Recently I had the pleasure of answering questions posed by @frayedmuse, Natasha Hollerup, of Twitter. She’s working on an interesting project at My Melting Pot, @the_meltingpot on Twitter.

My interview is one of many she’ll host throughout the year.

As always, all types of writers are invited to participate. If you’ve played before, we’re thrilled to have you return. If this is your first time, we hope you’ll find joy in participating. In support of independent authors and publishing, I hope you’ll put the good word out about the authors and the game. Intellectual, creative, and artistic discourse should be extended to everyone who is willing to participate with maturity and good will toward fellow artists. Put the word out on your blogs, twitter pages, myspace, facebook, wherever it is you think interested minds will find it. AND if there is an author whose work touches you, please leave a comment. Putting a specific word out for him/her would be great, too:). Thanks, Nola
Thanks to all who have submitted phrases. And a big thank you to all who will submit creative works. Have fun. All are welcome to participate! Thank you so much for playing; please send submissions to nolaerus [@t] yahoo [d0t] com with “#journalling game” in the subject line.

Here are the guidelines:

Willing participants choose one or more of the phrases as their inspiration for a written piece of their own. Types of writing that may be submitted include, but will not be limited to, short stories, poems, lists, and songs. Whatever you want to write. Topics are broad, too. In addition, the chosen phrase should be included in the piece someplace–creative incorporation, bending to fit your work, is allowed. Remember, too, that it is not necessary that you write erotica:). I do write erotica, and many of the entries are erotic to some degree, but we appreciate all artistic endeavors and types of writing.

Submissions may be made anonymously–I’ll post with your id protected–or they may include your twitter contact (@) and other information if you like. For instance, if you keep a blog, send the URL, too, and I’ll send people to your pages:). We’ll grow a supportive network for ourselves.

I recommend that you dedicate only 5-10 minutes to the journal exercise, writing primarily off the cuff, but you should write only as you are comfortable, using as little or as much time as you need.

We are all winners here as this is a friendly group.

Comments are appreciated, but please appreciate, too, the guts it takes to submit creative pieces; keep comments constructive and kind, please.

Phrases Coming Soon.

Judging for the final #journaling game of 2009 is completed. Three judges–two unknown to me and one my personal mentor–read blind copies of each of these works. These judges, writing coaches and instructors, have conveyed deep respect and appreciation for the quality of the writing and the artistic spirits shining through.

As with any competition with prizes at stake, only a few folks will take home prizes this time, but as always comradery, conversation, and goodwill abound for all
who participate, readers and writers alike.

Thank you to G.C, H.S, and J.M, our anonymous judges. Thanks to all of you who write and read. I’ve had such fun with you in 2009, and I look forward to a year of writing and learning together.

In Poetry, two prizes:

@HushMel with “Helpless, Glutton” and @PapaTomLa with “Shutting Down.”

in Prose, two prizes:

@RubiJayne with “Waiting Is Torture” and @PandaDementia with “The Hidden, Frightening Things.”

Judging Process:
1. Three Writing/Reading Judges
2. Blind Copy of Each Piece, Numbered for ID
3. Each Piece Rated by a Score of 1-5, Tabulated Between the Three.
4. Finally, Our Judges Met to Discuss the Merit of Each Work.

Comments on each work are available for a limited time should the authors desire feedback. Please let me know if you are interested in such feedback.

Prizes are graciously sponsored by @AdamandEve and @DarkTideTees

As always, all types of writers are invited to participate. If you’ve played before, we’re thrilled to have you return. If this is your first time, we hope you’ll find joy in participating. In support of independent authors and publishing, I hope you’ll put the good word out about the authors and the game. Intellectual, creative, and artistic discourse should be extended to everyone who is willing to participate with maturity and good will toward fellow artists. Put the word out on your blogs, twitter pages, myspace, facebook, wherever it is you think interested minds will find it. AND if there is an author whose work touches you, please leave a comment. Putting a specific word out for him/her would be great, too:). Thanks, Nola

Thanks to all who have submitted phrases. And a big thank you to all who will submit creative works. Have fun. All are welcome to participate! Thank you so much for playing; please send submissions to nolaerus [@t] yahoo [d0t] com with “#journalling game” in the subject line.

Here are the guidelines:

Willing participants choose one or more of the phrases as their inspiration for a written piece of their own. Types of writing that may be submitted include, but will not be limited to, short stories, poems, lists, and songs. Whatever you want to write. Topics are broad, too. In addition, the chosen phrase should be included in the piece someplace–creative incorporation, bending to fit your work, is allowed. Remember, too, that it is not necessary that you write erotica:). I do write erotica, and many of the entries are erotic to some degree, but we appreciate all artistic endeavors and types of writing.

Submissions may be made anonymously–I’ll post with your id protected–or they may include your twitter contact (@) and other information if you like. For instance, if you keep a blog, send the URL, too, and I’ll send people to your pages:). We’ll grow a supportive network for ourselves.

I recommend that you dedicate only 5-10 minutes to the journal exercise, writing primarily off the cuff, but you should write only as you are comfortable, using as little or as much time as you need.

We are all winners here as this is a friendly group.

Comments are appreciated, but please appreciate, too, the guts it takes to submit creative pieces; keep comments constructive and kind, please.

Phrases:

1. “My heart has been breaking and healing ever since I recognized you.” Anonymous
2. “helpless” @cadcameron
3. “Baby, you taste of me.” @waveman808
4. “Love is a flame that should never turn cold.” @taboolarossi
5. “Love that lasts is not finding the perfect person, but seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” @classydanny
6. “nothing separating us but skin” @marieiris
7. “mercury-drop eyes, pinprick heart” @sensualstories
8. “realized I was optional” @citydifferent
9. “I tasted with her the hidden frightening things” From Zenna Henderson’s, “Ararat”. @coyotetoo

Special Announcement:

This #journaling game session will conclude with prizes for a few lucky players. @adamandeve and @darktidetees have sponsored awesome gifts for some folks to gain.

This session’s submissions include:
“Helpless” by @badbadgirlx
“Helpless, Glutton” by @hushmel
“Remembrance ” by @big_diel
Baby, You Taste of Me by @notoriousflirt
Better Than I Was by @cadcameron
Calliope by @acrichards
I Surrender All by @sensualstories
Love So Deep by @thatquirkygirl
Menage by @nettagyrl
Nothing But Skin by @marieiris
She’s My Babykat by @NOTlolabatling
Shutting Down by @papatomla
The Hidden, Frightening Things by @pandadementia

As always, all types of writers are invited to participate. If you’ve played before, we’re thrilled to have you return. If this is your first time, we hope you’ll find joy in participating. In support of independent authors and publishing, I hope you’ll put the good word out about the authors and the game. Intellectual, creative, and artistic discourse should be extended to everyone who is willing to participate with maturity and good will toward fellow artists. Put the word out on your blogs, twitter pages, myspace, facebook, wherever it is you think interested minds will find it. AND if there is an author whose work touches you, please leave a comment. Putting a specific word out for him/her would be great, too:). Thanks, Nola

Thanks to all who have submitted phrases. And a big thank you to all who will submit creative works. Have fun. All are welcome to participate! Thank you so much for playing; please send submissions to nolaerus [@t] yahoo [d0t] com with “#journalling game” in the subject line.

Here are the guidelines:

Willing participants choose one or more of the phrases as their inspiration for a written piece of their own. Types of writing that may be submitted include, but will not be limited to, short stories, poems, lists, and songs. Whatever you want to write. Topics are broad, too. In addition, the chosen phrase should be included in the piece someplace. Remember, too, that it is not necessary that you write erotica:). I do write erotica, and many of the entries are erotic to some degree, but we appreciate all artistic endeavors and types of writing.

Submissions may be made anonymously–I’ll post with your id protected–or they may include your twitter contact (@) and other information if you like. For instance, if you keep a blog, send the URL, too, and I’ll send people to your pages:). We’ll grow a supportive network for ourselves.

I recommend that you dedicate only 5-10 minutes to the journal exercise, writing primarily off the cuff, but you should write only as you are comfortable, using as little or as much time as you need.

We are all winners here as this is a friendly group.

Comments are appreciated, but please appreciate, too, the guts it takes to submit creative pieces; keep comments constructive and kind, please.

Phrases will be added soon. To view them meanwhile, please check my tweets.

Big things happened for erotica, sensuality, and feminine liberation today.  If you don’t believe me, and especially if you do, please check out Ravenous Romance for an opportunity to read this sizzling collection edited by @reginaperry and published by Ravenous.  These stories, 12 from 12 diverse voices/ authors, act like a 12-step program to sensual liberation.  Sexy stories.  Perfect, building climax.  Orgasmic delivery.  Where else can you get all that for under $5.00.  Times are hard, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t show how hard you can get in return, now is there?  Join a team of writers that understands your needs, your desires, and delve into our stories.  These servings are generous, fulfilling, and mesmerizing. You’ll be so glad you took the chance at a taste and decided on the whole delicious smorgasbord.:)

Synopsis

“This book is what erotic writing is all about. I highly recommend this for all avid readers of erotica or for those willing to explore a new genre.” –You Gotta Read Reviews (rated “You Gotta Read,” the highest rating)

You’ve heard Katy Perry’s hit song. Now read thirteen hot, enticing stories of women’s first same-sex encounters. Women, ever ingenious and imaginative, find multiple solutions to enliven college life, survive the workday, rescue a tedious vacation, mend lonely hearts, or spice up a relationship.

Contributors include:

C. Margery Kempe

Lousia Bacio

Inara Lavey

Samantha Jones

K. Ann Karlsson

Kilt Kilpatrick

Nola Erus

Farrah J. Phoenix

Jen Bluekissed

L.A. Mistral

Lucy Felthouse

Regina Perry

Warning: Stories within this anthology may elicit arousal, regardless of sexual persuasion.

Hello, #journaling game participants (Phrase Submitters, Writers, and Readers!)! Last session, we used more phrases than ever–14, I think. The interest was amazing. We treated that as an experiment, and I would say it was a great success. This session, we are returning to a tight five-phrase game. I’d like to see how the number of phrases affects the competition, the support, and the participation in the writing part of the game. As always, all types of writers are invited to participate. If you’ve played before, we’re thrilled to have you return. If this is your first time, we hope you’ll find joy in participating. In support of independent authors and publishing, I hope you’ll put the good word out about the authors and the game. Intellectual, creative, and artistic discourse should be extended to everyone who is willing to participate with maturity and good will toward fellow artists. Put the word out on your blogs, twitter pages, myspace, facebook, wherever it is you think interested minds will find it. AND if there is an author whose work touches you, please leave a comment. Putting a specific word out for him/her would be great, too:). Thanks, Nola

Thanks to all who have submitted phrases. And a big thank you to all who will submit creative works. Have fun. All are welcome to participate! Thank you so much for playing; please send submissions to nolaerus [@t] yahoo [d0t] com with “#journalling game” in the subject line.

Here are the guidelines:

Willing participants choose one or more of the phrases as their inspiration for a written piece of their own. Types of writing that may be submitted include, but will not be limited to, short stories, poems, lists, and songs. Whatever you want to write. Topics are broad, too. In addition, the chosen phrase should be included in the piece someplace. Remember, too, that it is not necessary that you write erotica:). I do write erotica, and many of the entries are erotic to some degree, but we appreciate all artistic endeavors and types of writing.

Submissions may be made anonymously–I’ll post with your id protected–or they may include your twitter contact (@) and other information if you like. For instance, if you keep a blog, send the URL, too, and I’ll send people to your pages:). We’ll grow a supportive network for ourselves.

I recommend that you dedicate only 5-10 minutes to the journal exercise, writing primarily off the cuff, but you should write only as you are comfortable, using as little or as much time as you need.

We are all winners here as this is a friendly group.

Comments are appreciated, but please appreciate, too, the guts it takes to submit creative pieces; keep comments constructive and kind, please.

And the phrases this time are:

1. “Your scent is like a fine, full bodied wine that lingers after your gone.” (@nettagyrl)
2. “The apartment next door was empty, and the door was unlocked.” (@big_diel)
3. “”Whisper to me your desire, and I will mouth my intent.” (@taboolarossi)
4. “He asked her to dance…” (@marieiris)
5. “Scenes flip through her mind like a viewfinder, causing her to shiver.” anonymous

Wow. There are a lot of phrase submissions for this game, and I imagine that if I hadn’t posted a call out so late in the day, there would have been more. Right now, we are at 13 phrases, but I hope to add one from @coyotetoo that came in too late last time. If you remember what you submitted, Howling Man, please send it again. I can’t find it in my DMs.

Thanks to all who have submitted phrases. And a big thank you to all who will submit creative works. Have fun. All are welcome to participate! Thank you so much for playing; please send submissions to nolaerus [@t] yahoo [d0t] com with “#journalling game” in the subject line.

Here are the guidelines:

Willing participants choose one or more of the phrases as their inspiration for a written piece of their own. Types of writing that may be submitted include, but will not be limited to, short stories, poems, lists, and songs. Whatever you want to write. Topics are broad, too. In addition, the chosen phrase should be included in the piece someplace. Remember, too, that it is not necessary that you write erotica:). I do write erotica, and many of the entries are erotic to some degree, but we appreciate all artistic endeavors and types of writing.

Submissions may be made anonymously–I’ll post with your id protected–or they may include your twitter contact (@) and other information if you like. For instance, if you keep a blog, send the URL, too, and I’ll send people to your pages:). We’ll grow a supportive network for ourselves.

I recommend that you dedicate only 5-10 minutes to the journal exercise, writing primarily off the cuff, but you should write only as you are comfortable, using as little or as much time as you need.

We are all winners here as this is a friendly group.

Comments are appreciated, but please appreciate, too, the guts it takes to submit creative pieces; keep comments constructive and kind, please.

And the phrases this time are:
1. “There was no point in giving out her real name…” Beloved, Toni Morrison. Submitted by me:)
2. “Don’t you need a Ouija Board and some Chicken Bones?” - Tara in True Blood (via @purplehayz)
3. “Buccal area” ( a mouth, essentially). (via @ta152h)
4. “So, are congratulations in order?” (via @PandaDementia)
5. “She wore sexy as if it was created for her” (via @TabooLaRossi)
6. “Pearls” submitted by me based on the interest surrounding my pearl leash yesterday:)
7. “the scent on her thighs was familiar, and it took him a moment to recognize it as a boyfriend’s” (via @waveman808)
8. “Dreaming of silky things, crossing hot thighs.” (via @jbdebienville)
9. “My lips would have known enigmas of shadowy vistas” (via @mizhelena)
10. “vaguely, he remembered washing the sheets, her scent almost plastic now, afterwards.” (via @ta152h)
11. “they lay in the grass like children, making shapes out of the clouds….” (via @marieiris)
12. “I knew she was being paid, but her eyes bore in to mine like she had longed for me 4 a lifetime” (via @nancynelson23)
13. “the imprint of their bodies remained” (via @farrahjphoenix)

14. “Where the wild things are is where I am most at home.”—Kim Antieau, de Lint’s “Memory and Dream” (via @coyotetoo)

I hope so many possibilities will lead to delicious possibilities, results. We may go back to the 5-6 phrase prompts, though. This is an experiment.:)

Well, it’s still July 7th somewhere, right? Although a little late in arriving, our #journaling game has begun again. All are welcome to participate! Thank you so much for playing; please send submissions to nolaerus [@t] yahoo [d0t] com with “#journalling game” in the subject line.

Here are the guidelines:

Willing participants choose one or more of the phrases as their inspiration for a written piece of their own. Types of writing that may be submitted include, but will not be limited to, short stories, poems, lists, and songs. Whatever you want to write. Topics are broad, too. In addition, the chosen phrase should be included in the piece someplace. Remember, too, that it is not necessary that you write erotica:). I do write erotica, and many of the entries are erotic to some degree, but we appreciate all artistic endeavors and types of writing.

Submissions may be made anonymously–I’ll post with your id protected–or they may include your twitter contact (@) and other information if you like. For instance, if you keep a blog, send the URL, too, and I’ll send people to your pages:). We’ll grow a supportive network for ourselves.

I recommend that you dedicate only 5-10 minutes to the journal exercise, writing primarily off the cuff, but you should write only as you are comfortable, using as little or as much time as you need.

We are all winners here as this is a friendly group.

Comments are appreciated, but please appreciate, too, the guts it takes to submit creative pieces; keep comments constructive and kind, please.

Feel free to send readers to the #journalling game. Stories and other written pieces yearn to be read.

The phrases for today’s #journaling game are:

1. “speaking out loud in secret” @jbdebienville

2. “kiss me again” @marieiris

3. “I stand still as your words fall through me” a @Darque_Ebonee poem submitted by @nettagyrl

4. “theres a shadow just behind me, shrouding every step I take” “Sober” by Tool @purplehayz

5. “grabbing her fiercely by the neck, he pulled her to him” @farrahjphoenix

Than you for playing…Now, let the game commence!