Pooky's Quiz

Pooky of CDD for Life? Pooky's Story has a quiz on her site and has asked other bloggers to take part. I found out about it because Christina at www.redbootywoman.blogspot.com mentioned me so I thought I'd join the party. Here are my answers.

1. Have you read 50 Shades of Grey? Have you read all of them?
No. I prefer to support Indie/small pub authors and I almost never read any book that "everyone" is reading. Maybe I'm cutting off my nose to spite my face, but that's me.

2. Have you read any other spanking fiction? 

Yes. However, I try not to read too much because I'm afraid that I might inadvertently steal an idea from someone else.

3. Did you start reading them before or after the 50 Shades?

Before.
4. Where do you find your find the best books? ie; Amazon, Blushing Books, Lulu, etc.

I love my kindle, so I do my shopping on Amazon.

5. Have you ever written any spanking fiction?

Yep. See my book over there ---->

And, I have TWO books coming out soon.

6. Do you follow Pk's Fantasy Fridays? Have you ever written for her?
  I just heard about it through this quiz, but I'm going to check it out.

7. Have you Read Clint's Bootcamp Book? Did you participate in it after you purchased it? No, but I'm curious about it.

8. Are you a reader in real life? How serious?
Yes! I've been a lifelong reader and although I resisted a kindle, now that I have one I love it and it has increased the number of books I read and the number of authors to whom I have access.

9. Do you generally purchase your reading material, check it out at the library, or borrow from a friend?
All of the above, though now that I have a kindle, I buy more than I used to.

10. Are you more likely to leave a review if you loved the book or hated it?
 I try to be fair and give more of a critique from a writer's perspective if I find a book that I really didn't like. I am more likely to leave a review for a book that I loved.

Bonus Question: Are there any famous writers in Blogland we should be aware of?  
See my answer to #2 above. But, I do have links to several writers on my blog list so you might check them out...Alta Hensley, Cara Bristol, Trashy Treasures/Amelia James, Renee Rose and Sue Lyndon are all there.
To view Pooky's original quiz and to take part, click  here.  

Feeling The Love in BloggerVille

When I started this blog in January, I wasn't really sure what would happen or even what my goal was. After a few years away from writing spanking fiction, I decided to get back to it and I figured that a blog would help me sell books and find a few others with similar interests. 

What I didn't expect was how much I would enjoy it and the connection with other bloggers.

Most recently I got a nice shoutout from Christine over at www.redbootywoman.blogspot.com. You can check it out here.

I also appreciate all the nice comments on my 7 Interesting Things About Me in the Lovely Blog post.

So, thanks everyone!

Monday Morning Entertainment

This is unrelated to spanking or writing, but what the heck. It's a new week, let's try something new.

This morning I was looking at another blog and noticed the "next blog" button at the top of the page, so I clicked on it. I came across a funny blog by three friends that had some cute posts and great photos. So I hit the button again. I think the blogs are listed alphabetically because I ended up with several NYC related blogs that were also interesting, up to date, and made me wish I had a trip to NY planned soon (but not until the weather cools down).

So, if you aren't already busy looking at all the blogs on my blog list (and yours) give blog roulette a spin and see what you find.

One Lovely Blog Award

Fondler's Anonymous nominated me for the Lovely Blog Award.



Yay! Thank you so much. I'm sorry I'm late getting my post up. My tardiness is not an indication of lack of appreciation because now I feel like one of the cool kids.

The One Lovely Blog Rules of Acceptance

- Thank the person/people who nominated you and link back to them in your post.
- Share seven possibly unknown things about yourself.
- Nominate fifteen or so bloggers you admire.
- Contact the chosen bloggers to let them know and link back to them.

Seven possibly unknown things about myself.
1. I knit A LOT. I donate about 100 items (slippers, mittens, hats, scarves, afghans) to the homeless per year.
2. I don't drink coffee but I love a hot cup of tea with fake sugar and 1/2& 1/2. If shortbread cookies are involved, so much the better.
3. I have walked several half marathons (13.1 miles).
4. In real life, I'm a lawyer and I once got the charges against my client reduced by beating the prosecutor at rock, paper, scissors. (It was a minor traffic violation, so no bad criminals were assisted by my rock, paper, scissors prowess.)
5. I've been to every state in the US including Alaska and Hawaii, many in the family station wagon back in the 70s. Not quite like National Lampoon's Family Vacation, but close.
6. I love The Big Bang Theory and have a friend who is very similar to Sheldon.
7. In order to prevent my son from getting a tattoo, I told him that if he'd wait 10 years, I'd get one too that he can pick out. So, I've got that to look forward to.

Bloggers I admire.
This is tricky since it seems that all the Spanking/DD related blogs that I follow have been nominated and I don't want to do a repeat so I'm going to tell you that all the blogs in my blog list are blogs that I follow and enjoy (that's why they are there), so I encourage you to check them out.

In addition, here are some of my favorite blogs that aren't necessarily spanking related

1. I get great crockpot recipes at A Year of Slow Cooking. Try the blue cheese and beef roll ups.
2. My addiction: The Sister Wives Blog.
3. Monique DeVere writes sweet, sensual romance novellas that I enjoy and she has a great series of interviews with authors who write fast.
4. Rachel Aaron's blog has some very useful posts on writing fast and effectively.
5. Glitterword is author Stevie McCoy's blog which she says is Paranormal Romance Author, Home of Flashfiction, Author Interviews, and over all confetti throwing in honor of everything writerly.

Thanks for the nomination, Fondlers Anonymous!

So Much to Celebrate Today!

I love being an American and I'm very patriotic. I have studied history and taught courses on The Constitution, so July 4 is a holiday that I appreciate for more than just an opportunity to picnic.

That being said...the real excitement today is the fact taht I have a new book, possibly two, coming out very soon. This was unexpected news, so that makes it even more exciting. I have two different books in the pipeline and I'm not sure which one will come out first, so I can't give you any details just yet, but I'm all squealy with excitement over it and wanted to share.

More details as they become available. Stay tuned.

And, happy Independence Day everyone!

Help Me Solve the Mystery

So, I was away from my computer for a few days and suddenly I have about 5 times the page hits that I usually have and I haven't put up a new post for nearly two weeks.

Who are all you new people and where did you come from?

I'm excited to have you here!

Welcome!

Leave a comment and let me know who you are and how you found my humble little blog.

And if you're feeling really nutty (or naughty)...buy my book! :)

When Abuse is Disguised as Submission

I have a sick, train wreck sort of fascination with TLC's Sister Wives. I've recently found a blog about the show which has become my new guilty pleasure.

When I first heard about this show, which features a family of polygamists (one husband, four "wives" and about 17 kids at last count), I thought "this could be interesting." In fact, I thought the idea of sharing the financial and childcare burdens made some sense. I wasn't so sure about sharing a husband, but I could understand of the sort of commune-like arrangement for the wives.

I went into the whole thing with a sort of live and let live attitude. What I have found is an arrangement (at least with this family) which I find disturbing, particularly as it relates to submission.

Believe me, I've got some serious feminist credentials, but I can still understand a healthy relationship that involves submission. The key word here being healthy. And consensual.

On Sister Wives any feelings of jealousy or complaints about not getting their fair share of the husband's time or any of the other resources are dismissed and the wife is told that the problem is with her. Instead of having a discussion about expectations or responsibilities, the wife is expected to do her own soul searching until she can "be sweet" (I think this is polygamist code for shut up and do as you are told). This process usually involves figuring out a way to take all of the blame on herself, acknowledge that she has not been a good wife or good sister wife (if the conflict is with another wife) and then fall on her sword with an apology.

This is not submission. This is emotional abuse. Legitimate concerns and feelings are dismissed. The husband's word is law (no matter how foolish his decisions might be). There is no respect for the wives and they are all busy scurrying around trying to please the husband in order to gain his favor. There is no love and concern for the emotional or spiritual growth of any of the "spouses" and the husband's dominance is for his own ego, not to benefit the wife.

Sadly, I think that when most people think of submission in a relationship, this is the sort of picture they have...blind obedience even if it is unhealthy, foolish or detrimental.

Real submission, in my opinion, is consensual and based on respect between the parties. In my stories, when the husband spanks the wife or imposes other discipline, it's because both parties agree (though maybe not at the same time) that the wife has violated an agreement. She trusts the husband to impose fair punishment. There is a responsibility on the husband to be just and to be worthy of the wife's trust.

Taking advantage, either physically or emotionally, of that trust is abuse.

Spanking Story Survey

Look---I've created a poll. Right over there ------>

Please vote for your favorite story. If there are others that you think should have been included in the poll, leave a comment and let me know. Also, leave a comment to let others know why your favorite story is the best.

Remember folks...vote early and vote often.

BTW---if you haven't read all the nominated stories, they are available in the links to the right. And, as always, you can always just buy my book that has all the stories here on the blog plus about 8 more.

My First Amazon Review---5 Stars!

I got my first review on Amazon for my book of short stories, The Long Arm of the Law. Click on the image to the right and that will take you to the book on Amazon where you can read the review...and if you're feeling extra wild, you can buy a copy (or three).

I'm so excited to get a review...and to get a good one. Totally made my day!

And, if you have bought the book, I hope you'll consider writing a review on Amazon as well.

Happy Being Me

Do you have "fancy" friends who don't understand your lifestyle? (and I'm not talking about anything sexual).

I do.

To be honest, I don't understand their lifestyle either. I feel sorry for them. And I'm sure they feel sorry for me. That's the part that really makes me mad.

Did you see the article online a few weeks ago about places where you can buy a house for the same price as a car? I live in one of those houses. It's less than 1000 square feet and sometimes it feels a little cramped, but it suits my husband and me and we can afford it.

By living in a small house in a small town, I don't need to work full time, which gives me the real riches that I crave...time and freedom.

Another friend is complaining that her workload is so heavy she's afraid she won't be able to get time off for an exotic family vacation. I won't have an exotic family vacation, but I just spent an hour outside in the sunshine reading a book on a day when she's stressed out about work.

Sure, we're supposed to respect each other's choices. But I think I'd respect their choices more if they seemed happy with their lives and there really isn't much evidence to support that.

Book Review---Unexpected Consequences by Cara Bristol

If you're a fan of Domestic Discipline stories (and I assume you are if you are visiting my blog) then you'll love Cara Bristol's Unexpected Consequences.

Unexpected Consequences is the story of young bride, Melania, and her new husband, Jared. Melania is young and innocent while Jared is older and a bit more worldly. Jared is also a member of the Rod and Cane Society, an organization made up of men who spank their wives in a Domestic Discipline relationship.

Jared is very clear with Melania about his beliefs regarding Domestic Discipline and spanking, even going so far as to present Melania with an agreement to sign before their marriage. Melania vaguely pays attention to what Jared tells her and skims over the document, mostly with a "Sure, but he'll never really spank me" attitude.

Guess what? She's wrong.

This story is very well done. It's told from the point of view of both Melania and Jared and follows these newlyweds as they work their way through their expectations and assumptions. We experience Melania's shock at being disciplined for what she considers a trivial infraction followed by a glimpse into Jared's world as he struggles to determine whether his wife is cut out for this lifestyle and whether he has come on too strong in his discipline.

It's clear that these two love each other deeply and not just because of the hot sex. Even if you took out the actual spanking scenes (though, why would you want to?), this is a good story about compelling characters with very real emotions and conflicts who are trying to figure out how to be married.

For those of you who question the husband's role in a DD relationship and assume that they are all power hungry men who want to dominate their wives, this book will give you a very different perspective.

I'm Going to Do Some Spring Cleaning

Don't worry. My house will still be a mess. I'm going to spring clean my documents file. It's possible that the number of unfinished stories that I have saved on my computer is larger than the number of dust bunnies under my bed.

I read a writer's New Year's Resolutions (sometime around January 1) and one of the resolutions was to finish every story he started. I've decided to do the same, but first I'm going to finish all those bits and pieces that I've got stored away taking up valuable computer memory...and not earning me any money, either.

The unfinished stories are evidence of my constant stream of ideas coupled with my lack of discipline to finish things. I'm determined to get control of both.

Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted.

Authentic Spankable Offenses

In a recent comment on one of my stories, Cara Bristol mentioned the challenge of coming up with new Authentic Spankable Offenses.

I think this both a great phrase (hereafter ASO) and a great point.

I'm far from an expert on Domestic Discipline, but as a writer of DD and general spanking stories, I feel a responsibility to portray spankings which are given for legitimate reasons and which the heroine acknowledges (whether before, during or after) that she deserved.

So...tell me what you think. In your opinion, what are offenses which you think rise to the level of ASO, and which do not? Have you ever been subjected to a spanking that you felt was not an ASO? If so, how did you deal with that situation?

Can't wait to hear what you all think. I know you're out there, so don't be shy!