Review Me and Win!

In an effort to get more reviews posted on my Amazon titles, I'm starting the following promotion:

Every person who leaves a review on one of my titles will be entered into a drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate. For every 10 reviews on a title, I will draw one winner.

This promotion will continue until at least 20 reviews are received on each title. Once a title has received 20 reviews, no further drawings will take place for that title. Other titles, those with fewer than 20 reviews, will remain eligible for the drawings.

peace & passion,

~ Alessia

ArtiFactual now available on Amazon

Woot! ArtiFactual's now available from the world's largest online bookseller.

Big e-Step

Harlequin Goes All E-Book
By Josh Kerbel -- Publishers Weekly, 9/21/2007 7:25:00 AM

Harlequin said yesterday that from this point forward it is making its complete frontlist catalogue available in e-book format. Active in the e-book marketplace since October 2005, with an initial publication schedule of nine titles a month, Harlequin will now be releasing more than 120 titles per month in both print and digital formats.

Harlequin’s e-books will be priced slightly lower than their print books and be available in Adobe, Microsoft Reader, MobiPocket, Palm and Sony formats. The company said it is launching this initiative because its customers embrace the immediacy and portability of the format and the titles do not go out of stock.

Mobi-fied!

Yay! Phaze eBooks are now available via MobiPocket, which means they'll soon (again) be available for purchase/download from Amazon.

Phaze in Verse

Poetry has long been a short form method to story telling. Morals, epic tales, even desperate pleas for understanding have been recorded through the ages in verse. And yet, somewhere along the line of our technologically advancing society, it seems those small intimate pleasures are growing lost. Poetry is love, life, and feeling breathed into words. Our shared experiences, emotions, dreams… Today, we are pleased to present to you a fine collection of poetry. This is not just iambic pentameter or rhymed. It is not only free verse or measured. This is a comprehensive collection of a wide variety of tastes, styles, and passions. Just like our readers. There is a little bit of something for everyone.

Available now in both eBook ($5) and print ($10)!

That Four Letter Word

A few years ago, I wrote a short story entitled "Topping Love" in which love was compared to a pizza. There were basic elements (crust, sauce, cheese) for everyone, but the importance of toppings varied from person to person. (The story appears in fine flickering hungers and uses the characters from my Costa Rica series: Sam, Jess, Charlie, and Richard.)

I did a good bit of reading about love, especially research/theories, while writing that story. One that has stuck with me is Yale psychologist Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love:



If I'd make a poster of the image above, I could use thumbtacks to accurately peg every relationship in my life that was deeper than a casual acquaintance. Each day, I could adjust the placement of the tacks as bonds grew or were damaged by action or inaction (whether mine or that of others). Maybe I'll do that - just for grins. *wink*

The ultimate (consummate) love, Sternberg asserts, is the interior of the triangle. Most of the time, I agree with that assertion. I think a lot of people invest a lot of effort to achieve that ideal -- and even more to maintain it. I wonder, though, if it's an unrealistic expectation for the long haul.

What do y'all think?

Bound's First Review

Dirty Girl Reviews had this to say about Bound for Success:

Alessia and Will are teaming up once again for a short erotic work that gets your juices flowing right away. They have a way with words that makes the characters really come alive. Kevin and Cyndi have a playful banter that is just a pleasure to read and the sex scenes are absolutely steamy!

ArtiFactual now available in print!

Together in one volume we are proud to present the Tales of the Erotique Mystique. From the incredible writing team of Alessia Brio and Will Belegon comes a vivid collection of stories of passion, adventure, and exotic toys. ArtiFactual includes Phaze favorites Erotique, Switch (a P&E Readers Poll Winner!), Amichu, and a never-before-published novella, Closing Arguments in the continuing adventures of the playful and sexy couple, Amanda Long and Bruce Winfield.


Available in both eBook ($7) and print pre-order ($10) from Phaze!

Bound for Success released

A stand-alone continuation of the tale which began with Brio & Belegon's most popular novella, Artistically Inclined. Pittsburgh's daring duo is back in a hot-blooded romance with a penchant for ties that bind! When Cyndi's nerves about her gallery opening get the better of her, Kevin takes matters into his own hands, replacing one tension with another and setting the stage for a very eventful evening.

Available now from Phaze ($3)
Length: 19K

Have you been squeezed lately?

Mammogram day. I just got home. The timing is fortuitous, given the recent release of Coming Together: For the Cure, huh? I love the image above (and want it on a T-shirt), even though the editor in me is screaming: It's FRESHLY SQUEEZED!

Anyway, in my typical duller-than-dirt promo way, I'll cut to the chase: Please take the Comment: For the Cure blog tour, if you haven't already done so, and leave a comment on each. You'll be raising $$$ for a great cause, and you may win a book in the process.

peace & passion, y'all *squeeze*

Vanity Search Hits Gold

I was Googling this morning to see if anyone else had picked up the torch in the blog comment contest for Coming Together: For the Cure that started on Alison Kent's blog, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover my short piece for girl-girl erotica, Listen To Me, listed among the nominees for Best Short Fiction.

A Short List of Recommended Works and a winner will be announced in each category at Gaylaxicon 2007 in October, 2007.

Nevermind that the story isn't science fiction, fantasy, or horror. It's an honor to be nominated. *bows*

Two new banners

I never quite know when I'll get a burst of creative energy. Last night, when I thought I was completely tapped, I cranked out these for upcoming releases:

Comment: For the Cure

Fellow erotic romance author, Alison Kent, is hosting a blog comment contest in support of Coming Together: For the Cure.

Please pop on over to her blog and leave a comment! For each ten comments received, she'll buy a copy to use as a prize! Thanks, y'all.





peace & passion,

~ Alessia Brio, editor
Coming Together: For the Cure

P.S. Holla to the Bitchery for the linky goodness!

eCata Reviews Switch

I don't think reviews get any better than this:

Switch is probably one of the most unusual erotic books I’ve ever read! The relationship between the characters is realistic and yet so darling that I couldn’t help but like them. Even without reading the previous book in the Erotique series, this story stands alone very well by establishing the relationship between Bruce and Mandy as well as the store without any trouble. What happens the night of the thunderstorm contain the funniest and yet hottest love scenes I’ve ever read. If you want a quick read that tickles your funny bone while being incredibly scorching, Will Belegon and Alessia Brio’s tale Switch is the book for you! (Reviewed by Lindsey Ann Denson)

Samba Sale!

August is sexy Samba sale month at Phaze! These Latin-themed HeatSheets are half price all month long. Pick up Amichu (Yeah, the title sounds like a sneeze, but it's really a Quechua word meaning "thing united with another.") for a buck -- or all five titles for just $5.

Here's what reviewer Carrie White had to say about Amichu:

Much as I would love to know which bits are the brainchild of which author, it doesn't really matter because the final result is just pure masterpiece. There's a fine spattering of humour throughout the story and the sex scenes are naughty and fresh. Thorough research into the historical facts about the artefact and the different cultures encountered just strengthens the sense of credibility you receive whilst reading this book. Excellent read.

EoE Author of the Month

That's ME!

In addition to the spotlight web page, I'm also covered in the Essence of Erotica Newsletter. It's accessible via the EoE Yahoo!Group or available to download directly from my site. (My bit is on pages 9-11 of the newsletter.)

The color of Imp

This post on a dear friend's blog gave me all kinds of warm fuzzies:

I planted some gladiolus bulbs in the bed along the street this spring. They are white with maroon throats, most of them. One bulb, however, must have been sorted into the wrong bag, as it opened a rich deep burgundy red. When I saw it, I knew that it was Imp in flower form, and I cut it for her to take home. That red is the color of warmth and beauty and passion and joy, and that is Imp. The bloom was a lovely surprise gift, and that is also Imp.

This is why I won't join RWA

The Board [of RWA] updated the definition of Subsidy Publisher or Vanity Publisher to: any publisher that publishes books in which the author participates in the cost of production or distribution in any manner, including publisher assessment of a fee or other costs for editing and/or distribution. This definition includes publishers who withhold or seek full or partial payment of reimbursement of publication or distribution costs before paying royalties, including payment of paper, printing, binding, production, sales or marketing costs; publishers whose authors exclusively promote and/or sell their own books; publishers whose primary means of offering books for sale is through a publisher-generated Web site; publishers whose list is comprised of 50% or more of its books written by authors who are principals in the publishing company; and publishers whose business model and methods of publishing are primarily directed toward sales to the author, his/her relatives and associates.

Yeah, I know. It's an attack -- and there's not a damned thing subtle about it. Here's the response from colleague, Phaze compatriot, and EPIC President, Brenna Lyons:

Many of you are aware of the recent changes posted by RWA, most notably to me (even beyond the new requirement for advances for all publishers) the classification of all indie/e publishers as subsidy/vanity as per the primary mode of selling books being from a publisher site. I don't know what rock RWA is hiding its head under, but having a publisher site to sell from, even if you do (and most do) employ other distribution channels, is a laughable and lamentable way to try and define vanity/subsidy presses. Yet again, RWA proves they are completely out of touch with the changing face of publishing today.

Likewise, MWA has revamped their recognition policies to state that all recognized publishers must do a minimum print run of 500 books on all releases, banning print on demand technology completely, even if the publisher routinely sells more than that amount in trade paperback or POD hard bound editions. This has, according to my sources, knocked out a large portion of their recognized list.

For all those affected by RWA's blatant attempts, yet again, at causing a rift between NY-published authors and reputable indie/e...and for those affected by MWA's short-sighted response, may I offer the following thoughts?

"A book is a book, regardless of form." This nugget of wisdom was coined by Karen Woods of EPIC some time ago, and it's true. All the mind games and politics in the world are not going to change the fact that books are books, whether presented on paper or by using a screen, whether printed 10,000 copies at a time or a single copy at a time. Given the chance to buy a book that sounds interesting to him/her, a reader will purchase it, whether it's a POD trade paperback or one printed offset. READERS do not care what RWA does or says.

I would add to Karen's words of wisdom. "Reputable is reputable, no matter how large." There are NY-publishers that have bad reputations with authors but are recognized and indie/es that have few or no author complaints but are now branded "subsidy" by RWA, therefore unable to be recognized. The recognition list does not ensure ethical behavior on the part of a publisher.

To that end, the EPIC publisher's coalition is currently working on a code of ethics (in addition to the EPIC model contract already posted on the site) that publishers will (electively) choose to sign, agreeing to certain standards of behavior, much like agents have the AAR.

It is time to re-evaluate why we care what RWA thinks. EPIC was originally organized as a chapter of RWA but quickly decided that wasn't going to be a viable association. Even at that time, RWA was dismissive of indie/e publishers.

Striking out on their own was, in my humble opinion, the best thing that could have happened to EPIC. Over the years, the corporation has grown more inclusive, taking on every genre of fiction and non-fiction.

EPIC's professional commitment is focused on only two things: indie publishing and e-publishing of any type, large or small, even those that self-publish. Members are not only published authors but also editors, publishers and other industry professionals.

Unlike RWA, EPIC does not cater to unpublished authors. That doesn't mean published authors at EPIC are denied the same sort of support and information unpublished received with groups like RWA. Being published does not mean that the author ceases to need this sort of support system, one of the reasons EPIC has taken the road it has. While the EPICon is opened to everyone -- published, unpublished or just has an interest in e-publishing and/or writing -- the EPIC lists are only for industry professionals and those authors who have at least signed a contract for publication, print or e.

EPIC is committed to indie publishing and e. Remember that, because it's become increasingly clear that RWA and some of the other "professional organizations" have no wish to embrace the future. For that reason, it is high time we started asking ourselves why we care what RWA thinks? Or MWA or SFWA, for that matter?

Because they're professional organizations? They are, but they are professional organizations with a very limited scope. I don't just mean in terms of genre but also in terms of which authors and publishers they consider worthy of their attention and respect.

It's time to change that mindset. Indie/e is no one's follower. We are innovation, breakout technology and breakout books, the industry leader in adopting new and profitable genres. Indie/e does not need professional organizations that are not willing to acknowledge our strengths. They are, simply put, a liability and nothing more.

Because its nice to have the respect of our peers? I don't need RWA to have that. First of all, many of my peers are in indie/e. Why would I put money in the coffers of a monolith like RWA? I don't need their approval. I certainly don't need their permission.

Neither do I find that the lion's share of NY authors I've met share RWA's bias against indie/e. Sherrilyn Kenyon, who I might note was originally e-published in indie/e and still releases her books in e-book formats, is a wonderful woman and delightfully free of such prejudice. So is Piers Anthony, who started in NY but currently writes for both NY and indie/e. Piers is a staunch supporter of indie/e and does more to protect authors from unscrupulous publishers than I've ever seen RWA do. Even those who, to my knowledge, have never been an indie/e author, like Christine Feehan and Robin D. Owens, are known to be open and friendly to everyone, regardless of their professional affiliations.

So, why do we need to worry about what RWA thinks? Because we want validation that we're really published? If you're written and contracted a book, you're published. "A book is a book, regardless of form."

Because we want to enter the RITA? Why? No, really...think about that. What is so special about RITA? It isn't inclusive of a lot of the genres authors want included. RITA is a private endeavor that doesn't allow everyone, even those with print books sold by the publisher, to enter. It is a closed-group award, because only authors of recognized publishers are allowed to play. Readers don't care... And it's expensive. So, what makes the RITA so special?

EPPIE, by comparison, has 23 categories (5 romance (plus YA, GLBT and Inspirational, where romance may be entered if of the type), 4 erotic romance, erotica and Single Title/Mainstream, where heavy crosses and dark romance may be entered). You enter your books in e-book format, so no messing with the fuss and expense of sending paper books. And, the entries do not have to be novel-length. Stories as short at 10K may enter EPPIE. You pay only $20 for members and $30 for non-members to enter. And, it's inclusive in that you're competing with everyone with e-books who wishes to enter. We have first time indie/e authors finaling and winning next to NY books and even NYT Bestselling authors.

In addition, Dream Realm runs a second professionally-judged award for e-books only, those of SF/F/H and cross-genres (YA, romance and erotica) thereof. Entry is only $15 plus an e-book copy to enter. And some of the more reasonable RWA chapter contests, like PRISM from FFP chapter, allow e-books to play alongside NY books, for a cost of $25 for members and $30 non-members...but you have to make print copies of the book to enter. Still, I personally consider PRISM one of the premiere judged awards in existence and very friendly to e-book authors.

So, why would an indie/e author care about entering the RITA? It's just another award, and readers largely dismiss awards, so it's for industry recognition and not reader appeal. The industry that prizes the RITA so highly is not indie/e; it's NY, so what is your focus? Where should it lie?

Why should we care about what RWA says? What does RWA give back to the indie/e members but continuous scorn and headaches (at the National level, not in the individual chapters)? If RWA's aim is, as it seems it is, to try and change indie/e to be what they want it to be...to make it a mini-clone of NY, they are going to fail. They may get some publishers to play that game; there are always a few that will, but they certainly aren't going to get all of us to play it.

And, we shouldn't play it, because RWA is not focused on us. We don't even blip on their radar, except as the red-headed step-child that they'd like to send off to our room. Too bad. Indie/e is here and we're strong...and we're growing every year.

Just remember that RWA needs members. We don't need RWA. We don't need SFWA. We don't need MWA. EPIC is there, with open arms and open minds. If you would like to experience a professional organization that is focused on your needs, as an indie-print or e-published author or industry professional, EPIC may be the place for you.

The door is always open.

Brenna Lyons
President of EPIC

If you are an e-author, an e-publisher, or an e-cover artist, I encourage you to JOIN EPIC TODAY!

EPICon Registrations Open

Portland, here I come! I've already registered & booked my hotel. I was a bit dismayed, though, to discover that there are no non-stop flights from Pittsburgh to Portland.

15% Off ... ME!

For the next two days, you can pick up any (or all) of my titles for 15% off at FictionWise! Just enter the following coupon code at checkout: SNS0707R

Grab one of the Coming Together anthologies, and your purchase will benefit the targeted charity.

Snag Phaze Fantasies I and get 94,000 words of erotic entertainment starting with my story, "¡Pura Vida!"

Or pick up ArtiFactual and join Bruce & Mandy on their erotic adventures with haunted sex toys.