Black Jack By Lora Leigh

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Product Description


The Secret Service can’t control him. The British government can’t silence him. But renegade agent Travis Caine is one loose cannon you don’t want to mess with, so his commanders cut him a break—and cut him loose. His new HQ is America’s top intelligence force, Elite Ops. His new code name is “Black Jack.” And his new assignment is to die for.

She’s smart, sexy, scintillating—and one of Elite Ops’ savviest agents. Lillian Belle’s code name is “Night Hawk,” and Travis certainly wouldn’t mind flying a few midnight maneuvers with her. But when their mission turns into a red-hot game of danger, deceit, and double-crossed signals, Travis begins to wonder: Can he trust her? Can he resist her?

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1172 in Books
Published on: 2010-03-02
Released on: 2010-03-02
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
352 pages
Features
ISBN13: 9780312945824
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Editorial Reviews

Review

“Leigh’s books can scorch the ink off the page.”

--Romantic Times BOOKreviews


From the Back Cover

A rule-breaking MI6 agent joins the Elite Ops team—and tangles with a beautiful woman who may be trying to seduce him…or kill him…or both.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

The Secret Service can’t control him. The British government can’t silence him. But renegade agent Travis Caine is one loose cannon you don’t want to mess with, so his commanders cut him a break—and cut him loose. His new HQ is America’s top intelligence force, Elite Ops. His new code name is “Black Jack.” And his new assignment is to die for…

TOO HARD TO RESIST

She’s smart, sexy, scintillating—and one of Elite Ops’ savviest agents. Lillian Belle’s code name is “Night Hawk,” and Travis certainly wouldn’t mind flying a few midnight maneuvers with her. But when their mission turns into a red-hot game of danger, deceit, and double-crossed signals, Travis begins to wonder: Can he trust her? Can he resist her?

“Leigh’s books can scorch the ink off the page.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

About the Author

Lora Leigh lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky, often found absorbing the ambiance of this peaceful setting. She dreams in bright, vivid images of the characters intent on taking over her writing life, and fights a constant battle to put them on the hard drive of her computer before they can disappear as fast as they appeared.

Lora's family, and her writing life co-exist, if not in harmony, in relative peace with each other. Surrounded by a menagerie of pets, friends, and a teenage son who keeps her quick wit engaged, Lora's life is filled with joys, aided by her fans whose hearts remind her daily why she writes.

Visit her on the Web at www.loraleigh.com.

Customer Reviews

Black Jack leaves a bit to be desired
As the saying goes, when Lora Leigh is good, she is very, very good. When she isn't... well, it's frustrating to say the least. Books such as 'Wild Card', 'Mercury's War', and 'Coyote's Mate', are all fantastic, and are among my favorites. Others however, including 'Bengal's Heart', 'Maverick', and 'Heat Seeker', have left me dissatisfied. The problems that I have those books are ones that I have seen other reviewers repeat; female characters who should be strong and intelligent repeatedly and easily kowtowing to their "alpha" male counterparts; clumsy introduction of series-changing plot devices; and, of course, the repeated use of the phrase "damn you" in every love scene.

Thankfully, none of those problems are present in Black Jack. Travis is strong and protective, but Lilly is fully capable of protecting herself; they function as a team, helping and saving one another. The structure of the Elite Ops organization is introduced fairly smoothly, although more information would have been welcomed. And, with the exception of two short scenes, 'damn you' does not make an appearance.

Unfortunately, the book lacks the deep characterization and plot that I have come to expect from Leigh. We are given little information about Lilly beyond her title and a shallow look at her relationship with her family while she was growing up. We are told even less about Travis. That his wife is responsible for his death alluded to several times, but never explained, and no other background information is forthcoming.

The plot is similarly murky. The characters seem to do little investigative work beyond several short discussions. When revealed, the motives of the criminal were either quite confusing or amazingly shallow. Greed? Insanity? And just how did the terrorist connection come into play? I'm still not sure. In addition, the issue of whether Lilly's memory has or will return, and the subsequent consequences, is quite important, but it was never conclusively addressed. Like another reviewer, I was left wondering at the end whether I had missed something.

From any other author, Black Jack would be a credible effort, and a quick and mindless read for a train or plane ride. From Leigh, who is capable of so much more, I feel like I read the first draft of a book that has a lot of possibility, but a long way to go.


**Note- As some other reviewers have mentioned, I purchased an e-book version of this book, and it came without the 21 page prologue. After contacting the seller (not Amazon, but another major retailer), they immediately sent me a complete version. I also was curious whether it was also missing an epilogue or even chapters within the book that could fill in some holes in the story, but unfortunately it wasn't.

**Also note the short-story `Nighthawk', distributed free by Macmillan publishing is a prequel to this book, but is NOT the prologue which you may be missing.

Long time reader of Lora Leigh, VERY DISAPPOINTED!
What can I say? Not worth the money and the declining quality of her work has made me decide to no longer automatically buy her book without a thorough vetting of the contents. Hope she gets back on the right track. Perhaps quality over quantity would be helpful. Don't waste your money!

Typical Leigh "Damsel in Distress" Fiction
I've always liked Lora Leigh's books...although I do keep on hoping for something different. Where (for once) the lead female isn't in need of the "Alpha Male" to swoop on in and rescue her...because, invariably, she can never ever rescue herself. The story was engaging and I thought the characters were well-formed. It just wasn't anything new.

What do I know? Leigh's made millions by using (and re-using) this formula so it does work and appeal to certain readers. I'm just saying that it would be sooooo refreshing for the female lead to be either the equal partner in rescuing someone OR be the one rescuing the man himself. Sheesh...if everytime I had dragons to slay I had to wait on a man to do it for me, I'd be one disappointed damsel. ;)

Shattered By Karen Robards

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Product Description

Secret, betrayal, and a mysterious family history plague the heroine in the latest novel from New York Times-bestselling author Karen Robards.

The past is never over. It just gets dusty.

Lisa Shewmaker was a rising star in a prestigious law firm in Lexington, Kentucky; that is, until the firm went bankrupt and she lost her job. With an ailing mother to care for, Lisa takes the first position she can find: research assistant to District Attorney Scott Buchanan. Scott is as disagreeable as he is sexy, and Lisa suspects the only reason she got the job is because of her privileged upbringing as the daughter of a wealthy federal judge.

While reviewing cold cases in the Fayette County courthouse, a particularly thick manila envelope draws Lisa's attention. The details of the case are engrossing: An entire family-father, mother, and two children-disappeared more than twenty-eight years ago. Except that's not all: The mother in the photo could have been Lisa's twin, and the toddler in the picture bears an uncanny resemblance to Lisa herself. Before Lisa can learn more about her past, a series of catastrophes strike close to home. Lisa confides in Scott, and their relationship develops into something completely different. Together Lisa and Scott unravel a terrifying web of criminal connections that could destroy the very fabric of Lisa's life-if she lives long enough, that is.

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #484 in Books
Published on: 2010-03-23
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
400 pages
Features
ISBN13: 9780399156274
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
After Lisa Grant loses her job at a Lexington, Ky., law firm in this seductive romantic thriller from bestseller Robards (Pursuit), she heads home to Grayson Springs, a once thriving Kentucky horse farm, owned by her mother, who's dying from ALS. Lisa becomes a research assistant for former crush Scott Buchanan, the Lexington-Fayette County DA. While she initially finds Scott's grumpy personality unappealing, she begins to feel differently after looking into a cold case: the inexplicable disappearance of Michael and Angela Garcia and their two children, Tony and Marisa, in 1981. Astonishingly, Lisa discovers that both a treasured childhood doll and herself as a young girl resemble Marisa. Lisa's informal investigation leads to dangerous repercussions, including an act of arson at Grayson Springs, in which she and her mother almost perish. Scott's timely rescue tightens their budding relationship as the action builds to a startling if far-fetched conclusion. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
While growing up on a prestigious horse farm, Lisa Grant took her exalted position in life for granted, growing close to her mother after her parents divorced. So she doesn’t hesitate to leave her law practice in Boston to take care of her mother, who is suffering from ALS and impending financial ruin. Lisa is lucky to get a job as a research assistant for District Attorney Scott Buchanan, her former lowly neighbor who made good. As a teen, Lisa tortured Scott with sexual innuendos, while he did odd jobs for her mother, and now it is Scott’s turn to lord it over Lisa. Sexual tension crackles between the two, but when Lisa is late for court, Scott orders her to work on cold-case files. On her first foray, she finds a picture of a missing family, and the mother looks just like her. Suddenly, her life becomes harrowing. With no one else to turn to, she confides in Scott, who, surprisingly, agrees to help, knowing that Lisa won’t like what they discover. Robards proves once again to be a master of romantic suspense, creating likable characters and an intriguing, well-paced, and nail-biting plot. --Patty Engelmann

Review
"While growing up on a prestigious horse farm, Lisa Grant took her exalted position in life for granted, growing close to her mother after her parents divorced. So she doesn't hesitate to leave her law practice in Boston to take care of her mother, who is suffering from ALS and impending financial ruin. Lisa is lucky to get a job as a research assistant for District Attorney Scott Buchanan, her former lowly neighbor who made good. As a teen, Lisa tortured Scott with sexual innuendos, while he did odd jobs for her mother, and now it is Scott's turn to lord it over Lisa. Sexual tension crackles between the two, but when Lisa is late for court, Scott orders her to work on cold-case files. On her first foray, she finds a picture of a missing family, and the mother looks just like her. Suddenly, her life becomes harrowing. With no one else to turn to, she confides in Scott, who, surprisingly, agrees to help, knowing that Lisa won't like what they discover. Robards proves once again to be a master of romantic suspense, creating likable characters and an intriguing, well-paced, and nail- biting plot."
-Patty Engelmann, Booklist
Customer Reviews

drawn in
I couldn't put this book down or sleep until I finished it! My heart was pounding and after I finished it I still could not sleep. It's been awhile since a book had this much physical effect on me.
I love the writing style, and am very drawn to the main characters. One can not help but "feel" with them (and for them )especially as some very sensitive areas were revealed.
If I have a criticism it would be that the end was a bit rushed- too many "facts" dropped in without enough support, and some key "evidence" thrown in that could not have been known, or quickly known, from skeletal remains, as was presented . I would have been happy to keep on reading and reading while all these details, and some secondary relationships, were fleshed out or resolved however!! I did not want to "leave" the world of this book or the charicters!

wish i could get both my time and money back
i have read and enjoyed karen robards in the past and therefore felt comfortable ordering this book without having any reviews to refer to. for the first time i feel compelled to write a review.

where was the editor for this novel? from the very beginning i was struck by oddly chosen adjectives, unimportant information described in excessive detail and lengthy passages devoted to secondary information that neither enriches the novel nor assists in moving the plot along. unfortunately, the author spends absolutely no time crafting the central plot.

the cold case file with a 30 year old picture of a mother, who is a dead ringer for lisa grant today, and a little girl, who looks a lot like lisa would have at the same age, should be a promissing start for a mystery-thriller, but the author never developes a plot with twists and turns, "tells" and red herrings for the reader to figure out. instead, the family home is torched, the protagonist inexplicably has the feeling that it is because of the cold case file that she brought home and a series of attempts on her life begin without her having even made a first inquiry.

in place of a well developed plot and characters, the author spends the two final chapters simply describing the entire back story, all of the action we did not see take place (or even hinted at), and all of the motivation explained neatly. a total cheat. not surprisingly, these final chapters are tedious in their detail, but were clearly easier for the author to write than actually strategizing a plot with timing, reveals, motivations and mis-directions to engage the reader.

the author phoned this in.

fast-paced legal thriller
Having lost her position at a law firm that went bankrupt, Lisa Grant) leaves Lexington, Kentucky to go home to the family horse ranch Grayson Springs. Lisa does not feel bad about losing her job as she needs to care for her mom who is dying from ALS.

Lisa obtains work at the Fayette County District Attorney's office working as a research assistant to DA Scott Buchanan, whom she once loved. His attitude makes her realize he hired her under pressure due to her connections to her mom. Lisa looks into the files of a cold case in which Michael and Angela Garcia and their two children (Tony and Marisa) vanished without a trace in 1981. However, the case shakes her to her bone marrow when she sees the picture of Marisa and a doll the child clings to; she is looking at herself as a little girl and the doll is identical to one she had. Her inquiry with Scott's help turns ugly when an arsonist tries to kill her and her mom

This is a fast-paced legal thriller that after a prologue has Scott cursing out Lisa for failing to do her job; setting the tone of their relationship. The action never slows down as someone is out to harm Lisa and her mom although the younger has no idea why. Although the climax is over the top of Black Mountain with an incredulous denouement, fans will enjoy Karen Robards taut romantic suspense.

Harriet Klausner

Deadly Deals (The Sisterhood) By Fern Michaels

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Product Description

After years of trying to become pregnant without success, Rachel Dawson and her husband Thomas felt their dreams had finally come true the day they brought home their newly adopted twin babies. Though the lawyer Baron Bell who arranged for the surrogate mother charged a hefty six-figure fee, one glance into the eyes of their precious children told them it was all worth it. Until the birth mother reappeared, first demanding more money, then the twins themselves. Suddenly Baron Bell was nowhere to be found, and the Dawsons were once again childless, heartbroken and nearly destitute. When the case finds its way to the offices of high-profile attorney Lizzie Fox, she can't wait to take down the so-called 'Mr. Wonderful'. And she knows she'll have all the help she needs as it's just the kind of crime that really gets the Sisterhood's adrenalin flowing. Once they get their hands on the perpetrators there will be hell to pay, and it will cost a lot more than cold, hard cash...
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1457 in Books
Published on: 2010-04-01
Released on: 2011-01-04
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
256 pages
Editorial Reviews

About the Author
Fern Michaels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Fool Me Once, Sweet Revenge, The Nosy Neighbor, Pretty Woman, and dozens of other novels and novellas. There are over seventy million copies of her books in print. Fern Michaels has built and funded several large day-care centers in her hometown, and is a passionate animal lover who has outfitted police dogs across the country with special bulletproof vests. She shares her home in South Carolina with her four dogs and a resident ghost named Mary Margaret.

How to Write Erotica By Valerie Kelly

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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #998525 in Books
Published on: 1993-09-01
Original language: English
Binding: Paperback
322 pages
Customer Reviews

Kelly gets things hot in "How to Write Erotica"
Valerie Kelly does a masterful job with How to Write Erotica...Although the advice on getting started pertains primarily to erotic media and literature, it is time-honored, common-sense information that all writers need to be successful...The writing samples themselves are not only informative, but also very entertaining...I could recommend the book on them alone...But writer's looking to add steam and physicality to their work should give this book a look...

The Best Book On Its Subject
I've read a lot of books on this subject and I have to say that this book is probably the best, although Mike Bailey's 'Teach Yourself Writing Erotica' is excellent as well.

Valerie Kelly's book differs from the many other books on the subject, however, as it should really be entitled 'How To Write Porn'. No, I don't mean to demean her work - what I'm trying to say is that all of the other books about writing erotica deal with writing novels only and talks about more literate erotica. Valerie Kelly concentrates more on writing more hardcore short pieces for magazines and is the only book that I have seen that covers this subject.

The book is filled with excellent and entertaining examples as well as a lot of common-sense advice presented in a logical and east to read format.

The only thing that lets this book down is its age as it is now 16 years old. The information at the start of the book about how magazines are put together seems like something out of the dark ages these days.

If the author or publisher ever comes across this, then please consider producing a second edition that is more up-to-date. There's definitely a market for it.

HOT AND SEXY, AND REAL
Thank you Valerie for pointing me in the right direction to write exotica and exciting love scenes, and how to deal effectively with the agents and publishers in the marketplace. This is a very valuable book for writers that are going in the new direction of writing modern novels. The readers and buyers now expect very poignant, romantic, hot and sexy scenes. This book will get you there without being gross or stupid. A good resource for progressive writers. Well done!

The Erotic Writer's Market Guide: Advice, Tips, and Market Listings for the Aspiring Professional Erotica Writer From Circlet Press

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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #301803 in Books
Published on: 2006-06-02
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
240 pages
Customer Reviews

Sorely Lacking but Very Much a Necessity
I was one of those eager writers signed up to pre-purchase this title long before it was published. Aside from going back and forth with Amazon about the continuously changing publication date, lack of information and updates for us buyers, and finally giving up on the opportunity to buy this unique offering all together, I was thrilled to hear that it had finally been published and is available for the masses. A published market guide for the erotica genre in book form? It never existed until now and has been sorely needed, which should make it a relative godsend for sex writers everywhere...

But it's not that miracle we've been hoping for.

The book touts being a project handed down from one dreamy-eyed associate at Circlet Press to another, until someone finally put it together. It shows. All of that time and separate authors didn't go into creating a comprehensive, well researched, completely detailed, and painstakingly accurate list of erotica markets. There are only 95 pages of actual market listings in the entire book, hardly enough pages to even be termed a "book," which may be why "the collective" added all the other junk in the remaining 145 pages between the covers.

The authors state in useless Chapter 1 that this "isn't a handbook on 'how to write a story'" and then proceeds through many chapters to tell you just how to do that. If you're completely new to the world of writing, in any genre, you'll appreciate knowing that tax deductions are available to writers in the US, how other authors choose their pen names, or being warned to develop a thick skin about rejection letters, but you won't get much else from the editorial content in this book. You'll even be laughing at advice like the recommendation to avoid distractions while writing, not threaten or bribe potential editors, and that you don't have to have experienced everything you want to write fiction about. The authors also go on and on about how sex writing should not be viewed as taboo and to let your inhibitions and hangups go as a writer so much that you begin to wonder if they still harbor these hangups about sex writing themselves. These lengthy chapters present more common information than common sense itself...just enough for a beginning writer to wonder "oh, I need to know about that?" and then not find the detailed information to actually help them through that aspect of the writing life. If you're looking for any information about the legalities, decisions, fears, business, marketing, etc. of writing itself, refer to the masses of OTHER books available on those subjects. And the authors here instruct you to do the same just before continuing to waste our time and take up way too much paper dabbing at different aspects of the writing life.

If you're buying this book for the listing of markets for your erotica, sex, and porn writing as I was, you'll find 5 pages of those e-Book publishers that just can't be avoided, 39 pages of magazines and periodicals (including e-zines), and 56 pages of book publishers. The list of markets is far from comprehensive or accurate. Comparing this book's list to the spreadsheet full of erotica markets I've created for myself as an author fully entrenched in the genre now, there is an alarming amount of missing potential markets for your work... large, obvious, long existing, better paying, and well known markets completely overlooked. And my list started from scratch barely a year ago. I also recognized several markets listed in the book that no longer exist, haven't existed for almost a year, and can be found out as such by a quick trip to their website, which posts that very notice or no longer exists at all.

Sure, markets change and publications and editors come and go like the wind, but why would the authors of The Erotic Writer's Market Guide bother to actually list defunct markets and pubs no longer in circulation, even including their own speculation and personal comments, and not verify the accuracy of their own listings by even a quick check of the current status of a market's website? The listing for Playgirl magazine alone is TWO editors behind in accuracy and incorrect in payment amount. Where I know full guidelines are available for markets, they're not included here. You still have to send off for guidelines (but you always should to maintain completely accurate info) yourself. Also beware of all the non-paying markets listed here, not exactly what you wanted to pay the book price to find and not even including those truly beneficial non-paying markets that continue to result in lots of fans, feedback, and visitors forwarded to our own sites for those of us in the genre who've benefited from working them in among our paying market submissions.

The resources section at the back of the book is just as incomplete...just astonishing considering the authors of this book are supposedly working authors and editors in the erotica genre themselves. If I was able to discover the markets, organizations, market listing resources, etc. all by myself over the last year, "the collective" should've been able to list them in their book. Maybe these authors should've taken the time to send out a mass inquiry to existing erotica writers, editors, and publishers and asked them to share their own personal collections of markets to form a true and very valuable listing... or at least inquired with the members of the Erotica Readers & Writers association. And perhaps then this first market guide for this wonderful genre wouldn't reflect so badly on the genre itself, as it currently encourages the perception that erotica isn't anything to take seriously, there are few serious markets for it, and erotica writers don't have quite the skillset or professionalism of writers focusing their efforts in mainstream genres. (The authors and editors at work here couldn't even place page breaks in the right places to ensure all the information regarding one market was kept together and easy to use and refer to...you'll find a title of a publication at the bottom of one page and have to turn the page to read the details about it.)

All in all, this is not the comprehensive and accurate resource for erotica markets it should be, can be, or that you're expecting. It has large, numerous, embarassing holes in it. BUT it is still the only collective listing of its kind, a tool that will hopefully evolve over time and become, for the erotica genre, what other listings are for mainstream markets. And there are a few markets listed here that I hadn't found myself, which is like gold in this genre where markets are hard to find, not always paying, and exist only in small numbers. And that alone makes purchasing this book worth the money and the time I spent laughing at it; it'll pay for itself in the very first short story I sell to a new market.

Is this book all that it could've easily been and all that we writers need or expect it to be? No. Is it still an indispensable tool and a must-buy for writers of erotica, porn, and sex in fiction or non-fiction? Absolutely.

And hopefully any future edition of The Erotic Writer's Market Guide will solicit the input and incorporate the knowledge of a larger circle of writers actively working in the genre.

An indispensable asset
"The Erotic Writer's Market Guide" is compiled by The Circlet Press Collective and is a compendium of listings of literally hundreds of paying markets for erotic writing. This unique and "user friendly" writer's reference also includes practical, step-by-step advice contributing by working professionals on how to not only write good erotica, but how to sell it and make a career in the genre. There is invaluable information on pay scales and pay rates, tax deduction tips, "writer's rights", notations on the difference between men's and women's erotic fiction, what the editors of erotic magazines and presses want to see in submitted material, and a great deal more. Anyone wanting to write professional in the specialized genre of erotic short stories and novels will find "The Erotic Writer's Market Guide" to be an indispensable asset and a core reference for marketing their work.

Very Helpful Even If Not Perfect
No printed guide to markets is totally up-to-date because they are usually already out-of-date by the time they're printed and able to penetrate the bookstore market. A website is much easier to keep current and even they are often in need of constant correcting and require a lot of effort and expense to keep relatively current.
As with every market guide for writers, photographers and artists I've ever examined, the listings are combined with a series of articles about how best to use the guide, how to submit your material and the basic ground rules for writing, photographing and creating publishable art. Those short articles are very important because most people using the guide will not be experienced and have a portfolio of published work. Many of them will probably be people who have always thought they would like to write and are usually complete novices as far as how to go about fulfilling their dreams.
Even writers who have been published may have been lucky or had helpful contacts rather than being experts in locating and developing other markets for their work. Personally, I found the articles in the first half this book very helpful and there was some legal information included that might keep some writers out of trouble with their potential editors and/or the censors, authorities and lawyers looking to sue for any number of reasons. The more successful the book, and any movies made from the story, the more likely that lawyers will come out of the woodwork looking to get their "fair share of any and all profits."
The authorship "Compiled by The Circlet Press Collective" made me a bit wary of buying the book. I didn't know whether that was a huge committee with lots of sub-committees or simply the name of a company, a writer's organization or perhaps a writer's union. I simply didn't know if the book was going to be some kind of patchwork of material that was spoiled by too many cooks with their fingers in the pie? Frankly, I was surprised that it all seemed to fit together rather well. Much better than some guides that include articles done by various authors with their own individual and distinct styles.
Frankly, I know nothing about the markets for Erotic Writing so I can't comment on how accurate and up-to-date the various possible markets are. It will take a lot more investigation than I'm interested in doing at this time, but I'm just assuming that the information is somewhat out-of-date--much like the news in your morning newspaper is all a day or two old and stale.
It is important to have somewhere to start a survey of possible markets and this guide fills that function as well as this reader expected. Without already knowing the market intimately, this guide seems okay and there aren't a lot of choices for this particular subject. It's seems like a very helpful introduction to the subject and many people who read it will probably decide that they really don't want to commercially write Erotica. Finding that information out is more than worth the cost of the book.

Conflicting Desires: Notes on the Craft of Writing Erotic Stories By Han Li Thorn

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Product Description

Storytelling qualities such as plot and character development often take a back seat in erotic fiction--and why shouldn't they? The reader picks up a dirty book for one reason: to be turned on, right? So why should a writer bother with all that craft stuff? +++ But what if there were more to it than that? What if readers wanted a real novel with a real story that satisfied emotionally and intellectually--as well as erotically? +++ It's possible to craft a story to satisfy those readers. This book will show you how.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #568468 in Books
Published on: 2007-04-05
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
136 pages
Customer Reviews

Loved it!
First, as the title to my review would indicate, I have to say that I really loved this book. However . . . this is a book about writing, not necessarily about writing erotic stories. As a mystery writer, I found it helpful and fascinating, with many insights and useful tips. And there IS information about crafting love scenes, but I really think the book is more valuable than that. If it seems I am being vague, it's probably because I am having difficulty describing exactly what this book taught me. Basically, I learned that I need to take my time writing these difficult (for me, anyway) passages, and that point of view is paramount. But there is so much more to be had in this little gem of a book! I could see people being frustrated if what they wanted was a how-to on writing erotica -- this is more for writers whose stories incorporate love scenes and how to make them flow naturally, and (of course) how to make them hot!

Wonderful
This book packs so much information on the craft of writing erotica. The only drawback is that it's to short. The author covers every aspect that a writer can run into trouble on and includes ways to jump start your writing, and a lexicon. Extremely pleased with this book. It is very through and makes use of all its pages.

Good for the Newbie
This was an excellent book, especially for anyone thinking about
writing Erotic romance....simple,straight, and to the point.
It stresses the importance of character development and plot, with sex
being the driving force of the characters, not just a bunch of sex with
no plot. If one is looking for that, then erotica or pornography is the way to go...if the sex scenes are taken out and the story can stand alone,
then you have a good story; otherwise, it's not Erotic Romance.

How to Write a Dirty Story: Reading, Writing, and Publishing Erotica By Susie Bright

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Product Description


For aspiring erotica writers -- and authors in any genre who want to make the "good" parts great

Susie Bright is the first and reigning queen of contemporary erotica. In How to Write a Dirty Story she reveals her tricks of the trade and shows you how to heat up sex scenes in everything from traditional novels and romances to science fiction and humor. Easing the aspiring writer into the creative process, she tells you how to write the steamy plots and sensual characters that publishers and readers are looking for. Bright makes it easy to:

Produce unique ideas * Master erotic language
Climax the story * Sell your work to the right place

Each chapter features practical writing exercises and suggestions for nonwriting activities that will galvanize the imagination and raze any creative or psychological hurdle. When it's time to go public, Bright draws on her own writing and publishing experiences and explains the most effective ways to find an agent, work with an editor, and grow a loyal audience.

As irreverent as it is practical, How to Write a Dirty Story is the only book an erotica author -- novice or seasoned -- needs.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #247415 in Books
Published on: 2002-02-05
Original language: English
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
304 pages
Features
ISBN13: 9780743226233
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Authors of erotica have it rough, says Susie Bright in How to Write a Dirty Story. Their work is often judged before it is read. They are assumed to be sex gurus. And if memoirists find it tough to share their work with friends and relatives, imagine what it's like for sex writers. A third of Bright's book is devoted to general publishing issues. The rest deals specifically with erotica and should appeal to anyone whose writing includes sex scenes. Bright, who has been dubbed the goddess of American erotica, is refreshingly straightforward about her subject. She likens a great erotic story to a great striptease act. Ideally, an erotic story takes all the time it needs, arouses both the reader and the author, is judicious with clichés and dirty words, and doesn't involve a complicated description of body-part placement or an excess of sex noises. Most important, a sex scene propels the story forward. If the story would work just as well without it, the sex scene shouldn't be there. And the good news? Even "really bad lovers can write great erotica." --Jane Steinberg

Review
Every would-be and burgeoning author should read this. -- Laura Miller, Salon

From the exercises that Susie gives writers to the education she gives readers - this book is a must. -- M. J. Rose, author of

I invite anyone wishing to get published to read this...greatly increase your chances of seeing your words in print. -- LaVada Nahon, Penthouse

Laura MillerSalonEvery would-be and burgeoning author should read this.

Lavada NahonPenthouseI invite anyone who wishes to get published to read How to Write a Dirty Story first! It will greatly increase your chances of seeing your words in print or online.

Linda Jaivinauthor of Eat Me and Rock 'n' Roll Babes from Outer SpaceWhat a fabulous book! Well-written (naturally), provocative (of course), and eminently sensible. It integrates all aspects of the process.

M. J. Rose author of Lip Service and In Fidelity From the exercises that Susie gives writers to the education she gives readers -- this book is a must. -- Review

M. J. Roseauthor of Lip Service and In FidelityFrom the exercises that Susie gives writers to the education she gives readers -- this book is a must.

What a fabulous book! Well-written (naturally), provocative (of course), and eminently sensible. It integrates all aspects of the process. -- Linda Jaivin, author of

[Bright's] producing a work on writing erotica is akin to Stephen King or Patricia Cornwell writing about their craft. -- Publishers Weekly, May 7, 2001

About the Author
Susie Bright is the editor of The Best American Erotica series. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Customer Reviews

An invaluable resource for erotic writers at all levels
This is a fabulous book for people coming to erotic writing from any skill level or experience level. It is most of all honest, something I've come to expect from Bright's writing, and that is what makes this book so useful. Instead of giving some formulaic "how to write" answer, Bright dives into the many kinds of erotica one an write, and the many reasons one may have for doing so. She also doesn't gloss over her own journey but dishes the dirt on how the publishing industry works and other "dirty little secrets" that are useful to know.

She also has some great exercises to keep you on your toes, such as trying to write in many different erotic genres. It's also strikingly clear just how well-versed in the erotic world Bright is, not just works deemed "erotica" today but their historical predecessors and the whole culture of adult literature.

I really liked that Bright showed how different authors can break convention and still succeed, and she delineates exactly what it is that makes an erotic story pass muster. She also touches on other aspects of the writing life, such as how writing will affect your sex life, reactions to those who are upfront about their writing, and the possible perils of publishing.

Overall, this book deftly combines writing exercises, a literary erotic history, as well as practical insights into specific writing problems or issues that may arise and how to deal with them, all drawing from Bright's experience as a writer and editor. Most of all, it's witty, funny and easy to read, so much so that I didn't feel like I was reading a typical writing book so much as something much lighter. And I finished it with many of my own ideas for future stories and ways of generating new ideas.

Title is Misleading
I bought this on a whim, I wanted a book that would help me with any romantic scenes in my own writing, something that would help me keep them from seeming canned or forced. I figured a novel about writing erotica could help. This is really not what I expected, the title is misleading. It could have been Dirty Stories: Getting past the writer's block and getting published.

A third of the book is devoted to what you do once you've written your erotic novel. That's great if you already have the novel written and you're ready to get it ready to sell. If you're looking for how to write that dirty story, or that romance scene, you're out of luck.

Another third of the book is getting ready to write. You get the history of erotic novels in the United States, how to find the erotica you like, and reading it aloud to get a sense of it's style and power. It also details how do you deal with your family and friends reading something you're written that's sexually explicit, and what you can do about it. This stuff is helpful, but between it and the publishing guide you're really left with very little about how to write itself.

Once into the actual writing bit, Bright's exercises are helpful, but limited. She sets up the exercises and outlines the goals they should accomplish, and where to get ideas, but aside from saying that stringing together a bunch of sex scenes does not automatically make a plot and a good piece of erotica, she's pretty vague. She doesn't touch too much on characterization, and her chapter on mixing sex with other genres is disappointing as best.

The book focuses solely on erotica, and not even really writing it, but getting ready to do it, and then what to do once it's written. Her publishing section can be considered useful, she doesn't sugarcoat anything, including the amount of work writers have to do, and how no one gets rich overnight in the erotica business. However, it doesn't tie into how to write a dirty story, which is the title, and should be the bulk of the book.

The title says it all.
This book just didn't help me much at all. It promises to help a person learn the specifics of writing erotica, but there was very little in it that isn't really just common sense. (Don't string a bunch of sex scenes together and call it erotica. Put a plot in your story.) The general information for novel writing is basic and can be found in any book on novel writing. (Spell check your manuscript. Come up with interesting characters.)

I have not seen any novels by this author, but if an aspiring erotic author has a choice between this book and an actual erotica novel to learn the 'biz', I'd suggest the novel.

No one on my erotica writer's groups has recommended this book for learning such an enticing, beautiful, fun-filled craft. They recommend: "Writing Erotic Fiction: How to Write a Successful Erotic Novel" by Pamela Rochford instead. That is the book I am looking into getting. I certainly hope it is better than "Dirty Story".

Sorry, Suzie, there have got to be better books out there.