LHNB-- Forever. I Promise.

Hey all,

Happy Sunday! So, I'm sure a lot of you have been checking out the Goodreads MM Romance group's Love Has No Boundaries event. There have been so many amazing stories this year!

Well, you're truly also wrote a story for the event, and Forever. I promise. is out today! For now you can read it directly on Goodreads, but there'll be a download link coming soon, which will be post HERE on the MM Romance LHNB website.

This is the first time I've done this event and so so excited to be a part of it. I'm not a very fast writer (in fact, I'm the complete opposite) so writing a story when there is a deadline fast approaching is always sort of equal parts terrifying and exhilarating (perhaps more terrifying than anything else!). But, it's also a good challenge.

Forever. I Promise. is a young adult story. It's about best friends since childhood discovering they love each other, despite close-minded parents and homophobic classmates. I hope you all enjoy Zack and Patrick's story.

I want to send out a huge thank you to all the amazing LHNB staff who made this event possible. And most of all, I want to thank Little.dhampir for the fantastic prompt that was the inspiration for this story. This story wouldn't exist without you!

xo,
Lily

This and That

Fair warning... this post is going to be a potpourri or randomness.

First, tomorrow I'm going to be guest blogging over at The Armchair Reader. I'll be talking about my love of comfort foods and sharing a recipe. So stop on by. There may even be a giveaway involved. ;)

Second, this video makes me extremely happy. So much androgyny. So much Bowie. And the fact that Bowie cast Andrej Pejic in his music video pretty much makes my head explode (in a good way).

Third, thanks to my darling friend, I'm thoroughly enjoying some German pear brandy. I'm not even sure you can find it in the US. I usually don't drink alcohol straight (I'm a mixer type of a girl), but this is definitely lovely to sip and has a distinct crisp, pear taste. Yum.






Fourth, this tumblr makes me really happy. So does this one and this one (yeah, I totally have a thing for Andrej Pejic... and pretty boys in general).

Fifth, I forgot how beautiful this is. The song and the video. And Brian Molko. I <3 Placebo.



Also, I love that I felt the need to number all the items in my random post. I'm just slightly OCD. :p

That's all for now!

xo,
Lily

What's Happening?

So, I'm currently doing the promo circuit for Analyzing Emory, and I wanted to make sure I let everyone know where to find me over the next few weeks.

First, in case you missed it, I guest blogged on ARe Cafe a few weeks ago and talked about how I started writing M/M Romance. Last week, I wrote about the importance of cover art at Pants Off Reviews.

Tomorrow, January 25, I can be found at Joyfully Jay. I'll be talking a bit about Analyzing Emory and sharing an excerpt.

On Friday, February 8, I'll be at Chicks and Dicks blogging about what exactly is romance. Yup. You read that right. I'm a M/M romance writer asking the question, "What is romance?".

Then, on Wednesday, February 13, I'll be guest posting at Coffee and Porn in the Morning. Be sure to come back that Friday, February 15, because I'll be giving away a copy of Analyzing Emory.

Phew. So, that's it for now. Hope to see some of you as I make the rounds to some of my favorite blogs!

Also, Dreamspinner is currently having a mega sale through January 27th... 20% off everything! This would be a great time to stock up on all those books you've been eying! ;)

xo,
Lily

The Next Big Thing Bog Hop!!!

In case you aren't familiar with The Next Big Thing blog hop, it's basically a bunch of us writers running around screaming "Tag you're it!" at each other, and once you're tagged you're required to answer the following ten questions about your current work in progress (i.e. your Next Big Thing). 

First things first, I was tagged by the lovely L.C. Chase, Skylar M. Cates, Lex Chase and Jacob Flores. Please be sure to check out their great posts!

Now, down to business. My brand-spankin’ new release, Analyzing Emory, is a contemporary romance. So to spice things up, I’m currently working on something a bit different at the moment. :)

1.    What is the working title of your book?

How to Survive a Dinner Date with a Vampire

2.   Where did the idea come from for the book?

The attack of the plot bunnies actually happened when a friend gave me a super cute and funny children’s book for fun. It’s called A Vampire Is Coming To Dinner! and follows the story of a young boy who gets word that a vampire is coming over to his house for dinner. The book then outlines the 10 (hilarious) steps the boy needs to take in order to make the evening a success.

Somehow my brain went from children’s story to: What if there was a similar story for adults? And, what if it was a dinner date? And if vampires really did exist, how would you go about dating one without being scared out of your mind?

3.   What is the genre of the book?

M/M Paranormal (slightly humorous) Romance

4.   Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

This is challenging because of course I want my characters to look exactly like I pictured them in my head, so it’s hard for me to pick an actor and say, “Yup! That’s him exactly!”. But, I’ll do my best.

I reeeallllly don’t want to fall into a True Blood cliché here, but Alexander Skarsgård (with long hair) would kind of be perfect to play Norwegian vampire, Aleskander Riestad. 

As for Ted, the slightly skittish, nerdy librarian who is being pursued by said Sexy Vamp, I had some trouble coming up with someone, but if you geeked him up a bit, I think Jackson Rathbone might fit the bill. (And yes, it’s not lost on me that Jackson has also played a vampire before… but in this movie, I just need him to be human. :))

5.   What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A mild-mannered librarian, who doesn’t quite want to admit that vampires actually exist, gets asked out on a dinner date by an exceedingly handsome vampire and must decide if he’s capable of getting over his fear and giving love a chance.

6.   Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency/publisher?

*crosses fingers and toes* I hope it will be picked up by a publisher.

7.   How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

*cough* *looks around sheepishly* I’ll let you know when I finish it… *cough*

8.   What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Uuug… I hate comparisons. Do I have to answer?

Hmmm, well, I don’t think my blog will explode if I skip…. So there!

Moving on…

9.   Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I kinda feel like this question is similar to Question 2. I certainly have to give some credit to my friend who gave me the children’s book (since that was the plot-bunny-inducing trigger). But I’ve always thought vampires were sexy and I’m also completely in love with HBO’s True Blood. So, I was intrigued to try my own take on: Present-day world, add vampires and other supernatural beings coming out of the closet, shake and serve (with a generous helping of humor on the side).

10.  What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

If things go the way I’m hoping they will, this may become a series with each book exploring the relationship between a different human and supernatural pair in the same small town.

I’m tagging Andrew Q. Gordon. Be sure to stop by and check out what he’s working on!

xo,

Lily

Guest blogging at ARe Cafe!

I currently have a guest blog up at ARe Cafe! My post actually went up Tuesday, but somehow I'm just  now getting around to mentioning it here. Clearly my day job is taking up far too much of my time.

Some of you may be aware, but my background is actually in biological sciences and public health. I do health consulting work now, but back a few years ago, when I first tried my hand at writing, I was actually still working as a laboratory scientist. My post over at ARe Cafe explores how I got into the M/M romance genre and how the hell I decided to try to write a story of my own in the first place. I also talk a bit about Analyzing Emory and some of the things that influenced it.

Did I mention that if you comment on the post you're in the running to win $10 Omni Bucks? That'll get ya a few things off your TBR list. ;) Contest is open through Friday.

xo,
Lily

Analyzing Emory-- It's Release Day!!!

It's finally here!

Analyzing Emory is out today!!

I'm so so SO excited!!!

I'm over at the DSP Blog today holding a little release party, so please stop on by to find out more about Analyzing Emory and read some excerpts. I'll also be giving away an ebook copy to one lucky commenter!

xo,

Lily

Wanna win a copy of Analyzing Emory?

Chris over at Stumbling Over Chaos is graciously running an ebook giveaway contest for Analyzing Emory. All you have to do is comment on the contest post to be in the running. Contest runs through January 3!


Chris runs a TON a fantastic ebook giveaways, so be sure to check out her site!

Also, you can read the first chapter of Analyzing Emory HERE. 

Finally, I had a really bad day at work today. Like, a new hell dimension type of bad day. I was completely unamused that my first day bak after the holidays was such a complete and utter s**t storm, but I survived... (only a little scathed). 

After my heinous day, I needed something to cheer me up:

Yup. Feeling better already. 

I've been totally obsessed with White Collar lately. I had never really watched it until recently, but I've simply devoured the seasons on Netflix. The show is smart and funny and I enjoy the characters, but I'm not ashamed to say even if it sucked, I might watch it anyways just so I could stare at Matt Bomer. I mean, seriously? Can you blame me?

xo,

Lily

When you were Christmas shopping, did you remember to get a little something for yourself?

No? 

Have no fear! Dreamspinner is having a huge sale for the holidays! All titles are 25% from December 20-25. Stop on by and treat yourself to some yummy, man-on-man romantic goodness. :)

Also, a very special announcement regarding the paperback edition of Analyzing Emory. The first 20 copies purchased through Dreamspinner Press will be autographed by yours truly! And now you can even get it on sale!

The count down is  officially on, folks! 15 days and counting until Analyzing Emory is released!!


xo,
Lily


P.S....

Jake says Merry Christmas. 

When news is so good you snort coffee out your nose

....well, almost. :)

So, I was taking a brief break at work this morning to sit back, take a large sip of my jumbo coffee, and check my personal email on my phone. I came close to snorting coffee out my nose and all over my computer and desk when I read an email from the lovely folks at DSP saying Analyzing Emory was up on the site and available for pre-order. Then I had a holy shit moment because it all just became incredibly more real than it had all seemed only moments before.

My. First. Novel. Is. Available. For Pre-order. O.M.G.

Because I was at the office, and couldn't quite run screaming up and down the hallways (What can I say? I need the paycheck!), I settled for one of these in my chair:

I've always been unfailingly impatient, so I'm not quite sure how I'll survive the next month, but I'm sure I'll manage somehow. Now, please excuse me while I go back to dancing like a complete and utter dorky spaz in the privacy of my own living room. :D

xo,
Lily

Analyzing Emory-- Out January 4th!!!

It's right around the corner! My first novel, Analyzing Emory, will come out January 4th from Dreamspinner Press. SQUEE!!!

When a family friend offers him the job of resident psychologist at Chicago’s GLBT Center, Kyle Michelson jumps at the chance to reinvigorate his career, move on from his recent breakup, and get his life back on track. Kyle hopes returning to the familiar territory of his hometown will do him good, but meeting Emory Brenner at a club changes everything.

Anything but familiar, Emory leaves Kyle breathless from the start. There’s just one problem: Kyle wants more than a one-night stand, Emory doesn’t do relationships, and neither man can resist the other. Luckily for Emory, he never has to see Kyle again. Or so Emory thinks until he runs into him while volunteering at the GLBT Center.

Kyle makes Emory want things he never thought he could have and chips away at secrets Emory has kept locked away for years. On the surface, Emory’s recovered from his past: he has a job at a record store and a roof over his head. But putting his trust in another person, having a relationship, means opening himself to more pain—and that is a risk he can’t take.

There were a lot of times I didn't think this novel would ever get finished. I owe a big thanks to a very dear friend for always lending the encouragement and support I needed to keep plugging away at it. I'm really proud of this story and I'm so excited to finally be able to share it. I also have to send a shout-out to the wonderful folks over at Dreamspinner who've just been exceptional throughout this process. And the biggest thank you ever to L.C. Chase for the beautiful cover!!

xo,

Lily

Free reads and cover art input

Greetings! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

So, both of my short stories published with Torquere Press back in 2010 have been out of print for a while now, and I've just sort of been sitting on them, not sure what to do. All the rights are transferred back to me, so really, I can do anything I want with them. I thought fleetingly of either subbing to another publisher or even self-publishing on ARe, or Amazon. But in the end, I decided I'd much rather just offer them up as free reads on my blog.

So, my first ever published work, Forces of Nature, can be found here. It's about best friends, Evan and Drew, getting a little help from Mother Nature admitting their true feelings for each other.

In Just a Summer Fling, a beautiful surfer named Chris helps Ryan, who's just been dumped by his boyfriend, get some of his self-confidence back while he's on vacation. Fling can be found here.

Just a Summer Fling was also just reviewed over at Joyfully Jay as part of their Young Love Week. Not Familiar with the Joyfully Jay blog? Take a gander:

Last week I supplied the Dreamspinner art department with input on what I would like to see for the cover of Analyzing Emory. When I started to fill out the information--What do the MCs look like? Do you want a drawn cover or one using stock photography? What's the tone of the story? Etc.--everything just started to feel so real. It's really happening! It wasn't some sort of April Fools joke in September. They're really publishing my book and they're even going to make a pretty cover for it! The editing process hasn't begun yet, and I'm sure I'll moan and groan through it, but that part excites me as well, because it means the book is just getting that much closer to being finished and ready to be shared with everyone. Early 2013 can't come fast enough!

xo,
Lily

Fell into a black hole for a while... but I'm back, and have BIG news!!

Hello one and all!

So, I've done what no writer with a blog should do. I haven't posted in a year. *Hides head in shame.* The last year has been an insanely crazy busy one. After deciding to make a relatively substantial career change, I got a new job, packed up everything I owned, left Boston where I had been living for over six years, and moved to the DC metro area.

Life is ducky, but with all that job searching, and packing, and moving, and unpacking, and getting settled in a new state in a new job, I found I didn't have much time for writing. But little by little, I managed to chip away at the novel I had been working on, and I am pleased as punch to report I just signed a contract with Dreamspinner Press! Analyzing Emory will be published sometime in early 2013. *Does a super happy dance.*

Here's what it's about:

Kyle is a psychologist who moves back to Chicago to take a job working at the GLBT Center run by a family friend. Recently out of a long-term relationship, Kyle needed to leave New York to get his life back on track. It's great being back in the town where he grew up and went to college. Everything is familiar. What Kyle didn't expect was Emory. Emory is difficult, and challenging, and doesn't want anything to do with the word "relationship." But Kyle doesn't want to give up on the enigmatic man who from their first meeting at a club took his breath away.

Emory has a lot of demons and a past he won't talk about. He goes out, has sex, and never gets attached. Period. But after spending the night with Kyle, he wasn't at all prepared to deal with how Kyle made him feel... like maybe he wanted more than a one-night-stand. When Kyle and Emory run into each other again at the GLBT Center and their lives begin to intertwine, they'll both find they each have a lot to learn, and maybe what they both need is each other.

I'm thrilled to be back and look for more updates in the near future!

xo,

Lily

8th Anniversary Celebration!

It's the 8th birthday of Torquere Press!

In honor of this momentous occasion the fine folks at Torquere are holding a Lucky 8 Ball contest. By taking part in a scavenger hunt of authors' webpages and blogs (in which yours truly is participating ;)) you will have the chance to win fabulous prizes, including a Kindle! So, pop on over to the contest site and start scavenging!

Vacation, relocating, and anniversaries... oh my!

Holy, crazy, last few weeks.

Some really big things are coming up for me! First, it's finally time for my long-awaited summer vacation! I'm heading to Germany for two weeks to visit a friend. I'm so excited. I'm certain to come back with many plot bunnies wearing lederhosen. ;)

After I get back from my trip my life is in for a major overhaul. I've been offered an amazing new job that will be fantastic for my career (y'know, the career that pays the bills), but it requires me to relocate. So, in about a month I'll be boxing up my life, leaving Boston, and moving back down to Washington, DC. I lived there for about a year when I was in grad. school a while back, so it's a familiar place and I still have great friends in the area. It's still a huge change.... but a completely exciting one. It just means that for the next few months my life will be slightly crazed and stressful. It'll totally be worth it though. Let's just hope I can find some time for writing in there somewhere so my characters don't think I've completely abandoned them. ;)

Speaking of characters and writing, I have added a new works in progress page, so check it out to see what I have in the pipeline. Also, Torquere Press has an 8th anniversary celebration coming up! Starting in September Torquere will have some fun things going on including an author webpage scavenger hunt in which I'm taking part! So, keep your eyes peeled on the Torquere Press website come September for details.

Now, I have to get back to haphazardly throwing things in the direction of my suitcase. *grins*

My last post was when?!

*looks at last blog post date*

*looks at calendar*

*looks back at last blog post date*

Seriously?! Have I really not updated my blog since February?! 

Wow. I'm pretty sure I deserve a spanking. LOL

So, the job that actually pays my bills has been running me into the ground. And, I had some writer's block issues. And, I'm trying to find a new job (hopefully) that won't make me want to bang my head repeatedly against a wall. So, things have been busy... just not hugely productive on the writing front.

BUT.... that doesn't mean that things haven't been looking up of late. I'm currently working on three things. First, there's a novel (my first!!! *does a dance*), where I'm this close to typing 'The End.' Then of course there's the multitude of edits, revisions, re-writes.... but let's take things one step at a time, shall we? I'm also working on a novella (which if it goes the way I'm envisioning it will actually be a paranormal series of sorts... but perhaps it's too early to say much more). And, finally, there is a short story about a sandwich (okay, so it's about two men... but there is a sandwich, and it does play a crucial role in the plot). 

There are, of course, a few other things rolling around in my head like dust bunnies or that have very cursory outlines/beginnings, but the three things I mentioned above are getting first priority. (Unless a new plot bunny and new characters start screaming in my head to be written immediately, and NO, they will not wait! And yes, this has been known to happen... ;p) 

Maybe I'll make it a project this weekend to add a WIP page to my blog. That would be good. So, even if I don't have anything new coming out people can see what the hell I'm up to. ;)

More info on WIPs soon. (Really, I promise!!) 

Love,

Lily

Forces of Nature reviewed over at Brief Encounters

It's always so nice when an older story gets some review attention. 


Since Forces of Nature was my first published story it will always hold a special place in my heart and the characters, Drew and Evan, are quite precious to me. I love the idea that friends can become lovers and adore when opposites attract.

Jenre had some lovely things to say about it over at  Brief Encounters Reviews. 

In to the awkward phase...

So, my last release was in December. Now it's the middle of February. I don't have any manuscripts pending publication or even subbed. I sort of think of this as the awkward phase of writing. I'm currently writing two things, one novel and one novella, but neither one is anywhere near completion. I feel good that I'm finally tackling a novel length story. And, I'm encouraged that the muses are whispering so furiously in my ear that I couldn't bear to just work on one thing at a time. That has to be a good sign. But on the other hand, I just somehow want *poof* one of the stories I'm working on to magically appear fully formed onto the page so I can get on with it and hopefully get it published, so I can finally share it with you.

I'm like a five year old sitting in the back of my parents' car so excited to get to where we're going that I can't help but ask "Are we there yet?!" every two seconds. That's what it feels like when I'm writing. I think I need to remember that I'm an adult now, not five, and that I should take time to enjoy the scenery. Because that's why I started writing in the first place wasn't it? Not because I was desperate to finally see the finished product in print, but simply because I loved the process. I loved writing. I loved creating. It was never about 'getting published.' In fact, it's only been very recently that working with editors, and publishing, and marketing have become a part of my life. I guess I'm just so excited to show people what I've been working on. Patience has never been one of my virtues. hehe.

I'm probably getting close to half way done with the first draft of my novel. The main characters, Kyle and Emory, have become very near and dear to my heart already. Especially Emory. In the novella I'm working on I'm experimenting with flashbacks, so I'm having fun trying something new.

I wish I was a faster writer. I wish there were more hours in the day and that I didn't have to spend so many of the hours that I am afforded at the day job and taking care of other things. Seriously... does someone want to come and clean my apartment for me? But, c'est la vie. Time will march forward and I will complete my next story... when I complete it. That's the best I can do, and it'll have to be good enough.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll get back to awkwardly working away on my stories. ;)

Aftermath

Wow. It's 2011. Christmas came and went. And An Angel for Christmas was published three weeks ago. Absolute craziness.

2010 was an incredible year. It was the year I became a published author. I can only hope that 2011 turns out even better. I can't complain. Life is pretty good.

The feedback I've received regarding An Angel for Christmas has been amazing. There is always a moment of panic when a new release comes out. I grit my teeth, squeeze my eyes shut, and pray that people like it. The comments I've received from readers have meant so much to me and I'm just over the moon about how people are responding to the story. There have also been some wonderful reviews written up and I can't thank the reviewers enough for taking the time to so thoughtfully critique my novella. Kassa wrote a guest review over at Jessewave, Lisa wrote some lovely things over at Michele 'n Jeff reviews, and Tam, who was so kind in the past to review Just a Summer Fling, was fantastic enough to mention this release as well over at her blog.

Read what they had to say:

Jessewave Reviews

Michele 'n Jeff Reviews

Tam's Reads

I must now indulge in a brief moment of fangirling. Of course authors want review sites to write reviews of their book. And, of course they want those reviews to be good ones. It's one of the best ways to get the word out about a new release and to get people excited about it so they will hopefully buy it. There are a gazillion review sites out there and a lot of them are very good. But Jessewave Reviews is arguably the biggest (and in my opinion, the absolute best) M/M Romance review site. I always thought that if I got a book reviewed on that site I had 'officially made it.' Perhaps silly, but, there you go. So, I basically had a minor heart attack when I found that my very own Christmas novella was reviewed there by none other than Kassa. I have followed Kassa's reviews for a while-- on her livejournal, Goodreads, and on Jessewave. I have always loved Kassa's reviews. She isn't afraid to write a bad review and she always says exactly what she thinks. After reading one of her reviews I feel I can really decide if a book is for me or not. Sometimes I find that review sites almost loose their meaning because every book reviewed gets a 4 or 5 star rating. Kassa is tough, though... and I mean that as the highest compliment. I feel that getting a 4 star rating from her really means something and I feel so flattered that she reviewed my story. 

Now that release day has come and gone and the holidays are over I feel as though I can finally draw a breath. I've been so busy, but it's been a good busy. The only down side to all that busy is that writing has fallen by the way side. I can always tell when I've been neglecting my writing because the characters in my head start clamoring for attention and become very impatient with me. ;) A trip next week will find me soaking up rays on a tropical beach (yay!), but once I return to the wintry Northeast (hopefully with a tan!!) I simply can't wait to pull up my laptop and get back into my writing. 

My upmost gratitude goes to the lovely folk at Torquere Press who made my dreams of becoming a published author come true and my heartfelt thanks to my readers. Thank you for allowing me to share my stories with you.

I wish everyone a happy, prosperous, and fulfilling 2011!!

Love, 

Lily