EROTICA vs PORN: What is the difference? :PASSIONSCAPE by Hazel Mills

As an author or erotica, I am often asked about the differences between pornography and erotica. I believe that this article really hits on some key differences.

EROTICA IS MORE THAN PORN

By Roxanne Rhoads, published Oct 21, 2007

Erotica is so much more than just porn though it is an ongoing debate. Some people see anything sexual as

dirty. That it is all pornographic. There is a difference though sometimes there is a fine line between the two

and like anything else it’s all in the eyes of the beholder.

I found the wonderful world of erotica when I returned to the writing world after a long absence. I was

struggling to find a place in the industry and a niche that I enjoyed when I came across erotica. Previously I

did not know there was a whole world of erotica both in print and online that caters mainly to women.

Once I found it, I was hooked. I have discovered that I love both reading and writing erotica. I have to thank Gracie and all the others at Tit-elation.com for accepting and publishing the first erotic story I ever wrote (which were followed by many more and later I became an editor at Tit-elation too). They gave me the confidence I needed when I first started out. I kept writing more and more and soon I had erotic poems and stories all over the web, in a couple anthologies and in Playgirl Magazine.

I am often asked by family and friends why I write “porn”. For one I’m a very sexual person and it seemed a natural course for my writing to take a turn into the area of sex and sexuality but I have to explain to everyone that I believe there is a difference between porn and erotica. I know some view anything sexual as smut or porn while others can relish the differences between them and all the areas in between.

To me porn is usually visual and geared towards men. Its sole purpose is to physically arouse and stimulate. I have nothing against porn, it serves its purpose, but erotica goes much deeper. Erotica appeals more to women and is often written by and for women even though there are both male and female writers and readers.

To me erotica can be much more real, while porn is often very unrealistic. Erotica can also tell a more complete story. If you read a regular novel about a married couple or a couple in love, it does not tell the whole story of their relationship because the sex scenes are often omitted or glossed over. In erotica you can get the whole story including the steamy sex scenes. Erotica stimulates the mind and the body, arousing emotions and the imagination.

I love to picture the characters and see them in my mind, watch the stories take shape and unfold. With porn it is all laid out, no imagination involved unless you take the time to imagine yourself in the scene. Erotica often has more depth with characters that are more realistic. It is more than just sex; it can be emotional, complicated, frivolous, fantasy filled, funny, sexy or serious. Erotica can be very diverse, as diverse as the authors who write it.

You can find stories that fit into many categories and many themes. You’ll find stories of love and passion, stories of submission, role playing, historical erotica, supernatural erotica and much more. Erotica comes in every color, size and flavor from mild to wild from vanilla sex to BDSM and much more. You can find paranormal erotica, sci-fi erotica, fantasy erotica and every day real world erotica. There’s something for everyone and it is so much more than just porn.

Article by Roxanne Rhoads for Associated Content

Hazel Mills

www.hazelmillsstories.com

PassionScape by Hazel Mills: Is Monogomy An Unrealistic Expectation?

Here’s how Xpress Yourself Publishing author, Allyson M. Deese, answers this question.

“Even though my ex husband didn’t believe in monogamy, I’m still believing and trusting that when the time comes God will send me a loving, kind, truthful, honest, spiritual, man who believes in monogamy just as much as I do.”
 
Allyson M. Deese, author of Discovering the Joy Within
www.allysonmdeese.webs.com

PassionScape by Hazel Mills: Is Monogomy An Unrealistic Expectation?

September greetings,

You know, it seems that more often than not, we hear of relationships vanishing because one or both of the partners are seeking love and affection elsewhere. Nowadays, celebrity break-ups due to infidelity are the norm. We even take bets on how long the marriage will last from the moment we get wind of the news. Sadly, this does not only apply to celebs. The same is true for everyday joes. What happened to the sanctity of the once honorable institution of marriage?

PassionScape poses the question: Is monogomy an unrealistic expectation? All month long, you will hear from some of today’s most talented authors and poets on this issue.

Author NANETTE BUCHANAN:

It is my belief that no one who truly loves is expecting anything other than a monogamous relationship.
Anyone Who Loves

Anyone who truly loves, loves with their heart and soul
Loves totally, it never grows old.
Anyone who truly loves, knows from the very start
Of all the ups and downs
Of how love can be turned around
Of how true love is hard to be found
Anyone who truly loves, gives of themselves unselfishly.
Putting their wants and desires behind those they love
Praying to God above,
for patience and understanding
and support for that undying love.
Anyone who truly loves
learns not to break, just bend
Learns who they love are also friends and will remain to the end.
Anyone who truly loves
will hurt from time to time
Looking for the signs of total peace of mind
Anyone who truly loves
will look back on the past
realizing that true love will last

For to understand true love
Is a life long task.

Copyright 2000
Thoughts & Reflections
Author Nanette M. Buchanan
visit my site: www.myspace.com/ipendesigns
                    ipendesigns.blogspot.com

 

AUTHOR TINISHA NICOLE JOHNSON:

In this day and age, the question makes you wonder, it makes you ponder on if a man can stay true and not run astray from his woman, thinking that the grass is greener on the other side, and if a woman can stick by her man faithfully. I believe less people are getting married and more seemed to be getting a divorce or separation. We are in a different era of lifestyle, personality, control and obsession. There is a lot of temptation in the world. And in the twenty-first century where more and more of us our are gaining our individual independence, networking more, socializing more, running our own business and even working more, this adds to the stress and sometimes lessens our priority on maintaining and keeping up with a healthy relationship.
 
What ever happened to true love? What ever happened to black love? Is it unrealistic to think black love is slim to none and that staying monogamous is nil? Sometimes it really does make me wonder.
 
But back to the point – If a man and woman care about each other, I mean truly love and find passion in each other than I would say monogamy is realistic. But honestly, I’m going to tell you what I really think. I think monogamy is even more realistic if you put God and prayer in your life and in your relationship. Without God in a relationship it just leaves too much room for Satan to enter and cause disruption and confusion. So there has to be some type of spiritual connection and then yes, I believe monogamy is realistic.
 

Tinisha Nicole Johnson
Author, Writer and Poet
http://www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com

How Far Will You Go For Sexual Satisfaction? PassionScape by Hazel Mills

Today there are so many products on the market to enhance our sexuality. We are all familiar with vibrators ans dildos. No matter what network we watch the “Viva Viagra” commercial runs ad nauseam. There are also advertisements for various pills and creams that claim to make that all-important male organ bigger.

Recently, I’ve learned about something that has me intrigued. Apparently, there is a product that claims to “re-virginate” women. According to my sources, this gel tightens the vagina thus providing that “first time” experience as many times as you want.

After further research, I’ve also learned about a cosmetic procedure of sorts called a hymenoplasty. This surgical method restores the hymen to its original state and is widely performed for religious or social reasons. What happened to good old- fashioned Kegal exercises?

How many women can actually look back on their first sexual experience and say to themselves, “I want to do that again and again and again and….”?

Okay, now I want to hear from you.

Is the hymenoplasty a case of our addiction to reconstructive surgery gone too far?

Ladies, would you consider using a tightening gel or surgery to enhance your sexual experiences?

Men, does having a “tighter” experience turn you on more?

 

I look forward to hearing your comments.

 

Until then…peace,

Hazel Mills, author of the 2008 African American Literary Award Show nominated “Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion” for Best Erotica

Cast your ballot at www.hazelmillsstories.com

Set your bed on fire: PassionScape by Hazel Mills

Check out my recently published content on AC:
<br> <a href=”http://www.associat edcontent. com/article/ 818019/heating_ up_a_relationshi p_how_to_ set.html”>Heating Up a Relationship: How to Set Sparks in the Bedroom</a>

 

Romance Author, Victoria Wells: PassionScape by Hazel Mills

This month, PassionScape catches up with Xpress Yourself Publishing’s romance author, Victoria Wells, to discuss her bestselling contemporary romance novel, A Special Summer. I had the pleasure of meeting Victoria in May during Afr’Am Festival held in Norfolk, Virginia. She is a remarkable woman who is very passionate about her work. Victoria is not shy when it comes to talking about her latest release or about sharing her experiences in the publishing industry.

VICTORIA WELLS is a Philadelphia native. In 1991 she graduated from Community College of Philadelphia under her legal name Gaye Riddick-Burden with an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences majoring in Nursing. She furthered her education and went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Nursing from LaSalle University.

Wells (Riddick-Burden) is employed as an adult nurse practitioner at a center city hospital. She has dedicated her fifteen year career as a nurse to taking care of patients with sickle cell disease.

In 2005, Wells was nominated for the Nursing Spectrum’s Nursing Excellence Award in the category of Clinical Care for her work with sickle cell patients. On May 10, 2005 Wells became the regional winner of the 2005 Nursing Excellence Award in Clinical Care. On October 24, 2005, Wells was awarded the Nursing Spectrum’s National title, “Nurse of the Year” in Clinical Care at the Chicago Ritz-Carlton. Nursing Spectrum wrote, “Riddick-Burden is a strong advocate for patients with sickle cell disease. She was instrumental in designing and implementing the outpatient Sickle Cell Day Treatment Unit for these often underserved patients. The program is driven by Riddick-Burden’s desire to provide timely and effective care to patients with sickle cell crisis, decreasing long waits in the ED and avoiding inpatient stays that separates patients from their families.”

On March 19, 2006, Wells was awarded the Movers and Shakers Award presented by the American Women’s Heritage Society, National Association of University Women, National Association of Phi Delta Kappa, Top Ladies of Distinction and Two Thousand African American Women. This recognition was bestowed upon Wells because of her dedication to the nursing profession and community outreach.

Wells has been a lover of books since childhood. As a child she would spend hours reading. To this day reading remains a favorite pastime. Wells’ favorite genre is African American romance.

While taking a creative writing course in college, Wells became interested in writing. The final assignment for the course was to rewrite the last chapter of The Color Purple. Wells received not only an A for the assignment, but for the course as well. Professionally, Wells has written and lectured extensively on sickle cell disease. However, in 2005 after being encouraged by family and friends, she decided to pick up her pen and write her first romance novel.

A Special Summeris Wells’ first novel which she self-published and will be re-released by XYP in 2008. Wells is married with three children, she and her family live in the Philadelphia area.

HM: I have just finished reading your book, A Special Summer and it is wonderful. Tell us a little about the book.

VW: A Special Summer is a romance about a love that is all consuming. It’s also truly a story of redemption and forgiveness. The heroine of the story Summer is experiencing her first encounter of being in love with Nick who happens to be a much older, powerful, successful businessman. Because of demons and unresolved family issues from Nick’s past life, Summer is literally flung into a world of pandemonium when he believes she’s betrayed him. When he finally sees things as they really are, Nick is in jeopardy of losing the only woman who has ever truly loved him unconditionally. 

HM: What inspired you to write A Special Summer?

VW: I loooove African American romance novels. After reading so many great stories over the years I wanted to write my own story about us being in love. With so many negative stereotypes floating out there I wanted to create African American characters that were strong, positive and self-sufficient. My desire was also to be another voice in this genre that let it be known we are capable of loving and respecting each other. We do work through our relationship issues and take our responsibilities seriously. Speaking from the perspective of an African American woman it was important for me to say loud and proud that our men do know how to cherish us and love us. In addition, we as women do love and support our men when all isn’t perfect in our relationships.

HM: How long was the journey from concept to publication?

VW: The process took me about a year and a half. Initially, I toyed with the idea of writing a romance novel. I got up the courage after numerous friends and family told me. “Girl, you go can do it.” After writing my story I decided to self-publish it. After receiving overwhelming positive feedback I submitted my manuscript to three publishing houses, two were interested. In August of 2007 I accepted an offer from Xpress Yourself Publishing.

HM: Who are a few of your favorite authors?

VW: I have several! LOL My all time favorites are Francis Ray, Brenda Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Leslie Esdaile, J.D. Mason, Rochelle Alers, and AlTonya Washington. Gwyneth Bolton and LaConnie Taylor-Jones are also authors that I’ve recently begun reading this year that’s pretty good.

HM:  What three pieces of advice would you give an aspiring author?

VW: First, I would tell them not to let anyone steal their dreams. There will be a lot of folks who may pretend to be happy for you one minute and then the next discourage you in every way possible. Second, I would advise them to do research on the genre they wish to write. Finally, stay true to who you are as a person and as an author.

HM: What can we expect in the future from Victoria Wells?

VW: By God’s grace a ton of exciting romance novels! I’ve just recently completed my second manuscript, When Love Comes Around which is due for release early 2009 by Xpress Yourself Publishing.

 

Ten Victoria Wells Quick Facts

1. Hometown: Philadelphia

2. Favorite Color: Black

3. One item you can’t live without and why: My bible. I need God’s strength everyday of my life. God speaks to me through His word.

4. Last CD you purchased: Robin Thick

5. Favorite department store: Macy’s

6. Best childhood memory: Spending time with my grandmother.

7. Teen celebrity crush: Michael Jackson

8. Favorite snack: Pepperidge Farm Cookies

9. Favorite holiday: Christmas

10. Favorite thing to do on a rainy day: Stay in bed alternating every few hours between reading and watching Lifetime .

Visit Victoria Wells online at www.victoria-wells.com

Victoria Wells has set a new standard for contemporary romance with “A Special Summer”. I was drawn instantaneously into the lives of the two main characters, Nick and Summer. The storyline is dramatic and captures the essence of the joys and pains of love. I laughed and I cried with each turn of the page. This book is not the usual “cute” romance novel. Wells has artistically sculpted a very realistic view of relationships. I eagerly await her next creation.  Hazel Mills, author

Celebrate Beautiful Black Men: PassionScape by Hazel Mills

Wondering why I’m a little late posting for June? Okay, I’ll tell you. With all that is going on in the world of politics, I have been on edge because whatever the outcome, groundbreaking history was inevitable with the possibility of either a woman or a African American man as the Democratic Nominee for the 2008 Presidential Election.

 

After what was a sometimes heated race, Senator Barack Obama triumphed as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. On Tuesday night, I shed a tear as I reflected on the wealth of pride our ancestors must feel as they enjoy the view from heaven. I wondered what Harriett Tudman or Malcolm X would say if they were asked to share their thoughts on this great milestone. When I learned that Senator Obama is slated to accept the nomination for President of the United States on August 28, forty-five years to the day after our most notable Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered what is perhaps the most famous speech in American History, I couldn’t have been more proud.

PassionScape is usually dedicated to romance and erotica but it is also about the passions that fuel our everyday lives. During the month of June, we will celebrate Father’s Day. In light of the enormity of recent events, I will spend the month celebrating all Black men. Not only will I uplift and celebrate my own husband, father and sons but I will also contemplate the entrepreneurial spirit of the brother hustling on the corner, trying to make ends meet for his family or the young man imprisoned and discarded by society for a crime he may or may not have committed.

Will you join me? How will you celebrate Black men this month? Who will you pay tribute to?

I want to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the coming election and on our beautiful Black men.

 

Hazel Mills, author

Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion

www.hazelmillsstories.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR AND POET, PÉRON F. LONG: PassionScape

Happy Spring Beautiful People! Wow, it’s hard to believe that it is May already.The weather is warming, flowers are blooming and we are spending more and more time outside.  I hope that you all are well on your way to accomplishing the goals you’ve set for 2008. Remember, 2008 is the year of new beginnings.

This month, PassionScape features author and poet, Péron F. Long. His list of titles includes If It Ain’t Right, It’s Wrong and the recently released Pulpit Confessions. Péron is also a wonderfully talented poet.

I was fortunate to have the oppportunity to briefly interview Péron about his art of writing.

HM: I really enjoyed your poetic piece, Southern Swagger Girl. What inspired the poem Southern Swagger Girl?
 
PFL: I attended a Frankie Beverly and Maze concert back in Oct. 07 and as they were singing “Southern Girl” thoughts began playing in my head, later that night I “Love Jones” came on and before I knew it the words to the poem were there.

HM: I have read several of your poems. Are there any plans for a book of poetry?
PFL: No Plans for a book of poetry. In reality I am not a poet, I only dabble in it from time to time. You know when the words appear.

HM: Tell us about your latest release Pulpit Confessions.
 
PFL: Pure DRAMA! LOL…. Pulpit Confessions is a story about transgressions and ultimately conviction.  Basically we often see the outside of people. We never really get the opportunity to understand fully those who walk in the Light.  I set out to create a story that chronicled the life of one individual that went full circle in how he was created into the person that he had become, who wrestled with the person he actually was.

HM: How would you describe your writing style?
 
PFL: I’m not even sure if I know what it is. If you read each of my works you will see that all are quite different.  I work hard at trying to create entertaining stories while at the same time provoke societal views.
 

HM: Do you base any of your work on real life experiences?
 
PFL: I have used small amounts of real life experiences as a base but for the most part, my work is about 95% imagination.
 

HM: What is the message that you want readers of Pulpit Confessions to come away with?
 
PFL: The message that I hope to relay is one of understanding not only of conviction, but the process of conviction.  We as a society often look for the results before the process.   I always tell people that Salvation is a daily journey for some while a lifetime struggle for others.  Without process there can be no positive results. 

HM: What is next from Peron F. Long?
 
PFL: My Next book “Livin’ Ain’t Easy” will be released in January 09 from Urban Books.  I am also currently working on a new project “The First Person.”
 

HM: What lessons have you learned as an author that you would like to share with aspiring writers?
 
PFL: The most important things that I’ve learned that I often share with others, is do your research, hone your skill, do your research, hone your skill, do your…..Okay you get the point right? LOL….

 

Here is Péron F. Long’s lyric piece Southern Swagger Girl

 

Southern Swagger Girl

 

When You Walked Into That Room Girl
Displaying Your Southern Swagger Girl
Had My Mind So Confused Girl
Cause You Had Me In Such A Way Girl
I Just Couldn’t Find The Words To Say Girl
All The Things My Mind It Wanted To Relay Girl
I…Err….Uhh….Ummmm….Heaven Bless My Soul Girl
For Your Southern Swagger Has Taken Control Girl
As I Bumble, Mutter, And Slumber Girl
I Can’t Help But Remember That One Fine Day Girl
When You Asked If I Was Your Darius Lovehall Girl
You Made My Heart Dance A Jig Girl
But Still I Must Tell You Girl
That Love Jones Ain’t Got A Thing On Us Girl
Cause It’s Your Southern Swagger Girl
That Has Taken Me To A New Dimension Girl
As I Continue to Sputter, Stumble, and Stutter Girl
I Can’t Help But Realize Girl
That Nina Mosely Ain’t Got Nothing On You Girl
For I Never Knew Love Could Feel So Just Girl
Through All The Pains And Lust I’ve Seen Girl
My Lord You Killing Me Softly Girl
I Say This Cause For My Heart It’s So Costly Girl
I….Err…Uhh….Ummmm….Oh Lord Have Mercy On My Soul Girl
For Your Southern Swagger Has Taken Control Girl
One More Time Let Me Tell You Girl
Love Jones Ain’t Got SHI…..Ahh …Let Me Hush My Mouth Girl
But It’s Your Southern Swagger Girl
That Has Me Saying And Displaying New Things Girl
I Wish I Could Explain Girl
But All Of This It Happened So Fast Girl
I…Err….Uhh….Ummmm….
Now I Understand Why Jesus Wept Girl
For Your Southern Swagger Has Taken Control Girl
Péron F. Long ©2007 all rights reserved
 

Find out more about Péron F. Long by visiting www.peronflong.com , www.myspace.com/peronflong  and www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org
Pulpit Confessions  and If It Ain’t Right, It’s Wrong are available for purchase at www.amazon.com or wherever books are sold.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BARE NECESSITIES: SENSUOUS TALES OF PASSION: PassionScape

Whether newly discovered or rekindled, there is no feeling in the world like pure passion coursing through our veins. It erupts at our core and allows us to be free and uninhibited. Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion is a collection of short erotic stories that explore passions that are buried deep in the subconscious as well as those that lie just beneath the surface and are easily exposed. The characters of each sizzling story experience passions that explode and send them hurling into a fiery universe of sensuous pleasure.

Author HAZEL MILLS knew that she wanted to be a writer from the moment she penned the first words of a poem titled “A Tree” when she was in the third grade. Even though she majored in business at the University of Alabama, writing continued to be her first love.

Hazel’s short erotic fiction can be seen in Playgirl Magazine’s Erotic Encounters (January 2007 issue) and in  Best Lesbian Love Stories: New York City, edited by Simone Thorne (Alyson Books, November 2006). Hazel also has an essay published in Jolie Dupre’s series in The Blushing Ladies Journal. PassionScape is her monthly column published online by EDC Creations and Sankofa Literary Society. She is a contributing author to the erotic anthology Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy, edited by Shani Greene-Dowdell (ShaniBooks, March 2008). She lives in the Birmingham area with her husband and children.  Hazel’s debut collection of erotic Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion is published by Xpress Yourself Publishing and is available at www.hazelmillsstories.com, www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org , www.amazon.com , www.barnesandnoble.com , or wherever books are sold..  Visit Hazel at www.hazelmillsstories.com and on MySpace at www.myspace.com/hazelmillsstories.

Take a peek into Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion. Check out Hazel’s passionately penned poem.

Six To Nine

I lie in my bed and think of youYour scent of fresh vanillaYour skin like melted chocolateI close my eyes and sayMmmThe love we made was sweet and pure

Our motions and emotions smooth

Touching, caressing, getting lost in desire

Giving new meaning to the word life

Breath like the sun on the inside of my thigh

Sent me soaring into an erotic universe

Lost in suspended animation

On an all time high

One upside down

The other right side up

Savoring the taste of love’s sweet fruit

Moans of ecstasy swelled and filled

Changing the molecules of space

I caught your rise

You caught my fall

In a flawless dance of lips and tongues

We came together as the dawning of Aquarius

Left breathlessly and seriously

Satisfied

The taste of your nectar

Stays perched on my lips

I know you experience the same

Until the next time our bodies

Dance six to nine

Hot! Sizzling! On Fire!, March 20, 2008

By	Claudia Brown-Mosley “Author” (Los Angeles, California) – See all my reviews

I finish this book in 3hrs because I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the read of each story that Hazel wrote and I love the poems.

This author has talent and I highly recommend this book for all adults.

“Not one inhibitied word will flow from Hazel’s pen. Brace yourself for the sexiest ride of your life.” Shani Greene-Dowdell, editor of Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy.

Would you get BARE for $100?

Visit www.hazelmillsstories.com for more details!

March is calling Chocolate Lovers: PassionScape

Can you believe that it is March already? Wow, how time flies especially when you’re having fun! Right now, I am having a ball writing and preparing for two, count ’em, two upcoming releases. My first solo endeaver, Bare Necessities: Sensuous Tales of Passion, will be released April 1, 2008 by Xpress Yourself Publishing. I am also a contributor to the anticipated erotic blockbuster, Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy, edited by Karibu Bestselling author, Shani Greene- Dowdell, to be released March 29, 2008 by Shanibooks.

Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy is a collection of masterfully written stories about eroticism and love, displaying some of the best story crafters. It is as rich in flavor as it’s title! From passionately sensual to uninhibitedly erotic, from hopefully satisfied to the teasingly seductful, this arousing collection will tempt and inspire you…and set your love on fire!

Talented contributors to this steamy anthology are:

Shani Greene-Dowdell

Sunshine Royal

Caramel Vixen

Carla S. Pennington

Kotanya Kimbrough

Kanarian Kindred

Granson Laruth

Niyah Moore

Landis Y. Lain

Shanay Nae

Joi Marsh

Chloe R.

C. Nicole

Larry Wilson

David Williams

Elissa Gabrielle

Hazel Mills

Want to read an excerpt from this book? Check out www.shanibooks.com for “Guilty Release” by Chloe R. or www.hazelmillsstories.com for “Hopelessly Addicted” by yours truly, Hazel Mills.

Be first in line to get this hot little number. Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy can be pre-ordered at www.amazon.com and www.shanibooks.com and received a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks and qualify to win a $25.00 gift card to Godiva Chocolates.

Learn more about this new release by visiting www.shanibooks.com

Until next time…

Peace,

Hazel

WHAT TURNS YOU ON? PassionScape by Hazel Mills

The month of February is the month for passion and romance. Think about it. The weather is cold and damp, naturally forcing us inside around a cozy fire and snuggled under a soft blanket with that special someone. The intoxicating scent of luxurious roses, the sweet indulgence of decadent chocolates, and the sparkle of jeweled clad teddy bears are constant reminders that February is the month that’s made just for lovers.

Speaking of lovers, what turns you on about yours? Are you turned upside down by full luscious lips or by an ass so hard, it could crush diamonds? Or, would you prefer mental orgasm?

PassionScape poses the question: What turns you on?

This month, we hear from author and poet, Chloe R.  Her short stories can be found in Erogenous Zone (Xpress Yourself Publishing), Mental Seductions (Diva Books Publishing) and the upcoming erotic anthology Mocha Chocolate (Shanibooks, Inc.).  Her article, Hiding From Erotica?, will be featured in the upcoming issue of Noire Magazine. Chloe’s first erotic novel, Discovering Love, is scheduled for release in 2009 by Xpress Yourself Publishing.  For more information, visit her at http://www.chloewrites.com.

Irreplaceable Mental Stimulation

By

Chloe R. 
 

It would be disingenuous to say that physical appearance didn’t matter, didn’t draw me in or spark my imagination.  The simple shape of a man’s head can make my mind wonder; the thickness of his bottom lip might send undeniable sparks across my thighs.  Sometimes, the way he moves, smiles, rests comfortably within himself, speaks volumes about his manhood and all his possibilities, inspiring the most intimate me.  His physical appearance tells me how he wants to portray himself, whether he appears calm and confident, or seems tacky, rude and uncouth.  It gives me a surface screening, a sample, a taste test of what special gifts he may possess.  But that is all.  And, to turn me on, and hopefully turn me out, a small hint of the man is not nearly enough. 

While the physical appearance may turn my head, make me giggle in embarrassment by the sensual thoughts passing through my mind, or inexplicably flirt, it only satisfies the surface urge.  A few sentences, a couple of minutes of interaction, and every preconceived notion of masculinity can shatter like splintered crystal or simply fade away in the wind.  The words that tumble from his lips flow from his soul. A conversation that reveals an empty spirit, a clueless mind or a crass sense of humor immediately destroys all physical attraction.  Well, maybe not all, but enough that I couldn’t fully release all of me while making love to him.  If he can’t observe the simple things, can’t take notice of natural beauty, can’t identify a diamond in the rough, then, no matter how strong his masculine pull initially felt, it would end up loudly seeping out like a tear in a helium balloon.  

But, mental stimulation.  Damn.  How can it be replaced or substituted?  A man who was only a friend can transform before my eyes, turning into the best lover, causing the deepest sexual longing and invoking the richest intimate satisfaction.  By mental stimulation.  It begins as a connection.  An unspoken thing. A shared vibe. A unique rhythm that we enjoy.  But his eyes, his smile, his caress and his suggestions tell me his desires.  And, as I said before, the words that tumble from his lips flow from his soul.  As he speaks, he affirms my femininity.  He invokes beauty in sensual ribbons that wrap around my brain and tie delicately across my body.  I understand him and, more importantly, I feel understood.  And that allows me to be free, to release myself to the passion rolling within me.  Before he kisses me, my lips already feel him and the roof of my mouth already tingles.  Before he touches me, my skin already burns, satin already releases in preparation for him.  All because he explored my mental, stimulated my mind, and gave me a space of trust and delicious intimacy.   

And that, in my opinion, is a zone that can never be replaced by simple physical attraction. 

Now, it’s your turn. Let me know if you agree with Chloe or if you are turned on by stimulation of a different kind.

GET TO KNOW AUTHOR, SHANI GREENE DOWDELL: PassionScape by Hazel Mills

Best selling author, Shani Greene Dowdell has always been fascinated by creative writing, but somehow the day to day chores of motherhood had a way of taking her away from doing what she enjoyed most – expressing herself with paper and pen. In 2005, with her children older and her life more focused, Shani picked up her pen, started writing and hasn’t put it down. Whether she’s writing poetry, blogging or working on one of her several writing projects, she’s determined to follow her heart.

I had the pleasure of meeting Shani at an book club event where we both were featured authors. The first thing I noticed was her beautiful smile and peaceful spirit. Shani is also a woman on a mission to see her dream of becoming a best selling author come true. I think she’s well on her way. She is the author of Keepin’ It Tight and contributing author to the Karibu bestseller, Erogenous Zone, edited by Jessica Tilles. 

I was honored with the opportunity to be a contributor with Shani on her latest project, Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy.  I am equally honored to have interviewed her for PassionScape. 

HM:

First, let me say that I’ve just finished Keepin It Tight and it is an awesome book. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?   

SGD:
I have always had great appreciation for informative and well-written articles and prose, and deep down I always knew I wanted to be a writer. But the true realization came in 2005 after a friend and I made a challenge to write a novel.  Once I got started writing Keepin’ It Tight, I knew that writing was something that was in me. 

HM:

What made you decide to self publish Keepin’ It Tight? 

SGD:

I looked up the publishing guidelines for several major and medium-to-small sized publishers. At the time I was writing Keepin’ It Tight, a few things turned me off from submitting to them. 1) Keepin’ it Tight was a little more explicit than mainstream publishers would like. 2) The turn-around-time from submission to acceptance or rejection letter was too long. 3) I felt like I had the know-how from research to do it myself and that from some of the shady author/publishing dealings I’d uncovered in my research that no one could take care of me like I could.  

HM:

You are a contributing author to Erogenous Zone, a critically acclaimed erotica anthology edited by Jessica Tilles and published by Xpress Yourself Publishing. How did you become involved with this project?  

SGD:

When I saw the submission call for Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage I emailed Jessica and was like “I gotta be in this anthology.” One month later, BabyGirl Blue was created, edited, submitted and accepted. 

HM:

Tell me about your contribution to this book. 

SGD:

BabyGirl Blue is a hot erotic tale of Sasha Jordan who was dumped by the man she thought she would marry. They had it all, but when it came down to what he thought was a decision between his daughter and her, he left her high and dry.  Well, it was more like low and dry…A year later, she finds herself in Pleasure Palace with her freaky second personality, BabyGirl, in charge. When stripper King Zulu takes the stage, BabyGirl’s sexual tension is high and she makes a move to end their one-year bout of celibacy.  

HM:

Not only are you a best-selling author, but you also wear the hats of editor and publisher for the upcoming erotica anthology, Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy. What can you tell me about this project?  

SGD:

It’s funny how some book projects are born. Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy was born out of a poem that I wrote for my husband.  Then, I was browsing stock photos and came across an image named Mocha Chocolate and I instantly knew what to name the poem and my next book.  

Mocha Chocolate is an erotic anthology that centers on love and passion.  There are seventeen authors in this book with stories ranging from the passionately sensual to down right raw and gritty. My thinking behind creating this anthology was to give lovers a few new ideas and to give a glimpse at passion from several different writing styles.   

Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy will be available March 1, 2008, and can be preordered or a copy reserved at www.shanibooks.com.  

HM:

As a wife, mother, and working woman, how do you balance it all? 

SGD:

Now, this is the toughest question because it is the toughest task.  Balancing it all, ha, I don’t have a formula for this yet, but what I do is keep a calendar and write events, goals, to do’s down as they come along.  It helps that I work from home because I am able to wake up and head straight to the computer to work, and then be here with my children for homework and finish working late evenings. I do believe in taking time for family, so whenever my husband is off work, we make plans to do something together. All I can say is that it’s not easy and my days are long, but I enjoy what I do and having my family right by my side.  

HM:

What future projects can readers look for from Shani Greene-Dowdell and ShaniBooks? 

Immediately on my plate is Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy – available March 1, 2008.  In 2009, the novel, Secrets of a Kept Woman, will release. Also, I’m rewriting Keepin’ It Tight, both for mainstream publishing and as a play; and look for two sequels to Keepin’ It Tight for the stories of Trey and Tonya and then Amanda and Terrance – oh, yeah, for those who read Keepin’ It Tight crazy Amanda finds a way to make love right. 

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