Brie's City of Angels by Red Phoenix is Out Early!

I am thrilled to announce that Brie's City of Angels is out on Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords.

Oh my goodness, this one is full of so much love and heart, on top of great sex (of course). We are getting ever closer to the end...

Brie's City of Angels:

Angels come in all shapes and sizes…

Brie returns to LA with a friend spiraling out of control - a transformation is coming. In the midst of turmoil and change, love grows deeper. Brie will discover the truth about Rytsar’s past, and her Master will face a new challenge. Heartbreak and inspiration mark her time at home, but through it all the beauty of condor love prevails.


In this sixth novella of the Submissive in Love series experience the inspiring love between Dominant and submissive in the midst of scorching hot sex, shocking scenes and masked gentlemen.

Follow Your Calling: Red Phoenix

Brie - art by Nicole Delfs

Observation:

If you know in your heart what you were meant to do, don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I was told by plenty of editors that (although I have a good "voice") I wasn't publishable. After enough rejections, I believed them.

But I could not stop writing...

So I found a way to self-publish (Smashwords) in order not to invest any of my family's income to realize my dream. Even then, I received HARSH reviews - enough to break one's spirit - except that I needed to get these stories out even if people hated them. :)

So I kept at it, writing what poured out of my heart. * The fact there are actually readers who appreciate my work has been delicious icing on the cake.

What I Have Learned:

Believe in yourself. You are here on this beautiful planet for a reason, with a purpose/s only you can achieve. Others may do something similar, but only you can do it in a way that is uniquely and wonderfully you.

And I don't care what your calling is, be it: teacher, mechanic, garbage collector, cashier, nurse, barista, waiter, mother, cook, writer, accountant, CEO, volunteer, etc. All are important, all are needed! No calling is more worthy than another, they are just different paths to the same end - contentment & satisfaction. You deserve both. <3

 

~~~~

Red Phoenix is the author of:

Novels-
* Brie Learns the Art of Submission
* Blissfully Undone
* Sensual Erotica: The Erotic Love Story of Amy and Troy

Novellas -
* His Scottish Pet: Dom of the Ages
* Varick: The Reckoning

Novelettes -
* Play With Me at Noon
* In 9 Days/ 9 Days and Counting
* The Keeper of the Wolf Clan
* And Then He Saved Me

Current series of Brie Novelettes (After Graduation - Started Jan 2013) -
* Brie Pleases her New Master #1
* Brie Submits to her Master #2
* Brie's Russian Fantasy #3

Sensual Erotica: The Complete Collection by Red Phoenix

Sensual Erotica: The Erotic Love Story of Amy and Troy is now available on Smashwords and Amazon for the bargain price of $4.99!

This is the entire collection of 14 sensual "quickies" all gathered into one book. Not only is it convenient, but it's cheaper as well! When I wrote the series following the sensual journey of Troy and Amy, I always planned to bundle it into a collection. However, I got a little distracted with the Brie Series... 

* I will also be publishing it as a real book too for all you non Kindles and Nookies out there. (grin) Expect a post announcing when it is up for sale on Amazon. It would make an excellent Christmas gift! Way better than a scarf or tie, don't you think?  ;)

Sensual Erotica: The Erotic Love Story of Amy and Troy:

Troy and Amy were meant for each other, but fate had different plans… Join the erotic adventures of Amy and Troy as they make their way in the world. True love reigns, but fate continually throws the young couple into the arms of others. The titillating quickies are written from both Troy and Amy's point of view so you get it both ways.

* Each short story is a new erotic adventure from ménage, bondage, exhibitionism, anal play, to good old-fashioned lover sex.


Reviews:

“A very seductive tale that presents itself with depth and imagination.” – Shane

“Read the books with Troy, Amy, Brad and a whole host of sexcapades.” - Adelaye Hearst

“Oh me Oh my!! Brad is one HOT piece! I believe he would make the women line up just for him to be their master :)” - DragonRene "~AVA~

“Red Phoenix does a lot of things well, but s/he truly excels at writing fabulous displays of sexual tension” - Avid X

“I love the way there is not a moment of boredom in Red Phoenix books!! You never know what to expect and when you expect something, something else pops!! Delightful Hot, Erotic story!!!” - marian

Adult Material (18+)

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content and scenes that some readers may find objectionable.

Brie on Display... The Seventh in the Series by Red Phoenix

Sexiest cover yet!

Brie on Display available on Amazon and Smashwords
 
Once I started writing this story, I just couldn't stop. The idea of public display is arousing to me. I also couldn't wait to reveal the third Dom vying for Brie's attention. To top it off, I decided to introduce a character from one of my other series into the submissive training center environment. Brie's heart is about to get pulled in different directions, but through it all she remains strong and continues to grow in her calling as a submissive.

FYI - I am in LOVE with this cover! Growl...

Brie on  Display:

Brie’s fourth week of submissive training introduces her to public display. From encounters in the vanilla world, to a field trip to a BDSM club she is entranced by the D/s lifestyle. Brie continues to be tested and stretched by her vigilant trainers, exposing more of her hidden desires. Shockingly, a new trainer has entered the scene and a third Dom makes his move - one she did not see coming.

This delicious novelette will become your new guilty pleasure, filled with erotic situations and moments that will make you go aww…

Extended Description:

Join Brie as she experiences different forms of public display, a stage scene with two Doms, and her fourth Auction Day filled with mystery and intrigue. Brie does not know their new trainer has a special skill and is surprised when she personally experiences it at The Haven. She also comes to appreciate the allure of a simple feather. Week four will be a roller coaster of sexual delight for Brie and all who follow her escapades.

Adult Material (18+)

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content and scenes that some readers may find objectionable.

Brie Embraces Bondage... The Sixth in the Series by Red Phoenix

Brie Embraces Bondage available on Smashwords and Amazon

I have been looking forward to writing this particular book for a while. Bondage is an area that interests me and it's been fun exploring it with Brie. She experiences all kinds of alluring scenarios she's been afraid to approach, because of the freedom bondage affords her. I know some of you are wondering how bondage can equal freedom. Well, it can...

Brie Embraces Bondage:

Brie is thrilled when the Submissive Training Center focuses a whole week on bondage lessons. Little does the inexperienced sub know what's in store. Brie explores areas she has been reluctant to tread and finally discovers what has been holding her back. The call of the rope opens her to new experiences that leave her panting with bated breath for more.

This wickedly arousing novelette encompasses an entire week of Brie’s submissive training, including her third Auction Day.

Brie longs to delve into the world of bondage and finally gets her chance at the center. She personally encounters the "mighty" male model, her trainer Master Coen, and later surrenders to another lesson with Marquis Gray. In answering the call of the rope, Brie discovers new avenues of pleasure. But there is a hefty price to be paid when her heart becomes torn between two masters.

Adult Material (18+)

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content and scenes that some readers may find objectionable.

My Love/Hate Relationship With Smashwords

As an Indie Author, Smashwords has been a great place to start. The set up is very friendly for newbies and you have explicit instructions on how to get your work published. I recommend it to anyone thinking of jumping into eBooks.

• Based on the instructions there, I was able to figure out Amazon and publish on there are well. Awesome!
• It also affords me the ability to price my books and change the pricing whenever I want. I can even put books up for free permanently. It gets people to check out my work and those that like it buy my other books. Nice!
• Another thing I like about Smashwords is that they distribute my books to B&N and Apple as well as other eBook sites. They even collect the money and give detailed payment information (though they only pay out quarterly). Still, it's great!
• Smashwords stands up for and believes in the little guy. I feel supported there as an author, especially as an author of erotica. Bravo!
• Best of all - it's FREE! Well, at least the publishing is. Naturally, they take a small cut of everything you sell. Yay!

But....

I don't know if they struggle due to a large influx of authors flocking to the site or they have bad software or they are simply understaffed because Smashwords definitely has issues:

• Books do not show up on certain sites or take months to show up. While my books were having success on Amazon, I didn't make money on Apple and B&N because the books just simply weren't there. (And I am still waiting on some...) Growl!
• Changes you make in price, book cover, or edits are not necessary going to show up on the other sites. Really???
• Your books must wait to be "okayed" for distribution and sometimes this can take up three weeks to happen. And then you wait another 2, 4, 8 weeks to show up on the other sites. Crickets...
• The support team will answer your email, but it usually takes between one to two weeks for them to respond. Sometimes when they respond, you are told to send another email with specific information and then you may have to wait an additional week or two to get a follow up response. Worse, I get a different person each time. So, even though it is the same issue I've been dealing time and time again, I have to go through the whole situation from scratch. It sucks.
• The payments can be really delayed when the big companies like B&N and Apple are behind in paying Smashwords. The money you made in March may not be paid out until the end of August.

Despite all that, I continue to use Smashwords because it is the best option open to me at this point. I apologize to all my readers on Apple, B&N, Sony, and Kobo. You are either getting old versions or you are still waiting for books to show up. I am sorry. I wish I had some control over it.

In the end, I figure if I was using a traditional publisher, I would experience even more delays, have less of a say concerning my books and be expected to pay a ton of money for the favor.

So I still love you, Smashwords, but there are times I just want to slap you.

Why This Erotica Author Loves Smashwords

I remember talking to a friend and fellow writer last year who said she was using Smashwords. I scoffed, because I wanted to be published by traditional means and I'd heard bad things about their formatting. She really liked it, so the company name stuck in my head.

Publishing with Smashwords

Well, after being told by publishers and agents that my stories were hybrids and not market worthy, I checked out Smashwords for myself. I thought I would get my feet wet by publishing a few short stories. The instructions Smashwords gave in their little eBook, Smashwords Style Guide, was invaluable and easy to understand. The book walked me through the process and even made me feel that I wasn't an idiot if some of it seemed confusing. I got my stories to meet Smashwords' standards so that they were eligible for premium distribution (meaning my books would go out to six online bookstores, including Barnes & Noble and Apple).

I've sold a few books on Smashwords and put up a few for free (wanted people to get a taste of my writing style). It's been exciting seeing how many people download my "sensual quickies" and getting reviews from actual customers is a thrill.

I like Mike Coker's approach to running his company. I feel supported, appreciated, and informed. A recent issue arose in the erotica arena. He sent out (and continues to send) email updates while he negotiates with PayPal.

Using Smashwords Helped Me Publish on Amazon

A fellow author from Smashwords gave me tons of information and support, suggesting that I also publish on Amazon. Because of the experienced gained by using Smashwords, I was able to work Amazon's publishing process. I would have struggled without that prior experience. Plus, I know that if my file has no errors with Smashwords' formatting, it will work for Mobi as well.

Making Money

I was surprised a month later when I looked at my statement on Smashwords (payments are made quarterly - but you can check out your ongoing totals) and found that I was making money from B&N. The next month’s statement showed that Apple was also providing sells.

I finally understood the power Smashwords affords me as a new writer. I am out in the market, able to decide what price I want to sell my books for and I don't have to worry whether my books are "hybrids"or not. My success is in my hands!

Benefits to Publishing on Smashwords

By using Smashwords, I can create a clean eBook and have it distributed to the major bookstores (excluding Amazon at this time). I also am able to determine my price. On top of that, I can choose to make some books free so people are able to sample my writing and determine if this indie author is worth their reading time. Using them is a win/win for me. I LOVE Smashwords and recommend it to any indie author who wants to control his/her own success.

FYI - I am an indie author of erotica who started publishing with Smashwords in December 2011.