Wednesday, February 1, 2012

ROCCO welcomes....ASHLYN CHASE!

Helping me celebrate my Blogaversary is one of my very first interviews, the fabulous Sourcebooks author, Ashlyn Chase!  Ashlyn writes light paranormal romance, but she’s also penned some erotic romance as well!  Her guest post today is on that very subject- so without further ado….Here’s Ashlyn!

Thanks, Rocco!

Erotica vs. erotic romance:

I really think the difference between erotica vs. erotic romance needs to be explained. To me, romance in the name defines the story as a love story...be it between male and female; male and male; female, male and male; werewolf, vampire and stripper or what have you. Erotica is a sex story in which sex is the goal and motivation and there need be no major conflict unless they disagree on positions.

You should know that "pure" erotica (pardon the oxymoron) venues, like the stores with blacked-out windows, want nothing to do with us romance readers and writers and would probably appreciate our making the difference known too.

I once ventured into one of these stores with my paperback, promo matchbooks, and a press release for the manager. I was practically thrown out. “Our readers don’t want those books,” he said. “They want raunchy porn. Your books aren’t.” So, there you go, right from the erotica experts. The erotic romance genre isn’t pornography no matter what some people will tell you.

And just to be sure, I read one of these badly written books. A man on a motorcycle comes up beside a beautiful blonde in a convertible at a stoplight. She looks him over and tips her head, inviting him to follow her. Of course, he follows her to her penthouse and they do it all over the sofa about half a dozen times. This is described in what would be graphic detail except the writer needed an anatomy lesson.

The only secondary character was the maid who walked in and immediately walked out, disgusted. The slutty woman mentioned her husband would be home at 5 o’clock so they carry on until about a quarter to five and the biker leaves.  End of story. Would you call that guy a “hero?” I wouldn’t. Is the woman a “heroine?” Hardly. Would I rather read a story with a plot? A conflict to overcome? Some three dimensional characters? Absolutely! Give me a good erotic romance any day.

Now, since we’re talking about good erotic romances, I should absolutely recommend my newest novella Immortally Yours. I had no problem writing the French heroine’s voice or saucy attitude—and I also had no problem writing my psychiatrist hero’s voice and impartial attitude. These characters were very real to me. Why? Well, possibly because I speak French and worked as a psych nurse for fifteen years.

Here’s where you can find the blurb, excerpt and deets:  http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9862-immortally-yours.aspx
 Happy Reading!  - Ashlyn



Find Ashlyn at these links:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ashlynsnewbestfriends/  (My fans e-mail chat loop. We have contests.)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raymond-NH/Ashlyn-Chase/101303673285353 (My fan page, please ‘like’ it. We have contests.)
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/ (my fellow Sourcebooks authors)
http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com/ (A group of awesome hot romance authors)

Thank you Ashlyn...we love you and your cat, Lightning, too.

And now….a giveaway! One lucky reader will win their choice of ALLTHREE OF ASHLYN’S STRANGE NEIGHBORS SERIES,  or a $25 BARNES AND NOBLE GIFT CARD!

All you have to do is leave a comment in our comments section with your email address. For extra entries, you can friend me, the Human, follow me on twitter @RoccoBlogger, friend Ashlyn on FB follow her on Twitter, or tweet or FB about this contest!

Contest closes midnight, February 5th – winner announced Monday, February 6th.

Speaking of giveaways, it's time to announce the winner of my store giveaway!  Since there were only two entries, I have decided to award them BOTH an item since they had the correct answer. So congratulations to chrisbails and FillionFanatic! Watch for email from THE HUMAN!

Next week – closing out BLOGAVERSARY – JEFF COHEN, AKA EJ COPPERMAN! A guest post plus giveaway on Jeff's blog!
Also in February...a guest post from UF and YA author, CAITLIN KITTREDGE!

And don't miss March....Charlaine Harris in ROCCO's hotseat!


ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT


45 comments:

  1. I've not seen your blog before until Ashlyn posted about her interview This looks fantastic I have followed your twitter and look forward to reading more (PS: YES, would LOVE Castle interview!!)
    marciATyesowitch.org

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  2. Hi Doogie.

    This is one of my favorite blogs and I love the fact that the human supports Nathan Fillion's Kids Need To Read foundation. I downloaded Every Witch Way but Wicked yesterday, knowing the proceeds are going to the foundation.

    It's only 99 cents, folks! And you can get it from barnesandnoble.com

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  3. Hi Rocco,
    I've read the first of Ashlyn's books from the library. I'd love to own all three of them for myself. I also follow Toni on Twitter, and FB.

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  4. Hi would love to read this and add it to my btr thanks for the opportunity

    k2sgal@aol.com

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  5. I have friended Ashlyn on facebook and I now follow you on twitter

    k2sgal@aol.com

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  6. Thanks for the compliment, Nora! Best of luck in the drawing! I know the human uses random.org, so cross your fingers.

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  7. Hey, K2'sgal,

    Thanks for liking my fb page!

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  8. I love Ashlyn's books. Love the Strange Neighbors series and eagerly awaiting her new series. Already friended on facebook, follow her blog, and follow her yahoo group. I already have all 3 books, but the gift card would be cool.
    Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. Sharing on facebook with friends.
    christinebails@yahoo.com

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  9. Reading the first and it's great! Following her on FB too.

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  10. Hi Chris! (Ash waves)

    Thanks for spreading the word (about the contest and how much you wuv me.)

    Hugs!

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  11. Thank you, unknown! I hope we get to know each other on FB!

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  12. I have to go get my pin cushion treatment. (Acupuncture for my neck pain) Be back soon!

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  13. ME-OW! WE love ASHYLN - she is a big supporter of mine :) and we love her books too!
    Thanks to all my new followers - and please let us know - would you like to see me do a CASTLE interview? Tweet us your answers! - ROCCO

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  14. Guys, don't forget to put your email addys so we can contact you if you win :)

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  15. I'm baaaack. Ahhhh...Who knew sticking needles in a body would make one feel better?

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  16. Rocco you are a crack up and Ashlyn I hope the back feels better. You mentioned Castle & Nathan Fillion. ****double sigh**** He and the show are the bomb.

    Marika Weber
    maw1725@gmail.com

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  17. I agree wholeheartedly, Harlie!
    I'd love to see a Castle interview too!
    I don't know how Rocco's going to pull it off, but that cat has some major charisma...so maybe he can!

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    Replies
    1. Whether it's the real thing or fanfic, we WILL have a CASTLE interview sometime around April/May/June. Have a lot planned, including upcoming interviews with Charlaine Harris and Jeaniene Frost,and Victoria Laurie, once their busy schedules permit

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  18. I love Ashlyn's books! Light, fun paranormals are great to have and get lost in. Does acupuncture help a lot? I have back problems but hate having to take meds for pain (I currently use a TENs unit and BioFreeze).
    June
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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    Replies
    1. HI June,

      Yes, for me it's a combination of acupuncture and tui na massage. I can only afford it ever two weeks, but I'd go weekly if I could. It does make a big difference in my cervical DJD.

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  19. Rocco, what am I going to do? You keep introducing me to new authors...who are CAT LOVERS... I only have so many hours in a day!
    Ashlyn, it is good to see that someone knows what a hero is and isn't!
    I had a cat that looked very much like your Lighning; he was the smartest animal I ever knew, and that includes Homo Sapiens.
    Continued luck to all of you and Happy Anniversary, Rocco and Human.

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    1. LOL! Yes, some animals are smarter than some humans...and nicer! I love their unconditional love and purring. There's nothing like a big ball of purring love on your lap!

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    2. AWWW, what's a cat to do! Don't hold it against me, though....i love introducing my followers to wonderful authors!

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  20. Hello Ashlyn. I have read a couple of your books and really enjoyed them. They are fun and lovable.

    Thanks

    asweet520@hotmail.com

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  21. Hey Ash!!! I'm reading Strange Neighbors right now!!! :) Thanks for sharing this!
    -Amber
    I follow you on twitter- @VampedChik
    part of your yahoo group already. :)
    Liked you on FB-Amber Hall

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    Replies
    1. Hey, Amber! (Waving)
      Thanks so much for stopping by.

      Hugs,

      Ash

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  22. Good mornin' Ash! As you know, I loved your kitty when I met him last week, but I love your books even more!

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    1. Mia Marlowe is my critique partner, folks--and I'm darn lucky to have her! Her historicals are wonderful. Sassy heroines, Alpha heroes, and a lot of fun banter. We have a mutual admiration society going on. Check out her books too! www.miamarlowe.com

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  23. I think the human will pick the winner through random.org, but I can't wait to see who wins!

    Good luck, everyone!

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  24. Hi Ashlyn, I love the covers of your books and have read a excerpt from Strange Neighbors. I would love a chance to read it and some more of your books. I just signed up for your yahoo group, liked you and Rocco on Facebook (didn't see friend request), and am posting about this contest on my facebook page. Thanks so much for the chance to win. christina_92 at yahoo.com
    http://www.facebook.com/christina.vanderford?ref=tn_tnmn

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  25. Hi Ash, I so agree with your definition of porn vs what you write. There is no plot in porn. It's only interested in how many time the folks can get on in what ever position they can.

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  26. Thanks for passing the info along, Christy! Much appreciated.

    And, please, introduce yourself to the yahoo group! My new best friends and I would love to get to know you!

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  27. I'm glad you get it, Sharon. A few years ago it was a battle to make people understand. Not as much now, but every now and then I have to "educate" someone.

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  28. One of your favorite blogs! I'm honored (blushes as only a portly tuxedo cat can)

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  29. Rocco, guess what?
    Yesterday I received a fan letter...an actual letter...in the mailbox.

    The woman complimented my Strange Neighbors series, had read them all, but said it was too hot--more like porn than erotica! OMG! Should I print out this blog and send it to her? Or should I save my stamp and let her have her opinion? She said she was an old lady, so I don't want to tell her she's "wrong." (But she is.)

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  30. BTW, the HUMAN is an "old lady" and hardly considers your writing porn - steamy, maybe, but not porn :)

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  31. Thanks, Rocco. I appreciate the feedback.

    Personally, I think if there's no steam, there's no story. Just my opinion.

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  32. and your stories are the steamiest! PURRRRRR

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  33. ohh ive only read book one in the strange neighbours series... would love the chance to win book 2!! thanks for the chance..
    i go through stages of steam.. i read some YA with none, then i read some that are uber steamy.. all depends onmy mood!

    alainala AT hotmail dot ca

    (i follow rocco and the human!)

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  34. Alainala,

    I'm so glad you enjoyed Strange Neighbors. Best of luck in the drawing!

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  35. I would love to win!
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

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  36. I like you on fb
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

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