Sunday, December 18, 2011

Stuff Your Stockings Winners!

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Wow, people, this has been unreal. I'm all out of stamina. That was a lot of hopping!

First, I only thought I'd get maybe 5 entries, but I got 27. I've discovered new m/m authors during my own hop, and I've made some awesome friends ^.^ 

I wish I could give everyone a prize. In a way I can! When No Boundaries Press launches their sale site at the beginning of January, free reads will be available. My very-short story, In His Pocket, will be available for download. For those of you interested, I will post an update with a link on this once the big day arrives (plus, you'll hear me shout it across Facebook and Twitter).

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By the way, No Boundaries Press is hosting a giveaway (see the top of their left column) for a chance to win 3, 6, and 12 books, winner's choice (they have all genres) - if you guys are still hungry ;)

For the Blog Hop prizes, however, I have used Random.Org to select these winners:

For a copy of Hot Hands that releases on January 8th to No Boundaries Press:

# 24 - Pati!

For a copy of A Life Without You that releases early 2012 (don't have a date yet - but the manny is going to formatting this week) to MLR Press:

# 4 - Pommawolf!!

For a $15 gift card to the No Boundaries Press store (once it opens in January):

# 11 - Anzu!!!

Congrats ^.^ I will contact the winners today and once the prizes are ready for delivery.
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Finally, I want to thank everyone for their kind comments and wishes. Rain pointed out that there was no blurb for A Life Without You on my website, and she was totally right. I've fixed that and there's also a more comprehensive blurb on Hot Hands as well. 

Thanks to all those who followed.

Merry Christmas!

Only want the M/M Authors?


I thought I'd share my short list of m/m authors in the Stuff Your Stockings Christmas Blog Hop, for those who are only looking for m/m reads ^.^

  1. Erica Pike: an e-copy of Hot Hands, an e-copy of A Life Without You, a $15 gift card from No Boundaries Press.
  2. Kharisma Rayne: any Dec or Jan release of choice.
  3. Erotic Diaries: 7 Different ebooks by various authors.
  4. Cassandre Dayne : One copy of St. Nick’s Night of Xstasy (menage) and One copy of Shattered (m/m).
  5. Havan Fellows : Winners choice of one of my anthologies.
  6. Elizabeth Black : a copy of either “Filthy Leuker” or “Feral Heat”.
  7. Jambrea Jo Jones : a pdf from my backlist, a holiday ornament, and a print copy of Seeds of Dawn Vol. 1 & 2.
  8. Elizabeth Nobel : Choice off backlist.
  9. S.J. Frost: Winner‘s Choice of any title from my backlist in print of ebook.
  10. Pender Mackie : audio version of my first book, Scent of Attraction.
  11. Anne Barwell : ebook copy of my novel, Cat’s Quill.
  12. Lily Sawyer : Winners choice or prizes.
  13. BL & Rawiya : Anything from BL and Michael’s backlists.
  14. Gabrielle Evans : A giftbasket with a signed paperback book (reader’s choice), swag, and lotions, bath salts, etc. from Sephora, One signed paperback (reader’s choice), Two ebooks (reader’s choice).
  15. Tara Lain : 2 ecopies of Mistletowed.
  16. Julie L Hayes : winner choice of anything from my backlist.
  17. Keta Diablo : a book of their choice from my releases.
  18. H.B. Pattskyn : A signed copy of my debut novel, Heart’s Home, and a hand crafted tree ornament.
  19. Lee Brazil : copies of Word Play or And the Prompt Is, and And the Prompt Is The Holiday Edition.
  20. Sue Brown : Choice of backlist.
  21. Shannon West : copy of Come Hell or High Water.
  22. Laura Tolomei : an Ebook of my new release The Pirate’s Surrender.
  23. Z.A. Maxfield : one copy of each of my holiday stories.
  24. Lisa Worrall : one copy of each of my holiday stories, Too Much Christmas Spirt and Mr Popsalos.
  25. A.J. Jarett : $25 gift card to Amazon and a pdf of my book Fate’s Second Chance.
  26. Pink Squirrel Press : an ebook copy of our m/m seasonal anthology – Winter Warmers.
  27. PD Singer : one story from my backlist and a PD Singer keychain flashlight.
  28. Sloan Parker : a copy of my upcoming release, Take Me Home.
  29. Megan Slayer : $5 GC to changeling.
  30. Sara York : A $20 gift certificate to Amazon.
Happy hopping!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Stuff Your Stockings Christmas Blog Hop!


Merry Christmas, kids! I'm super excited to be writing my first blog hop post. Let it be the first of many!

Over the next three days, Dec. 16th-18th, nearly 200 authors/publishers will be giving away prizes on their blogs. To find this glory goodness, go to this link: The Blog Hop Spot. They have all the names and prizes listed. To sum up: over $450 in gift cards, 150+ ebooks, jewelry, gift baskets, Christmas ornaments, a KINDLE FIRE (don't miss that one! Blogger nr. 78), and all sorts of stuff.

But before you click the link, check out MY prizes! I'm giving away an e-copy of my upcoming release of Hot Hands, the first short story in the College Fun and Gays series. It will be released on January 8th 2012. I'm also giving an e-copy of my debut novel, A Life Without You, which will be released by MLR Press early next year. AND a $15 gift certificate from the Hot Hands publisher No Boundaries Press (their store will launch in the beginning of January). 

I know! It sucks! No one will receive my prizes before Christmas, but I promise they're worth waiting for. I'll randomly draw three winners, one for each prize.

I'm not going to make you jump through hoops to enter. Of course I would love it if you would follow my blog - but if you have little or no interest in keeping up with my future ramblings and m/m related things, then I won't ask you to follow for the mere sake of following. There's little point in that ^.^

Just leave a comment below and an online way for me to reach you if you win (email, facebook link, anything). You don't even have to check my blog again to see if you won, though I will announce the winners ;) You know, bragging rights and all.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Christmas Prizes


I'm taking part in the Stuff Your Stockings Christmas Blog Hop that takes place between 16th and 18th of December. There are just under 200 authors/publishers taking part with prizes like books, gift cards, and ornaments, jewelries, etc. We're talking over $400 in gift cards (combined) and 150+ books. How cool is that?

I'm giving away one copy of Hot Hands, one of A Life Without You, and a $15 gift card from a publisher's book shop (because buying directly from the publisher is how the authors get the most into their lint-filled pockets). I will draw three winners, each will win one of the prizes above.

I've been preparing myself for those two days by finding all the people who are offering m/m books - because that's the only thing I read these days. I figure it will give f/m readers more chance if I don't sign up for those ;) If anyone wants that list, I'll be happy to send it (just give me a few more days until all prizes are up on the official Blog Hop page.

Anyway, super fun ^.^ Super exciting!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Official Cover for 'A Life Without You'!

www.ericapike.com

Tonight is a night for me to come squeeing. I just got the official cover for my debut novel!

A Life Without You is the first novel in the Boston Boys series and features Adam Maxwell and Jesse Jefferson who share a room in a dorm. Adam is head over heels for Jesse, but unless Jesse can crawl out of the closet, there might not be a future for the two. What complicates matters even worse is that Jesse, despite his feelings for Adam, already has someone else in his life.

I don't have a release date for A Life Without You, but it should be within the next month or two.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Inspiration in the Strangest Places

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After having exhausted my one and a half hour of inspiration while I was trying to fall asleep last night, I felt very uninspired this morning. So I went out for a walk.

There wasn't much wind, for a change, and not a lot of clouds in the sky. The walk did me good. I saw a bunch of horses, birds on lakes, reindeer moss ripe for the picking, sun and the moon in the sky at the same time (the sun takes a hike in the winter, but the moon never leaves), paw prints in the black sand, fields and fields of moss-covered lava with long, wide cracks splitting the earth, and the ever-unruly sea clashing against black rocks. When I bent down to pick up a plump berry that was oddly still there after all the harsh weather and cold lately, a whole scene and a plot device flashed through my mind. 

Inspired? Yes, but for the wrong story. I guess I'll have to sludge through the short story today, but I have a feeling I'll have to put my third manuscript of the Boston Boys series until I've finished writing that viking story of mine.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Answer to Pastor Tom Vineyard's Anti-Human Rights Letter

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November 18th 2011


Dear Pastor Tom Vineyard,

I read your letter to the Oklahoma City Council regarding adding sexual orientation to Equal Employment Opportunity and Discrimination in the City’s employee non-discrimination policy. There were a few things that I’d like to point out:

So what if homosexuals make more money on average than heterosexuals and have higher professorial/managerial positions? I’m glad that you’re able to cast them in such good light and who how hard workers they are. They’re making money for the society and there’s nothing negative about that – unless done illegally, which, I would think, is more is more of a heterosexual thing (take the Enron guys, for example, because we’re so fond of throwing out random cases). That doesn’t mean that homosexuals shouldn’t get protection from being discriminated against. If they’re NOT being discriminated against, then what’s the harm in adding it to the policy?

As for Gay Pride, I’m sure that you’ve read enough about it to know that the reason for the nudity and open sex is to create awareness of free rights and liberty (you know, what America is supposed to stand for). Everyone is allowed to express themselves freely, right?

NAMBLA should be shut down, but regardless, it does NOT represent gay men. It represents men who are attracted to boys who are minors. That is a psychological disease, unlike homosexuality. To associate the two is pure ignorance.

Where exactly did you see that "fact" about Lesbian Avengers priding itself of recruiting young girls? And why do you see that as a negative thing? Young girls - as in girls under 18 - can also be lesbians and is it not good that they get proper support? You can't honestly think that lesbian Avengers have ulterior motives to recruiting "young girls". You don’t seriously think that they’re recruiting them to sexually abuse them, do you? Oh wait, my next point:

Homosexuals are responsible for 33% of child molestation? If that is true (which I very much doubt - because even though men abuse boys, those men aren't homosexuals), well that just means that 67% is at the hands of heterosexuals. Plus, even if it were true, that means that 19 in 20 homosexuals are NOT molesters and they shouldn't have to suffer because of that 1 in 20. This study you refer to was made in 1986, which was when homosexuals were under heavy fire for being who they are, so I very much doubt its validity. I would like to see a more recent study to verify this, since, if this study was done without the intent to specifically cast homosexuals in bad light, more people have come out since then (Wiki says 2-13% and 20% of having had homosexuals “feelings” – but Wiki’s not generally considered a reputable source, but it’s pretty safe, usually) and I’m sure that number of homosexual offenders much lower as a result. Here, check out this site, or any number of sites if you just google Homosexuality and Child Abuse:
This one‘s even better, because it speaks of how religious groups have distorted facts and claims made by scientists: http://www.internationalorder.org/scandal_response.html 
Honestly, try googling it and read some unbiased scientific reports – not the ones written by religious people or gay activists.

Gay people cause half of murders in the large cities? Seriously? Yes, it was stated Kaifetz, but you’re going to take the word of one bigoted hater over real facts? Oh, of course you are, because he’s of the same mindset as you are. Still, if there were any such statistics, it was in 1992! Way outdated, I’d say. Don’t you have anything more recent? With a quick search, I couldn’t find any data on it at all, because sexual orientation isn’t generally noted when people are caught committing crimes – or that’s what one source said.

"John Muhammed and John Lee Malvo(the DC Snipers) were homosexual lovers." 
So? Fred and Rosemary West were a heterosexual couple. Personally, I think that murdering family is more cold hearted than murdering strangers - though, of course, all murder is wrong and evil. Muhammed and Malvo are one in how many overall criminal couples?

The same goes for Andrew Cunanan – honestly, I could throw out heterosexual names of criminals. It wouldn’t prove a point except that most murders are probably caused by heterosexuals (yes, I’m saying ‘probably’ because I didn’t bother to do the research).

“30,000 of the sexually abused children in Los Angeles were the victims of homosexuals.” 
Kaifetz again. 1992 again – no, wait, data from 1978 to 1994! Ooh, that’s a little more recent. I’d like to see this data. Actually, I would like to see a more recent data – preferably something within the past five to seven years. Confusing man-boy molestations for being homosexual molestation again (check out those links again)? I think it’s likely.

Nowhere does it say that Jerry Sandusky is gay. He is, however, a vile pedophile (as in a man-boy molester). We already established that that’s not the same thing.

“In another study, 43% of homosexuals surveyed admitted to having 500 or more partners in their lifetime. 28% admitted to 1,000 or more partners in their lifetime. This would explain why homosexuals account for between 70-80% of the hepatitis cases in San Francisco, 66% in New York City, 56% in Toronto, and 42% in Montreal. It would also explain why 78% of homosexuals are affected by sexually transmitted diseases.”
Goodness! Where are you getting these numbers? Is there a reason you didn’t include sources? Is this maybe something from 1966? Or 1978? Because the last I knew, homosexuals are very aware and use protection. Plus, none of the ones I know (and I know quite a few) have a sexually transmitted disease. I guess I found friends in the 22% that are not infected – how lucky is that? And 43% of how many surveyed? Ten? Twenty? Now, as a scientific researcher, I’m pretty sure that the 28% is a part of the 43% who say that they’ve had sex with over 1,000, but there’s no need to point that out, right? But honestly, include sources if you’re going to throw out numbers like these, so that we can see just how valid they are.

Was “Unlimited Access” (during the Clinton Administration) written by one man with no backup, or were there actual sources, like written records? Were they just rumors, perhaps? Or was the carpenter an anti-gay who was trying to get his gay employees fired? Now, I’m all for firing people if they are having sex on pay-time, but it was after work hours, right? If it’s just slander then you can see very clearly why protection is important, can’t you? And if it wasn’t slander? How many heterosexual people have had sex in inappropriate places? Hey! Clinton! Monica Lewinsky, anyone? Same room, perhaps? Oh my, Clinton’s must have been coerced by a sexual spirit in his office created by the gays. It wasn’t his fault after all!

And the female employees having sex in the shower? Same as the above. I wonder if Clinton was coerced to take Lewinsky down there as well…

John Hinson also had sex in an official building? Wow, what a naughty, naughty capital you have there. Don’t try to tell me that the heterosexual people were innocent. I could count out a number of “indecent exposure and sexual performances” in many places by heterosexual people. Even highly respected heterosexual senators. Yes! Why not condemn those married men with family who have a little “fun” on the side instead of focusing your condemnation on homosexuals who aren't doing anything differently. Honestly, homosexual are “normal” people as well, only with a different sexuality. Seriously, counting out all these tiny little things to prove a silly point that doesn’t even get proven at the end of your letter.

Now, when your country was founded, marriage of teenagers was allowed. Africans were slaves, Natives were treated like shit, and women were sold or traded as wives. Seriously, things change and with time people open their eyes to see that what once was, was wrong. It’s sad that homosexuals (like African-Americans and Natives in the past) have to fight for basic human rights. I’m amazed that someone who is supposed to spread the word of God and Jesus and love has the right to condemn people for being who they are. Are priests really supposed to spread the word of hate? Are they supposed to stand in the way of human rights?

Then you go and mention things way in the past: George Washington 1778, John David Michaelis 1814, Patricia Nordman 1963. Why are you so stuck in the past? You know, that’s the basic problem with the church. More recent quotes and data would help your case so much better. But then you can’t find anything more recent, can you?

Oh and those homosexuals who have been “saved out of homosexuality”? Psst, they’re still homosexuals! It’s possible to fake it, get married and have kids. But deep down, they are still homosexuals with all those sinful desires that will plunge them in hell – if people like you have a say in where we go.

“The evidence is overwhelming that there is absolutely no need or that there should be no consideration of including sexual orientation in the equality employment opportunity and discrimination sections of the city’s employment non-discrimination policy. I humbly call upon you to do what is right for all of the citizens of our great city, not a small portion who are seeking preferential treatment and status.” There was very little evidence. In fact, there was nothing relevant. Just ravings of old facts (that weren’t really facts, or can easily be disputed as such) and opinions. In fact, you have shown that there is very much need for the protection. If you think there’s no need for it, then what’s the harm?

I am fortunate to be a northern European where GLBT rights have developed into the twentieth first century. I suppose I’m fortunate as well that I’m not a lesbian (I’m only recently divorced and a mother of two kids – that’s proof enough to you that I’m heterosexual, right?) and haven’t lived through the bigotry and judgment most of them have. Go right ahead and call me lesbian if it’s the only thing that would make sense to you after everything I’ve written. I don’t mind. I’d be proud to be one. And if I’m going to fry in hell for all eternity? Well, if that’s where the tolerant and fun homosexuals are going, then that’s just fine by me.

Sincerely,

Erica Pike
Author

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

First Cover!

My First Cover!

People! We have an official cover! No Boundaries Press is working super fast (honestly, they answer my emails within minutes if it's during waking-hours in America). It was designed by lovely Dakota Trace, and she nailed it on first try. 

This is the first of five short stories in the College Fun and Gays series. They are all independent of each other, but all take place in a college and/or dorm. The other covers will have that college building, but a different photo above it and a different color (I think). 

So far, NBP have been amazing to work with. We haven't begun on the edits, but those girls are so sweet and energetic, and ready to answer every question I have. I also get a whole lot of say in the cover art (we're working on the next two as I'm writing this). 

So yeah, Hot Hands will be out in January 2012 and will possibly be my debut - if A Life Without You won't be released by then (I still don't have a date on that one). 

Friday, November 11, 2011

Signed with No Boundaries Press


I know, I know, I promised segments, but I still haven't written a single one! I'm so sorry. It's just that things have been super busy lately.

The latest news is that I've signed three contracts with No Boundaries Press for my series of short stories: College Fun and Gays. These three stories are Hot Hands, A Grade-A-Sex Deal, and The Walls Have Ears. I'm writing the fourth, but all in all they will be five. Hot Hands will be released in January 2012, A Grade-A-Sex Deal in February, etc. When all have been released, they will be gathered into an anthology.

Each story is independent of the other, 10-15k long, and they really have nothing in common other than taking place in a college/dorm. There's a deep theme in each, like bullying, rejection after coming out, deep insecurities, and struggling with coming to terms with one's sexuality (haven't decided what the fifth will be). But each also centers around love and of course there's hot sex in every single one.

No Boundaries Press is a new publishing company. In fact, it's so new that they're only releasing their first batch of books in January 2012. I'm super excited to be working with them, because these girls are fantastic and very, very organized. They pay 60% royalty on ebooks - which is beyond generous - and chase away all of heir books from pirate sites (how cool is that??). They also hold workshops on copyright and piracy, promotions, and branding (and more to come in the future), hold giveaways and competitions. They have a book review blog that reviews books from all over the place. Aaand they have their own Promotions Director, who actively helps No Boundaries Press promote their authors.

Cool? I'd say so ^.^

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

My First Book Deal!

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I've been neglecting my blog BIG time, but it is time to get back to work and start blogging.

The news that made my year is that I got signed by MLR Press for my debut: A Life Without You!! I received the email last Thursday and sent the signed contracts the following day. I sent the blurbs and cover art request on Monday, so now I just sit and wait to get started on the edits! Well, I'm not sitting idly, mind you, I'm writing the synopsis for the next book in this independent series: Eric. That one's even better than A Life Without You.

So, to keep my ass on the subject, I'm introducing two new segments to my blog: Friday Five Stars and Music Monday. Okay, that's not really writing-related, but it's fun! 

I read a lot and every Friday I'll talk about the books I've rated five stars over the week. If I haven't given a book five stars some week, I'll talk about an impressive book I've read in the past. 

On Mondays I will post a video from You Tube of an Icelandic band - with lyrics in English. This is just to show the world that we have better musicians than Bjork and Sigurros! I mean, come on, we do have some NORMAL artists who are outstanding in their craft...

I'll try to blog at least three times a week, but I don't like to schedule my time too much or I'll get a nasty mental block. Oh, and if I've sunk into a manuscript I'm practically dead to the world...but I'll do my best!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Photos by Dan Skinner!

Photo by Dan Skinner, owned by Erica Pike ^.^

Last night I made an amazing investment - I bought two photos by Dan Skinner! He's my favorite photographer by far. The one I posted above is for my Twitter, blog, and the website I'm working on. The other one is for a series of short stories I'm working on and it will be revealed when I start selling them.

Isn't it beautiful?

Pure work of art!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Gay Lit Galore

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Oh my goodness, will you check out my banner above with all the pretty books I've read this year! Wow, I never read that many YA books last year when I was writing YA. I guess I really got sucked into this category. I still have 22 more to-read on my Kindle and 18 marked extra to-read on Goodreads. 

I'm still stuck in contemporary, although I almost only read YA paranormal the past few years. I've finished all of Ethan Day's books, I'm working on the rocker Conquest series, discovered a hilarious William Maltese and his Diary of a Hustler, and then there's this short story, One of Those Days, (currently free on his website - definitely one to read) that really surprised me and makes me want to buy everything by Zathyn Priest.

I did read one short werewolf story, One Wild Wish by Devon Rhodes, so I'm kind of excited to start exploring that genre. I mean, what's more masculine than two buffed wolves thrashing around, rrraawwwrrrr. 

I can't wait to read more.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Royal Research

Written on May 19 2011

My favorite gay musician and public figure, Paul Oscar (image)


Isn't it great when you enjoy writing a story so much that the words just fly off your fingertips? That's how it is for me right now (yay!). I have written 46,000 words in three weeks and I probably have around 10,000 to go before Eric's story is complete. I might even complete it over this weekend! 

There is so much more humor in this one, because that's the kind of guy Eric is. People who see me writing and giggling crazy at the same time must think I'm mad, but I don't care, because I'm loving every minute I spend on this story and I think I'll get a little sad once I'm done. All I can say is that I have a very good feeling about this one. 

I've had to do quite a bit of research, because it deals with more external matters than the other one. There's also this little fact that I don't live in America, so I had to do a whole lot of research on gay rights over there (hetero rights and gay rights are the same over here - church weddings and everything...except for blood donations, I suppose. I think they're following international regulations). May I just mention here that our Prime Minister is lesbian? That's how tolerant my people are. I'm not bragging, I just hope that the rest of the world catches up soon!

I have also had to research a lot about school systems, hospital bills, and a little bit of drug abuse. Also stylish furniture, popular music, sexy male actors, and trendy clothes and hair products (because Eric's a pretty fashionable guy). Then, of course, there were sex positions, pleasure spots, and body hair (I came across this hilarious article about a guy who decided to shave his butt for the first time. I guess I can link it since this is a +18 thread - but I must insert a warning here! It's groooss. And I mean gross, but oh-so-funny. I laughed so hard that I cried). 

I don't know how many hours I've spent all in all on research, but may I just say thank goodness for the internet

First Novel Manuscript Completed!

Written on May 4 2011
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I just finished my first full-length manuscript in the gay genre. I have written other manuscripts in other genres, so it's not a complete first novel. But there's nothing like the feel of accomplishment when you close the newly completed manuscript.

This one is about a romance between two roommates (Adam and Jesse) in a college dormitory. Basically one of them is gay and the other straight and has a girlfriend, but there's this passionate tension between the two guys. The big question is if Jesse can come to terms with flushing his future plans down the drain to be with Adam or not.

The genre is gay (duh) erotica, but there's a whole lot of romance, humor, and a bit of drama (isn't there in every gay novel?)

I have started on an independent sequel starring Eric, the minor character from Adam and Jesse's book. Adam and Jesse will also make appearances, but I decided to write a book about Eric instead of a sequel around the other two, because Eric became such a strong and interesting character that he demanded a book of his own. I absolutely love that guy.

I had a lot of fun writing Adam and Jesse's story, but I think I'll have even more fun with this one.