Fifty Shades of...Other Tales

I find it perplexing that everyone has been talking about Fifty Shades of Gray by E.L. James

Now, don't get me wrong. I think it's great that so many people have taken interest in this series of books. It means more book sales, more readers. For everyone.

But....what has me shaking my head is that in many of the articles I've read the implication is that Fifty Shades of Gray is the first of its kind.

First of it's kind? Wait a minute? What about The Sheik by E.M. Hull, which became an international bestseller in 1921?

FROM AMAZON:
"Diana Mayo is young, beautiful, wealthy—and independent. Bored by the eligible bachelors and endless parties of the English aristocracy, she arranges for a horseback trek through the Algerian desert. Two days into her adventure, Diana is kidnapped by the powerful Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan, who forces her into submission. Diana tries desperately to resist but finds herself falling in love with this dark and handsome stranger. Only when a rival chieftain steals Diana away does the Sheik realize that what he feels for her is more than mere passion. He has been conquered—and risks everything to get her back. The power of love reaches across the desert sands, leading to the thrilling and unexpected conclusion.

One of the most widely read novels of the 1920s, and forever fixed in the popular imagination in the film version starring the irresistible Rudolph Valentino, The Sheik is recognized as the immediate precursor to the modern romance novel. When first published there was nothing like it: To readers the story was scandalous, exotic, and all-consuming; to such critics as the New York Times the book was "shocking," although written with "a high degree of literary skill." In the author's native England, the bestselling book was labeled "poisonously salacious" by the Literary Review and banned from some communities. But the public kept reading.

The influence of The Sheik on romance writers and readers continues to resonate. Despite controversy over its portrayal of sexual exploitation as a means to love, The Sheik remains a popular classic for its representation of the social order of its time, capturing contemporary attitudes toward colonialism as well as female power and independence that still strike a chord with readers today."

And The Story of O by Pauline Réage, which was published in 1954.

FROM AMAZON:
"O is a young, beautiful fashion photographer in Paris. One day her lover, Rene, takes her to a chateau, where she is enslaved, with Rene's approval, and systematically sexually assaulted by various other men. Later, Rene turns O over to Sir Stephen, an English friend who intensifies the brutality. But the final humiliation is yet to come."


Neither these are tame tales for the faint of heart. And (WARNING) The Story of O is not a romance, it does not have a happy ending. And The Sheik's happy ending is on shaky grounds.

But these two books are part of a body of work that make up the original erotic tales that helped shape the genre of erotic fiction and erotic romantic fiction (not the same thing) for decades to come.

In 2000, Ellora's Cave an erotic romance publishing company was founded. Within a few years, the company became the publisher for erotic fiction and blossomed into a multimillion dollar venture with hundreds of new titles published every year.

So how come I read in yesterday's Washington Post article extolling Fifty Shade of Gray's popularity, while the author mentioned these other books, she goes on to declare Fifty Shades of Gray as the first X-rated novel in the genre?

Surely she has not read The Story of O or The Sheik or anything published by Ellora's Cave or the multiple other erotic romance publishers out there such one of my former publishers, Whispers Publishing.

While I applaud the excitement over the story, I simply want to remind journalists that the book certainly isn't the first of it's kind. There exists a rich and deep history of this genre. I've studied it, because I've written in this genre, too.

So if you've devoured the Fifty Shades triology and are looking for more steamy books in the genre to read, here are a few erotic romances penned by my romantic alter-ego, Dorothy McFalls:

Lady Sophie's Midnight Seduction
In this SHORT STORY, Lady Sophie, a self-avowed spinster, has been happy with her independence for many years...that is until Lord Benton-Black enters her world. Now she finds her nights haunted by this man who is determined to seduce her and make her his wife.

Taken by Moonlight
Bored of society's ballrooms and events, Lady Amelia wants more from life. But not to be kidnapped! A rogue with a wildness that both frightens and excites her steals her away from the only family she’s ever known and tosses her into a world of werewolves and danger.

Neptune's Lair
It's worse than a bad hair day! Dallas's new lover is taking control in the bedroom, and an unworldly force is threatening her soul.

Mystical Seduction
Faith was looking for a one-night stand. What she got was an otherworldly hunk who appears determined to make her his sex slave.

Made in America Monday: Room and Board

It's Made in America Monday, where I feature a company that is producing (or selling) products that are made within the United States. Although you can find wonderful things made in other countries, I think sometimes we overlook the craftsmen and products that are being produced just around the corner.

So with the familiar slogan "Think Global, Act Local" in mind, I give you Made in America Monday.

From their website:

"As a Minnesota-based, privately owned company, we've been designing home furnishings for more than 30 years. Reflected in every piece of our assortment, you'll see the principles that have guided us from the very beginning. 

"As you browse our collection you will find beautiful, thoughtful designs. You will find natural materials shaped, welded and woven by dedicated craftspeople across the United States. And you will find all these things at an exceptional value. But most importantly, we hope you find inspiration. Because helping you create your ideal home is the cornerstone of our business. You are the reason we do what we love."

Find a store near you.

Or shop online.

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

IT'S HERE! IT'S FINALLY HERE!

The Scarlet Pepper!

  Order The Scarlet Pepper from your favorite bookseller today!

Made in America Monday: Lincolnton Furniture Co.

It's Made in America Monday, where I feature a company that is producing (or selling) products that are made within the United States. Although you can find wonderful things made in other countries, I think sometimes we overlook the craftsmen and products that are being produced just around the corner.

So with the familiar slogan "Think Global, Act Local" in mind, I give you Made in America Monday.

The Lincolnton Furniture Company, North Carolina

A Dream Reborn: 

From 4/8/2011 Charleston Post & Courier's "N.C. Furniture Company's Revival Has Global Message:"

"When Bruce Cochrane’s family furniture company became an empty factory, he wouldn’t drive by the building, even though it was just a short ride from home. There were just too many memories of what was, and what he was sure would never be again.

"Five generations of Cochranes had been furniture makers, starting with his great-great-grandfather, William, who built church pews in the 1850s. By the mid-1990s, though, the long, proud family tradition appeared to be at an end."

First opened in 1905, the furniture company grew. In 1986, the family-owned company employed more than 1,000. Then in 1996, the business was sold and all operations were moved overseas.

From the website:  "Today, Bruce Cochrane has joined with Bruce Hric and Phillip Null to start Lincolnton Furniture.

"Lincolnton Furniture began taking orders in October 2011 and shipping of solid wood bedroom and dining furniture will begin in January 2012. It is the continuance of the Cochrane family manufacturing and selling furniture for six generations."

Where to buy: http://www.lincolntonfurnitureco.com/where-to-buy.html

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Order The Scarlet Pepper from your favorite bookseller.

Praise for THE SCARLET PEPPER:

"The second story in this series does not disappoint.... Once you start to read this story you will have a hard time putting it down. Can't wait for volume three." ~ reader review from JudiOH

"The Scarlett Pepper is the second book in The White House Gardener Mystery series. And a very enjoyable addition it is....Looking forward to reading the next book to she how Casey and Jack handle becoming "better friends", if Casey can begin to get closure on her parents deaths when she was a child and of course being a dog lover, looking forward to more tidbits on the First Dog." ~ reader review from F. Yoder

Happy Birthday, Rosie!

Rosie, our little rescue puppy turned one this past month. We don't know the date, exactly, but we think it was a few days ago (give or take a week.)

When we first got her, she was 4 pounds and could fit easily in the palm of my hand. She's now closer to 40 pounds and frustrated that she isn't small anymore. She has growing pains aplenty. She doesn't fit neatly on our laps, can no longer hide under the sofa and treat it like a den, and can't play with our little Iona (who is 7 pounds) without making Iona nervous that this giant, bouncy beast might crush her.

But she loves how her long legs eat up the ground below her. She loves getting a bigger portion than Iona for dinner. And I think she truly enjoys trying to knock me over when she jumps up on me.

Happy birthday, you big goof! And many happy returns!

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Order The Scarlet Pepper from your favorite bookseller.

Feeling Lucky? Enter a contest...or two.

With the release of The Scarlet Pepper a little less than a month away, I've chewed my fingernails and pushed my patient husband to the end of his rope as I worry about its release. Will the readers like it? It's a little different from Flowerbed of State. But there's still plenty of twists and turns to be had.

I dare you to figure out who the villain is before Casey does!

To help take my mind off my pre-publication jitters, I'm running several contests. I hope you take a moment to enter one, or two, or all of them! Here's the details:

1. Get in on the drawing to win one of 4 copies of THE SCARLET PEPPER this week from Books On The House! Contest winners will be announced on MARCH 14, 2012!

2. Head over to Goodreads for a chance to win one of 2 copies of THE SCARLET PEPPER! Contest winners will be announced on APRIL 5, 2012!

3. Go play the fun and games over at The Romance Reviews for a chance to win tons of prizes including a copy of the book that started it all, FLOWERBED OF STATE! The contest is running for several weeks, but Flowerbed of State is being given away at the end of the week of MARCH 14 and ending MARCH 21, the prize winners will be announce MARCH 22!

As the official organic gardener for the White House, Casey Calhoun is usually up to her elbows in something or other. But when someone starts tampering with the Presidential vegetable garden, she soon finds herself in way over her head.  

As if it wasn't bad enough that red peppers are growing instead of green ones and cabbage is popping up where the First Lady's favorite lettuce should be-a hard-nosed investigative reporter is found dead after targeting the President's unpopular Chief of Staff.

Raking over the clues and rumors, Casey knows that someone is sabotaging both her garden and the First Lady's reputation. But when she has one close call too many, Casey realizes that the next thing buried in the dirt might just be her…

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:

"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

"If you are looking for a great murder mystery book with a surprise ending? You MUST read this book." ~ Ana, Once Upon A Twightlight

No wilting plants can be found in this gardening mystery!"~ Sharon Galligar Chance, Fresh Fiction

"Simply put, I adore this book, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.  Go out buy it now - you can thank me later." ~ Kat, The Season For Romance

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Look for The Scarlet Pepper in April 2012. Pre-order your copy today!

New Release Tuesday!

One of the most exciting days of the month is the first Tuesday, the day when many of the publishers release their new books.
 My book comes out NEXT MONTH (on the 1st Tuesday!)


Fire Engine Dead By Shelia Connolly

When the entire collection of the Fireman's Museum ironically goes up in flames, Nell Pratt discovers one of the charred pictures isn't the one that was originally exhibited. But getting to the bottom of the mystery is bound to get Nell burned... 

For more information or for links to buy a copy, visit the author's website: Shelia Connolly

Little Shop of Homicide by Denise Swanson

Dev Sinclair is the happy new owner of the old-fashioned shop in her small Missouri town. But if she doesn't focus on finding the killer of her ex's fiancée, this five-and-dime owner may find herself serving twenty-five to life...

"Swanson takes a break from Scumble River and delivers a top-notch new mystery featuring a dime store owner. Add two loyal friends, a local watering hope called Gossip Central and a hunky lawman and you have all the right ingredients for another successful series." ~ RT Magazine

For more information or for links to buy a copy, visit the author's website: Denise Swanson

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Look for The Scarlet Pepper in April 2012. Pre-order your copy today!

Made in America Monday: Farmhouse Yarns

It's Made in America Monday, where I feature a company that is producing (or selling) products that are made within the United States. Although you can find wonderful things made in other countries, I think sometimes we overlook the craftsmen and products that are being produced just around the corner.

So with the familiar slogan "Think Global, Act Local" in mind, I give you Made in America Monday.

This week's company is Farmhouse Yarns.

They sell wool, bamboo, cotton, alpaca yarns (just to name a few).

From their website: "Farmhouse Yarns are hand-dyed in America, and we buy much of our wool directly from American farmers.  Many are small, family farms with twenty or fewer sheep: farms that find it very difficult to compete in a global economy where foreign fibers have taken hold and driven down prices.  Farmhouse Yarns, LLC™ provides local farmers with a valuable market for their wool.  Fleeces are inspected and chosen by hand for quality, then the resulting yarns are hand-dyed to bring you the most beautiful high quality American yarns available.  We offer our yarns to fine shops all across America, so be sure to browse our retailer listing for a shop near you."

Find a retailer near you.

Do you have any suggestions for future Made in America posts? Please provide any thoughts/ideas you might have in the comment section. I'd love to feature the product and give you credit for sending it.

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Look for The Scarlet Pepper in April 2012. Pre-order your copy today!

Made in America Monday: Udon Noodle Bowl

It's Made in America Monday, where I feature a company that is producing (or selling) products that are made within the United States. Although you can find wonderful things made in other countries, I think sometimes we overlook the craftsmen and products that are being produced just around the corner.

So with the familiar slogan "Think Global, Act Local" in mind, I give you Made in America Monday.

I'm a sucker for fun design. I just bought a pair of these udon noodle bowls that were designed and made in the US by Flavour Design Studio. Don't you just love how the chopsticks perch on the top like that?

From Flavour Design Studio's website: "Flavour Design Studio is an interdisciplinary design company. Since 1999, élan has gained hands-on experience with commercial, interior, and graphic design projects. Along with contract work, Flavour's main focus is on producing contemporary home accessories carried in North America and Europe.

I strive to design products that make people say "why didn't i think of that!" My pieces aim to be clever yet elegant with a strong emphasis on ergonomics and functionality. I believe that the items you choose to surround yourself with should be interesting. They should enable you to strike up a conversation or at least make you smile."

Do you have any suggestions for future Made in America posts? Please provide any thoughts/ideas you might have in the comment section. I'd love to feature the product and give you credit for sending it.

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Look for The Scarlet Pepper in April 2012. Pre-order your copy today!

Made in America Monday: the Chevy Volt

It's Made in America Monday, where I feature a company that is producing (or selling) products that are made within the United States. Although you can find wonderful things made in other countries, I think sometimes we overlook the craftsmen and products that are being produced just around the corner.

So with the familiar slogan "Think Global, Act Local" in mind, I give you Made in America Monday.

Okay....this is my DREAM CAR. (Of the moment.) I admit it, I'm a techno geek. I love gadgets, and I've long been a fan of the electric car. I might have shed an angry tear when GM trashed the EV1. I might have even said I'd never buy another GM.

But they've returned with the Chevy Volt. And they're promising to redeem themselves with this "car of the future."

Made in the Hamtramch Assembly Plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, the Volt is primarily an electric car. It has a gas backup just to keep us from feeling nervous on our road trips.

The Details:

Electric MPG equivalent: ~90

Gas only MPG: ~35

Cost: ~$35,000+ (sighs)

Since it's President's Day, perhaps the patriotic thing for me to do is to go buy one.

Happy

Do you have any suggestions for future Made in America posts, please provide it in the comment section. I'd love to feature the product and give you credit for sending it.

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Dorothy St. James writes the White House Gardener Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Flowerbed of State is the first book in the series. Be sure to grab your copy while they're still available! Visit with Dorothy on the web or at Facebook. Or follow her on Twitter.

Praise for FLOWERBED OF STATE:
"Credible characters, a fast-paced plot, and a light look at political life in Washington, D.C., will delight cozy fans." ~ Publishers Weekly

"This spunky new romantic suspense series is an obvious pick for readers who enjoy Julie Hyzy's "White House Chef" series (Buffalo West Wing), but also think of gardening mystery series such as Rosemary Harris's (Slugfest)." ~ Library Journal

Order Flowerbed of State from your favorite bookseller. 

Look for The Scarlet Pepper in April 2012. Pre-order your copy today!

Pill Bugs, that's what's bugging me!

They're not bugs. They're not even insects. They are the beloved roly poly from our childhood.

And they've infested my garden soil.

Blech!

I want them gone.

First some quick facts:
1. They are isopods and are related to shrimp and have gills! They need a wet environment.
2. They feed only on decaying matter unless they run out of food. Large populations of them can damage crops.
3. If they have a proper food source, they can actually be beneficial to your garden.

Yeah, yeah. I get that they can be wonderful and all. But I have a problem now.

Controls:
I'd heard about putting beer into a can that buried in the soil and inviting the little buggers to the party. But I wasn't in the mood for sharing my beer.

Instead, I sprinkled horticultural grade diatomaceous earth liberally in my garden. The diatomaceous earth will dry them out, especially if they eat it. Within a few days the numbers in the soil had reduced dramatically.


YAY! My radishes no longer are getting gnawed on. Happy day in the garden again. :)

Made in America Monday: American Apparel

It's Made in America Monday, where I feature a company that is producing (or selling) products that are made within the United States. Although you can find wonderful things made in other countries, I think sometimes we overlook the craftsmen and products that are being produced just around the corner.

So with the familiar slogan "Think Global, Act Local" in mind, I give you Made in America Monday.


Continuing with the clothing theme from last week...

This week I'm featuring American Apparel a business located in downtown LA, California.

From their website: "American Apparel is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer, based in downtown Los Angeles, California. We currently employ approximately 10,000 people globally (about 5,000 in LA), and operate more than 285 retail stores in 20 countries.

Within our business model, knitting, dyeing, cutting, sewing, photography, marketing, distribution and design all happen in the company's facilities in Los Angeles. The company operates the largest garment factory in the United States, at a time when most apparel production has moved offshore. With our recently opened stores in China, we are now selling Made in USA clothing in the largest consumer market in the world.

American Apparel leverages art, design and technology to advance the business process, while continuing to pioneer industry standards of social and environmental responsibility in the workplace."


Want to learn more? You can tour their LA, California factory online: http://www.americanapparel.net/factorytour.html

If you have any suggestions for future Made in America posts, please provide it in the comment section. I'd love to feature the product and give you credit for suggesting it.

Oh you, Greenbriar: Smilax rotundifolia!

With the warm very early spring weather, it's sprouting! The vine grows with the ominous spreading speed of a creature in a horror movie. It twins up trees. Curls around buildings. Crawls across the ground.

What is this frightening plant? It's Smilax rotundifolia or Common Woody Greenbriar or numerous other common names, some of them too nasty to write here. 

The smilax is back! I need to get it out before it goes to seed.

Smilax is a vine that has both tendrils and thorns. It's the only vine to have that.

It is resistant against Round Up. If you want to use a commercial weed killer, various gardening sites recommend that you soak the leaves in the weed killer for several hours.

But I'm working on going organic. So I'm following the recommended removal practice, which is a cultural practice. This means I've been physically digging up the vine and its tubers. The tubers look like sweet potatoes to me. I have read that the young ones are good to eat and were a staple in the Native American diet. I tried it and wasn't in love with the bitter flavor. 

I went through the yard and dug up as many of the tubers as I could. They can be stubborn buggers about coming out of the ground!

Vigilance is needed to keep it from coming back, which is why I'm back in the yard battling it. I'll also need to get it out of the neighbor's vacant lot before it comes crawling into my yard.

Wish me luck!