Anyone that's ever put their creative works out there has likely gotten feedback.  For some reason in our culture its deemed necessary to tell an artist, writer or musician the goods, the bads, and the uglies about their work.

For the most part I love the hell outta it.  I live for the days that I get simple messages like "love your books" and "Short, steamy, awesome!" But, honestly, I also love the days where I get "too short for my tastes" or "too much sex" (yup there is such a thing! haha.)  Lemme know what you like so I can tweak my methods!

So on days when I get a "Starred-favorite" memo from Smashwords I spend the rest of it fantasizing about what made me a favorite?  Did they like the over the top sex-scene to sex-scene continual action of my Cheerleader books or were they driven to that Favorite-marker by the softer more story driven pieces like My New Husband?  Is it my desire to provide quality when there's so much barely re-read, unedited junk out there?  Is it my 40 titles of a wide-variety?  

Must admit that I am not 100% about the art.  I want to and do consider you guys, and challenge myself with "what's popular" (Like the babysitter and cheerleader eroticas).  I have even pushed myself through some Taboo-kinks at request from my readers.  But I always feel like my best are my favorites.  The ones that spend hours in my head begging to get out on the screen.

So what do I fantasize about?  Fantasy, BDSM, Rape, being taken care of, being controlled, and a bit of the princess stuff.  I love it when my daddy takes care of me, demands things of me, plays with me. So often its in ways that I don't even see myself, and that I think continually comes out of my pen.  

Micah and Alysson in my Deep Series, they play probably two of the darkest and deepest parts of my world out.  Their story is the one that I told myself for years as  I was trying to sleep.    

The other one is my Penance Series.  Charlie and Meredith are a regular Jane and John Doe couple, its only when pushed to the brink of divorce that they delve into something deep and dark between them.  

Why do I have a love for the kink?  My husband and I started dabbling in kinkier stuff after about 4 years of being together, we'd seen enough in porn that we were both willing to try it.  But even after almost 13 years together he can still stir something so carnal within me the second he grabs me by the nape of the neck and growls.  Fantasy come to life.  Maybe that's why.  Maybe that's why I'll re-read and add more story, re-read and add more sex to those kinkier pieces.  Those pieces that link me to my darker more brazen self.  

Maybe that's why people want to favorite me - I can link them to that particular dark part of themselves.  At least I hope I do.  

Being a professional writer can cause a massive headache of words.  Many writers have word goals or page goals in order to meet their novel or output goal.  Since most writers work from home those goals can sometimes be put aside in favor of laundry, taking children to the park, Facebook, dinner, and that show you've been waiting for on TV.  If your family relies on you for certain things words can be "justifiably" put on the wayside to put your family first.

I find that my output has greatly suffered since my daughter stopped taking naps, there is always more to do with a three year old on the loose.  Finding ways to stay focused while she is entertained come in spots of maybe an hour, but typically closer to 30 minutes, or the time it takes for her to watch a cartoon.  I find that I need to set up certain points in order to help me stay focused.

Here's what I do - let me know what you do to stay focused for your chance to win a $5 Gift Card to Amazon!  (Please be sure to put in your email so I can get it to you!)

1.) Set aside or fulfill your distractions.  I start my day by getting my 3 year old breakfast and a show.  While she eats I get my blog out (If I'm doing one that day.)  This ensures that she's happy and distraction free for at least a half hour, while also being happy and cared for.  Laundry is also another easy one to do throughout the day, set it and forget it for an hour.      

2.) "Go to work."  An environment change helps me remember I am at work, despite the fact that I'm still sitting in my living room.  My favorite is to turn on some music.  Something mood setting and not overpowering.  But if you aren't a music writer, try a candle, or water fountain.  Not only does will this help me remember I'm writing, but it also is an indication to my family.  They hear my music and know I'm not ignoring them, I'm working.

3.) Come up with a plan.  What piece will you work on?  What scenes are you hoping to get through? Are you introducing a new character - whats his name and stats?  If you are having difficulties staying focused during your writing period, write these out beforehand in a quick outline so you know where you are going.

4.) Open your document.  I know this is ridiculously silly, obvious, and simple, but you have to have your work available to work on it.  My biggest problem is I sit down at my computer and the first things I open are Facebook and Farmville.  Not conducive to getting words on the page.  If you are starting a new piece get it set up and organized the way you like, save it before hand so you can just hit ctrl+s on occasion without breaking your flow. 

5.) Set up "break times" typically a work day out of the home goes for 2 hours, has a 15 minute break, goes for 2 hours, has a lunch break, goes for 2 hours, 15 minute break, 2 hours and done.  Obviously the point of working at home is the flexibility, but giving yourself a gentle schedule will help you put off getting your coffee until your "coffee break"

6.) If your pen or keyboard is still not functioning take some time to look for inspiration or free write, but set a goal time of when you'll try writing for work again, I usually go about 15-20 minutes for these inspirational moments.

I apologize for my lengthy disappearance, several personal issues came to a head and I needed the time off to ensure that I didn't throw crap out to my readers.  

Integrity is a something I will eternally strive for, and I knew that it would greatly suffer if I were to write during that time.  

I do have several pieces that are lined up for August, perhaps with one even making it by the end of July, I also have some "inspiration" days planned.  (A trip to a very sexy hotel!) 

For those of you who were waiting for Bound to Him's Giveaway I'll be posting it up soon, so check back!