Blakely’s interview with Jane from the My Body Trilogy

MyBodyTrilogyThis week I’m sharing a blog post from my previous blog tour.  It’s one of my favorites. Check out my interview with Jane.

Blakely: I’m very excited to interview you, Jane. It’s like a wonderful visit with an old friend.

Jane: Yes, we have been joined at the hip for quite a while now. 😉

Blakely: Without giving too much away (we wouldn’t want to spoil it for our readers) how are you doing these days?

Jane: Life is truly wonderful. I no longer look upon my past with shame and regret. I thankfully survived it all and came out stronger, happier and healthier on the other side. Nothing can compete with good love.

Blakely: Are you ready to dive into the interview?

Jane: Sure.

Blakely: Many of our readers and fans have a hard time understanding why you stayed so long with Luke. Can you explain it to them?

Jane: Luke provided an intense passion and connection that I never experienced before and when he was “good Luke” nothing in the world could touch the elation I felt from his touch and attention. Just his mere kiss caused me to melt. Unfortunately, there were two definite sides to him and he could be very cold and cruel. Like many woman who stay in unhealthy relationships, I thought if I could just do things “right”, I would live in bliss with him. Eventually my whole world was wrapped around Luke , his life; and it seemed like dying to be apart from him. We ultimately weren’t good for each other and I can see the part I played in our crazy dance. Looking back, I believe my poor relationships with my parents might have driven my desperation to make it work. I have wondered that if my father had been there for me the day that I called, would I have gone back to Luke? There’s no way to know now but it surely didn’t help my state of mind at the time.

Blakely: With the benefit of hindsight now, do you think your relationship with Luke was abusive as opposed to an alternative lifestyle? If so, at what point was that line crossed for you?

Jane: I think there were abusive moments through the course of the relationship but there were also large segments of time where his harsher tendencies took a back seat. This is a tricky question for me. I don’t have a vast amount of experience in the lifestyle but Marcello was pretty clear that Luke screwed things up in regards to me and my first forays into a Dom/sub relationship. The crossing the line bit is even harder to answer because that invisible line kept being pushed further and farther away from who I knew myself to be. The hardest crossing was when Luke sent me to Marcello’s which I adamantly fought against.

Blakely: Do you think Luke did the BDSM relationship the right way? Many of our readers were upset about how he used the so-called “safe words”.

Jane: I am positive that there are many different ways to have a Dom/sub relationship. Just through my talks with Janice and her experience, all of her BDSM relationships were different. I don’t think there is only one right way to go about it. However, the safe words with Luke were nothing of the kind and he should have called them something else.

Blakely: Do you feel that you really are a submissive or just masqueraded as one to please Luke?

Jane: This question made me laugh! My body unquestionably loves the submission. I wouldn’t say I was masquerading to please Luke but I did lose myself along the way trying to please him. I’m definitely NOT a natural submissive but sexually, it surely causes the most intense orgasms. 😉

Blakely: Do you think monogamy or children will be important to you at some point?

Jane: Absolutely to both.

Blakely: Do you foresee a positive relationship with either of your parents or has that ship sailed as far as you’re concerned?

Jane: My mother goes through a metamorphosis in My Body-Mine so read to find out about that.

Blakely: How did you feel being the object of desire for two men and a woman?

Jane: It completely changed the concept I held of myself. When you have two parents who don’t seem to like you very much, it definitely shapes your outlook on yourself. They (Luke, Janice, and Marcello) helped me to feel more desirable and Marcello encouraged me to feel more deserving of love.

Blakely: Who has been your most incredible lover?

Jane: Blakely, don’t you think that’s giving a bit too much away? They still need to read My Body-Mine!

Blakely: Yes, I guess you’re right. One last question then?

Jane: Yes, because you-know-who is waiting for me. 😉

Blakely: I’ll be quick. Do you think you will share your story with our readers about you-know-who and your future?

Jane: The trilogy is complete but I’ve heard rumors that you might right a prequel, Blakely, about Janice and Luke.

Blakely: Anything is possible but we shall see. Thank you, Jane, for your honest and open answers. I’m sure our readers appreciated your time.

2000 Likes Giveaway

raflPlease join me in celebrating the approaching 2000 likes on the My Body Trilogy page on Facebook. There are many free books for giveaway and you can also join the event page for 2000 Likes Giveaway where I will be updating the prize pool.

Thanks so much for all your support!

Warm hugs,

Blakely

Please feel free to friend me on Facebook.
And like the My Body Trilogy Facebook page.
Find me Twitter & Pinterest.

Email Me

My Body Trilogy Virtual Book Tour Continues

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I’m reposting the list of stops on the virtual book tour and will blog again once the tour has ended.

Warm hugs,

Blakely

July 29 Interview
Tanya’s Book Nook

July 30 Interview
Vision + Verse

July 31 Reviews
Compare our Men. book whores

August 1 Review
Romance Addict Book Blog

August 2 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom

August 3 Spotlight
Momma’s Secret Book Obsession

August 5 Guest blog
Roxanne’s Realm

August 7 Guest blog and Review
Erzabet Bishop

August 8 Spotlight and Reviews
Faerie Tale Books

August 8 Guest blog
Fangs, Wands & Fairy Dust

August 8 Guest blog
Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews

August 9 Character Interview and Review
Nightstand Novels

August 12 Guest blog
The Official Blog of A.C. James

August 12 Spotlight and Review
My Daily Romance

August 12 Guest blog
Smoldering Heat

August 12 Interview
Malfunction Erotica

MY BODY-MINE Press Release

Fannypress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Catherine Treadgold
Publisher
Fanny Press
PO Box 70515
Seattle, WA 98127
206-414-7673
catherine@fannypress.com
www.fannypress.com

Fanny Press announces the July Release of MY BODY-MINE: A Story of Lust, Love, and Liberation

Seattle, WA—On July 15, 2013, Fanny Press will release MY BODY-MINE ($15.95, 324 pages, ISBN: 978-1-60381-534-5), by Blakely Bennett, the final episode in the MY BODY erotic suspense trilogy. In Books 1 and 2 Jane abandons her mundane existence as a successful businesswoman and willingly becomes the financially-dependent sexual plaything of two charismatic men, only to discover that their exhilarating game poses unforeseen dangers to both her body and her mind. In Book 3 she discovers what she truly desires from life and love.

“The story is exciting and enthralling and deserves to be a formidable success.”
—Ashley Lister, Erotica-Readers.com.

“Dark erotica at its best.”
—Bookie Nookie Reviews.

“Hot, scorching and delicious!”
—Erzabet’s Enchantments

Jane has accepted that her relationship with her husband Luke, who drew her in to the dark side of BDSM, is over. She has taken refuge at the home of Luke’s powerful friend Marcello and his submissive, Janice. With Marcello’s patience exhausted, Jane must either submit to his demands or move on from his household and his support. Ultimately, she signs a six month contract of sexual servitude but, as Marcello and Jane grow closer, Janice feels neglected and jealous, creating tension in their normally easy daily rhythm.

In an effort to help Jane, her best friend Parker introduces her to Chase, a confident and flirtatious man who lacks the arrogance of either Luke or Marcello. Jane’s rapport with Chase is lighthearted and subtle, allowing her to gain a new perspective on men. She is intensely attracted to Chase but does not feel free to consider him as more than a friend.

Once Jane gets a real picture of Marcello’s extremes, she knows what she must do. Her feelings about Luke and Marcello and her own sexuality must be resolved before she can find true love with a man who appreciates everything she has to offer. Can she possibly find the kink she has come to desire without the full-time submission?

“I experienced a mix of emotions upon completing My Body-Mine,” says Blakely. “I accomplished my goal, which was in itself gratifying. I also felt sad to say goodbye to Jane, my protagonist. The most interest part of the journey to becoming an author has been meeting people who think my novels are true and my characters are real. I’m flattered that they feel the stories so deeply that they believe the My Body Trilogy is based on actual events.”

Blakely Bennett has been residing in the great Northwest for over seven years. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in psychology, which accounts for her interest in crafting the personalities, struggles, and motivations of her characters. You can find Blakely on the Web at: BlakelyBennett.fannypress.com.

MY BODY-MINE is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com. After July 15, it will also be available in eBook and 5×8 trade paperback editions on BN.com, the European Amazons and Amazon Japan. Bookstores will be able to order through Ingram, Baker & Taylor or by contacting info@fannypress.com. Other electronic versions will be for sale on Smashwords and from most major online eBook retailers.

About Fanny Press—Based in Seattle, Washington, Fanny Press is a new publisher of quality erotica—fiction, adult comic books, memoirs and nonfiction—the coolest books on the market.

-END-

Our Own Worst Critics

Not long ago, my husband and I had a discussion about how I perceive myself and my body in contrast to how he perceives me. During that discussion, I truly wished that I could see myself through his eyes. Even for an hour, if I could see myself the way he sees me, I believe it would change my world forever.

Recently on my Facebook wall, I had the opportunity to read a poem that spoke to that very phenomenon so perfectly for me. Please follow this link to read the poem called Within by Michael Peter Smith aka Mikeywine:  http://mikeywine.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/within/

In addition, my wonderful step-daughter V, posted this incredible video where an artist sketches women based on their verbal description of themselves from behind a curtain and then based on another person’s take of them, someone whom they met just briefly. Call me sappy but the short video made me cry and I hope you’ll check it out as well: http://www.wimp.com/forensicartist/

Let me ask you why, as women, are we our harshest self-critics? I’m sure some men are as well but my general experience with the male gender is that they don’t waste much time wishing they would show up differently or that their bodies looked better. Why don’t we find satisfaction with our own uniqueness?

For myself, my weight fluctuated in my younger days and that had an impact on how I felt about myself on any given day. Fortunately the up and down of 50 lbs. has been reduced down to a 10-15 lbs. yo-yo depending on the season and my internal motivation. I don’t find it odd that we care about how we look since our appearance is what we present to the world, however, I must say, I’m looking forward to the day that my weight matters far less in my own self-evaluation.

In the My Body Trilogy, Jane’s view of herself changes and evolves through her character arc. Her mother often referred to her as Plain Jane in her childhood and that was the image she carried of herself until she met Luke and then Marcello.

As authors, being critiqued is unavoidable, and now anyone with Wifi can fancy themselves an anonymous expert. It’s imperative for our peace of mind that we maintain positive regard for ourselves and our work in the face negative criticism.

I know for me, early rejection as a child definitely affected how I viewed myself but as an adult I’d like to think I have something to say about how I perceive me, my life, and my writing.

At any rate, I plan to adopt my husband’s view, he who adores me and thinks I’m the coolest woman he knows. 🙂  Thanks love.

Are you a harsh self-critic?  Has your opinion of yourself evolved over time?  How do you handle negative reviews of your writing?

Warm hugs,

Blakely

Please feel free to friend me on Facebook by clicking here.
And follow the My Body Trilogy Facebook page by clicking here.
Find My Body-His (book one) for sale on Amazon here.
Find My Body-His Marcello (book two) on Amazon here.

Bondage

I have read about the psychology of bondage (research!) and have written several sex scenes that include one form or another of restraint. It seems pretty apparent to me that it’s a fairly mainstream activity for couples to dabble in and if the statistics are correct, even more mainstream since 50 Shades of Grey hit the stands. Just go into any adult boutique and you can see bondage is alive and well. You can purchase handcuffs and blindfolds and other fun toys to use for such endeavors.

Bondage and discipline is a favorite activity of the men in the My Body Trilogy. I’m fascinated by the trust it takes to allow someone to restrain your body and, by all accounts, the act can create a deep sense of closeness. I wonder about the attraction of being shackled and abused. I do understand that it adds a level of excitement and danger that can set your pulse racing, at least it works that way for the submissives with whom I have spoken and Jane, the main female character in my novels. There is something appealing in letting go of control and trusting someone else to take you to a place where you are left in a puddle of stimulation and sensation that sends you into intense orgasm.

I like reading BDSM stories that incorporate bondage as a theme. I like the stories best when the female is a reluctant participant but ultimately makes the decision to participate. I do find it interesting that what I read may be far more extreme than I would ever care to experience, but it’s still a turn on. I guess that’s why I write that way as well.

I love the rub (pun intended ;)) between what people think should turn them on and what actually does.

The idea of control within sex is a captivating topic and entrusting yourself to another via bondage, is the gift of the submissive.

Is the idea of bondage a turn on or off? Is it something you would consider trying? Please share your stories with us. 🙂

Warm hugs,

Blakely

Please feel free to friend me on Facebook by clicking here.
And follow the My Body Trilogy Facebook page by clicking here.
Find My Body-His (book one) for sale on Amazon here.
Find My Body-His Marcello (book two) for pre-sale on Amazon here.

My Blog Tour!

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I’m very excited to share that my blog tour is starting today.  There will be an ebook giveaway at each site so make sure to comment!

Here are all the links for the coming days.  You can also hit the tour button on the right sidebar which will take you to the most current site.

If you come across a blog you would like to comment on or have other questions for me after reading one of the interviews, feel free to post your questions here.

I hope everyone had a wonderful week.  We are actually having sunshine in the good ol’ Northwest.

Warm hugs,

Blakely

March 4 Guest blog
Roxanne’s Realm
 
March 6 Interview
Pembroke Sinclair.
 
March 7 Guest blog and review
Romance Addict Book Blog
 
March 8 Interview
Fang-tastic Books
 
March 9 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
 
March 11 Spotlight and review
Readaholic’s Reviews
 
March 12 Excerpt and review
Erzabet’s Enchantments
 
March 14 Spotlight
Provocative Pages
 
March 15 Naughty Nook Feature
Bewitching Book Tours Magazine page 59
 
March 20 Guest blog and review
Urban Girl Reader –
 
March 21 Interview
Jodie Pierce
 
March 22 Guest blog and review
Hooked In a Book
 
March 23 Spotlight
A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books
 
March 24 Spotlight
Mila Ramos
 
March 25 Spotlight
Reviewing in Chaos
 
March 27 Guest blog
Erotica For All,
 
March 28 Interview and review
Nightstand Novels

March 29 Interview and review
My Home Away From Home –
www.officialmhafh.com

April 2 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books
 
April 3 Spotlight
My Sexy Escapes

BDSM Bedtime Stories – Audio excerpt from My Body-His (Marcello)

I’m happy to share an audio excerpt from the second novel of the My Body Trilogy, My Body-His (Marcello).  It’s a hot and sexy f/f scene for your audio pleasure.  A huge thanks to BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme for making the recording.

Adult content: Must be 18 or older.

Please comment and let me know what you think and like on youtube.

Thanks and warm hugs,

Blakely

Please feel free to friend me on Facebook by clicking here.

Or follow the My Body Trilogy Facebook page by clicking here.

Find My Body-His Marcello (book two) for pre-sale on Amazon here.

Reviews

It has been interesting for me to read the reviews of My Body-His. The last two reviewers really hated Luke, the main male character. I imagined people would feel more like Bookie Nookie who wrote, “Honestly, Luke is one of those heroes you love to hate and I can’t really decide at the moment if I want him or want to kill him.”

I don’t quite understand the abject hatred of Luke. I see him as a flawed, damaged character and Jane can choose to leave at any time. Of course, I know more of the back story than the rest of the readers that comes to light in My Body-His (Marcello) the second book of the My Body trilogy. I didn’t intend for people to hate him, however I did hope people would feel Jane’s plight and it is clear to me that is happening.

I honestly see more of a love to hate him scenario than a hate to hate him. It will be interesting to hear the views of the men who read the novel (all the reviewers have been female so far). I wonder if men will feel the same way about Luke.

One reviewer didn’t care for Jane either and another said she thought Jane was addicted to the orgasms Luke doled out. I don’t see Jane as addicted to the sex which Luke uses to keep her engaged. She is addicted to his love and approval which he dishes out and then takes away again. That is the addiction for Jane.

Of course the wonderful thing about reading a book is that you get to decide what it all means to you and with that, I will let you all decide for yourself.

Now that the book is out, I would love to know what you think.

Warm hugs,

Blakely