Newsletter ~ November 2007

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Newsletter time again. November began with a trip to San Diego for the La Jolla Writers Conference. I had high expectations, given my first experience with the conference. This year's event met and, in some cases, exceeded them. My only complaint is that it was difficult to choose which session or workshop to attend -- because the banquet of choices was just too damned lavish. Antoinette and Jared Kuritz put together a kick-ass array of presenters who all, despite their success and fame, gave freely of their time and expertise.

The conference was founded on the principle of Catherine Ryan Hyde's book, Pay It Forward. In fact, she was its first keynote. While it's not as much "fun" as the Romantic Times BOOKLOVERS convention, it's way more energizing professionally and creatively. I'm already looking forward to next year's LJWC.

Just one more note before my news ...

As we head in to the holiday season, with all its stressors, please remember to make time for peace... and passion. While you're shopping online to avoid the crowds, treat yourself to a steamy ebook or three!

~ Alessia

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New Releases & Coming Soon [TOP]

COMING SOON:
Coming Together: Under Fire (which I'm co-editing with Will Belegon) is a collection of diverse fire-themed erotic fiction and poetry. All proceeds from its sale will benefit relief efforts for the victims of the recent Southern California wildfires. Watch for it soon-ish in both ebook and print from Phaze!

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AVAILABLE NOW:
Coming Together: For Gabrielle

BLURB:
A multi-author anthology of sensual fiction and poetry.

INTRODUCTION:
For three days in the fall of 2006, an Internet writers' community came together in a heart rending vigil for a tiny baby girl, born before her time and taken from this world far too soon. In her precious hours with us, however, Gabrielle reached more hearts than most people do in decades. Her life was not measured by the number of breaths she took but was—and continues to be—measured by the depths of compassion she inspired.

Anyone who bore witness to this event can never again claim that online relationships are not real—or that they are in any way, shape, or form lesser than those taking place offline. The virtual candles glowed just as brightly, the e-hugs were just as warm, and the abundance of love just as palpable. I know that I, for one, will never be the same.

Many of the stories and poetry contained in this volume of Coming Together were written in the wake of Gabrielle's passing. Proceeds from its sale will be donated to BLISS, the U.K.'s premature baby charity.

Your purchase will help the next baby who leaves the womb too soon take more breaths and touch more lives. Thank you.

Available in print from Amazon and ebook from Lulu!

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COMING TO PRINT IN DECEMBER:
Phaze Fantasies I
ISBN 1-59426-556-9 (ebook)

BLURB:
Four tales of erotic fiction by four Phaze favorites! Alessia Brio continues the Costa Rican adventure that launched fine flickering hungers, her EPPIE Award-winning anthology. Bridget Midway shines with "Service Recall," a tale of relationship rebound done right. Leigh Ellwood opens the door to a magical ménage in "Midnight Passions." And Ann Regentin's "Midnight Conversations" explores the sexual memories of a fixer-upper's past occupants.

REVIEWS:
"Alessia Brio leads off with ¡Pura Vida!, a sizzling exploration of polyamorous, pansexual relationships."
~ Erotica Revealed

"¡Pura Vida!, by Brio, is the spicy story of Charlie, Stormy and Pietro, who plan to turn a Costa Rican beach into the next vacation hot spot. Things are going to get hot, all right!"
~ Romantic Times BOOKreviews

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Interviews & Appearances [TOP]

Well, I "appeared" at the La Jolla Writers Conference, but I didn't do any interviews or book signings last month. On December 15th, however, I'll be signing books at Virginia Beach's Pink Banana Boutique with a group of naughty authors. I'm hoping we are so busy with the event that I don't have time to covet all the delicious lingerie lining the walls. Last time, I dropped a couple hundred bucks on sexy stuff.

One of my book cover designs is nominated for a Covey Award this month, too!  Naughty Rendezvous, by Ms. Victoria Blisse, is entry #5. Please pop on over to the blog and cast your vote in both polls:

Most Eye-Catching Cover

and

Most Relevant Cover

Thanks, y'all! I hope to see my work nominated regularly (especially if I don't have to nominate it myself). *grin*

Venti con Brio [TOP]

And, speaking of the angel herself, here's a twenty-word free association with Phaze author and Sexy Reads mistress, Victoria Blisse:

angel » sweet » candy » cane » crutch » carry »
package » holiday » mistletoe » kissing » tongue » lick »
beat » drum » rhythm » sway » dance » sing » rejoice » Yay!

Blogging, Contests, Free Reads, etc. [TOP]

On the promo blog, check out "Green Sex" -- my tribute to Blog Action Day.

At MySpace, you'll find my weekly "Thursday Thirteen" posts and the link to an altruistic vocabulary game. Careful though! It's addictive.

Poetry [TOP]

Alas, no new poetry this month.

Featured Backlist Title [TOP]

San Diego Sunset
ISBN  1-59426-567-4
Phaze, December 2006 ($2)

BLURB:
At some point in each of our lives, if we're lucky, we become receptive to the messages of the universe. We must then choose between living or merely existing. This is a tale of such choosing. Never underestimate the power of dreams.

REVIEWS:
"SAN DIEGO SUNSET is a romantic and powerful short story about believing the impossible and making it come true."
~ Romance Reviews Today

"What a fantastically fun read. San Diego Sunset was definitely not what I expected when I first started reading it; although I should have known it would be amazing with authors Alessia Brio and Will Belegon. Everything these two write together is outstanding. Somehow, they always manage to keep their stories and characters fresh and full of fun."
~ Fallen Angel Reviews