New 1Night Stand on the Horizen

 By Landra Graf

Finally, after about six months of toiling, and being consumed by other projects, I’ve been able to get my next three 1NS contracted. I’m still living in the world of BDSM and exploring different kinks. I hinted to some of this in previous guest posts, but at long last I can finally talk about my rope bondage/shibari loving hero Sigmund… called Sig by his friends.

He’s rough, keeps his emotions locked up tight, and finds it hard to believe a woman would be interested in being tied up. Not everyone it down for his type of fun and his track record of mixing pleasure with dating doesn’t seem to work.

This hero was by far my favorite to write. He came to me without difficulty and finding him the right woman did, too. I’m looking forward to introducing Sig to readers, since word from a few close friends is that this hero is by far their favorite. He’s also my first foray into writing a dominant hero. I’ll admit to having far too much fun, which means I may have a few more of those dominant heroes hiding up my sleeve.

Outside of Sig, my other heroes Kanoa and Garrett can’t wait to be introduced either, but I’ll save them for future posts. 

P.S. I promise more female Dominants are coming. I love my girls in charge and won’t stop writing them now.

About the Author:

Landra Graf has been crafting stories since the tender age of too-young-to-watch-rated-R. When she finally got old enough for adult material, she believed adult meant anything besides the smexy. Then she discovered erotic romance. Since then it’s been a journey down a rabbit hole. Landra writes BDSM erotic romance and historical erotic romance, among other less smexy offerings. You can find Landra at: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or on her Website.

My First 1NS - What You Need Blurb: Royce is looking for a woman who won’t cringe at the words “sexual submissive,” and a chance for all his fantasies to come true. The 1Night Stand he signed up for was supposed to be simple with no attachments, but when his match is his ex-best friend, simple goes out the window. He can’t stop seeking the answers to why Victoria left or deny his new-found attraction to her.

Victoria has loved Royce forever, but his rejection of her affections eight years ago caused her to walk away from everything. She’s not the same girl from college, and no longer naive and willing to run too just anyone. A sexual dominant born from her mistakes, she wants a chance to start a relationship based on her terms. She’ll settle for one night, but she’s planning on forever.

Buy Links: All Romance Ebooks ~ Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes and Noble 

After Happily Ever After

By Landra Graf

Since the release of my first 1NS, What You Need, my main heroine Victoria has become a bit larger than I ever planned. By larger, I mean she has a spot on my blog interviewing other heroes and heroines in her uncouth and naughty way. She’s recognizable by multiple readers and I’ve often heard from a few folks whenever they decide to channel their ‘inner Victoria’ or how ‘Victoria would be proud’.

That being said, I somehow feel obligated to produce something more for this character and her hero. But I as an author I find it challenging to revisit my characters sometimes. After much soul-searching I decided I didn’t want another story playing out Victoria and Royce’s life in more detail. Instead I settled for letting her and her continuing future with Royce drop in person or through conversation in some new 1NS stories I’m writing.

Allowing this little tidbit of information to pop up through different stories is one way to carry the happily ever after beyond the initial story. To give the characters new life and prove that their love lasted long after their one night, courtesy of Madame Eve. Writing their continuation did turn into a cathartic action, as I discovered I wasn’t quite done with Victoria and Royce as I thought I was.

My question—to readers: do you enjoy hearing about previous characters from other stories and if so do you like brief encounters or more detailed? For writers: is it easy or hard to sprinkle characters from previous books into new stories?

About the Author:

Landra Graf has been crafting stories since the tender age of too-young-to-watch-rated-R. When she finally got old enough for adult material, she believed adult meant anything besides the smexy. Then she discovered erotic romance. Since then it’s been a journey down a rabbit hole. Landra writes BDSM erotic romance and historical erotic romance, among other less smexy offerings. You can find Landra at: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or on her Website.

What You Need Blurb:

   Royce is looking for a woman who won’t cringe at the words “sexual submissive,” and a chance for all his fantasies to come true. The 1Night Stand he signed up for was supposed to be simple with no attachments, but when his match is his ex-best friend, simple goes out the window. He can’t stop seeking the answers to why Victoria left or deny his new-found attraction to her.

   Victoria has loved Royce forever, but his rejection of her affections eight years ago caused her to walk away from everything. She’s not the same girl from college, and no longer naive and willing to run too just anyone. A sexual dominant born from her mistakes, she wants a chance to start a relationship based on her terms. She’ll settle for one night, but she’s planning on forever.

Buy Links:

All Romance Ebooks ~ Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ Barnes and Noble

Kinks

By Landra Graf

Yep, I went there. My contemporary writing has mainly been geared toward erotica and the 1NS series. I’m working on a new erotica BDSM 1NS and have a second one in the planning stages. One of my first goals with each of these stories was to figure out my main characters kinks, along with those hard limits. I find that kinks can explain a lot about a person, their fears, their past, and their motivations.

It’s also incredibly difficult to research those kinks. I’ll give a little teaser, my next hero is into rope bondage. So far I’ve dived into two different rope bondage books, researched several rope sellers, and looked at a lot of pictures. In some cases what I see pushes my comfort zones, but I like the challenge. There’s new vocabulary, new descriptors, and a whole wide world of rope I never knew about.

In my last 1NS it was all about the basics of BDSM and male submission with a female Domme. For my next couple stories I’m really looking to push outside of the box I created for myself and dive deeper. Yet, I find a lot of my research inspiration comes from reading other books.

I’m getting ready to dive into sensory deprivation, spurred on by some plot bunnies and other things, but I’d love to hear what’s peaked everyone else’s interest in as far as kinks.

Are there kinks you want to know more about? Are there kinks you’d like to read more about? What is a sexy kink and what is not?

For example: I just found out that domination via medical instruments is a thing. I had no idea. I also have heard many a thing about the proper use of wooden spoons via other Decadent and 1NS authors.

So tell me yours, or at least the ones you want to learn more about.

Blog || Twitter  || Pinterest || Google + || Facebook

Fine Art of a 1Night Stand

by Landra Graf

When I first read the about the 1NS line I thought it would be impossible to craft such a short story and make the romance believable. I honestly believed three hundred and ninety five pages were essential to a forming and creating a lasting romance between hero and heroine, in any setting.

My original preconceptions were quickly proven inaccurate. 1NS paved the way for people from all walks of life, sexual preferences, genders, and species to get a HFN (happy-for-now) ending, and in some cases a HEA (happily-ever-after). The best thing, in my opinion, is the gauntlet of stories you get with this line. All heat levels, all genres, there's a way to make Madam Eve work for everyone.

So what's the magic formula? Is there one? I found my 1NS easier to write with a couple of people who had a history together. Yet now I'm working on one with two people who never met each other before. It's difficult to say what works better, but the key is to give them both a solid reason to invest in the service. Whether losing a bet, being sent on a blind date, taking the spot for a friend who chickened out, or on the search for someone to love the person who's unlovable — the reason is essential to weaving the story. Since there's less than fifteen thousand words available to tell the tale with backstory and romancing.

The second pieces are well-formed characters with a clear-cut goal. We know goals can morph, characters arc from their original intentions, but the goal at the start of the story has to be clear. In my latest 1NS, the goal for my heroine is to figure out who she is sexually. My hero is more interested in simply getting back in the game. Neither one expects to fall for the other nor believes in the possibility of true love occurring in one night. The going into the whole adventure I have the goals clearly outlined. I know the stakes and how to turn up the heat to raise those stakes, to get down and dirty.

So what are your magic pieces to the perfect 1NS? Characters, plot, pacing… all the things?  

The Perfect Holiday Read

Available HERE

By Landra Graf

I was first turned on to the 1NS line up in December 2012, when my friend was writing a submission. Immediately I started combing the backlist, there's a large one, and found several 1NS stories that piqued my interest. With the competitive pricing it's also a bit hard to say no to a purchase. Three stories later, I was hooked. Then I beta read for, Catherine Peace, and fell in love.

Why are they the perfect holiday read?

Because for me, when I'm prepping for the holidays I don't have the usual four to five hours of read time, and 1NS's don't require a long term commitment. Did you like that pun? Between spending time with family and sometimes traveling for the holidays, I tend to look for stories I can finish in under an hour but that still engage.

Variety is the spice of life. 1NS offers a unique reading experience for every genre. I can find erotic, paranormal, LGBT, Contemporary, Historical, Sci-fi, and Time Travel; with varying heat ratings. There's no end to the number of heroes and heroines that Madame Eve has assisted. Plus, if you're a stickler for reading holiday themed stories, like I tend to be, at Christmastime or New Year's, 1NS has those too.

I wish all our readers a Merry Christmas. If you don't celebrate I still wish you good books because that's something we could all use. So if you've already fallen in love with the series, thank you. If you're looking to take a chance… there's no time like today.

Comment today and I'll pick one commenter to win 2 Holiday 1NS from as an early Christmas Gift from me.  Winner gets: This Time Next Year by Catherine Peace and Santa Cutie by Cerise DeLand

All Romance Ebooks || Decadent Publishing || Amazon || Smashwords || Barnes and Noble

Giving Thanks

Available HERE

by Landra Graf

It's the time of year I think back on the things I'm thankful for. We always cover the basics: health, family, and friends.  For me, 2014 is an especially thankful year and a long time coming for my writing journey.

So, today I'm thankful for a couple things:

1- Decadent Publishing. I can happily say that Decadent popped my publishing cherry. I published my first book with them in February 2014. What You Need, part of the 1NS line, is an erotic contemporary romance that explores BDSM and the friends to lovers trope.

2- Valerie Mann. This editor is a force to be reckoned with. She's certainly changed how I edit my pages for the better. She's tough, but wonderful, and my story wouldn't have been as delicious without her guiding hand.

3- Catherine Peace. Until Cate, I didn't even know the 1NS line existed. Then she showed me the way. It only took one read and Victoria and Royce's story wiggled its way to the forefront of my brain.

All three of the above converged for me to have my first book release. I can honestly say it's been a whirlwind, with a few moments of stress and some smiles. I've really enjoyed the reviews Royce and Victoria have received as well as the constructive feedback.

What You Need buy links:

Decadent Publishing || Amazon || All Romance || B&N 

Find Landra Graf at: Blog || Twitter

Now readers tell me, what are you thankful for? Are there any milestones you've hit in 2014? Any barriers you've busted through?

Keeping Up with the Pro-mashians

Available HERE

 by Landra Graf

For a marketing manager I win the ‘epic fall’ award for promoting my own work. I’m not good at it and I’m not afraid to admit it.  For the person, who others say is not introverted—at all, I’m horrible about getting to know new people, networking with authors from my own publishing company, *WAVES* “Love you ladies”, and tend to miss nearly every launch party or social media parade.

So, how do I publicize my work? I do what I can, when I can.

These blog posts help remind me that I need to promote, promote, promote, and I try to post sale information on Facebook or Twitter when I’m notified. The problem is that writing is more of a priority then promoting. Getting the next book out is a big deal and I don’t have a lot of extra time. Do any of us? Other writer’s tell me the focus should be on the next book and that I need to build a backlist. Promoting now is fine and dandy, but more books under your skirts is money in the bank.

I’m learning about Google Docs and cover reveal/blog tour sign ups. I network by offering my blog space up to other Decadent and non-Decadent authors to help promote their work. I’m always willing to assist where I can. I reach out to contacts and humbly ask their advice on giveaways and if I could post on their blogs at some point.

The other challenge is that big ‘what if’ behind all the promo efforts.

I also don’t like loading down my social media timelines and feeds with promos for books, sales, buy me posts, etc. My interactions are more organic than that. I’m definitely a ‘what you see, is what you get’ kind of gal and if you like me then maybe you’ll like what I write.

Plus, does online blogging, blog tours, and all the efforts really do anything? Some authors say yes, and other say no. Are readers really influenced by excerpt posts or guest spots?

That’s my question for the day. If you’re an author share the promo tips you recommend or if any promo efforts have worked for you. If you’re a reader, do the glitzy blog tours and the giveaways sway your purchase habits? Do you like ads or prefer to discover your future reads more organically?

Saying Goodbye

By Landra Graf

When I start a new story, I naturally get knees deep in my character’s personalities and psyche; every good writer does. What I forget about is the part where I finish the book and have to say goodbye to each of the people I’ve created. Sure we get to catch up in edits and maybe do a few ‘hello’ and ‘goodbyes’ every time I write a blog post, but the experience isn’t the same.

It’s been a year since I received my contract from Decadent, over six months since I published my darling and said those goodbyes. How to fill the void?

I started a new book in which both characters from What You Need play a roll, albeit a secondary one. Yet, I love writing their dialogue and watching other character friends experience their humor and snark. 

For me, being able to say goodbye is important and keeps feelings of guilt and remorse at bay. Goodbyes allow you to tie up loose ends, to share emotions you’ve been locking away and end things on a happy note.

How does the entire sad goodbye’s topic tie into What You Need?

In my story, both Victoria and Royce lose out on saying goodbye the first time around. Victoria loses more than that, but no spoilers here. You’ll have to read the story for more information. Needless to say Madam Eve gives them a chance to air the guilt and correct the errors of the past. It’s not too often in reality we get to do the same.

So my question for readers and writers: Do you find it hard to say goodbye to books or characters you’ve read?

How do you fill the void?

#LandraGraf, #1NS, #1nightstand, #onenightstand, #decadentpub, #MadameEve 

Strong Women in Romance

Available HERE

by Landra Graf

I’ve been stumbling across a lot of articles lately about strong women in movies, video games, books, and entertainment in general. From what I’ve seen strong women tend to be downplayed in movies where the majority of females take a backseat role, they are brought in mainly for a romance aspect instead of playing a major factor in the plot. I do see predominant female characters in YA books and movies. In adult romance women share the stage with men. I enjoy the dual perspective and receiving a story from both sides. So how do you still portray a strong woman?

For my 1NS, What You Need, portraying a strong woman came naturally. My heroine, Victoria, has suffered in the past and overcame her suffering through changes to her everyday life and her sexual appetites. Enter the Femdom, and her eagerness to find someone to share her desires. She controls the situations, not the other way around.

She battles personal demons, but doesn’t allow them to rule her. The strong woman, in my opinion, has the ability to face her issues and wants to confront any problems standing in her way. Fear and negative emotions may delay her journey, but ultimately she’ll discover a solution to face the worst of the worst without fail. 

Ultimately, her goal is to save as much as be saved. To me, my strong woman wants to save her hero as much as he saves her. Saving and healing equality is what she’s looking for.

What are traits do you think a strong woman embodies?

What You Need

A sexual submissive, Royce wants a woman who’ll make his fantasies come true. The last thing he expects on his 1Night Stand is to be paired with Victoria, his ex-best friend. Haunted by their past, he refuses to deny his newfound attraction or his need for answers. This time, he doesn’t plan to let her go.
   Victoria has loved Royce forever, but the sting of his rejection is not so easily forgotten. No longer the naïve girl he knew, she’s matured into a sexual dominant. This Domme demands a chance to restart their relationship—on her terms. Knowing that one night will never be enough, she plans a seduction that will last forever.

#LandraGraf, #1NS, #1nightstand, #onenightstand, #decadentpub, #MadameEve 

Setting the Mood

By Landra Graf

Whenever I write a story I find the easiest way to connect to my characters is to located songs that fit their moods, emotions, or certain interactions with others. It’s more than music itself that inspires a scene, it’s lyrics and the voice singing the song. No matter what story I’m writing brainstorming and developing the story plays out best when I’m listening to music I’ve associated with that story.

I’ll fill my day job with listening to the playlist of whatever I’m working for so that the creative side of my brain is still working out any plot bunny issues or character backstory. Then I jot down all the ideas in my handy, dandy notebook. You caught that Blue’s Clues reference right?

For Victoria and Royce in my 1NS release, What You Need, my music revolved around some hard core rock. From Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Korn, I found inspiration through a multitude of rock songs that helped fuel all the desire, the pain, lust, and attraction between my femdom Victoria and her sub Royce.

My question for you is: Do you listen to music while you write? While you brainstorm? What kinds of music fuel the story? Are they tailored like mine or do you just listen to what you enjoy everyday?

Victoria and Royce Playlist

Sleeping Beauty – A Perfect Circle

Undone- Weezer

I Think I’m Paranoid – Garbage

3 Libras- A Perfect Circle

The Only Exception- Paramore

Amber- 311

That’s What You Get- Paramore

Crushcrushcrush- Paramore

Misery Business (Acoustic)- Paramore

Too Close- Alex Clare

Linger- Cranberries

4am- Our Lady Of Peace

Monster- Paramore

Jaded- Aerosmith

Sour Girl- Stone Temple Pilots

Like A Stone- Audioslave

Always- Saliva

Breath- Breaking Benjamin

Cold- Crossfade

Closer- Nine Inch Nails

Way Too Far- Korn

Blow Me Away- Breaking Benjamin

Judith- A Perfect Circle

Immigrant Song- Trent Reznor

Blue Monday- Orgy

#LandraGraf, #1NS, #1nightstand, #decadentpub