gifts Christmas morning. I listen to hints all through the year and most often they've forgotten they wanted it until they see it in their hands. Their smiles and joy is my gift.
So, I thought this year, I'd share some of my joy with readers. You can purchase Jackie's Boys 50% off.
BLURB: Jackie's used to the antics of her husband, Lenny, and his twin brother, Randy, but this time they decided to include her in their latest bet. She had forty-eight hours to figure out which one of them she was married to. However, she decides to turn the game around on them by following through on a long-time fantasy to have both brothers at the same time. [Menage a trios]
Reviews:
3 Cups - Coffee Time Romance, Regina - Jackie’s boys is a very sexy, but sweet ménage a trois love story. It is very erotic, and I liked how Ms. Lynn set up the encounter between Jackie and Randy. Ms. Lynn also did a great job of showing how while the two brothers may look alike, they each have their own different personalities. This is a very hot and enjoyable read that is worth adding to anyone’s book collection.
EXCERPT
Jackie looked up when the guys came into the living room. Letting her eyes roam over one, then the other, she grinned. "A wet t-shirt contest? Why wasn’t I invited?" Sauntering across the room, she said, "Guess, I'll be the judge." She ran a finger up their chests, flicked viewable nipples as she began to put her plan in motion. "Mmm, I think this shirt is wetter." Digging her nails into the material, she ripped it open, giving the chest an appreciative look. "Yum!" She looked over at the other twin and winked. "I think this is going to take some real studying, some hands on for me to know absolutely who is who." She pulled the man with the ripped shirt closer and kissed the parted lips, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. He tangled with her until she pulled away.
Bringing Randy’s lips to hers, she ran her tongue over them. They both tasted alike–dinner. She lingered before slipping into his mouth to give her husband a moment to grasp where she was going with this. Randy sucked on her tongue, pulling on a nerve deep within her bringing hot need straight down into her clit. She pushed him away before she ruined her own intention. He certainly hadn’t lost his touch, nor had her body forgotten how he commanded it. She eyed Lenny, who watched her with no obvious clue to give away who he was. But, she knew. Looking from his glazed eyes to the matching set of his brother, she took a step back.
Smiling, she rested the tip of her tongue on the roof of her mouth, studying the speechless boys. "I’ll be waiting." Without hurry, she went down the hall to the bedroom, stripped, then stretched out on her stomach. Shame she didn’t have a camera recording their reaction.
With raised eyebrows Jackie watched the doorway, wondering where they were. Had she ruined their plan, and hers? Or, were they in the mist of their infamous rock-paper-scissor game to see who came first. If they tied as they often did, she hoped they’d say to hell with it and both come. "Please, please, please, let both of them come," she prayed as she dropped her chin on the bed.
Purchase Jackie's Boys at Smashwords for 99cents, use code word, ZA77P.
Merry Christmas!
Bekki
Contemporary romance with sizzling sensuality
http://bekkilynn.net/.
http://bekkilynnsplanet.blogspot.com/
So, I thought this year, I'd share some of my joy with readers. You can purchase Jackie's Boys 50% off.
BLURB: Jackie's used to the antics of her husband, Lenny, and his twin brother, Randy, but this time they decided to include her in their latest bet. She had forty-eight hours to figure out which one of them she was married to. However, she decides to turn the game around on them by following through on a long-time fantasy to have both brothers at the same time. [Menage a trios]Reviews:
3 Cups - Coffee Time Romance, Regina - Jackie’s boys is a very sexy, but sweet ménage a trois love story. It is very erotic, and I liked how Ms. Lynn set up the encounter between Jackie and Randy. Ms. Lynn also did a great job of showing how while the two brothers may look alike, they each have their own different personalities. This is a very hot and enjoyable read that is worth adding to anyone’s book collection.
EXCERPT
Jackie looked up when the guys came into the living room. Letting her eyes roam over one, then the other, she grinned. "A wet t-shirt contest? Why wasn’t I invited?" Sauntering across the room, she said, "Guess, I'll be the judge." She ran a finger up their chests, flicked viewable nipples as she began to put her plan in motion. "Mmm, I think this shirt is wetter." Digging her nails into the material, she ripped it open, giving the chest an appreciative look. "Yum!" She looked over at the other twin and winked. "I think this is going to take some real studying, some hands on for me to know absolutely who is who." She pulled the man with the ripped shirt closer and kissed the parted lips, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. He tangled with her until she pulled away.
Bringing Randy’s lips to hers, she ran her tongue over them. They both tasted alike–dinner. She lingered before slipping into his mouth to give her husband a moment to grasp where she was going with this. Randy sucked on her tongue, pulling on a nerve deep within her bringing hot need straight down into her clit. She pushed him away before she ruined her own intention. He certainly hadn’t lost his touch, nor had her body forgotten how he commanded it. She eyed Lenny, who watched her with no obvious clue to give away who he was. But, she knew. Looking from his glazed eyes to the matching set of his brother, she took a step back.
Smiling, she rested the tip of her tongue on the roof of her mouth, studying the speechless boys. "I’ll be waiting." Without hurry, she went down the hall to the bedroom, stripped, then stretched out on her stomach. Shame she didn’t have a camera recording their reaction.
With raised eyebrows Jackie watched the doorway, wondering where they were. Had she ruined their plan, and hers? Or, were they in the mist of their infamous rock-paper-scissor game to see who came first. If they tied as they often did, she hoped they’d say to hell with it and both come. "Please, please, please, let both of them come," she prayed as she dropped her chin on the bed.
Purchase Jackie's Boys at Smashwords for 99cents, use code word, ZA77P.
Merry Christmas!
Bekki
Contemporary romance with sizzling sensuality
http://bekkilynn.net/.
http://bekkilynnsplanet.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
My Holiday Gift To You
My gift to you this year is 50% off my books through Smashwords during the month of December. Simply use the following codes and pay only 99cents.
Jackie's Boys - ZA77P
Annie and the Young Master - MK54K
LOVE, Stalker of the Heart - EE85K
This does not include books published by eXcessica Publishing, only those published by myself.
Happy Holidays!
Bekki
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)