Review of the UK Meet 2012

Review of the UK Meet 2012

Arrive

So, to Brighton! It was wonderful to catch up with the people I normally only get to chat to online, and a real treat to meet new acquaintances, too. I arrived with Lavinia Lewis, where we met reader Amanda, and writers Anna Martin and Tia Fielding. We joined in the informal meet in the hotel bar Friday evening, where there was lots of fun chat, then onto dinner. We chose The Lion & Lobster pub, just around the corner.

Back in the hotel bar, it was another fab chance to chat to those who fancied a late night drink, and it was a pleasure to chat with everyone. I only wish we'd had longer! Lavinia and I went back to our hotel, which was just around the corner. This hotel has what I called the Austin Powers bathroom. Bet you're jealous!

(Note: no, I'm not actually sitting on the loo, as one of my --male-- friends asked. *rolls eyes*  )

Saturday

An early start – and lots of coffee! – saw us all registering our names, then piling into the main room, a grand meeting hall in the hotel. We arranged ourselves around white clothed tables, which almost had me in mind of a wedding, all eyes to the front as the charismatic Charlie Cochrane took the reins, and welcomed us to the Meet. I have to say, the entire atmosphere felt very warm, accepting, and fun. A little banter in between the important messages was also very sweet, and smiles were never far from people's faces.

We started off with 'Novel Openings', a panel of writers sharing the first couple of paragraphs of a story. It was interesting to see how different people expressed their writing differently. A cool little snapshot of how writers start off, and draw readers in. Reviewer Jen also gave us her insight on what would interest her, as a reader. Great start to the Meet.

After a break for coffee and tea – and a sneaky biscuit for me – it was onto the next panels, and time to choose which ones to go to. This, for me, was a total surprise, as I hadn't realised there would be two separate rooms to visit, with dual panels going on simultaneously. I had a Crystal Maze style panic about which to choose, as I always want to absorb as much information as I can when the opportunity is there. Alas, I had to pick a panel, as walking out during a talk was frowned upon, and rightly so.

For me, I had to miss the 'Fanfiction' talk in favour of the 'Where do you get your ideas?' panel, mostly because I knew my writer chum Blaine D'Arden was on it, and I wanted to hear her speak. Listening to the panel was a lot of fun, and no one was doing any condescending lecturing; each writer was simply explaining how they got the idea for a specific story, which was like a 'behind the scenes' look. Doubly interesting if you knew the writer, and the story they had chosen, like Blaine D'Arden's The Fifth Son, which for me is one of my favourites, so it was a treat to hear more about it. (Incidentally, I was chuffed to bits to get my print copy of this book on the day, signed as well!)

Now, join me in damning my crap memory, and me for not taking notes as it happened, because when I try to think about each panel right now, I've kind of forgotten who was on which one... Suffice to say I was terribly excited – like a kid at Disneyland! – at seeing so many friendly faces/exciting new faces, and it didn't help my memory whatsoever. I will say that I did enjoy each panel enormously, and everyone who spoke had something interesting to say. I'm only sorry that I can't for the life of me write feedback or review individual speakers. Next time, I'm making notes! Live and learn.

The next panel was another choice; I could have gone back upstairs to the main room for a panel on LBTQ themes, but I chose to stay downstairs for 'Taking the plunge, the new author's guide to getting published', mostly because another writer chum, Becky Black, was on this panel, and I wanted to listen to her. The panel was great, a very good idea, and one I hope will continue to make an appearance at the Meet in various forms. Anne Brooke also gave some great advice, and people in the audience also had tips to share, and it was lovely to see the support offered and taken from all sides.

Break for lunch! Incredibly important, and I must say the hotel's buffet was fantastic. I love finger food anyway – vegetarian – and was pleased to see a lot on offer. Nice, relaxing lunch; I sat at a sunny table with Anna Martin, Tia Fielding, and Tia's sister.

After lunch, downstairs was the panel 'Tropes, keeping the genre honeymoon fresh', but I was due upstairs in the 'Online marketing' panel, as I'd offered to help give tips on how to use the dreaded Facebook and Twitter. Lucy Felthouse and Jordan Castillo Price led the panel, and did a fantastic job of introducing the concept of social media; important points like blogs, newsletters, and just generally keeping in touch with your readers in an easy, accessible way, without being pushy.

The underlying message was exactly the same as my own points for using Twitter or Facebook, and that is not to push your 'buy my book' slogan on everyone you meet without even saying hello, because a rude message won't reach readers. Manners and common sense are the only tools you need to get ahead online, the rest you can pick up. For those who are interested, I'll be posting my guide to using social media – Facebook, Twitter – in my next post.

Next, it was time to choose which panel to attend. I was sad to miss lovely Clare London speaking on 'The two edged sword: pitfalls of getting published', downstairs. I wanted to stay upstairs for the talk on 'Publishing, the way forward', as Ariel Tachna from Dreamspinner Press was leading the panel. Being published with Dreamspinner myself, meeting the DSP team and listening to what they had to say was important for me.

Really interesting points from Ariel, and the rest of the panel – DSP editor Anne Regan, and DSP writer Sue Brown – on e-publishing in general, and some of the different ways people are predicting the market will grow. I liked the optimistic approach to e-publishing, and the good points raised.

Then we had the bubbly and sharp Cameron Lawton (my new best friend!) who herself said she was on the panel to offer a different point of view, which was: be wary about rushing into self publishing. Cameron went on to give examples of her own self publishing steps – very generous of her to share this – and what she perhaps would have done differently if she'd known a bit more about the industry at the time, or hadn't been impatient. At least, that's the message which came across to me. All very good tips for budding authors, too.

This panel was very interesting, and I did enjoy it, especially Cameron's talk. I think, personally, this panel could have benefited from another angle to add to the self publishing topic; i.e. self publishing can be good, too. As ever, with panels, when people in the audience ask questions, the topic can stray a little, like any normal conversation, and go off in different directions. Mostly the chat galloped toward e-book publishing in general, and of course everyone was asking Ariel and Anne their views on the market and how DSP has developed since its start. (For me, I didn't realise DSP had launched a YA line recently. Now I know!)

Perhaps, in future, because the topic of self publishing is so vast – there were many self published authors in attendance, too – 'self publishing' could benefit from its own focussed panel, to give everyone more time to discuss this very important topic. Because self publishing is growing along with ebooks, and it would be great to see the whole topic represented; self publishing certainly isn't for everyone, but there's no harm in everyone knowing all the facts, is there?

That's my two cents!

So, tea break!

After tea, there were some one to ones for budding authors downstairs. A nice idea, I thought; possibly something to expand on in the future? Or even as an aside event? Upstairs was 'Buffet or Banter', which I didn't really understand, I must admit, but was basically different themed tables where you could join in the different discussions. By the time I'd worked out that each individual table was supposed to discuss one topic only, I'd already spotted Becky Black and Stevie Carroll, and wanted to chat with them. Also on the table, I'm pleased to have met Elin Gregory at last. As a table, we pretty much just chatted about what we fancied, which I really enjoyed. So, thank you everyone, for a good chat!

After the banter finished, key note speaker Jordan Castillo Price took the floor, and gave a wonderful talk on how she started out writing; her first forays into e-book publishing, sharing so many amazing stories and insights. Lots of food for thought, really enjoyable, and a very optimistic outlook.

Actually, all in all, there was optimism firing from all the panels and talks I saw, which I'm so happy about. It was a really good, buzzing atmosphere throughout the day, largely in part to the moving around and mixing things up. Really enjoyable. And the writers who were so willing to offer advice -- Jordan Castillo Price, Aleks Voinov from Riptide, and many more -- was very generous.

Meet captain Charlie took the helm again, and wrapped things up, highlighting the key points raised. Especially when discussing how the UK Meet had grown in only three short years, from a small meeting in a local library, to around sixty-ish people last year – my first Meet – to over a hundred this year, in a swanky hotel, with sponsors and prizes galore.

Almost a little scary, when you think about it, but a lot exciting.

A well deserved round of applause for the Meet organisers: Charlie Cochrane, Jamie Merrow, Clare London, Josephine Myles, Alex Beecroft; beautifully organised, jolly well done. Also everyone who spoke on panels, you all did such fabulous jobs, and I loved listening to what I heard. The people who donated to the swag bag, and raffle prizes. Dreamspinner Press, who offered and shared so much, which was a wonderful experience for me and the other Dreamspinner authors, I'm sure.

Another highlight for me, and I feel they deserve a special mention, was meeting the Polish writer duo, K.A. Merrikan, and Agnes Merrikan, who both looked super cool in their matching skull print dresses. Writers to watch, for sure.

All in all, I had the chance to speak with amazing and interesting people, you were all wonderful. I had an utterly brilliant time, and could have happily listened on and nattered with you all for the entire following week! Those that I didn't have a chance to chat with, or even chat longer with, I'm gutted about that, and really hope we can catch up next time, or at another event.

So there we have it, my thoughts on the UK Meet 2012.

Questions for you:

If you attended the UK Meet this year, what was your favourite panel? And how do you think it differed from last year?

Even if you didn't attend, have you been to writer meetings or conventions before? What do you like and/or dislike about them? Have you never been to one, but really want to go? If so, what puts you off going?

Thanks!

Tush's Ten - Anna Martin - Tattoos & Teacups giveaway

I'm thrilled to welcome author Anna Martin to my blog, to play Tush's Ten Questions!

I will admit, I hadn't come across Anna Martin's work yet, but the cover for her new release 'Tattoos & Teacups' caught my eye, and I read it straight away! Check out its gorgeousness below, plus an excerpt from the book and a chance to WIN WIN WIN!!!

Five Q's about the author

1. Who are you, and where do you come from?

I’m Anna! I’m 26; I grew up in a little seaside town on the south-west coast and I live in Bristol now, I’m a writer (and I just love saying that.) During the week I work in Marketing for a financial services company which is far less exciting than it sounds. I’m aware of the fact that it doesn’t sound very exciting in the first place. My favourite colour is red. 

2. What inspires you?

Oh, gosh, all sorts of things. I suppose music and places are my biggest inspiration. After visiting Seattle I felt much closer to the setting for Another Way, even though the city itself wasn’t a big part of the storyline. And Tattoos & Teacups is sort of my love story dedicated to Edinburgh.

3. Describe your writing style in three words:

Sexy, funny, sweet.

4. What's next in store for you?

Writing wise? I have the sequel to Another Way coming out in September, it’s called Of Being Yours and it’ll be published by Dreamspinner Press. After that… I’m not sure. I’m working on the beginning of two new novels but I don’t really know which one will become my full focus yet. One is a M/M/M story, the other is set in rural Somerset (where I’m from).

In my personal life I’m about to head up to Edinburgh for the FringeFestival in the next few weeks. It’s one of the biggest theatre festivals in the world and I’ve worked there for the past five years as a theatre technician and venue manager. I absolutely love it, it’s the highlight of my year!

5. Read any good books lately?

Good new books? Not really… To be honest I’ve been too busy to sit down and get stuck into something new! I re-read the Jurassic Park books (again) recently because I love them an unhealthy amount. It’s the one book I will recommend everyone read because it’s just so beautifully rich in character and plot and setting. That, and I love dinosaurs.

Five Q's about the book

'Tattoos & Teacups' 

 

1. What inspired the idea for your story?

I sort of had an idea about an older, stuffy professor character falling in love with a “wild child” younger man but wasn’t sure where I wanted to take it. Then when I was working in Edinburgh last year I decided I wanted to write something that was influenced by my love of the city.

Then NaNoWriMo came along and I managed to churn out 50,000 words in the 30 days (well, 29, but who’s counting?!) and eight months later here it is!

2. The basis for the character of Robert is traditional & perhaps a bit 'prim', while his love interest, Chris, is a vibrant, tattooed musician. Who would you say you identify with more?

Oh, Robert, for sure. He’s very secure in his intellect but very insecure in his outward appearance and how people see him, and that’s definitely something I drew on my own experience of. I never went about consciously echoing my own personality when I was writing him, but because he’s British I felt like I could use my own ‘voice’ as his rather than trying to adapt my voice for an American character. It was very liberating.

My biggest worry when the book was published was that people wouldn’t find it funny because even when I was editing it I was laughing out loud at some of the things Robert says. But from the feedback people have given me I think the humour came across!

[ Trust me, Anna, it's funny in all the right places! -- Tush ]

3. There's focus on tattoos in the story; did you do a lot of research, or are you into tattoos yourself?

I have quite a few tattoos myself and they’re all in the same Sailor Jerry, traditional Americana style that Chris has. Tattooing is an art form and I think society is starting to accept this. My tattoos all have very specific meanings as well as being aesthetically interesting – I like being able to document things with art on my body.

Flash for a trademark Sailor Jerry swallow.

4. What do you think draws people to tattoos?

Well, you do see a lot of stupid tattoos out there as well as some really amazing ones, so there has to be a range of reasons! Really, though, isn’t it a declaration of individualism? We all want to be seen as unique and tattoos physically mark us as completely one of a kind.

5. If your book was a movie, what would your budget be, and who would play your characters?

Ooh, good question! My initial reaction is to say Gerard Butler for Robert, of course, since Chris mistakes Robert for him when they first meet. But that would mean the joke was lost… you know, if they could find someone with a good Scottish accent who looked vaguely like Butler then that’d work for me!

And I think Jackson Rathbone could make a good Chris. He already has a few tattoos and the Southern charm thing going on. And he’s cute! Abigail Breslin would make a great Chloe (Robert’s teenage daughter) and Lena Heady would have to play Luisa (Chloe’s mother).

* * *

Tattoos & Teacups EXCERPT: 

 

ONCE, when I was on a trip to New York City, I stopped to watch a group of hip-hop dancers who were performing in the street. I was fascinated by the brash colors and thumping beat of the music, and the tricks and flips they performed with apparent ease. Although I stood back in the crowd—there were two or three people in front of me—I couldn’t help but be both impressed and intimidated as one of the dancers walked right up to the person in the front row, throwing his arms wide out to his sides and pushed his chest almost right up to the other man’s, shouting, “Boom!” Right in his face!

The sheer gall of the dancer made me smile, even as my stomach flipped at the idea of such confrontation. Much to my surprise, the other man, not the dancer, just laughed and made some funny noise in the back of his mouth, like he was rolling his Rs, and the dancer seemed to take this as encouragement to perform a backflip from standing, to the raucous approval of the assembled crowd.

Chris made me feel like that. Intimidated, and a little impressed. He was the same as that dancer in so many ways: loud, colorful, swirling into my life with a loud “Boom!” and disappearing just as quickly. Like those hip-hop dancers, though, I was left with the simmering feeling that I’d experienced something completely new, and I was irrevocably changed for it.

* * *

*COMPETITION TIME!!*

Read on for a chance to WIN!

For a chance to win an ebook copy of Tattoos and Teacups by Anna Martin please visit the contact page on her website, and send your name, and the type of format you would like with the heading ‘Tush!’. 

Winners will be notified by 31^st July. Please note – the winner will need to have an account with Dreamspinner Press in order to receive their free ebook. 

It’s completely free to sign up! Visit dreamspinnerpress.com for more information.

Thanks for stopping by, Anna!

 

Check out more on Anna here....

Anna's website

Buy Tattoos & Teacups

Anna on Goodreads

Anna on Tumblr

Anna on Twitter

Free Read - Tentacle Pool

Partly inspired by 'Hylas & The Nymphs' from Greek mythology, painting by JW Waterhouse.

Tentacle Pool

© Melanie Tushmore 2012

The following story is a work of fiction, any resemblance to any persons (or tentacled beings) living or dead is purely coincidental. No part of this work may be copied or reproduced without the author's written permission.

Dedication

 

Happy Birthday, Samantha!

With special thanks to Evie, Piper & MJ

* * *

Ancient Greece, on the Sea of Marmara.

A little after lunch.

The boat splashed through shallow, clear water, its bottom dragging on the sand.

“Everybody out!” commanded Dmitri. “The quicker we get to shore, the quicker we can find food.”

The other sailors leapt over the boat's side, muttering under their breath as they tugged and pulled the boat to the beach.

Aire wasn't a sailor. He was a musician and a fool for letting his father push him into a voyage with his older brother, Dmitri. “Play for the crew,” Father had said. “Entertain them! Even Orpheus went on a voyage, and that was with Jason.” Aire shook his head. Father didn't understand. Aire wasn't built for heavy work; his slim body and delicate hands weren't any use on a ship.

Not for the sort of work Dmitri wanted him to do, anyway. “Who wants to hear music?” he'd scoffed. “Be quiet, and make our dinner!”

Some voyage, Aire thought to himself. So far, all they'd done was circle the mainland twice, thanks to Dmitri's appalling navigation skills, and now they'd drifted off course to Mysia, the deserted island that no one ever came to. Aire was positive that when they got back home Dmitri would have dreamt up some incredibly pompous stories of his imaginary adventures, bribing his crew to keep quiet.

“Aire!” Dmitri snapped, jolting Aire out of his thoughts. “Stop stalling and help us.”

Aire peered over the edge of the boat, into the water. He really didn't want to get his sandals wet.

“Doesn't matter, Dmitri,” Eli grunted, pulling on the boat's side. “We're almost on the shore anyway.”

“Yes, it does matter,” Dmitri muttered.

Eli rolled his eyes, as Aire ducked inside the boat. “Don't worry, lad,” Eli said. “Stay where you are. No sense us all getting wet.”

The small boat was pulled onto powdery white sand. Dry starfish and empty sea shells lay scattered on the beach. The other sailors grumbled and stretched before collecting their belongings from the boat: spears, knives, rope, and cloth. They were going hunting, though Aire seriously doubted their chances of finding anything alive on this island. It was overgrown, all hills and forest. Not only would they have to hike to get anywhere, they'd have to carry their quarry back to the beach.

“Aire, wake up.” Dmitri thrust the water-skins at him. “Go fetch water.”

Aire sighed quietly. It looked like he would be hiking too. He threaded the water-skins onto a smooth, wooden pole, and used it to steady himself as he clambered from the boat. One of the men stuck a foot out to trip him on purpose, and Aire stumbled into Eli.

“Steady, lad.” Eli chuckled, his hands catching a quick grope as he helped Aire up. “Don't want to fall, now.”

They laughed at him, their eyes roving over his ruffled tunic.

Aire smoothed his clothes down. “Thank you, Eli. I'm fine.” He picked up his pole, the water-skins dangling from each end, and laid it across his shoulders.

“Take care now!” they called after him.

Aire ignored them. At least being sent to fetch water, he'd have some peace at last.

Fresh water was more likely to come from higher up, so Aire left the beach and entered the forest, picking his way through trees and green brush. Songbirds called to each other in the branches overhead. The deeper Aire went into the forest, the more flowers he saw; wild blooms of exotic, varying colours, their scents sweet and fragrant. A strange insect landed on an open yellow flower, its wings sparkling in the dappled light from the trees. Aire paused, and leaned closer to look. The insect flew away, but not before Aire had seen that it looked more lizard than winged insect.

In the distance, he heard Dmitri's hunting horn. That was quick, he thought. Maybe there were wild creatures on the island, after all. And here Aire was, on his own in the forest.

He swallowed, hurrying on his way.

Aire was in luck. Having only just begun to climb to the raised ground, he happened to stumble through a tightly woven set of trees, into a small clearing. There was a pool there, settled underneath a bowing laurel tree.

Perfect.

Aire's shoulders simply couldn't have taken any more. The thought of the pole weighing even heavier on his return journey made Aire groan. He sank to his knees at the pool's edge, pushing the pole and water-skins away. He was parched, and the water looked clean.

There were unusual leafy pads sitting on the water's surface, each crowned with a small white bud. Were they lily pads? The largest, in the centre of the pool, would have been of a size to fit a human head. It had a full bloom of off-white, yellow petals on its pad, yet Aire didn't see any insects around. He gazed into the water. He couldn't see any fish either. It was clear, but all he saw were stems from the lily pads that led down through the water. They seemed so thick; dark green and tangled together. They would be a perfect hiding place for small fish, if there were any.

Aire leaned carefully over the edge. The pool was small but it seemed to go very deep. And yet, no life within? Curious. Maybe there were fish toward the bottom, where the water was darker? Aire bent lower still, scenting it with his nose. The water smelt fresh and faintly sweet. He cupped his hands in the water, crisp and cool against his skin, and dared to sip.

Well, it tasted fine. Aire pulled up glistening handfuls of water to his mouth. When he had drank his fill, he gazed again into the pool. The ripples caused by his hands had stilled, and the surface was smooth once more. Aire saw himself staring back, as clearly as if he looked into a mirror. His hair was a mess. His dark curls had been picked and yanked free from the fastening by the forest branches. Aire undid the tie and brushed his hair back using his fingers. He retied the band, although he did consider it a pointless task; his hair would only become more dishevelled on the way back. This was why Dmitri kept his hair short, he supposed.

Aire pulled a lock of hair to his face and sniffed. He smelt of the sea now, like the sailors. Aire didn't mind the sea, not really, but how he missed playing his harp. Especially since Dmitri had tossed his travelling one overboard. And how Aire missed playing for an appreciative audience. He would definitely have a talk with his parents when they got home. Maybe he could convince them to send him to Athens, to study with the followers of Bacchus.

That would certainly be fun.

If only Aire had his harp, he would have sat here by this pool until sunset, playing songs. His fingers rose in his lap, holding the imaginary instrument, and moved against invisible strings. He hummed under his breath, finding a tune. He had been composing his own song before Dmitri had put a stop to it. As soon as Aire got his hands on another harp he'd have to finish the song. Aire remembered the soft, wistful notes and began to sing.

“I wish I'd say unto to my love

“All the words within my heart.

“Until that day, I'll play my harp

“And wait for –”

A ripple stirred the water, then the lily pads jerked, as if tugged sharply from below. Aire's song trailed off. He saw movement, something stirring in the water deep within in the pool. He was half afraid but, foolishly, he peered in. His eyes widened in alarm as he saw the unmistakable shape of coils writhing underwater, rushing to the surface.

Snakes!

He stumbled back, slipping on the moist bank as he tried to run. The lily pads rose up. Aire saw that they were not snakes, the lily stems themselves were the coils; each one an enormous, thick green tentacle, and they surged forward. Aire's scream never made it past his lips. The tentacles came for him, two snapping around his ankles in a fierce grip. He gasped as he was dragged into the pool. The water splashed in glistening shards as he broke the surface.

Aire screwed his eyes shut and held his breath, not daring to imagine the jaws on whatever terrible creature awaited him. Tentacles slipped around his wrists – smooth and strangely warm – while thicker tentacles cradled his body. Aire felt them coiling around him as he was pulled down through the water. He only hoped his death would not be painful. Perhaps he would drown before he was eaten? Water shot through his nose, and Aire swallowed it down. He willed himself not to take in any more, but he needed air. His chest was starting to burn, and his heart stuttered wildly.

He couldn't bear not seeing any longer; what creature had hold of him? Aire opened his eyes. The water bubbled. Dark green coils surrounded him, a forest of tentacles. He was still being dragged downward with alarming speed. He dared to look down, expecting a vicious creature....

As the coils moved and writhed, Aire caught sight of what was beneath him. At the bottom of the pool, the creature waited. It was half man, half...something. Several large tentacles were in place of two legs; as many as an octopus, perhaps more. The largest of the tentacles were dark green, with lighter undersides. Thinner, spindly tentacles spread out from the creature, like feelers. Aire recognised the lily pads along each length. Had those been the creatures tentacles resting on the water's surface? What deity had he offended by sitting at this pool?

Aire struggled in vain as he was dragged down. The tentacles brought him before the creature, bubbles obscuring his features. Aire thrashed and panicked, his lungs burning. Distinctly human hands cupped his face, and Aire felt very human lips press against his, covering his mouth. He stilled in surprise. Even in the water, those lips felt warm and soft. The creature sucked out the water he had swallowed, then breathed a lungful of hot, tingling air into him. Aire shivered, his chest relaxing. The creature pulled back carefully, and a voice spoke to him inside his head.

You won't drown, mortal. What is your name?

Aire blinked under the water. He was stunned, but his mind instantly brought up his name as he wondered how on earth he would say it underwater.

Aire, the creature spoke, still inside his mind. I am Sidian.

Aire ceased his struggles and the water calmed; the last of the bubbles dispersed. Through clear water, Aire stared at his captor, this deity, who in face and upper body looked nearly human. His chest was hairless, the skin there and on his arms was smooth, iridescent. He was slim yet defined, the perfect image of a youthful male. A small lily pad rested on each of his shoulders, white flowers waving in the water. Long, black hair drifted behind him, framing a face of startling beauty. Bright yellow eyes with slitted pupils stared back at him, and blue tinged lips curved in a smile.

What brings you to my pool?

Aire opened his mouth to speak, but a finger pressed across his lips.

You don't need to speak, Aire. I can read your thoughts.

Feeling slightly panicked, Aire thought about what had brought him here: Dmitri's misjudged voyage, their need for fresh water. Oh, how he wished he'd been more careful. He had only wanted to drink from the pool. What did this creature want from him?

Those blue lips smiled. The sunlight from above played over Sidian's face and chest; flashes of blue, violet and crystal white shining on his skin. Aire stared, distracted. The pretty, smooth insides of sea shells came to his mind as he looked at this creature's skin. Beautiful.

Sidian closed his eyes and laughed. Bubbles escaped his nose while slits of skin on his neck opened. His lips pulled back over his teeth and Aire caught a glimpse of two long, hooked fangs.

Oh, Gods, save me!

Sidian stopped laughing. I am a God, mortal. What is it you want saving from?

Aire blinked at him. You mean you won't devour me?

Sidian looked at Aire calmly, raising one elegant brow. No.

Flooded with relief, Aire relaxed in his bonds. The tentacles loosened their hold but still coiled around him. A shiver ran over Aire's skin as he thought, what do you want with me?

Yellow slitted eyes lowered, looking him over. Your song called to me, Aire. Why so melancholy?

The image that instantly filled Aire's mind was that of the ship; of the toiling, the labour, of dull, endless days at sea and the bickering with his brother, Dmitri.

Sidian's smile became knowing. I can save you from that boredom, my pretty. At least, for a little while.

There was warmth in his voice. Aire vaguely thought he should feel worried, but there was something about the way that Sidian's tentacles held him, as if he were a precious object. Aire felt safe, protected. More than that; desired. A shiver of anticipation whipped through him as he looked into Sidian's eyes. There was only one thought in his mind.

Yes.

The tentacles swiftly slipped around his body and under his tunic as they pushed the fabric away. They caressed the sensitive skin of his thighs, urging his trembling legs to part. Aire lay back on his bed of coils as the tentacles touched him all over, like the kiss of a thousand lovers on his skin. The thinner, spindly tentacles wrapped around his hard length, enveloping him in delicious pressure. Aire moaned behind clenched teeth, the sound vibrating through the water. The tentacles clamped onto his length, sucking down tightly, then slowly peeling away, one sucker at a time. He whimpered at each sucker's release, then felt more tentacles curl round his legs, holding him steady. The tentacle's ends slid around his hips, parted his cheeks like nimble fingers, and probed within him, gentle and teasing.

Aire writhed in pleasure, but it wasn't enough. He ground himself against the tentacles, needing more. Sidian's arms circled his waist, pulling Aire against him. A shorter, but no less thick, length of tentacle jutted out from Sidian's body, brushing between Aire's legs. Aire whimpered in longing as he recognised what it was, and hooked his legs around Sidian's waist. He let the hands on his lower back slowly guide him into place, and the length pushed inside. Bubbles streamed from Aire's nose as he grunted. His insides burned, but he wanted more. He tilted his hips to slide further down the thick, slippery shaft. The tentacles around him shuddered, holding Aire in a firm, rippling embrace as Sidian began to thrust into him.

You feel divine, my pretty. So tight.

Aire pressed his lips together, and the noises in his throat echoed through the water. He reached forward, careful not to crush the lily flowers as he held onto Sidian's shoulders, and sank down to meet each powerful thrust. His eyes fluttered closed as pleasure overtook him. His cock bobbed between them in the water, hard and leaking. The tension in his muscles cried out for release. Impaled on Sidian's wonderfully thick cock, he shifted his hips and sought that perfect alignment. Pure molten pleasure burned through his body, and he threw his head back in the water, groaning his release. His body tensed, muscles clenching as his cock pulsed, shooting out streams of pearly white seed, dispersing through the water.

The gorgeous creature rammed into him one last time, arching his back as pleasure contorted his face. Aire felt Sidian's cock pulse inside him and, with it, he felt the most remarkable sensations; his limbs tingled, his eyesight sharpened, and he could hear a low, fluting noise coming from Sidian.

Aire moved his hands over the creature's chest, feeling the vibrations inside. Was it a song? It was beautiful. Aire stroked his hands all over that satiny smooth skin, mapping each muscle and curve. Sidian raised his eyes. The black slits had grown larger with desire, almost oval in their intensity. Aire gazed into them, utterly lost.

A smile curved the creature's lips. He pulled back, carefully so, removing himself from Aire's body. Aire was about to protest and opened his mouth, when hands cupped his face, pulling him down for a fierce kiss. Aire thought he could kiss Sidian forever, but then those soft lips left his own, gently pushing him away. You can visit my pool whenever you wish, my pretty.

Aire blinked in surprise, then Sidian let him go; his arms opened out as the tentacles surrounded Aire, and carried him through the water. Aire reached for Sidian, but all he saw was that perfect face smiling up at him, black hair and tentacles floating outwards.

“Wait!” Aire tried to speak through the water but it was garbled, choking him. He coughed as he broke the surface, propelled upward by the tentacles. He flipped his hair back and breathed in sweet air as the tentacles deposited him upon the bank. Aire tried to grasp onto their lengths, but they were too silky, too smooth. A shiver of desire ran over him as the tentacles slipped through his fingers, retreating into the water.

Aire breathed heavily, dazed, and stared at the now silent pool. The lily pads had gone, the surface was clear and still. Only one small ripple betrayed any tale of movement below. Aire stayed by the bank for long moments, almost wishing that Sidian and his wicked tentacles would come back. Aire had never had such an...intense experience in his life.

He adjusted his tunic, pulling it back into place over still trembling legs. His sandals squelched, thoroughly soaked, but he didn't mind. A slow smile spread over his lips. Dmitri would never believe this.

Aire gathered himself up, standing somewhat shakily. His behind burned, but pleasantly so. Walking carefully, he stumbled back through the forest, intent on returning to the beach. Perhaps voyaging wasn't so bad after all, he mused.

The smell of smoke and roasted meat greeted his nose as he neared the shore. Aire broke through the line of trees onto sand, stumbling across the beach to where the others had made a campfire. They were cooking what looked like a wild pig, turning it over the flames.

Dmitri looked up as Aire approached them. “You took your time,” he snapped. “Did you find water?”

Aire nodded dreamily. “Yes, I did.”

Dmitri looked him up and down. “Well, where are the water-skins?”

“Uh, um....” Aire looked around him, belatedly realising he had left the skins, unfilled, by the water's edge. Eli and the others chuckled.

Dmitri said, “You fool. Now you'll have to return to wherever you left them, and fetch our water.”

Aire opened his mouth to retort, then paused. He felt his lips twitch, and his eyes must have been twinkling. “Yes,” he agreed. “I will go right away.”

Dmitri raised an eyebrow in question.

Aire turned away, before the smile engulfed his face. He called over his shoulder, “I may be a while!”

Fin

www.melanietushmore.co.uk

Tush's Ten with Lavinia Lewis

Fanfare, please!!

I'm very happy to welcome the bloomin' fantastic Lavinia Lewis to my blog!

Lavinia is the author behind the super sexy Shifter's Haven series, which you can check out here at Total-E-Bound. 

Over to you, Lavinia! :-)

Hi everyone! Before I begin I’d like to say a huge thank you to Melanie for ‘having me’.

Five Q's About The Author

1. Who are you, and where do you come from?

For those of you that don’t know me, *waves*, my name is Lavinia Lewis and I’m a M/M romance author from South Wales in the UK. 

That’d be the country where the rain never seems to end. I write full time now, but I’ve done myriad jobs in the past from a croupier in a casino to an interventionist in a job centre.

2. Describe your writing style in three words:

Oh, that’s a hard one. Um okay, how about descriptive, sensual and romantic.

3. What inspires you to write?

Lots of things inspire me, from everyday conversations I hear in the street to pictures I find on the internet when I’m *cough* researching. Films, music, TV programmes. I find inspiration everywhere. And often what I’m reading at the time will influence what I want to write. 

For example I was reading a lot of paranormal romance when I began writing my shifter series and at the moment, I’m hard at work on a detective story so I’m reading a lot of similar themed books. 

But my reason for writing is simply because I must. I’ve been making up stories every since I was a little girl and when my parents bought me a brother typewriter for my eleventh Christmas, I think my fate was pretty much sealed. I’ve been writing ever since, but it was only in the last couple of years that I began to take it more seriously and really believe that it was something I could make a living doing.

4. Do you have a favourite author?

There are lots of authors that are auto-buys for me. Many in the M/M romance genre and lots of mainstream authors too. I spent my teenage years and twenties reading authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz. 

I love Dan Brown’s novels and Val McDermid is another favourite. Now, I especially love paranormal romance and urban fantasy so authors like Patricia Briggs, Richelle Mead and J. R. Ward rate highly. I’ve read a lot of young adult fiction over the years too. 

Rachel Caine and Cassandra Claire are two favourites in that genre and excellent world builders and of course I couldn’t mention world building without giving a shout out to J. K. Rowling who in my opinion is an absolute expert at it. 

There are so many wonderful M/M romance authors out there that it would be impossible to list them all here, but a few favourites include Heidi Cullinan, Dani Alexander, Syd McGinley, Marie Sexton, Jordan Castillo Price and Chris Owen. 

5. Read any good books lately?

I have to admit, I read far less than I used to since I began writing my own stories. I used to get through a book a day, but now it’s more like one a week. But I have read a lot of great books over recent months, mostly in the M/M genre. 

The PsyCop series by Jordan Castillo Price instantly springs to mind as does Shattered Glass by Dani Alexander. I also loved The Island by Lisa Henry, Cut and Run and The Price of Falling by someone called Melanie Tushmore :P

Five Q's About The Book

'Bollywood Desires' by Lavinia Lewis

Blurb:

How can Brent give in to his desire for the sexy Bollywood actor when a relationship between them could cost Raj his life? 

When bodyguard Brent Hawthorne moves to India to start a new business, he thinks his biggest problems are going to be the language barrier and coping with the intense heat in Mumbai. But when he starts working for one of Bollywood’s top actors, Rajkumar Khan, Brent has to rethink that estimation. 

Raj is not only handsome and sexy but also secretly gay, and sparks fly the instant the pair meets. But Raj is being blackmailed and the unknown sender of the letters is not only threatening his life but also to reveal his secret. 

As Brent battles to find the identity of Raj’s blackmailer, he finds himself growing closer to the sexy Bollywood star. He struggles at first to resist Raj’s advances, fearing any sort of relationship between them could cost the star his life, but Raj is a hard man to resist. Can Brent keep his hands and heart to himself long enough to find the culprit, or will he give in to his Bollywood desires?

* * *

1. How would you describe Bollywood Desires?

Bollywood Desires is essentially a romance between a British bodyguard that moves to India to set up a security company catering to the stars of India’s film industry and the top Bollywood actor that hires him. It’s a light and fun read filled with sexual tension, but light on angst.

2. What's all this about Bollywood, then? Where is the story set?

Bollywood is basically India’s version of Hollywood. The films are always vibrant and full of colour and I’ve yet to watch one that isn’t a musical. They are often overly dramatic, but a lot of fun. 

So the story is set in the home of Bollywood – Mumbai, India.

3. Is this a love story?

I would say yes, it is. But, although it’s first and foremost a romance, it also has elements of mystery and suspense thrown into the mix.

4. Are the characters based on anyone?

One of my favourite Bollywood actors is John Abraham and I had a picture of him stuck to my whiteboard for inspiration when I wrote the book. 

[[ John Abraham, nominated for Filmfare Best Villain award for his role in action movie Dhoom, 2004!! ]]

This is the pic I used and how I imagine Raj’s character.

I didn’t use any pictures for the inspiration of Brent, but I had an idea of how he would look in mind and I have to say the model used on the cover of the book comes very close to how I ‘see’ him.

5. If your book was a Bollywood movie, who would play your characters, and what would your budget be?
   
   
   Well, because I used John Abraham’s image to inspire Raj he’d be perfect to play him in a movie. 
   
   
   Brent’s character would be more difficult to cast and as the character is British, I’d have to go with a British actor so I think I’ll choose the very handsome, sexy and talented Richard Armitage. 
   
   
   Oh, and no expense spared for my boys of course!

* * *

Excerpt:

“All-Star Security, how can I be of service?” Brent rested his elbows on the desk and used his thumb and forefinger to massage his temple. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t understand Hindi…or Punjabi. Do you speak En—?” Brent stared at the handset open-mouthed before slamming it down in its cradle. He cursed under his breath.

“Another hang-up?” Jessie leant back in her chair and applied bright red polish to the nails of her left hand.

“Fifth time today and it’s only ten in the damn morning. Do you have any idea how much work we’re losing because Jack won’t get his head out of his ass and hire us a secretary who speaks Hindi?"

“We have a secretary who speaks Hindi.” Jessie held up her hand to the light and admired her newly painted nails.

“Yes, and Jameela is great, but she only works three days a week. What about the rest? I’m a bodyguard, not a damn receptionist. I’m tired of this shit, and don’t you have any work to do?”

“Tea break,” Jessie explained.

Brent looked at the clock on the tiny office wall. Jessie had been at work precisely forty minutes, and he hadn’t seen her do a damn thing. And when had he started using the word ‘damn’ so much?

He tugged on the collar of his white linen shirt and groaned out loud. The lousy air-conditioning unit in their small rented office only worked when it felt like it. Mumbai had two temperatures, it seemed. Hot…and ridiculously hot. Brent wasn’t a fan of either.

“Can you remind me again why we moved to this piss-poor excuse for a city in the first place?”

Jessie put down the nail polish and stared at Brent, eyebrows raised. “I’d be delighted,” she deadpanned. “My idiot husband got you drunk one night and convinced you the pampered princes and princesses of Bollywood would pay top dollar for experienced British security personnel. You, like the jackass you are, agreed with him. And here we are. So thanks for that. I owe you one.”

Brent grinned. It was a good thing he’d known Jessie most of his life. If they’d just met he could have been easily offended by her sarcasm. But despite her dry wit, she was absolutely right. Brent had no one to blame but himself. He’d been working as a bodyguard in London when his best friend Jack had come up with the idea to move to Mumbai.

Jack was convinced that Bollywood, India’s version of Hollywood, could do with a few more bodyguards and before Brent had time to think seriously on the idea they were already on the plane. That would teach him not to be so damn impulsive.

“Watch your mouth,” he joked. “And if you value your life I wouldn’t let Jack hear you call him an idiot either.”

Jessie snorted. “It’s nothing he hasn’t heard from me before. Besides, he happens to like my mouth.” She grinned salaciously. “Especially when I use it to—”

“Please, God, don’t give me any details,” Brent interrupted. “I only ate breakfast an hour ago and I’d like to keep it down.”

Jessie chuckled. “Come on, Brent, you love hearing about my sexploits…admit it.”

Brent was about to argue the fact when the phone on her desk started ringing. Jessie smirked and quickly picked up the handset. Witch.

“All-Star Security, how can we help?”

Brent’s eyebrows all but disappeared behind his hairline when Jessie began nodding and speaking to the caller in English. How the…?

“Slow down, sir, and start again. How exactly can we help you? Your client has been receiving death threats? I see, and has he reported the matter to the police? Yes, okay, yes. Oh, well, that does sound like something we can help you with. Yes, sir. I can get one of our top security experts to come out and have a chat to you about some of the services we provide.” Jessie looked at Brent and rolled her eyes. “No, sir—the consultation would be free of charge.”

Brent watched on in complete amazement as Jessie took the booking and finished the call. When she hung up she grinned, rather too smugly for his liking.

“What were you saying about needing another secretary?”

Brent frowned. “Just give me the damn details.”

* * *

LINKS!!!

Buy Bollywood Desires here

Lavinia's website

Lavinia's blog

You can also find Lavinia on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads as "Lavinia Lewis"

My books can be found on my publisher Total-E-Bound’s website here

Thank you for playing Tush's Ten, Lavinia! :-)