On March 10, 2004, Ellora's Cave released NATURAL LAW in ebook. The print version followed a year later, 3/25/2005. Some copies of that cover noted below to the left are still floating around Amazon today! Because this book was SO pivotal and significant to the evolution of my BDSM romance writing career, I've been doing several giveaways and celebratory posts on social media this week. And I want to do a GIVEAWAY here as well! Read the post below the graphic, and email me your answer to the question at the end, using storywitch@storywitch.com. The winner will get a signed print copy of Natural Law, a Natural Law quote mug, and additional surprise swag! I'll award the prize package before the next newsletter issue.
Natural Law was the FIRST book where I hit my comfort zone in writing BDSM romance with a female Dominant.
“Wait a second,” you say. “Holding the Cards was Joey’s very first F/m.”
Yes, that’s correct. However, it took me by surprise. I initially tried to write it as M/f. When it just did NOT work, the muse broke in and the following conversation ensued…
Muse: This is terrible. Nothing is moving right.
Me: Thank you. Tell me something I don’t know, Captain Obvious.
Muse: That commercial hasn’t happened yet, but thanks for putting it out there in the universe. Watch the tone. I can get cranky.
Me: Sigh. Fine. What would you suggest to fix this dumpster fire?
Muse: Hmm… Okay. Flip it. Make him the sub and her the Dom (because at that time we only knew one gender neutral term for Dominant; no Dommes).
Me: (squeak): What?! I don’t know how to write that. I’m a female sub.
Muse: Yeah, you know how. You know how a Dom makes you feel, right? And why it feels that way. Plus you’re a gd, mf writer. Put yourself in the gd, mf Dom’s stilettos (instead of manly work shoes) and get to it. Trust me. And bring me a mai-tai. Bet you can figure out how to do that, too.
Me: *Making slasher knife gestures behind muse’s back.* Fine. I’ll give it a try.
So I did it, and the story freaking TOOK OFF. Don’t ever doubt the muse. She may be a pain in the ass, but she knows her stuff. Anyhow, by the time I wrote Natural Law, I was feeling much more at ease with writing a Dom/sub story from a F/m perspective. Even more importantly, when I tapped into Mac Nighthorse’s character, I found a male submissive who could hold his own on the romance reader playing field with the male Doms. He was what I would come to call the “palace guard” style sub, where he was every bit as hot while serving and protecting his Mistress, as the Dom who did the same with his sub.
So why do I say this book was key to my writing journey? Mac paved the way for two other iconic alpha characters, Gideon and Jacob Green of the Vampire Queen series. Plus, the combined experience of writing his story AND Josh’s (Holding the Cards) helped me discover the whole lovely spectrum of alpha AND beta sub heroes, like Josh, Brendan, Marius, and the list goes on, all the way to the Mistresses of the Board Room series today.
I also don’t think it’s a stretch to say that when I figured out I could write F/m, I evolved into the realization that I could also write M/m, F/m/f, interracial, handicapped heroes, etc… Natural Law was the gateway that said, “if you can tap into the common D/s and emotional ground for XYZ characters, you CAN write them.”
GIVEAWAY: So here’s the GIVEAWAY question. Was Natural Law the first F/m BDSM romance you read that you liked? If not, what was? I’m always looking to add to my rec list on this still underappreciated sub-genre! Email me at storywitch@storywitch.com with your response and you'll be entered in the giveaway. I'll award the winner before the next newsletter issue.
And if you've never read NATURAL LAW, you can find it at your favorite vendor here.
Scott finished wrangling with Merc's wings, and I love the result! Hope you like this cover for his and Ruth's story, too. At the time of this newsletter, I'm closing in on about 90k words on the first draft, which for me is a little over halfway. My intent is to finish it before April 10, then start my 4-3-2-1 edit round count down (4 weeks first round, 3 weeks second, 2 weeks third and 1 week for the final typo/proofread). I'm crossing my fingers for a July 15 release date, but I prefer to wait until I reach the first edit round to make that decision, in case the first draft has any unexpected delays. I don't want to disappoint my readers by giving them the wrong date. As soon as we can lock that down, I'll have preorder links for you as well!
Just as a reminder of who's who in Vampire's Choice: We were introduced to Ruth in Vampire Guardian, the latest VQS book. She's Adan's sister. Her hero in Vampire's Choice, Merc, is part incubus, angel and human. Merc was introduced in Medusa’s Heart, a non-series title. A big chunk of Vampire's Choice will happen at the Circus, a setting which is also pivotal in Medusa’s Heart.
Buy Links For: Medusa’s Heart * Vampire Guardian * Vampire Queen series
Last month for Valentine's Day, I released a FREE novella for your reading pleasure, a road trip involving Ben and Marcie from Hostile Takeover (Knights of the Board Room series), and Cyn and Mick from the latest Mistresses of the Board Room book, At Her Pleasure. Click HERE to download it to your preferred device from the easy BookFunnel link, and enjoy!
In case you're looking for this in the future, it's also been added to the library of bonus content short stories and novellas at the Cantrips (Vignette) page on my website. The library selections feature characters from all across my series. Enjoy!
Don't forget the fifth Mistresses of the Board Room book, At Her Will, will release in the Fall. This will be Vera's story! You can catch up on all the other ladies' stories in the meantime (all can stand alone).
The Knights of the Board Room books have remained some of my readers' absolute favorites. All seven stories in the series are available on audio, so if you'd like to read them for the first time in this format, or enjoy a re-read in a different medium, here's your chance! Skim my full audio library here. Board Resolution, Book 1, is FREE in ebook format!
THANK YOU for the many ways you all support my work, not only by purchasing my books, but by spreading the love to other readers, through reviews or direct recommendation/discussion in online groups, or one-on-one to friends and family. It is so tremendously appreciated, and honestly is the best kind of marketing any author can have! Have a wonderful spring and blessed Ostara/Easter... 💜💙♥💗🧡
Time to check out THIS MONTH's FEATURED EBOOKS - download one or more today!
FEATURED EBOOKS! CLICK THE COVER OR TITLE TO DOWNLOAD.
Lauren's feel-good, boss/employee, age gap romance sounds like a great weekend pick me up. Off Limits has a Scottish billionaire as the hero - do I need to say anything else? How about Alice's story, bringing together a snarky hitman and a by-the-book PI? Yes, it's male/male! All books are free on KU, or have $2.99 - $4.99 price tags if you want to buy them on Amazon.
[Reminder: Books that are free or with sale prices may be temporary, so grab them now!]
12/15/2019 - Vampire Master - Book 16 of the Vampire Queen series
08/2019 - Naughty Bits - re-release as a self-published title in print and ebook.
07/2019 - Vampire Queen's Servant - re-release as a self-published title in print and ebook.
6/30/19 - The Problem with Witches - A Crossover novel of the Arcane Shot and Knights of the Board Room series
RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES
Fall 2024 - At Her Will, a Mistresses of the Board Room series novel
Summer 2024 - Vampire's Choice, a Vampire Queen series novel
11/30/2023 - At Her Pleasure, a Mistresses of the Board Room series novel
06/30/2023 - Ignition Sequence, a Nature of Desire series novel
GoodReads Blog - Whenever I have something half-way interesting to say (hopefully), I post it on my blog. Check out the latest, as well as the backlog of over 80 posts!
For my most up-to-date appearances info throughout the month, follow me on Twitter or "Like" my Author Page on Facebook - I'll keep you in the loop as things happen!
GoodReads Blog - I don't have much time to blog these days, but I maintain a library of over 80 posts at my GoodReads blog. Go browse and find out my thoughts on a past topic that interests you!
Online Appearances - I'm always posting updates and inviting comments on my MeWe, Twitter or Facebook Author Page! We'd also love to have you join us on the JWHMembersOnly Facebook fan site. The members as well as myself routinely post content related to my books and our shared love of the erotic romance genre.
SEXY AND SASSY SIGNING 2020 - July 9-12 - next year's popular reader/author event will happen in Norfolk, VA. The theme is Sinful Fairy Tales! Click on the link above to find out more. You can also join the SASS Attendee group once you've registered.
2023 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
No conferences this year, but look under the Extra Stuff section for ways to get a signed book or swag from me anyway!
Want a Kindle signature? My books are listed at the Authorgraph site, so if you'd like a "Kindlegraph", send me a request! Just go to Authorgraph.com, put Joey W. Hill in the search line, and it will pull up my books, with a "Request Authorgraph" button beneath each.
Want a signed bookplate for your print book and a bookmark? No need to be bummed about not seeing me at a book signing. Just shoot me an email at storywitch@PROTECTED with your mailing address and the title(s) of the book(s) for which you want a signature, and I'll send you personalized bookplates anytime, free of charge. And I always send it with a signed bookmark!
HAVE YOU CHECKED THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE?
I am ALWAYS delighted to hear from my readers, and I never mind answering your questions. However, about 90% of the general questions I receive on email can be quickly answered on my website, www.storywitch.com. And the cool thing is you get your answer in the time it takes you to do a couple clicks, versus having to type up your question and send it to me, then wait for me to emerge from my writing cave and check my email.
A lot of authors experience this now. Because we have so much more of a presence at FB, Twitter, and the like, it's easy to forget that most authors still maintain a website where you can quickly get info. On my site, you can not only find BLURBS and FREE EXCERPTS for every book I've published, you can find SERIES ORDER, including recommendations on which ones can stand alone or need specific titles to be read first. Under the In the Works page, you'll find information about UPCOMING RELEASES and what's percolating (the popular "will you ever write a book about so-n-so" question would be answered there).
Just go to my website, storywitch.com, and enjoy your visit. It is specifically and deliberately designed not to be flashy or confusing. Just look at the drop down menus at the top for what you're seeking.
Want a SIGNED BOOKMARK? I have seven beautiful bookmarks, each design representing one of my series: Knights of the Board Room, Nature of Desire, Vampire Queen, Arcane Shot, Daughters of Arianne, Mistresses of the Board Room, and Naughty Bits. You can look at them here (click on the one you like for a larger view).
Just shoot me an email at storywitch@storywitch.com with your mailing address and tell me which bookmark you want. I'll send you two of that design - one for you and one to share! And yes, I WILL mail bookmarks to international readers. NOTE: some of these show previous cover editions, but hopefully that doesn't detract from their appeal!
Want a SIGNED BOOK? Email me at storywitch@storywitch.com with 1) what book you want, 2) your mailing address, and 3) if you want me to personalize it to a particular name (Mary, Marie, Marissa, etc), or no personalization, just a signature and a cheery note. I'll shoot you an invoice and, once that's squared away, the book will be on its way to you!
Want a SIGNED BOOKPLATE? Want a bookplate for your favorite JWH book(s)? Just shoot me an email at storywitch@storywitch.com with your mailing address, the title(s) of the book(s), and I'll send you personalized bookplates anytime, free of charge. I always send it with a signed bookmark!
Want to read BONUS CONTENT STORIES revisiting my characters? I have over a dozen FREE novellas/shorts with easy BookFunnel download links. You'll find them all under the Cantrips (Vignettes) menu item on my website.
Want me to visit your BOOKCLUB? I'm available for online bookclub meetings and even sometimes in-person clubs, within a reasonable geographic range. Don't hesitate to ask! Just email me at storywitch@storywitch.com.
"I have a question."
Answer: "Have you checked my website?"
I am ALWAYS delighted to hear from my readers, and I never mind answering your questions. However, about 90% of the general questions I receive on email can be quickly answered on my website, www.storywitch.com. And the cool thing is you get your answer in the time it takes you to do a couple clicks, versus having to type up your question and send it to me, then wait for me to emerge from my writing cave and check my email.
A lot of authors experience this now. Because we have so much more of a presence at FB, Twitter, and the like, it's easy to forget that most authors still maintain a website where you can quickly get info. On my site, you can not only find BLURBS and FREE EXCERPTS for every book I've published, you can find SERIES ORDER, including recommendations on which ones can stand alone or need specific titles to be read first. Under the In the Works page, you'll find information about UPCOMING RELEASES and what's percolating (the popular "will you ever write a book about so-n-so" question would be answered there).
Just go to my website at storywitch.com, and enjoy your visit. It is specifically and deliberately designed not to be flashy or confusing. Just look at the drop down menus at the top for what you're seeking.
HAVE YOU CHECKED THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE?
"I have a question." Answer: "Have you checked the author's website?"
I am ALWAYS delighted to hear from my readers, and I never mind answering your questions. However, remember a lot of questions can be quickly answered on my website. Just look at the drop down menus at the top for what you're seeking. You'll find BUY LINKS, BLURBS and FREE EXCERPTS for every book I've published. You can also find SERIES ORDER, and recommendations on which books can stand alone or need specific titles to be read first. If you particularly loved a series or specific characters, you'll also find FREE BONUS CONTENT, including short stories/novellas and interviews revisiting them.
Find me online through my website email contact link (little envelope under Follow Me on the right side of home page) or email me directly at storywitch@storywitch.com. You can leave a question for me under my Author Profile on GoodReads. I'm on Twitter and Facebook (Author Page), and regularly stop in at the JWHMembersOnly fan group. I'm also on MeWe, if you prefer that platform to Facebook. If you'd like to see the pics that inspire some of my books, visit me on Pinterest, or check out my handful of videos on YouTube.
DIDN'T GET A RESPONSE?
Responding to my readers, and doing so in a very timely manner (within 24-48 hours), is extremely important to me. So if you have sent a communication to me in any medium noted above and have not received a response, a technical glitch has occurred. Either your communication did not get through to me, or my response did not reach you. If you suspect that's the case, use one of the alternative methods to send me a "Hey, Joey, I sent you a note through email (or social media platform, etc). Did you get it?" message, and we'll make sure we sort it out. I will never intentionally ignore my readers!
HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING MY NEWSLETTER PAST YOUR SPAM FILTER? - Whenever I issue a newsletter, I will post about it on the social media platforms mentioned above, to ensure it reaches the widest number of people possible. So if you're following me on any of them, you'll get a heads up. Or you can put https://storywitch.com/newsletter/?latest as one of your Favorite links. You can click on it anytime to see if a new newsletter has been released. I try to get a new issue out during the first 7 days of every month.
HELP ME WITH FOLLOWS/REVIEWS
NEVER an obligation, but when you follow or review me on Bookbub, Amazon or both, it increases my books' visibility and marketing options on those sites. And in return, you get a heads up about releases and sales!
Thank you so much for your support of my work!
