Jun 26, 2012

Never Trust A Storm


When my first STORM novella called Stormlocked came out a few months ago, I wasn't sure how readers would respond to a tale about a supposedly normal couple whose belief in their sexual nature is turned on end by thunder and lightning.  Judging by my royalty statement I've done something right.

The whole 50 Shades of Grey excitement might have something to do with it, but I'm more inclined to believe Loose readers have long come here when they need their BDSM fix. Loose does a damn good job of offering readers a wide range of erotic romance, and the BDSM sales are particularly strong.

Like most writers, I'm always looking for a new adventure with the written word. I want to push  myself and not give readers same old same old. How could I put a unique twist on BDSM? Well, what if my couple wasn't 'into' that particular kink? They might have occasionally wondered what the appeal was and be intrigued, but that's as far as it went.

Until they're hit by a Vonna Harper storm.

The stronger the wind blows, the louder the thunder, the closer the lightning, the more violent the downpour, the more my characters are sucked into a new reality. A rugged but conservative man becomes domineering. A modern woman turns submissive. Throw in a little isolation and suddenly there's no need for clothes or restraint--except for a little rope.

Remember what I said about needing to challenge and stretch myself, well that's what I did with Stormbound by throwing one woman and two men together. I live near a river full of white water stretches as well as calm pools. During the summer jet boats race visitors up and down the river. Some are taken all the way to the Pacific Ocean while others opt for a relaxed trip to an isolated lodge where they're served luscious meals in an outdoor setting.

Hmm. So, I pondered, what if its winter and three workpeople (a female electrician and two hunks with toolbelts) are sent to do some off-season repairs. What if a storm--A STORM--hits? What if my heroine no longer sees her former high school classmates but a pair of domineering males? What if she's turned on as never before? What if nothing will satisfy them--and her--but to see her on her knees before them?

Hopefully the lodge won't spontanously combust.

  

Jun 16, 2012

TV Based On Books


Recently, I started watching Bones on Netflix.  When it first came out, I eagerly awaited the first episode.  I love Kathy Reichs books, and at one point considered taking a forensic anthropology degree (I’ve taken forensic anthropology courses as part of my physical anthro degree).  I watched the first Bones episode when it came out and was horribly, horribly disappointed.  Aside from character names and professions, in my mind, it didn’t bear any resemblance to the books I loved.

But, I’ve heard enough good things about the series that I tried again.  I like it.  I’ve always enjoyed clever mystery type shows, and ones that deal with bones are even better.  I had to make an effort to keep the books and show separate, because even though I do like it, these still aren’t the characters I came to identify with.  They’re interesting in their own right, and as long as I keep both creative entities separate, I’m good. 

True Blood suffered from a similar issue, in my opinion.  The first season followed the books closely enough that I got engaged.  In the second season, I needed to accept that True Blood was an entity in it’s own right, separate from the Sookie Stackhouse books in order to maintain my enjoyment. 

In my opinion, though, Game of Thrones is the best televised adaptation of books that I’ve read.  Anyone got any favourites? 

KC Burn
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