Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Wild, Wacky, Witty Wednesday!

Top Ten Reasons You Know If You Have PMS 

10. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.

9. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelette.

8. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.

7. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.

6. You call every "How's my driving?" bumper sticker number to complain.

5. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.

4. You're convinced there's a God and he's male.

3. You're counting down the days until menopause.

2. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

1. The Ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Free For All Friday - Meet Writer Trish Leger!

Hi everyone! Snap out of that turkey induced coma and welcome my friend and fellow Ass Cheek Angel blogger, Trish Leger. I met Trish in Orlando this summer at the RWA conference. Since then I've been lucky enough to read a part of book 3 from her paranormal romance series, THE AMBER DRUIDS. I loved the uniqueness of her story -- not to mention it's got a great amount of heat;) 
So help me welcome Trish, then take time to visit her website: www.trishfleger.webs.com

Take it away, Trish


            My full name is Trish Finley Leger. I’m married to a wonderfully supportive man, Micah. We have been married for over a year, but have been together for over five years. We live in a small southern Louisiana town called Kinder, home of the Coushatta Casino Resort and the Kinder Yellowjackets!
            Being from the south, you tend to hand on to a few of the clichés that surround you. It is normal for us to ask “What’s your last name?” and “Where are you from?” when we first meet a stranger. It is our informal way of being nosy and getting a good read on what type of person you are.
            We southerners also love to eat, dance and hang out with family and friends, preferably to watch football! We don’t discriminate, be it high school, college or NFL…as long as the mascots are Bayou Bengals (LSU) or they wear the colors black and gold (Geaux Saints!)  J
            I’m just starting a new contemporary romance that will hopefully capture the true down-home feel of the south.

                                                            When did you start writing?
 
To be honest, I wanted to start writing the minute I finished Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught,but I was only 17 and knew I wasn’t ready. So instead I continued to read voraciously, moving through book after book like they were pop quizzes instead of 400 pages novels.  When I finally built up the courage to write something I was married and twenty one years old. Little did I know how much learning I would have to do, not only in the writing department. When my marriage started togo downhill, and then my husband left, I couldn’t bear to write anything. Every thread of anger wept onto the page and the story became a living entity of rage. I put aside the story and never touched it again.Only after meeting Micah was I able to write anything worthy of reading. In the past five years I have written  six books.

What got you interested in your chosen genre?
I will be the first to tell you that I’m a chicken. I hate scary movies and hate being scared, period. So the paranormal genre was an odd choice for me, even to read, but once I started I couldn’t stop. When I write paranormals I still maintain the focus of the relationship between the H/H as central. I don’t let the supernatural overtake the story. That being said, who doesn’t love to read about a seductively arrogant, assertive, and dominant hero? To me, giving the hero a touch of something otherworldly adds to his mystique and makes the readers dissolve with want to read his story. I believe the paranormal genre gives us the best of everything.

What is your perfect writing place?

I would love to tell you that I sit in a log cabin, where a wall of windows overlooks a snow laden valley. The tumble and crackle of logs are my music while I recline on an overstuffed leather sofa and flames from the fireplace heat my feet….yeah, right! I sit on my bed with a million pillows around me. That’s it…nothing fancy, but it works!

Tell us something about your hero that makes women fall in love with him.
 
I think I will go with my favorite Scotsman for this question. His name is Brenan McKinnon. Brenan is an Amber Druid, a human male with an abundance of special abilities. He is amazingly strong, can ease pain and is also telekinetic (can move objects with his mind). He is the epitome of tall, dark and dangerously handsome…he is also a smart ass. One that Jules (his future mate) longs to slap, but also yearns to hold tight to her, so that he can never get away.
Brenan has the insane urge to protect the petite P.I. that is helping him, but knows she won’t allow it. Jules fights the attraction to Brenan with everything she has but ultimately she does give in.
With his wicked smile, deep blue eyes, seductive brogue and protective instinct, what woman wouldn’t want Brenan for herself?
I’ve added an excerpt from Brenan’s book. You can also find more on my website and blog…

***

                Her breath stuttered to a stop but continued when she needed to breathe to stand up. Her nose rasped against his suit and she inhaled, not bothering to hide the fact that she was loving his scent. His hands twitched at her waist and then he slid her even closer as one slow song faded into another.
                Lord, don’t let him stop. It has been so long, so very long since I have felt this alive. I want this to continue all night. Don’t let me mess it up somehow.
                The words chanted through her mind as she continued to sway with him.
                “Do you realize how delicious you look in that gorgeous blue dress, or do I need to explain it with agonizing detail?” Brenan’s deep voice slipped into her ear and it startled her so badly that she stumbled. Thank goodness he was such a great dancer. He was able to keep them both standing upright, even with her mishap.
                The loss for words was never something that had happened to her, only recently since meeting Brenan had she found that it happened all too often. That he thought her dress was sexy was something else for her to be worried about. She hadn’t exactly pulled this specific dress out hoping to please him.
                Yeah, right. Pull the other one Jules.
                Okay, maybe she had. The clean simple lines of the cocktail dress were fabulous with her petite frame and it suited her much better than something frilly and too feminine. A deep cut V offered glimpses of flesh in front and bared her back too, and the length was perfect, long enough to swing around her knees. Silver strapped heels covered her feet and even she had to admit to herself that she couldn’t remember feeling this beautiful in a long time. The fact that she was dancing in Brenan’s arms didn’t hurt either.
                “Thank you” She whispered to his shirtfront. Not trusting herself to look into his eyes.
                One of his hands left her waist and moved along her arm to grasp hers and pull her into a turn. Jules felt the skirt of her dress flare and she bit back a giggle. She felt young and carefree, like a teenager at the prom with the high school quarterback. He pulled her back into his arms while she grinned like a fool.
                “I want to see you smile like that all the time. Is that something that you think can be arranged?” His breath ruffled the hair on the crown of her head. “I don’t care how much it costs, and if I want it badly enough I can make it happen.”
                His ego thrilled her even as her independent side flared with heat.
                “Well sparky, I must say that you are sounding quite convincing.”
                That luscious breath sighed against her head once more and she barely controlled the shiver that worked through her system. “Lass, you have no idea how convincing I can be.”
                Her blood practically boiled at that statement.
***


What are you working on now?
 
Right now I’m focusing on a straight contemporary set in South Louisiana. Here is a brief synopsis….
 Jake Warren is the owner of a construction company that is hired to build a new hotel. Jenna Magill is the woman that is supervising the construction. But Jenna is a yank, an outsider to the community. She is hurting emotionally from losing her husband in a tragic accident, and since then she has allowed nothing and no one to come close to climbing her walls. But the sparks are flying whenever these two meet and work together. With her closed off expression and mysterious past she tugs at Jake’s heartstrings. They will have to overcome stereotypes, personal and trust issues before they finally allow themselves to consider taking their relationship beyond business.
I’m really anticipating some high emotions and sizzling scenes from this story. Really can’t wait to see how it plays out.
 ~
Me too;)
Thanks so much for being my guest, Trish! 
Stop by Trish's site to read more about this great series! www.trishfleger.webs.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Free For All Friday - Meet Author Lynda Bailey!

This week I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend - and fellow western historical author (at least some of the time) - Lynda Bailey!
I was lucky enough to get to know Lynda in Orlando this summer at the 2010 RWA conference. It was great fun meeting another "western" girl (as I dubbed Lynda, fellow GHer Jacqui Nelson, and myself), but an even greater pleasure to meet another western, erotic author.
Anyway, as I stated above, Lynda is one of those talented writers who can produce in several genre. She also writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and YA.
So take a few minutes and get to know this lovely, FUN lady. And wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Sat. 20th) !!!

Thanks so much for being my guest Lynda;)
Now, on with the show...........


 Why We Write What We Write:

What type of romance stories do you write?

Though Wild Flower was a 2010 finalist in the Golden Heart® historical category, I tend to write mostly contemporary, erotic romances.  Check out my website www.LyndaBailey.net to read some excerpts.  My next two stories, however, are a romantic suspense and YA urban fantasy respectfully. 

What inspires you to write in the different sub-genres?

Gosh, that’s a good question.  Unfortunately, I don’t have a good answer.  LOL.  Wild Flower was born from my love of all things western and the fact I grew up on the great plains of this country.  Most of my contemporary stories have their roots in the real-live-people I’ve met through the years.  I got the idea for my romantic suspense after hearing a local TV news reporter speak at a writers’ meeting.  My YA urban fantasy hit me while listening to The Golden Network’s agent/editor panel in Orlando.  Guess you could say my inspiration is as diverse as the varying colors of a rainbow.

Who inspired you to begin writing? And why?

Lorraine Heath. I guess she inspired me b/c I wanted to do for others what she did for me - She gave me wonderful entertainment.  She allowed me into the lives and hearts of people from another place and time.  She made me laugh and she made me cry.  She made me want to give that kind of entertainment to others.  I'm not there yet, but I am working on it. 

 
Do you think writing in all these different sub-genres will make getting published any easier or faster?

In a word, no.  First and foremost, you have to write a good story with compelling characters readers can relate with.  Having a unique voice is also imperative if you’re going to grab the attention of an agent or editor.  If having a variety of stories is any advantage at all it’s that you’re not pigeon-holed into any one sub-genre.  Not that that’s a bad thing.  I admire those writers who can immerse themselves time and again into Regency historicals or dark paranormals.  But for me, variety is the spice of writing.  What about for you?  
***
Thanks again for being my guest, Lynda! And have a very Happy Birthday!  Visit Lynda's site for more info:

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Witty, Wacky, Warped Wednesday!

Top 10 Things You Don't Want to Hear During Surgery:

10. Ya, know. There's big money in kidneys. And this guy has two......

9. There go the lights again.

8. Oops. Hey, has anyone ever survived 500ml of this stuff before?


7. Oh, no. Where's my Rolex?

6. Hand me that... uh... that uh... that sharp thingy there.


5. Wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what's that? 


4. Bo! Bo! Come back with that. Bad dog!

3. Accept this sacrifice, O Great Lord of Darkness.   

2. Hold this while I try to remember where it goes.

1. Better save that. We'll need it for the autopsy. 


Saturday, November 13, 2010

And The WINNER Is!!!!

Kellie !!
*confetti- balloons*
Yay! Congrats!!
You can look through the stock photos at HOT DAMN and then let me
know which one you want for your prize:)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Free For All Friday: Get Intimate with Hot Damn Designs!


Today's your lucky day because I'm playing "roving reporter" and interviewing my friend, the talented Kim Killion of HOT DAMN DESIGNS. Follow me…
JENN: {knocks on the door} Kim? Are you here? {Pushes open door}
KIM: I’m in the studio, Jenn. Come on in.
JENN: *Gasps* Um, is now a bad time?  {Not that I'm complaining; Kim is rubbing down a half-naked man with baby oil.}
KIM: No, no. We'll talk while I work. We’ve got a dozen models on the schedule and I have zero time for a break. Come over here and give me a hand.
JENN: *My pleasure!* {I work my way passed a kitchen table full of food toward Kim and reach for the baby oil - instead Kim hands me a cowboy hat and a lint brush.}
KIM: Can you clean that up for me while I tell you how this whole thing got started?
JENN:  Sure. *grumble, grumble* But you missed a spot. {I point at a particularly delicate spot needing more oil.}
KIM: Oh. Got it. Thanks.
JENN: So, how did you land such an . . . interesting job?
KIM: Well, if you want to know the truth, you were the one who instigated this whole soiree. Remember when we went to the Ozarks for a writer’s weekend? I was complaining about the lack of imagery out there for the book covers I was designing, and you mentioned a friend of yours who should be a model.
JENN: *sigh* Ah, yes, Adam! {I look around. After all, as a friend, I should offer to oil him down for his shoot.} Is he here?
KIM: Yea. He's on set right now.
JENN: {I pause for a moment to take in all the madness around me. There are tables full of props: huge swords, whips, masks, hats galore. There are three women curling hair and one putting make-up on a model. Then I see Adam standing beneath a giant light clutching this girl in the burgundy dress I loaned Kim for the shoot. My heart did a little pitter-patter.}
ANGIE (the photographer): Fierce up! Tighten your muscles! *Click. Click. Click.* Kim, quit feeling up Brooks and get over here.
KIM: {Rushes to center stage and studies the models on set.} Get closer to her, Adam. Her lips. Tighten your abs. Close your eyes. Grab her thigh. That's it. You're a freakin' rock star!
*Click. Click. Click.*
JENN: {I peek at the computer screen where at the pics are popping up.} OMG! These are amazing! But why do they all have a gray background? It seems boring.
KIM: They gray is the easiest to cut out and nine times out of ten, the background will stripped and a landscape of some sort will get put in, like I did on Katy Madison’s, The Wedding Duel or Shari Anton's, Emily's Captain.
ANGIE: Excellent! Great job guys. NEXT!
JENN: {Things were too busy for me to get to Adam. As soon as he got off the set, I saw Wendy Drew, owner of Rose’s Bookhouse and fellow MORWA member, grab him and start undressing him.} *Humph.* {I want that job.} Things are moving very quickly here.
KIM: We shoot two models every half-hour, which sounds easy enough, but it’s not. The lights have to be readjusted for each set. If there’s a sword, we have to try to light the sword. It takes time to pull in a couch or a chair or drape silk over the floor. Right now Angie and her two assistants are changing the background paper in preparation for the snakes.
JENN: Snakes?!! What has that got to do with romance novels?
KIM: Hell, I don’t know. It’s just cool as hell. I think the shots with the snakes could have paranormal potential. Plus, the models are totally psyched about poses for the "Creature Feature."
JENN: *Shiver* Creature Feature? Who came up with that? 
KIM: My "work" husband, Jeff, was the mastermind behind the exotic shots. Oh, there he is now. 
JENN: {I turn around and spots two men carrying in huge coolers.}
KIM: I’m actually hoping to target the reptile market with some of the images we’ll take of the snakes and the tarantula. {Kim shifts her eyes toward a gorgeous brunette in a robe walking toward the set.} You ready, Ashley?
ASHLEY: Hell, yeah!
JENN: What’s she getting ready for? {The model drops her robe. She’s naked! I’m startled for just a second, but no one else seems surprised.}
KIM: Look out! Here’s comes Julius Squeezer.
JENN: Julius who? {A man walks passed me carrying an 8’ albino Burmese python.} Holy S**t! {While Ashley rolls around with the snake, Kim and I finally get a chance to step back and talk without interruption.} So, what are your hopes for www.HOTDAMNDesigns.com
KIM: I hope I can provide imagery for covers, websites, and various marketing materials for myself and others working in the creative end of this industry. The models have all signed a contract releasing the pictures that will sell online royalty-free at our sister site www.HOTDAMNStock.com.
JENN: How much will they cost?
KIM: The high-res images sell for $30 and the low-res images sell for $20. As you can see, you don’t just grab a couple hotties off the street and stuff them in a gown and waistcoat and then tell them to go at. There’s an immense amount of work that goes into casting the models, lining up the stylists and make-up artist and getting the costumes in order.
JENN: Where did you get all these costumes?
KIM: From friends mostly, but we also rented costumes for the St. Louis Repertory Theatre.
JENN: Where do you get most of your clients?
KIM: A lot of our clients are authors, both new and seasoned. The new authors need websites and marketing material like bookmarks, business cards and ebanners for promotion. We're also acquiring a lot of work from authors who are getting their rights back and putting up their backlist in eformat. They are looking for a means to attract readers and need quality commercial covers. {A commotion in the back of the studio distracts Kim. Her eyes shift to the corner.} Brooks, I think Ed needs some help.
JENN: Who’s Brooks? Who's Ed? What's going on?
KIM: Brooks is a model. Ed brought the snakes and I don't know what's going on. Ed, you all right?
ED: *Groan* Cleopatra sunk her teeth in me! I don’t know what’s wrong with her. I fed her two rats and a rabbit yesterday.
KIM: Ah, bludiy s**t!
JENN: I’m guessing Cleopatra isn’t one of the models?
KIM: Nope. She’s Julius’s 10’ foot mate. {My heart crawls up my throat - along with my breakfast - as I watch them pry Cleopatra’s mouth open so Ed can get his hand free. He’s bleeding all over Hell and half of Georgia. I had to step back until things calmed down and wait while Kim directed a few shots during the tarantula set. Then she introduces me to Ed. He’s got three green tree frogs on his arm. One jumps off him and lands right between Kim’s breasts.}
KIM: *Screams!*
JENN: What kind of picture can you sell with frogs? {I wrinkle my nose with distaste.}
WENDY: Fairy tale ménage a quatre?
JENN: *Whoa!* I don't know if my heart could take that. {Fans self.}
KIM: Oh come on. Stick around. We’re shooting erotic next!
JENN: Well, maybe I could stay a little longer........................

~~~~~
While we're still here at the studio, what questions do you all have for Kim? 

And I have a surprise for you! Tomorrow is my birthday so I decided to give one of YOU a gift - 1 of Kim's fantastic stock photos!!!! Your choice :) All you have to do is leave a question or comment to be entered in the drawing, then check back here Sat. morning to see if you're the winner.
Good luck! 
And a BIG thanks to Kim for being my guest :)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

That's Hot Thursday!

Desire.............
A woman can have many. But today we're going to talk about HER ONE DESIRE by Kimberly Killion, a medieval romance hot enough to melt your armor. *grin*
But before I start I want invite you here on Friday for an intimate interview with the fabulous Ms. Killion. There will be a FREE gift............:)

OK, now back to HER ONE DESIRE. While I suppose it's not technically classified as erotic romance, it's close;) The love scenes are smokin' hot. But I have to say the thing I love most about HER ONE DESIRE is the sexual tension between Broc and Lizbeth. The plot alone is enough to make it a page-turner, but Ms. Killion keeps upping the sexual stakes too until..........
well, let's just say the reader will be well satisfied. The scene with the honey covered flower petals alone is enough to make you squirm. In a good way;)

HER ONE DESIRE is a Zebra book, 2008.

Be sure to stop in Friday to meet Ms. Killion and for your chance to win a special gift!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Wild, Wacky, Witty Wednesday!

Top Ten Signs Your Amish Teenager Is In Trouble

10. Sometimes stays in bed until after 5 a.m.

9. In his sock drawer, you find pictures of women without bonnets.

8. Shows up at barn raisings in full "KISS" makeup.

7. When you criticize him, he yells, "Thou sucketh."

6. His name is Jebediah, but he goes by "Jeb Daddy."

5. Defiantly says, "If I had a radio, I'd listen to rap."

4. You come upon his secret stash of colored socks.

3. Uses slang expression, "Talk to the hand, 'cause the beard ain't listening."

2. Was recently pulled over for driving under the influence of store-bought milk.

1. He's wearing his big black hat backwards.

Monday, November 8, 2010

True Facts Tuesday! Oh, Yes They Did (part 3)

Today we're going to continue talking about Naughty Victorians - but
this time we're going to concentrate on those who tried to curb the naughtiness. Like last week all information has been found in the wonderful research book, SEX IN THE CIVIL WAR: THE STORY THE SOLDIERS WOULDN'T TELL, by Thomas P. Lowry, Stackpole Books, 1994 (A must have in my opinion)

From the mid-1800s women (and men) faced a flood of mis-information about sex. Masturbation was considered a disease so vile,that Sylvester Graham (of the Graham Cracker) warned of the horrid results of self-stimulating: debasement of the mind, destruction of the moral faculties, self-loathing, physical decay, insanity, and finally, suicide. Graham's beliefs were "confirmed" by leading psychiatrists of the day.

In 1861, James C. Jackson, in his his book, THE SEXUAL ORGANISM, identified female masturbators by a peculiar wiggle of the hips as they walked! In 1858, William Alcott warned that masturbation was more dangerous than childbirth and that sex at night was harmful.

THE LOVER'S MARRIAGE LIGHTHOUSE, Harmon Root's 1858 guide, included the usual cautions against "oneness" (like it caused more sickness than all other causes combined) but also cautioned against the use of d**dos.

The NEW ORLEANS MEDICAL AND SURGICAL JOURNAL, 1867, stated that if a sewing maching operator pressed her thighs together and pedaled rapidly the friction could produce an orgasm. The author warned shop(factory) foremen to listen for "runaway sewing machines". . .

So what have we learned from this?
In the 18800s you'd better keep both hands where people could see them;)

All info: SEX IN THE CIVIL WAR: THE STORY THE SOLDIERS WOULDN'T TELL, Thomas P. Lowry, M.D.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Free For All Friday - Meet Author Marci Jefferson!

Today I want to introduce my wonderful friend and critique partner, Marci Jefferson!

Marci is the author of BRITANNIA THE BEAUTIFUL, a historical fiction novel that covers the life and loves of Frances Stuart, a prominent member of the Court of Restoration. Anyone who is a lover of sweeping historicals will love Marci's novel.


Thanks for joining us today, Marci!
Take it away.................


When did you start writing?

I wrote a short story in high school that never felt right no matter how much I tinkered with it. In college I majored in Nursing and, in the midst of surviving pharmacology and anatomy and physiology, let go of creative writing. Then marriage, career, and kids took over for a while. About four years ago, my love of the past drove me to start writing the type of history I like to read.

Tell us how you got interested in Historical Fiction.

I moved a lot as a kid but spent about thirteen years in Yorktown, Virgina, where the Revolutionary War was won. Talk about history-rich! I spent days roaming battlefields, rubbing headstones, and visiting old plantation homes. When my interest skipped to the British end of the conflict I had to travel to England and Europe to satisfy my curiosity. Travel is enlightening, and I came home with a thousand new topics to research! One thing that makes history so exciting to me is the many different points of view’s to discover about a single event.

Who is your writing inspiration?

I must credit the Queen of Historical Fiction, Phillipa Gregory, with reawakening the writer within me. When I read, "The Other Boleyn Girl", I was simply flabbergasted that Anne Boleyn actually had a sister. Seeing the Tudor Court through Mary Boleyn’s eyes was one of the most exciting things I’d ever read. When I put that book down, I searched for more like it. Eventually I knew I would start writing again; I simply had to create my own Historical Fiction. The adventure began!

What inspired your work in progress?

It’s a funny story. Some people sneer at doing touristy things while traveling- which I understand to a point. But, when you are a tourist, I think it’s okay to actually tour. I like to see everything, to get the scoop. Thus, I climbed atop one of those red double-decker busses in London for some sightseeing. When we tooled past the Banqueting House someone indicated the window from which King Charles the First had emerged for his beheading in 1649.  Huh? I thought kings ordered the beheadings! So, of course, I had to immerse myself in the complicated English Civil Wars and the Stuart Royal family. Eventually I found my heroine.
Frances Stuart

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

That's Hot Thursday!

Let's go to the beach - PLEASURE BEACH, that is, a steamin' hot anthology by P.J. Mellor!

If you haven't read anything by Ms. Mellor, I have to say I loved this book and would definitely recommend it as a starting point -- of course you'll want to buy the rest of her books after you read it;) PLEASURE BEACH has everything: Sexy alpha males, creative sex, warm, sun soaked location, creative sex, humor, and did I mention the creative sex . . .

OK,OK, I got a little off track;)  The other thing I liked about this book is the knack Ms. Mellor has for writing her heroes. What do I mean by that? You'll have to buy the book to find out. But I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Enjoy!

PLEASURE BEACH is a Kensington Aphrodisia 2006 publication.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Wacky, Wild, Witty Wednesday!

TOP TEN REASONS TO GO TO WORK NAKED...

1. Your boss is always yelling, "I wanna see your ass in here by 8:00!"

2. Can take advantage of computer monitor radiation to work on your tan.

3. "I'd love to chip in, but I left my wallet in my pants."

4. To stop those creepy guys in Marketing from looking down your blouse.

5. You want to see if it's like the dream.

6. So that with a little help from Muzak you can add "Exotic Dancer" to your exaggerated resume.

7. People stop stealing your pens after they've seen where you keep them.

8. Diverts attention from the fact that you also came to work drunk.

9. Gives "bad hair day" a whole new meaning.

10. No one steals your chair.

Monday, November 1, 2010

True Facts Tuesday - Oh, Yes They Did! (Part 2)

Today we're going to continue our talk about those naughty Victorians. Last week I focused on letters written by Civil War soldiers to their (male) friends as they discussed their "activities" with women of loose morals. This week I want to quote letters from soldiers written to their wives/girlfriends and vice versa. I think you'll be surprised at the frank - sometimes bawdy - language they used.

Again, I'm reading from THE STORY THE SOLDIERS WOULDN'T TELL: SEX IN THE CIVIL WAR by Thomas P. Lowry, M.D., a wonderful reference book for anyone writing in the Victorian era.

Julia Higgins, 1863, to her fiance' Jim: I love you with all my heart and with all my mind and long to see you Dear Jim. My mind dwells on the treasures we will have when you come back, embracing each other on the sofa and bed. I never felt so good as I did the first time I laid on the sofa. I wish it would last - always it is my daily thought to think of you and the good feelings we will have when you come home. You must not let anyone see this letter. Lay it next to your heart.
Then the writer turned to the pregnancy of a mutual friend: She said she felt good enough when making it. If it felt as good as it did to me the first time you put it in the full length, it struck bottom, that is sure. I love you with all my heart and body . . . and will keep it closed for you. When you come home to break it open again it will be as tight as the first time you tried it.

Jane Goodwin wrote to her husband James( talking about their wedding night): . . .soon did I feel my delicate form embraced by his gigantic and robust one for a pillow and the other fondling with anxiety over my small but firm breastworks . . . you becoming more adventurous inclined your right downward you know where . . .better to ascertain the position . . .

James Greenlach, wrote to his wife Fidelia about his concerns regarding women left home alone: I have heard men when they are talking about old men being guilty of such {a} thing, that the older the Back, the stiffer the Horn and the women, some of them, appear to have the same disease. I hope you won't ketch it.

Jane Keeler to her husband Elnathan, 1864( she sent him a box a food with a note enclosed): Don't let that horseradish make your horny for I am not there you know.

Hey, who needs oysters or Spanish fly?  LOL
Join me next week for our continued discussion on the naughty Victorians!

All info from: The Story Soldiers Wouldn't Tell: Sex in the Civil War by Thomas P. Lowry M.D.
Published: Stackpole Books, 1994