Column-'Confessions of a SoWal Romance Writer'

[mikecatadjuster]

Hello, I'm Romance Author Michael Ferguson. I have a column beginning Thursday, April 24th on www.sowalscene.com (http://www.sowalscene.com). It's entitled 'Confessions of a SoWal Romance Writer'. The column is a bit different from my book, 'My Space Her Space', a Romance Novel receiving great reviews. 'Confessions of a SoWal Romance Writer' looks at my move to the Emerald Coast and at my search for love. In the column I poke a little fun at myself and my time in the dating scene. I think it's a fun read. I hope you'll look at the column. In addition, I'd appreciate your support of my book, available at Sundog Books or Amazon.com. My website is www.MyspaceHerspace.com (http://www.MyspaceHerspace.com)

[SHELLY]

Mike,

In your column you wrote:

"And, incidentally, I’m still thinking. Being new to the area, any advice or tips would be appreciated.

Anyone have any? Let me know, and maybe my next confession will be about love found—here on the Emerald Coast."


I see where you are coming from, but here's a tip for you--"Finding Love" (in the purest sense of the word) might be a bit too ambitious...I don't think you'll find many local girls chomping at the bit to date a guy who's going to chronicle their adventures for all to see...but that's just me.:idontno:

.

[mikecatadjuster]

Good point. But then again, the column is a bit tongue in cheek. I actually came here knowing what a snowbird was believe it or not. I was just poking fun at myself and taking a comical look at things. Maybe I should have made that a little clearer.The way I look at love actually, is that I don't get it from someone else necessarily. I have love in my heart. I am not someone who is needy and just has to be in a relationship. I don't need someone to have love. But if I do find someone and our companionship grows, it will be nice to share those type of feelings with each other and have a bond between us.And in partial disclosure, maybe just maybe I have someone in my life right now who wasn't mentioned in the column. But I do appreciate your perspective. I'll try to make the point that the column is done tongue in cheek next time. Thanks.

[NoHall]

DIBS!!!!



(Kidding, Kitty--just seeing if you were paying attention.)

[Miss Kitty]

DIBS!!!!




(Kidding, Kitty--just seeing if you were paying attention.)

:lolabove:...go to your room!

[mikecatadjuster]

But of course. If I'm looking for love, I simply must be paying attention. Dibs acknowledged and honored :)

[NoHall]

But of course. If I'm looking for love, I simply must be paying attention. Dibs acknowledged and honored :)
Sorry, Mike. Anything written about my love life would have to be categorized as science fiction...

[DuneLaker]

Sounds interesting, but I probably won't read unless it is posted on this original SoWal site. No time to be going to an alternate or new upstart place.

[mikecatadjuster]

NoHall, that is a funny one. Question, science fiction as in aliens being involved or as in just non-existent? Just curious, because if it's the former, that might be a story line I need to consider. Wow, even beings from outer space love the Emerald Coast. Who knew? And who can blame them?

Just know, curling up to my book and pulling the words from the pages is far better than any sex you could have anyway. Well, that's just my humble and apparently 'abstaining' opinion, but an informed opinion :)

Thanks for the remarks.

[NoHall]

NoHall, that is a funny one. Question, science fiction as in aliens being involved or as in just non-existent? Just curious, because if it's the former, that might be a story line I need to consider. Wow, even beings from outer space love the Emerald Coast. Who knew? And who can blame them?

Just know, curling up to my book and pulling the words from the pages is far better than any sex you could have anyway. Well, that's just my humble and apparently 'abstaining' opinion, but an informed opinion :)

Thanks for the remarks.

Maybe it should be in the category of "imaginary friends (http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs4.html)."

[seagrovegirl]

This thread is starting to creep me out....................

[Beachbummett]

DIBS!!!!



(Kidding, Kitty--just seeing if you were paying attention.)



:floor: :funn: Well! Are you now cheating on your fiance', boyfriend and OTHER new boyfriend?!

[NoHall]

:floor: :funn: Well! Are you now cheating on your fiance', boyfriend and OTHER new boyfriend?!

Heck no. This is for literature. That's not cheating--it's research.

[mikecatadjuster]

A passage that ends one of the chapters to my book, 'My Space Her Space', available at Sundog books, Amazon and elsewhere.

"My body and my soul had been completed. We were marinating
in each other’s moisture. We were sliding and singing together
in such musical unison; it was love. I was in love. And so was
she.
As time passed, we lay in each other’s arms, neither wanting
to relinquish the hold we had.
Sleep overtook us. But this sleep was not entered into by me
wanting, as usual, to dream of Stacy. This time, I was actively in a
dream with her.
She lay there in my arms, and gently, we slept.
We slept and time passed.
I woke during the night.
I started at her toes."

To those who have read my fairytale romance and have written to thank me for adding some passion and heat to their lives, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It validates me to hear the praise because I poured myself into my writing and my book is a part of me.

[Lisa_at_the_beach]

omg

[Miss Kitty]

omg

omg X 100

[DD]

:shock:

[scooterbug44]

Kudos on being an author, but the only person's sex life I want to hear about is my own! :leaving:

[sunspotbaby]

:Maybe it should be in the category of "imaginary friends (http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs4.html)."

:floor::floor:

[Beachbummett]

omg

:floor: that says a lot....coming from you! :funn:

[NoHall]

:floor: that says a lot....coming from you! :funn:

oh, snap! (loves ya, Lisa!)

[gotothebeachmom]

Marinating.......I'll never think of grilling out, on hot fiery, smoldering coals, the same. :blush:

Oh Lord, you know how FBB loves cooking terms. :eek:

[Mango]

A passage that ends one of the chapters to my book, 'My Space Her Space', available at Sundog books, Amazon and elsewhere.

"My body and my soul had been completed. We were marinating
in each other’s moisture. .

Sounds like a hygiene problem.

[scooterbug44]

Sounds like a glandular or AC problem. ;-)

[JUL]

Maybe you should right a book about Eharmony rejects.

There is a tv commercial that promotes chemistry.com and they talk about Eharmony rejecting people....

[ozbeachmom]

I need a shower, I feel dirty after reading that:D

[SHELLY]

A passage that ends one of the chapters to my book, 'My Space Her Space', available at Sundog books, Amazon and elsewhere.

"My body and my soul had been completed. We were marinating
in each other’s moisture. We were sliding and singing together
in such musical unison; it was love. I was in love. And so was
she.
As time passed, we lay in each other’s arms, neither wanting
to relinquish the hold we had.
Sleep overtook us. But this sleep was not entered into by me
wanting, as usual, to dream of Stacy. This time, I was actively in a
dream with her.
She lay there in my arms, and gently, we slept.
We slept and time passed.
I woke during the night.
I started at her toes."

To those who have read my fairytale romance and have written to thank me for adding some passion and heat to their lives, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It validates me to hear the praise because I poured myself into my writing and my book is a part of me.

Mike,

Is this excerpt from the chapter titled "I Licked Her Through Her Jeans?"

I think it's great that you'd written a book, but I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you...referring to the book as a "Fairytale Romance" is a bit of a stretch...doncha think?


.

[Miss Kitty]

Mike,

Is this excerpt from the chapter titled "I Licked Her Through Her Jeans?"

I think it's great that you'd written a book, but I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you...referring to the book as a "Fairytale Romance" is a bit of a stretch...doncha think?


.

:eek:...NO, take it back!

[DD]

:eek:...NO, take it back!

Well, Kitty, what can you do?:biggrin:

[Miss Kitty]

Well, Kitty, what can you do?:biggrin:

:floor:...I am getting ready to read some of this to Mr. K. I am NOT wearing jeans and may never wear them again.

[DD]

:floor:...I am getting ready to read some of this to Mr. K. I am NOT wearing jeans and may never wear them again.

:floor::floor:I'll for sure think about RC next time I put some on. :floor:

[Mango]

Mike,

Is this excerpt from the chapter titled "I Licked Her Through Her Jeans?"

I think it's great that you'd written a book, but I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you...referring to the book as a "Fairytale Romance" is a bit of a stretch...doncha think?.

:eek:

I'll say it again, hygiene problems.

[jdarg]

I wonder how many little old ladies read the way-off-base article about this book in The Walton Sun, bought the book, and well, let's say, had some post menopausal hot flashes, not to mention a few heart attacks.

I don't think Deborah Wheeler, who wrote the article, read the book, or even thumbed through it. Her article made it sound like a Harlequin romance. I have seen the book- it is very, shall we say, "detailed". :lol:

Way to go Michael Ferguson- you have made a grand entrance!!

[mikecatadjuster]

Mike,

Is this excerpt from the chapter titled "I Licked Her Through Her Jeans?"

I think it's great that you'd written a book, but I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you...referring to the book as a "Fairytale Romance" is a bit of a stretch...doncha think?


.

Fairytale was actually a word used by several readers who thoroughly enjoyed the book. I liked it and think it fits. Then again, I've read the book, so I can make that assessment. It is an absolutely beautiful love story that yes, doesn't skip certain 'aspects'. Shelly, aren't you the same person who made a less than positive comment regarding my column? Yes, it was you. You seemed to miss that the column was written tongue-in-cheek and not to be taken literally. I talked to a number of people, telling them that someone had misunderstood the column and asked if I should put a disclaimer expaining it and they laughed in disbelief. I guess if I put myself out there I'm fair game. I know there's one in every crowd, and I guess I need to take my shots. I mean, if someone's not happy, they're gonna give it to somebody, so sometimes I guess I'll get hit with it. I had to go get an I.D. card the other day and this government worker was ranting about people moving here and she was just absolutely bitter. Mean, bitter and quite unattractive in her pursuit of what, I'm not exactly sure. But she let me have it.I'm sorry you find something about me repulsive enough to pick at it. My column and the 'character's' pursuit of love you had issue with. You have an issue with a chapter title in my book, which I hadn't mentioned here on this thread or anywhere else, mind you. Fun isn't it? Let me see what I can write to tear somebody down. Unless you see it as your obligation or duty to select someone to bully, I would ask kindly, please leave me out of it. I will stay out of your way. If you see me post something, know that there is something about me that you just don't like and do the rational thing, just stay away from me.Sincerely.

[mikecatadjuster]

Again, 'readers' labeled the book as a fairy tale. Still, I looked at the criticism and decided to research the term "fairy tale" on Wikipedia. Here is a portion of what they said, "In modern-day parlance, the term is also used to describe something blessed with unusual happiness, as in "fairy tale ending" (a happy ending)[1] or "fairy tale romance", Wow, after reading that, no, I don't believe fairy tale is "far fetched" at all. The happiness expressed in the characters in my book finding love is breathtaking. So to answer your question, after researching your critique of the word "fairy tale", I have scientifically determined that it is actually the proper usage of the term. Thank you :) And regarding the sarcasm in 'grand entrance' and my reader's assigned improper use of 'fairy tale' and a chapter title that I didn't myself mention here and the blaming of Deborah Wheeler's article from being 'any further from the truth' when it did say my book was "very hot" a couple times and to any other of the venomous comments, no thanks. I'd hate to think that I was taking time away from someone who could otherwise be verbally abusing their spouse, or under tipping a waiter, or telling a child how they weren't good enough or otherwise taking out their own life frustrations on some outside entity. Then again, maybe I'm helping that child or spouse, giving them a little respite from the cynical criticism while I'm being hammered by their tormentor. Yes, I've actually done good in this world :) I'm of use. I'm valuable!

[jdarg]

Mike, I am all about somebody doing well, following their dream, making a buck, etc. etc. I also believe in truth in advertising. You chose to put yourself and your product on a public message board, where all sides are scrutinized and discussed. If you are selling your book on Amazon, you better buck up and get ready for your very public reviews there- I don't think any author gets all 5 star reviews on Amazon! I don't know if you will have the opportunity to respond to your critics on Amazon the same way you have on SoWal.com.

There are many people on this board that maybe enjoy reading erotica, and maybe they will buy your book. There are also many people that will not appreciate being told that they are buying a fairy tale and end up with erotica. However, they need to know what they are buying to make an informed decision.

I did buy your book so I could discuss it intelligently. Yes, the story idea is romantic, but the story is also very sexually graphic, way beyond the romance genre type writing.

[Mango]

And regarding the sarcasm in 'grand entrance' and my reader's assigned improper use of 'fairy tale' and a chapter title that I didn't myself mention here and the blaming of Deborah Wheeler's article from being 'any further from the truth' when it did say my book was "very hot" a couple times and to any other of the venomous comments, no thanks. I'd hate to think that I was taking time away from someone who could otherwise be verbally abusing their spouse, or under tipping a waiter, or telling a child how they weren't good enough or otherwise taking out their own life frustrations on some outside entity. Then again, maybe I'm helping that child or spouse, giving them a little respite from the cynical criticism while I'm being hammered by their tormentor. Yes, I've actually done good in this world :) I'm of use. I'm valuable!

Mike, critiques of your book or tongue in cheek comments made on this thread are not considered venomous IMO.
Your post almost sounds like a group personal attack, which is not allowed on this site.

So in the spirit of this thread, if you can't take the heat, stay out of the pants. :D

[TooFarTampa]

Mike,

Is this excerpt from the chapter titled "I Licked Her Through Her Jeans?"



And here I thought SHELLY had made this one up. :rolling:

Mike, characters are welcome on SoWal. But it is a good idea to hang back and learn the tone of the board before, as you put it, wading in. If you had done that you would not have been taken aback by anything in this thread.

[aleonard]

Wow, now I know why they have to pay me to put anything I write in print:biggrin:

All joking aside, it take a lot of Chonies to put your work out there so congrats Mike for taking a chance and for completing a novel.

But just like any form of expression in the arts you have to have a thick skin when reveling it to the public and take any criticism with a grain of salt.

Good on you for getting it published and may you find success through your work.:wave:

[SHELLY]

I'd hate to think that I was taking time away from someone who could otherwise be verbally abusing their spouse, or under tipping a waiter, or telling a child how they weren't good enough or otherwise taking out their own life frustrations on some outside entity. Then again, maybe I'm helping that child or spouse, giving them a little respite from the cynical criticism while I'm being hammered by their tormentor. Yes, I've actually done good in this world :) I'm of use. I'm valuable!

:blink:

I consider myself fairly well-read. It's true that I didn't read your book--just looking at the excerpts and the description, I can tell it's not my cup of tea (if it makes you feel any better, I don't like Stephen King novels either).

Apparently you've become accustomed to having your ego stroked by your My Space friends...like Aleonard said--if you're going to put your work out into the 'real' public, you'd better grow a thick skin or you're going to eat yourself alive.

<BTW, you seriously don't want me to read your book and post comments on Amazon.>


.

[mikecatadjuster]

Good points there. Just a little note. When I first started writing my novel it was not written as erotica. I posted blogs that stayed away from that. But the large majority of my responses focused on the portion where I led up to what was to happen. I never discussed that. But then I gravitated toward what they were focusing on and they went crazy over it. I personally never thought that was part of teh genre until I went and looked at the shelves and found out there was a large contingent of what sold written like that. I understand that different people have different opinions and I'm sorry if you bought the book thnking it was not that steamy. Believe me, I only make a couple bucks on the book so making a sale isn't what you'd think. I would much rather someone not buy the book if it isn't for them. So whatever role I had in you purchasing the book in a way that was not reflective in its true nature, I sincerley apologie. I really do. I feel bad about that. I just hate getting beat up, and while I know in the public eye you need thick skin, and relaize that is a reality, I'm just asking for a little break. I feel bad, what can I say. I don't want to negatively imact anyone, but if I have, it was purely accidental and would just hope that I'd be left alone by people who don't care for me. I will make every effort to be generous and kind. I honestly never felt like I have tried to misrepresent anything. My website leads with it and has the back cover material that expresses it. But I have taken your words into account. And please, okay, maybe it's just me and I need to thicken my skin, but please just let it be. I hate to beg, but pretty please. I have sunk 'everything' into this project, sold my house, made many sacrifices, and the pressure is astounding with many, many harships overcome in the past couple years, very personal ones, so perhaps I am more sensitive than I might other wise be. Please accept my apologies.

[NoHall]

:clap: Very nice reply, Mike. Hang in there--I'm sure you and your audience will find each other.

We're a tough crowd sometimes. (But I hear we're not nearly as tough as the Jane Austen bunch!)

[NoHall]

p.s. Until we get to know our new friend Mike, let's consider that all fairy tales are not created equal. (And should that be "not created equally?") Example (http://www.amazon.com/Naughty-Fairytales-Z-Alison-Tyler/dp/0452285550).

Meanwhile I'm off on another blind date. Do I really have to kiss him in order to find out if he's a prince or a toad?

[scooterbug44]

Meanwhile I'm off on another blind date. Do I really have to kiss him in order to find out if he's a prince or a toad?

No, if you actually want to kiss him, he's probably not a total toad. IMO mega-toads reveal themselves pretty quickly ;-).

[SHELLY]

Good points there. Just a little note. When I first started writing my novel it was not written as erotica. I posted blogs that stayed away from that. But the large majority of my responses focused on the portion where I led up to what was to happen. I never discussed that. But then I gravitated toward what they were focusing on and they went crazy over it. I personally never thought that was part of teh genre until I went and looked at the shelves and found out there was a large contingent of what sold written like that. I understand that different people have different opinions and I'm sorry if you bought the book thnking it was not that steamy. Believe me, I only make a couple bucks on the book so making a sale isn't what you'd think. I would much rather someone not buy the book if it isn't for them. So whatever role I had in you purchasing the book in a way that was not reflective in its true nature, I sincerley apologie. I really do. I feel bad about that. I just hate getting beat up, and while I know in the public eye you need thick skin, and relaize that is a reality, I'm just asking for a little break. I feel bad, what can I say. I don't want to negatively imact anyone, but if I have, it was purely accidental and would just hope that I'd be left alone by people who don't care for me. I will make every effort to be generous and kind. I honestly never felt like I have tried to misrepresent anything. My website leads with it and has the back cover material that expresses it. But I have taken your words into account. And please, okay, maybe it's just me and I need to thicken my skin, but please just let it be. I hate to beg, but pretty please. I have sunk 'everything' into this project, sold my house, made many sacrifices, and the pressure is astounding with many, many harships overcome in the past couple years, very personal ones, so perhaps I am more sensitive than I might other wise be. Please accept my apologies.

Mike,

Let me tell you a few things, then I'll let this drop.

I've looked over your website and your profile and I've come to a few conclusions--right or wrong.

First off, I think your main strength lies in the fact that you trudged over, around and through the obstacles of actually getting your book published (not an e-book...a physical book!)--then you've provided a service to let other authors learn from your trials and tribulations in hopes that it would smooth the way to getting their own works published...I admire and applaud that effort--it was indeed 'generous and kind.'

Regardless of what I think of the book, you thought it was good enough to go through the financial, emotional and physical stresses to bring it to the world; but I feel that you have personally lost yourself in that book; so much so, that both you and the book have become one and the same. It's not a good thing, because you believe that anyone who criticizes that object, criticizes the person as well, and that's not the truth. Subsequently, anyone who tells you they like the book <whether they actually do or are saying so because they are your friend> gives you the "high" you need to justify your whole existence.....and without this constant flow of praise and admiration of "your book," you tend to view your whole life as somewhat worthless.

I'm aware you were recently divorced and were steered to My Space by a friend. Your ego was in tatters when you signed up, but a new circle of cyber-friends picked you up and rebuilt your ego by praising your blog, up to the point that you felt worthy again--but only through the reflection in their eyes <or should I say--through the reflection on the monitor>.

You mentioned that your blog, and the positive comments you received, were the impetus for your book. You literally poured your heart, soul and financial future into that book, and somewhere along the way the BOOK became you and YOU became the book. You need to find a way to break this bond if you are looking to find peace and happiness.

Where do you begin? I saw on your profile the faces of two very beautiful children--your son and daughter. Judging from their smiles and the fun they're having playing on the beach with Dad they care very much for you. I'm sure they haven't read your book <at least I hope not>, yet when you look into their eyes they see your worth as a loving father, friend and all around great guy. Recognize the good person they see within for yourself--notice that it is always there, whether the book is/isn't selling; whether HotMama38D says it rings her bell; or whether SHELLY says it sucks out loud.

Finally,as far as your writing career, you must understand that "bad and not so good" reviews also serve a purpose in helping you grow and finding your market (IF you don't block them out because you view them as a personal attack). You need to understand and 'get inside the head' of your target audience for your genre of writing. Are men going to buy your books? (My guess is no.) Is your target audience ready, willing and able to shell out the cash for your books? Is a younger audience, who are more inclined to erotica, also more inclined to buy paperback books or are they into e-books, I-pod downloads or magazines with more pictures than words. Is the older audience who may crave romance of days gone by (and more apt to buy/read books) going to be turned off by graphic erotica--preferring instead to "fill in the blanks" themselves?

Take a long walk on the beach and think about what I've said about separating 'you' from the "book and your My Space persona." And once you do, you'll find the love you've been searching for...you'll find you've had it all the time, deep inside yourself.

Regards,

Shel.

.

[mikecatadjuster]

That was quite sweet Shelly. I think if you knew me more and my situation, some of what you believe about me would change, but from what little you do know of me and my situation, I applaud your observational abilities, insights and perspective. Heck, some people would have charged me 90 bucks for that lol Seriously, great points about me and my emotions being intimately tied to the book. But honestly, I don't mind having someone say they didn't care for the book because maybe it's too steamy, or the don't like books in the first person, or my writing is too flowery or it was unrealistic or there wasn't enough drama or the characters weren't flawed enough for their taste. Things like that. I guess I just thought, and perhaps I was wrong, that something else was going on there than just critiquing my book. But chalk it up to me not being familiar with you guys. And remember, I'm a product of the Louisiana public school system, so the speed at which I catch onto certain things, well, it's kinda slow :) Maybe you guys are just lovin' me and I'm too dumb to know it. But I'll catch on, soon. Slwo, but steady. I'll have to get a hold of the cliff notes to interacting with you guys and I promise I'll do my best. Honestly, I'm kinda impressed with some of the stuff you've written. I actually invite criticsm because I take that and run that by as many people as I can and sometimes they say, now that you mention it, yes, you could have added this or done that. I want to get better. I have done that and continue to do that. I send a book idea or a sample chapters to several people and invite their perspectives at times. And all their opinions vary at least slightly. That was one amazing thing I learned in this process. If you want to do something big, you need to listen but move on and do it. Action! Tough decisions need to be made, and there were plenty. I have a chapter entitled Serendipity that I believe is 'SO' beautiful. Even knowing what is coming up, when I read it I get a tear in my eye. It is that emotional and touching. It's about me finding 'THE' ring for 'THE' girl. I had thought of posting it here to show the beauty in my book, but felt I'd be criticized for not representing the other aspects, which I obviously can't represent here. So it's almost a no win. But I must tell you, I do feel better after you guys have taken the time to try to communicate yourself in a different way. That was sweet to take the time to do that for me. Much love.

[sunspotbaby]

Where is that dang popcorn eatin' smiley?!!

[kurt]

http://www.sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/1/080504-001.jpg

[aleonard]

:shock:

[DD]

:eek::floor::wub:

[Miss Kitty]

All is right with the world! :floor:

[Beachbummett]

:shock:

Who wears a tiara on a cowboy hat?! :idontno: :biggrin:

[greenroomsurfer]

George Bush"s wife!!!:yikes:

[John R]

Who wears a tiara on a cowboy hat?! :idontno: :biggrin:

it's the new black.

[mikecatadjuster]

Kurt, you know, it's funny. With all of the pictures on the Internet and all that is available for viewing, the image that you have of someone reading my book is my new favorite. Upon seeing it, my heart jumped up in my chest. Well, I guess it's usually there, but it was jumping anyway. Thanks!

[scooterbug44]

Who wears a tiara on a cowboy hat?! :idontno: :biggrin:

A birthday wench who got the book as a b-day gift from another wench! :biggrin:

[aggieb]

i have completely missed this thread.

OMG. hysterical.

[sowalgayboi]

Thanks aggieb for directing me to this thread. What a hoot.

As for the "graphic" nature of the book, I haven't read it, but if the excerpt further back is any indication this is light fluff. I have hardback books that are way more graphic and would make most people blush.

While I understand that it is billed as a Fairytale, you should expect some sex as it is a romance novel. I realize that sex is just one aspect of romance, but a romance novel where the characters never "meet", that's just goofy.

[mikecatadjuster]

Thanks aggieb for directing me to this thread. What a hoot.

As for the "graphic" nature of the book, I haven't read it, but if the excerpt further back is any indication this is light fluff. I have hardback books that are way more graphic and would make most people blush.

While I understand that it is billed as a Fairytale, you should expect some sex as it is a romance novel. I realize that sex is just one aspect of romance, but a romance novel where the characters never "meet", that's just goofy.

Wow, a voice of reason. Thanks! Look, before I had this book published I went to the shelves to see if this was something that would be possible, and I was astonished. I could not believe what was out there. So yes, I fully agree. First and foremost this book is about the meeting of two souls in love and of two people who match up with an undeniable, almost addiction to each other, but a healthy one, in every way. And people out there are blown away by it. It's not that people are telling me what they think I want to hear. They are seeking me out and writing me messages about how much they like it. I don't even know these people, have never met them and probably never will. But still, they write to me out of the blue from all over the country. But I fully agree, that although it is spicy, the core is a pure love story.

And btw, as of yesterday, Sundog bookstore had one still on their shelf and if they sell out again you can just order it through them. And rememeber, it's always at Amazon. www.MyspaceHerspace.com (http://www.MyspaceHerspace.com)

[John R]

So, other posts on this thread that don't share this same view are unreasonable? Possibly the other posters have a different threshold as to what they consider smut/porn/erotica.

[mikecatadjuster]

So, other posts on this thread that don't share this same view are unreasonable? Possibly the other posters have a different threshold as to what they consider smut/porn/erotica.

No, not at all John. You are 100% correct. But you see, I consider it erotica too. That's why I put Romance/Erotica on the cover of my book, that's all. So it should not have been a surprise to anyone. So not only do I not consider other people thinking of it as erotica unreasonable, I consider them perfectly correct :D I guess you're refering to my stating 'a voice of reason' in my comment. Probably a poor choice of words if you took it as a dig against other opinions. All I'm saying is that it is erotic and sexy. I'm not denying that and I understand that for some people they'd prefer less of that. My main point is that it is reasonable, as in 'voice of reason' that an erotic book will be erotic :D

But "smut". Ouch, now that's a dirty word and I would never, ever put something like that in my book :rolling:

[Parker Pruett]

Congratulations Michael, you’ve achieved a writer's trifecta. You wrote the book, published the book and created controversy over the book.