Breaking down walls and answering a longstanding question for writers!

How much of our, an authors, real life is in a book?

Some.

For example, in my book Double Punch there's a scene where Ani walks into Castor and Pollux's kitchen and finds a naked man making coffee ... that really happened to me!

Well, happened with a few changes. The man wasn't nude, he was shirtless and wearing boxers, but why I remembered this incident so strongly was his hairy back ... it was like a rug and all I could think of was how unhygienic it was in the kitchen. Before I could say anything, my cutie quickly ushered me out of the house  with a promise that he'd make it up to me.

I haven't seen the hairy coffee maker in almost 10 years, but he's picking us up at the airport and taking us for "a great Irish fry up breakfast."

Should be interesting.

Double Punch, part of the Mythological Messes Redux series is a erotic mythological romance + ménage a trois, can be ordered through:

All Romance | Amazon | BN | iTunes | Kobo | Sony

Big Huge Reader Contest - Day 23!

Sex is a major part of the erotic romance genre, it also happens to be a prevelent activity in Ancient Greek mythology, and I put the two together for the Mythological Messes Redux series. Recently I had a reader ask me how I decided who had what kind of sex and it wasn't something I'd ever really thought about. The simple answer would be that the characters tell me what they want to do in the sack and, to a certain extent, that's true, although I generally know who will do what before the characters are fully developed as their sexual proclivity is part of their personalities.

Let me back up and clarify something. Our discussion had started with us talking about the unconventional, non-vanilla [BDSM and Ménages] sex I sometimes write and how they should have a unique page on my website [I've since taken their advice and done this :-)]. So, back to that question, how I decide who has what type of sex, specifically when it came to the Ancient Greek mythological characters. While the gods, goddesses and immortals were all sexually active, that was generally as far as it went, but would they have stretched the repertoire in the boudoir if the opportunity had been presented?

Let's see, shall we?


Hephaestus, god of the Forge, was hated, mistreated and ridiculed by his stepmother [Hera is just as often considered his mother], but he was a good man. He worked hard making important special items for the other Olympians. Things like thunderbolts for Zeus and Hermes' winged hat and shoes. Heph may find it necessary to walk with an aid, a stick, but the work he did meant he was totally buff. The god was big, with well defined muscles and handsome [at least I like to think so]. Wouldn't it be logical for a man who is physically challenged and yet quite comfortable with manipulating steel to be turned on by binding his lover for his focused attention?


Then there's the twins who aren't really twins, Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri [Sons of Zeus]. Brought up as brothers, they were very close and as grown men, became even better friends. They thought and acted as one. Both men were great horsemen, renowned hunters and the best of boxers who often sought to right a wrong - the brothers protected those who needed it most. On such a mission, Castor [mortal] lay dying when Pollux gave up his immortality to spend eternity with his brother, not completely dead, but existing as the Gemini constellation. Doesn't it make sense that these two men would fall in love with the same woman?


And then there's the feared, one-eyed Cyclopes monsters, they could never have a lover, could they? Agres, Steropes and Brontes have existed forever, are firmly set in their ways and see no reason to change. Humans are annoying and it's fine with them that cower in fear of the brothers. Work keeps them busy and it takes a great deal of attention to keep from sucumbing to their unique personifications. However, their job also happens to shape their bodies into delightfully strong forms, and the one eye, surrounded by long lashes, is gorgeous, especially when focused on a specific woman. Never believing love would never be theirs, it's believeable that these three outcasts would share the one who holds their hearts wants, right?

Bondage and ménages fit these three scenearios, the characters personalities, and could actually have happened if happiness for all had been the goal of the myths, only it wasn't. Lessons were definitely learned from those ancients texts, but in the 21st century, everyone - including the physically challenged, the might as well be dead, and the feared - is entitled to their happy ever after. Right? Of course they are! How they go about finding their pleasure is how the lovers express their deep emotions for each other and if that means tying them down or sharing them with another, so be it.

By the way, tags/labels denoting sub-genres are hints for a reader of what's in a book, and they're important, although there are problems.  Most publishers set a limit for labels and that means there could be problems for readers who don't want to read specific sub-genres.  Also, definition of the tags/labels differ, which adds further complications to picking out a book that suits a reader.  And then, on top of all that, there's the fact that no two authors write sub-genres in the same way.  My advice is twofold.  First, when it comes to sub-genres [mc, bdsm, menage, rubenesque, etc.] be adventurous, and set aside the "I don't read...".  And then I suggest knowing the authors and how they write.  Do this by visiting their websites, blogs, tweet them a query, because you might be missing a great book because of the "I don't read..." limits.

So, that said, for me, when it comes to BDSM and D/s, I don't include pain or humiliation in my books/ebooks - just pleasureable fun and games that all the characters involved want.  And, when it comes to menages, what can I say other than they are not orgies, they fit.

Other books of mine where BDSM and Ménages take place:
Come, Sweet Creature [bondage and D/s]
Extreme Speed, Total Control [one scene ménage a trois]
An Invitation to the World: Russia and New Zealand [D/s and ménage a trois]
The Leather Bride [bondage]
Zandia [bondage and exhibitionism]
Taming Marie Antoinette [bondage, D/s and ménage a trois]
Ride 'em [bondage, D/s and ménage]
The Gilded Cage [bondage and D/s]
Highland Heat [bondage]
Call Me Lucifer [bondage and D/s]
My Angel [bondage]

and...

Mythological Messes Redux series by Tilly Greene
Hephaestus Lays Down the Law [bondage] - (ebook) ARe│Fictionwise and (paperback) Amazon│BN│your local independent bookshop
Together Again? - ARe
Double Punch [ménage a trois] - (ebook) ARe│Fictionwise and (paperback) Amazon│BN
Cyra's Cyclopes [ménage] - ARe│Fictionwise

Tilly Greene Website│Blog│Facebook│Twitter

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY TODAY
Tell me if you think mythological figures would have practiced kinky sex if it had been around back then and you're entered to win a gift certificate to All Romance eBooks [ARe]!


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author’s blog for the day will enter you into the Big Huge Reader Contest for a Pink Sony eReader or one of three boxes packed full of RT Booklovers Convention goodies. Unfortunately, due to the grand prize being an electronic and weight of the other three boxes, this contest is for US residents only.

RT Booklovers Convention Recap

I've been preparing to go to the RT Booklovers Convention held in Columbus, Ohio for what feels like forever but was more like a few weeks, month at the most. The big question is: Was it worth ignoring everything except it?

Yes and no.

Yes, because it is always nice to get out from beneath the laptop, and talk to like minded folks. Readers! While I met and met again some fantastic authors, it was the aspiring authors, readers, booksellers and librarians that boosted my energy levels.

The "no" comes because of the lack of time. There were some really interesting panels and they were over before they started. Every panel I went to had another one going at the same time.  So that's both good and bad.  Although it would be nice for more fresh - relevant and informative - material.

Frustrating, but totally worth going for having fun. That was short, sweet and to the point of my RT 2010 experience, here the extended version.

I arrived on the second day of the conference, but it was my Day 1 and even though I made it an hour earlier than I'd expected, it was a mad dash. After checking in, dropping luggage off in room, I went down and sat in on a friends panel, saw Eliza Gayle - a great lady and author - and met one of my cover artists - Kendra who did the spectacular Good, Bad & Kinky covers - for the first time, and then went to two more panels, and a third to support a friend. Next was a publisher [Samhain Publishing] event with booksellers [met Bonnie Dee and she's a real sweetheart, caught up a bit with Samantha Sommersby, and found the fabulous Queen JC Wilder sitting outside - she absolutely glowed]. From there, I put on a red sweater, and went to the Ellora's Cave Paint the Town Red party. Luck of the draw gave me a tall handsome man to escort me across the stage [prime place for tripping, but didn't], and then it was off to help man the swag table.

Like I said, it was go, go, go from the minute I landed and that meant I never had a chance to do any of the things I promised the cutie I'd do whilst there - eat, take my medicine or put my feet up. So I wasn't surprised to crash and had to go up early.

My Day 2 went more smoothly and it started with sitting in on a publisher's spotlight that interested me. Will I submit to them?  Maybe, I'll do some more research and we'll see.  From there it was a couple panels with a publisher lunch for its authors in between. Next was the RT Book Reviews ceremony and while I love supporting other authors achievements, I was horribly uncomfortable - the chairs, ugh. The only thing I came out of that event remembering is that Barbara Taylor Bradford gave the Brotherton Library [to the right thanks to Light Night Leeds] at my school, University of Leeds, her archive. Okay, I admit it was hearing Brotherton and Leeds mentioned and that sparked my attention. Later, for the first time ever, I went to the Faery Ball and think Stella Price [horns] and Stephanie Burke [entire costume] were dressed to the tens.

My Day 3 went even better, established my routine and went to two really good panels - maybe because they were handled well, informative and relevant, and coherent. After those two were finished and lunch had, it was off to Club RT and I was late. Hate being late, but thankfully the fabulous Stella Price made it not so bad. I chatted with all sorts and then, while not really paying attention, placed a shoe box on a bigger box and the table toppled over with a huge bang. Silenced the entire room. Didn't loose any toes, but it was close.

From there, it was time for the 'Ebook, Indie Publisher, Multimedia and Graphic Fiction Expo'. The authors I sat with [Cat Grant, LB Gregg, and Kathleen Grieve] were all wonderful. I briefly saw and chatted with C.H, Admirand [local to me author and met her husband] and Alessia Brio [the lady in charge of the Coming Together alturistic series which I strongly support] before the doors were opened.  Last but not least was another party I usually pass on, the Vampire Ball, and again Stella Price [that's her to the right and you can check out her photo album on Facebook] was the cat's meow of costumes. The lady is seriously creative.

My Day 4 was also my last. I checked out and then went to set up for the 'Giant Book Fair'. Before the doors were opened, I caught up with Francesca Hawley, a fabulous lady and author. Unfortunately my latest book, Double Punch, wasn't there but I still had fun talking about Hamish from Highland Heat and Hephaestus from Hephaestus Lays Down the Law from the two books I did have. Sitting beside me was Cat Grant, Kathleen Grieve and Donna Grant - another lovely lady.  Nothing can prepare someone for the wildness that is a Giant Book Fair.  Many people come prepared with not one but two or three suitcases to fill with books - yes, SUITCASES!  My advice is don't get fussed with the crowds, it is what it is - enjoy the experience.

When it was time to go, I said my goodbyes, and shared a cab with Carrie Lofty to the airport. From their it was all good - easy flight, no lost luggage, and we went for a Chinese takeaway on the way home.

I know there were many more people I met and chatted with, trully enjoyed spending time with [Ann and Robin], only I have a sieve of a mind for names - I'm sorry.  All in all, it was fun, great to see and chat with everyone which for me is the best part of events [booksignings to conferences], and it feels so good to be home.

The question now is:  Will I go next year to the one in Los Angeles?  Southern California in the Spring?  Maybe, okay a strong maybe.  It always depends on what else is going on in life, but I am thinking very seriously about it.  Besides, my family is nearby, and a visit to the beach and the total relaxation it offers me, is always wanted.

Romance Junkies Valentine's Day Contest is here!

Romance Junkies has a wonderful contest up for Valentine's and it doesn't end until March 31st!

Have fun trolling through this special neighborhood, where there's a multitude of prizes to be won!  I'm there and a hint on how to find Tilly Greene's goodies is to think "shoes".

Double Punch is OUT!

Mount Olympus is buzzing with activity - the challenge for immortality is on!

Castor and Pollux, universally known as the twins who aren’t really twins, have been existing amongst the stars as the Gemini constellation for years. Without any warning, Zeus pulls them from the sky, and offers both men a second chance at immortality. The challenge is simple: they have one year on Earth to find their true mates. Every type of woman crosses their paths and while they make up for lost time when it comes to seeking sexual gratification, none of their partners complete them. None, that is, until they meet the stunning woman who they both claim.

Anissa George knows how lucky she was to be adopted as a child from a Bhutanese orphanage. Her family heaped love and an understanding that there was nothing wrong with being different, while living life to the fullest. To do that, she puts an educational computer game concept together, and the company she wants to produce the game, took on her project. Once she settled the work issue, it was time to pay attention to her non-existent love life. Before she can look for a date, two men who fit her perfectly are there, asking her to choose one. Impossible.

WARNING: The fire starts with one on one loving and then the flames rage out of control when they become three.

A Paranormal Erotic Romance / Menage a Trois

Buy eBook exclusively at All Romance eBooks / OmniLit.

Book Talk!

I'm working on 'Double Punch', which will be followed up by 'Cyra's Cyclopes' [you met them in 'Hephaestus Lays Down the Law'], and I suddenly realized that the Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses have shown up in my writing before, and I don't mean any other book in the Mythological Messes Redux series.

They show up in 'The Painted Lady', part of the Winter Wishes Anthology.

The heroine, Saffron Hoyt, is a model doing a private commission as her last photoshoot. She's retiring because she doesn't want to watch her weight anymore. The gig involves having her body painted so she blends into a variety of paintings/sculpture such as Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Peter Paul Ruben's Leda and the Swan, and the Venus de Milo.

There is also an important appearance by Janus in 'New Beginnings: Carpe Diem'.

You haven't heard of him? Well, he isn't Greek, he's Roman, but he fit so perfectly, I had to go with him. You see, the escapees need are searching for a name to suit their new piece of paradise and the heroine, Maris, who was a librarian, suggests Janus. Amongst other things, he was the god of civilization, beginnings and endings, and blessed with a benevolent personality. Perfect.

The good news is flowing!

Okay, so on Friday I received the news that three of my Torrid Teasers [New Zealand, Russia and China from the An Invitation to the World series] at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid would be released in a The Best of Torrid Teasers Vol. 2 [January 2010] along with three teasers from Susan M. Sailors and three from Cheri Valmont!

Great news!

And then, on Saturday morning, I was going through my emails and opened one from All Romance eBooks that informed me my contemporary erotic romance, And She Scores!, was accepted for their special project for February 2010. Every day of the month dedicated to all things red they will release a new ebook with the proceeds going to benefit the American Heart Association - really cool news!

So, it's only November, and 2010 is shaping up to be a fun year!

In January, The Best of Torrid Teases Vol. 2 and Double Punch will be released from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid and Tease Publishing respectively.

In February, And She Scores! will be released from All Romance eBooks.

And over at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid, Call Me Lucifer and My Angel release dates are still to be determined.

I'm not wishing the time away, but I can't wait for 2010!

Where is my mind at right now?

With Castor and Pollux.

Not to long ago I spent time on the Antinoos site checking out the various sculptures of these two brothers, and this was the one that I now keep posted to my laptop for inspiration. It can be found in The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia.