Author: Jennifer Lane

Today I’m over at The Book Vixen’s BLOG talking about your favorite birthdays, real and fictional.

Hop on over and enter my GIVEAWAY for an ebook of With Good Behavior or Bad Behavior!

Thanks to those who entered my blogoversary giveaway. The random winner is . . .

Congratulations, Desi. An ebook of With Good Behavior is coming your way.

Now on to the featured author of the day: KASI ALEXANDER! Are you ready for some alternate romance? Is your mind open today? If so, read on.

I cyber-met Kasi through my publisher, Omnific, which released Becoming sage. I had the pleasure of reading the story and interviewing Kasi. Here’s my review:

Jill has recently divorced. She’s depressed and tired of relationship dynamics in which both partners fight for dominance, neither knowing how to deliver what the other wants. Enter Jill’s friend Jessica, who is a submissive slave named sunni. sunni’s master, Rune, wants to invite Jill to be part of their threesome power dynamic. It’s a big risk for Jill to try out this novel experience, but then again she’s been disappointed by traditional relationships. She joins the couple as Rune’s slave, learning a lot about herself in the process of becoming sage.

This was one of the first BDSM/polyamory stories I’ve read, and I thought Kasi Alexander did an incredible job of laying out the alternative lifestyle in such concrete, understandable terms. The writing was so easy and honest that I had trouble putting the book down. It felt like peeking into sage’s journal (or peeking through the apartment door keyhole), with all of the appropriate self-doubt and angst.

Because I’m not an experienced reader of this lifestyle, I have many questions. The page numbers I reference for each quote are for the epub version.

1. It struck me for the first time how there’s a similarity between BDSM and homosexuality. Both can be considered an orientation that’s feared and misunderstood. “…the orientation made a lot of sense: some people enjoyed the stimulation of pain and were able to convert pain into endorphins and sometimes into an altered state of consciousness.” (p. 30). How do people in the BDSM community compare themselves to people in the LGBT community? Do folks in the BDSM community view their orientation as largely genetic or biological, like many in the gay community do? And another question based on the quote: How does “knife play” differ from self-injury like cutting?

2. “It’s the people who are afraid that they have no control of their lives who cannot allow themselves to submit to other people.” (p. 38). Hmm. I don’t really agree with this judgment. Is sunni saying that those who don’t want to be part of this lifestyle are afraid they have no control of their lives?

3. “The difference between submission and slavery was starting to become very clear to me.” (p. 105). Unfortunately the differences between the two are still a bit fuzzy for me. What are the differences?

4. “Before I came here, I had spent a lot of time by myself, and I had thought I missed it, but now it just felt lonely. I missed having Sir and sunni to point out interesting or funny things to. I just wasn’t used to being alone anymore.” (p. 111). This made me feel a little uncomfortable, like sage is becoming dependent on her partners. As a psychologist I’m constantly trying to help women speak their voice and take care of their own needs—-to like themselves more and learn to cope with the human condition (including loneliness) effectively. I guess if sage is choosing to be with her new family all the time then there’s nothing wrong with that, but something about it makes me uneasy. What’s the risk of dependency in BDSM compared to vanilla relationships? When BDSM partners split up, how well does the submissive or slave land on his/her feet?

5. “I had never gotten along that well with my mother and two brothers, and never felt like I belonged…but now I actually felt like I had a family.” (p. 115). I felt sad for sage that she didn’t get along with her biological family, but happy for her that she created her own family. I wonder if some of sage’s insecurity emanates from her unsatisfactory family relationships. They say psychologists often come from troubled backgrounds and we get into the field to try to heal ourselves (and it sounds like sage might be entering the counseling field—-maybe that’s why I identified so well with her.) Are BDSM partners more likely to come from troubled backgrounds as well?

5. “The reason I liked our relationship style was simply because I didn’t have to argue, or worry about getting my way to prove that I was a strong person; the fact that I could allow him to be in charge actually made me feel stronger than if I was making all the decisions and all the plans. It was very freeing. It was like we were combining our strength rather than trying to overpower each other.” (p. 122). I thought this was an excellent summary of sage’s attraction to this lifestyle, and I find the idea rather fascinating. Does Sir tend to find the relationship freeing as well? It seems like it would be a lot of pressure on the Dom.

I really enjoyed sage’s astute questions, as well as the relationship drama. I thought sage was inordinately patient with sunni, who is so immature and annoying she actually made me cheer for Sir getting out the paddle to use on her. But how cool that this story is not only about sage’s character development, but also sunni’s. (Sir Rune’s too?) It was a fun, satisfying ending and I definitely want to read the next installment in The Keyhole Series. Great job, Kasi!

You can see I had a gazillion questions, which Kasi has begun to answer on her blog.

And now onto the interview!

Jennifer Lane (JL): Welcome to the blog, Kasi! First tell us your journey to becoming a published author.

Kasi Alexander (KA): Thanks for having me on your blog, Jennifer. I am honored to be here and participate in this interview. It’s been my goal since I was very young to be a published author someday, but I’d never been able to make it happen until I got involved in a power exchange relationship. Once in this, my Dominant and I decided to use the exercise of writing a novel as a growth opportunity both professionally and personally. We worked together on plotting the book and deciding on the deadlines, and I was held responsible for meeting my writing goals. Before we knew it, Becoming sage was a reality.

JL: For those who haven’t read this excellent story, please explain the title Becoming sage.

KA: Becoming sage refers to the process of self-discovery of the female lead character, Jill. Throughout the course of the book and Jill’s introduction to and exploration of the world of polyamory, BDSM and power exchange relationships, she transforms from who she was into the person she was meant to be, sage. As a clarification for our readers, in the world of power exchange relationships, it is common for those involved to assume a scene name, and for the name of the submissive to be written in lower case. This is not a sign of disrespect; it is just a convention used in the lifestyle.

KA: I don’t really think it has affected our dynamic significantly. Having a book to market has certainly added new elements to our lives. If it has changed anything, it has added a level of self-confidence and motivation to the work my poly partners and I are putting into the sequel.

KA: My degree is in literature and I enjoy many different genres. My all-time favorites are George Eliot, Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, P.G. Wodehouse, Diana Wynne Jones, and lately I’ve been enjoying Charlaine Harriis’ and Jennifer Cruisie’s books.

KA: Thank you! I would love to pursue writing full-time, but until that happens I will continue with my current occupation as the director of operations for a nonprofit association while diligently working on the sequel to Becoming sage and making chainmail jewelry for our family sweatshop, Poly’s Pleasures (www.polyspleasures.com).

KA: Fun? What’s fun?? 🙂 I am addicted to making chainmail (fortunately), but I also love riding motorcycles, walking my Great Dane, and taking any opportunity to educate the public about our chosen lifestyles through my writing.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity, and I’d just like to offer the parting thought that lifestyle and relationship choices aren’t automatically bad just because they aren’t the norm. Because, (as Omnific says), romance isn’t always just ‘boy meets girl’!

Thank you, Kasi. Crap, is it Monday again? Time for the Meet an Author Monday Blog Hop! Skedaddle over to Lisa Sanchez’s blog, read the instructions, and please join us!

Dear Followers,

Thanks so much for joining me on this blog adventure over the past year. My one-year anniversary swept right past me in mid May without me knowing it, but I do know this is my 100th post so I’d like to celebrate it by giving away an ebook of With Good Behavior or Bad Behavior! Just leave a comment to enter, including your email address if you think I don’t know it, and I’ll announce the winner on June 20th, 2011.

If you have trouble leaving a comment on Blogger, feel free to email me to enter at jenniferlanebooks (at) gmail (dot) com.

I’d also like to link to my five favorite posts from the last 100. These posts seemed to generate some interesting and funny comments!

August, 2010: Do flashbacks help or hurt the story? Read more HERE.

September, 2010: How do you like your hero hair? Long, short, scruffy, bald? Check it out HERE.

November, 2010: Men in Uniform Reading Challenge hosted by The Book Vixen HERE. So far I’ve read Indivisible, Hawken’s Heart, Mr. Perfect, Hidden Threat, and Life, Liberty & Pursuit.

January, 2011: Do you prefer Alpha or Beta romantic heroes? Find out HERE.

April, 2011: Young Adult or Adult fiction: what’s your favorite? Check it out HERE.

Thank you for following the blog, and good luck on the giveaway!

Now it’s time for MEET an AUTHOR MONDAY, hosted by Lisa Sanchez. Visit her blog for details.

Not too long ago I reviewed Enemies and Playmates by prolific author Darcia Helle, and today I have the pleasure of being a guest on her blog “A Word Please”.

Grant Madsen, the hero of The Conduct Series, is reluctantly talking about himself on the blog, sharing ten things about him that start with the letter “F”.

The gorgeous actor Wentworth Miller inspired me to create Grant’s character.

What’s the most unique or romantic marriage proposal you’ve ever heard?

As a romance author, I strive to find creative ways for my romantic leads to pop the question. An engagement is an important part of the plot and the relationship, and I want to make it special.

I just finished reading the fun and sexy romantic suspense novel Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard. The more Jaine and Sam insult each other, the more they fall in love. It makes sense that Sam’s proposal isn’t sweet and gooey.

Sam: “I love you Jaine Bright. Will you marry me?”

Jaine: “No way in hell!”

After more insults Jaine remembers she’s had three failed engagements.

Jaine: “I don’t do really well with engagements. Gives the guy too much time to think.”

Sam: “I’m skipping the engagement part. We’re not getting engaged; we’ll just get married.”

Jaine: “In that case, yes I’ll marry you.”

Ha ha! I love a proposal that fits the characters’ personalities.

And then there’s the great scene in Pretty Woman when Edward Lewis, scared of heights, climbs up the fire escape to propose to prostitute-with-a-heart-of-gold Vivian:

Edward Lewis: So what happens after he climbs up and rescues her?
Vivian: She rescues him right back.

*sighs* There’s a point in The Conduct Series when Grant comes up with a VERY unique location to propose to Sophie. No spoilers!

What’s your favorite real or fictional proposal?

Is it Monday again? Waah! Time for the Meet an Author Monday to cheer me up, hosted by Lisa Sanchez:

<script basic_linky_include.aspx?id="91732"" src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=91732” type=”text/javascript” ><script basic_linky_include.aspx?id="91732"" src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=91732” type=”text/javascript” >

I’m having a happy Monday (off work!) and I hope you are too.

Today I’d like to discuss fiction novel series. I heard a comment on Goodreads that series tend to get better or worse as they progress, which intrigued me. Since I’m writing my own fiction series (The Conduct Series), that comment also made me a little nervous. Will readers enjoy #2 and #3 even more, or will they think the story’s “jumped the shark”?

Obviously all we can do is our best job as writers, knowing some readers might love it and some readers might hate it. As a new author, I’m hoping subsequent novels will improve simply because I’m learning so much about writing as I go. I was pleased when Rachel from Oklahoma recently left this review on Goodreads for Bad Behavior (#2):

“I don’t know how Jennifer Lane got all that story line into this book I’ll never understand, but she did it. I really like that we get to see into Sophie and Grant’s therapy appointments like we get to see their parole appointments too. Not to mention how far Grant and Sophie both come in this book, it’s amazing, and it doesn’t seem contrived just to get the book moving. I can’t wait to see what happens in book #3!”

Thinking about the progression of my favorite series, I’m not sure if I agree they vastly improve or tank. Some of them seem to maintain the same high quality throughout, even though the focus of the story might change as the characters develop.

The Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paullina Simons: I loved each of these books equally, happy for the opportunity to witness the ups and downs of a married couple.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: Incredibly, each book gets even longer in this series! But I’ve enjoyed all seven books so far.

I know some readers had issues with Breaking Dawn, but I believe this was one series that did improve as it progressed.

The first two books were fantastic, but I felt a real let-down with Mockingjay (#3).

Thank you to Jessica Subject for bestowing this award! Jessica was so kind to read and review my novel, post her review on her out-of-this-world blog, and then interview me too.

First I’ll tell you a few things about myself:

1. I just made carrot cake cookies for book club and they turned out pretty well. I’m a big fan of carrots and other naughty veggies.
2. I’ve ridden in an old-fashioned biplane before, cruising the Chicago skyline.
3. My grandfather could golf his age (and I hear that’s not easy to do!)
4. I may be too old and out of tune to try out for American Idol, but that doesn’t stop me from pretending I’m an awesome singer hee hee.
5. I love books that make me cry, like Room by Emma Donoghue.

Now I have the pleasure of passing on the award. I’m aware some blogs are award-free and if you’d rather not accept the award, there’s no pressure. These are some super-sweet peeps!

1. Smash: http://www.smashattackreads.com/ I’m writing my first post using Windows Live Writer due to this lovely book blogger.

2. Lisa Sanchez: http://www.lisasanchezromanceauthor.com/ Lisa wakes up at the butt-crack of dawn to host our blog hops on Mondays.

3. Carol Oates http://www.caroloates.com/ This Irish lassie is quite thoughtful and kind.

4. Nicki Elson http://nickielson.blogspot.com/ Nicki claims her thoughts aren’t so deep but I don’t believe it. I know her heart is deep.

5. Kasi Alexander: http://kasialexander.com/ I think kinky and sweet go together, don’t you?

Congratulations to the award winners! Now go out and spread your sweetness.

Fellow Omnific Publishing author Lisa Sanchez is always full of fun ideas, including her new meme “Tempt Me Tuesday”. I had to join in!

We’ll be sharing excerpts of our writing. Tuesdays are busy days for me at the “slave mill” so I’ll post when I can.

Today’s excerpt is from the third novel in The Conduct Series: On Best Behavior. It’s my current work in progress.

Grant locked the door behind him and walked in the darkened apartment, keeping his footsteps light upon noticing Sophie crashed on the sofa. The glow of the television framed her relaxed body in muted blue light. Her head tilted back, resting on the cushion, and her long strawberry-blond hair draped in soft waves around her face. She’d propped up her feet on the coffee table.

Smiling fondly, he crossed over to the sofa and sat next to her, studying her delicate features. She hadn’t taken off her makeup, and he noticed slightly smudged eye shadow above long eyelashes feathered shut. She looked so serene. He reveled in the quiet of the apartment after spending the night in a loud bar, stressed from focusing on hitting each note and scanning the crowd for any sign of the Russians.

Glancing at the TV, Grant saw the menu screen for Titanic and surmised she must have fallen asleep watching the movie. Apparently she’d muted the sound before drifting off—the remote rested on her upturned palm.

As he slowly reached in for the remote, his hand halted midair when he heard a faint moan erupt from her lips. “Ahhhhh…”

Sophie and her moans. *shakes head* C’mon authors, join in! Tempt me, baby!

Yesterday it topped 90 degrees in Ohio . . . summer’s just around the corner, yeah! What a better time for love and for the Summer Lovin’ Anthology from Omnific Publishing!

On July 1st Omnific will release two anthologies that will benefit the breast cancer charity Save the Ta-tas. One anthology will be sweet Young Adult romance, and one will be steamy Adult heat. I’m rather prudish at heart (though you might not know that from The Conduct Series) so I chose to write a YA romance about college swimmers — my peeps.

Titled The Swim Recruit, my story explores a blossoming romance amidst the fallout of homophobic bullying on a swim team. How do you do the right thing when your world’s falling apart around you?

This was my first short story and my first try at first person point of view, and it was so fun! The anthology also presented a chance to team up with fellow Omnific authors, always an inspiring group.

Authors! Under contract or have a book out? Readers! Want to meet new authors? Please join us for the Meet an Author Monday Blog Hop, hosted by Uber-Gleek Lisa Sanchez.

I’m fascinated by prison. The idea of being locked up, handcuffed, possibly assaulted, all beyond your will…it’s terrifying. Not surprisingly, prison plays a big role in The Conduct Series, my romantic suspense trilogy. My favorite cons, Grant and Sophie, are just starting their parole at the beginning of the series.

As my friend Janine commented on a chapter from my work in progress On Best Behavior (The Conduct Series Book 3), the question about authenticity in fiction novels struck me. In striving to create authentic worlds for our characters, do we risk confusing the reader? How “real” should our stories be?

I have another friend who’s a psychologist at a prison, and I recently consulted with her about life on the inside. She kindly shared some slang from the women’s prison:

Inmate = “Offender”

Corrections Officer = “Police”

Other cell block = “Across the street”

When I wrote a female inmate telling my main character Sophie that “police” escorted “offenders” “across the street”, reader Janine astutely wondered why county police would take inmates outside the prison. Once the manuscript is complete, I have confidence my lovely editors will swoop in and ensure the terminology makes sense to the reader, but for now I ponder how authentic the prison culture should be in my novels.

At times I purposely choose not to be authentic in order to improve the story.

There are quite a few therapy scenes in the series, and I feel more comfortable portraying the psychological world due to my day job. Therapy can be dramatic and insightful, but it can also be plodding and quite frankly boring, and I don’t want to put my reader to sleep by portraying the mundane with complete accuracy. The wonderful HBO series In Treatment depicted each therapy client as intensely challenging and dramatic, and real life therapy is just not that way. (Thank goodness! I’d rather not have clients regularly seduce me, attempt suicide in my office, or buy me elaborate gifts).

Real life conversations are also meandering, full of starts and stops. As writers we choose to drop all the “um’s, likes, what’s?” to create more interesting, active dialogue between our characters.

Authors, how authentic do you try to be in building your fictional worlds?

Readers, how authentic do you want your stories to be?

Lisa Sanchez and fellow authors invite you to be part of the Meet an Author Monday Blog Hop! Visit Lisa’s blog for detailed instructions.