We're Off to the Proof-Readers

Well, the first round of edits is complete. Yahoo! Yehaw! Party and happy dance!

I've been told that my novella is now off for proof reading. I assume that means more edits to follow. This whole process is entirely new to me and I am a little nervous about what comes next. Time will tell whether I worry in vain or not. LOL. I am eager to learn the steps of this exciting journey.

I've also been told that my cover art is underway. I can't wait to see what they design for me. I'll all  a-quiver with excitement. I can't wait to print myself a copy and hang it on the fridge.

This week I told my brother-in-law, and my (husband's) cousin that I was being published as a writer of erotica. They were both extremely happy for me. The cousin wants to read it. I laughed and told him he would never learn my pen name. I am curious about other writers of erotica. Do you tell people what you write and let them know your pen name? Is it just me that blushes beet-red and starts stammering when I think about people I know reading my work? What if my mother read it? Oh my God! I would just die. What if my daughters read it? Oh wait, they would high-five me and say "Go Mom." LOL. (That doesn't mean I'm going to send them a copy!!)

Funny isn't it ... I love sex. I love reading about sex. I love writing about sex, but I don't want anyone to know exactly what I write. My closest friends know that I write erotica, and that I am being published, and I'm sure they know that I enjoy sex, but I can't help but wonder if they would think that I have done everything I write about. Just let me say here and now....hell no! I have not done all of it. I have not done most of it! I just have a very vivid imagination .....

I read a fair amount of erotica as well, and I have (*blushing*) even watched some porn. Doing this gives me ideas, and virtual experiences I can use in my writing. As I posted about earlier, I even spend time on an adult chat site talking to people about their sex lives, fantasies and disappointments. This too adds to my knowledge base. I spend time in public places like malls and restaurants, watching the interactions between people too. I'm learning to pick up the subtle clues people give off when interacting and hope to be able to incorporate that into my work.

So be warned, while what I write is fantasy, not reality: anything you say can and will be used in a future novel. Just kidding! Mostly.

If I steal from your life, know that your name will be changed to protect the innocent and the pervs alike. LOL