Join the IWSG monthly blog hop here: http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Welcome, December! Once again, it’s time for another Insecure Writers Support Group blog-hop. The IWSG is an amazing place where you’ll find resources on writerly wisdom, perilous pitfalls on the path toward publishing, and how to stay sane through it all. The awesome co-hosts for the December 5 posting of the IWSG are J.H. Moncrieff, Tonja Drecker , Patsy Collins, and Chrys Fey! Give them a visit and a hearty thank-you.
This month’s question: What are five objects we’ll find in your writing space?
Elle, my grand-dog
I’m currently dog-sitting while my step-son and his bride are on their honeymoon, so my writing space is their patio, where you’ll find Elle the Wonder Dog, the desiccated earthworms she finds so fascinating, my well-traveled laptop, coffee mugs, and Damon Suede’s Verbalize: Bring Stories to Life & Life to Stories, the craft book I’m working through prior to starting Book 3 in the Book Nirvana series.
Our trip to Southern California gave me the chance to visit The Ripped Bodice, the only bookshop in the U.S. to focus exclusively on romance fiction! Sisters Leah and Bea Koch have created a romance reader’s paradise in Culver City, bordering Los Angeles.
The Ripped Bodice, in Culver City, California. Notice Harry and Meghan in the corner?
The WC comes equipped with rainbow sticky notes to leave your deep thoughts and greetings.
The paranormal section at The Ripped Bodice.
My sweetie browsing.
Rainbow Christmas tree and flying books!
And finally, my purchases (minus a few gifts).
My loot!
The heroine of my next Book Nirvana book is bisexual, so Lindsay King-Miller’s book should prove helpful.
What a marvelous bookshop! If you ever find yourself in L.A., it’s definitely worth the trip. And the Grand Casino Argentinian restaurant next door is a great place to reinforce yourself, or to park your spouse/partner while you browse. Their empanada lunch was delish!
I wish you happy holidays and happy writing in December.
P.S. Did I mention I have a new book out? And it centers around a bookshop! Quelle coïncidence !
Letting him inside could be her salvation…or her undoing.
Clara Martelli clings to Book Nirvana, the Oregon bookshop she and her late husband Jared built together. When rising rents and corporate competition threaten its survival, her best hope is their extensive erotica collection, locked behind a red door. In dreams and signs, her dead husband tells her it’s time to open that door and move on. When a dark and handsome stranger’s powerful magnetism jolts her back to life and he wants a look at the treasures of that secret room, she can’t help but want to show him more.
Professor Nick Papadopoulos is looking for historical erotica. Book Nirvana’s collection surpasses his wildest dreams, and so does its lovely owner. A widower, he understands Clara’s battle with guilt, but their searing chemistry is too strong to resist. Besides, he will only be in town for two weeks, not long enough for her to see beyond the scandal that haunts his past.
Buy links:
https://www.amazon.com/Through-Red-Door-Book-Nirvana-ebook/dp/B07J5BCTSG/
https://wildcatalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-erotic/6283-through-the-red-door.html
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/through-the-red-door-sadira-stone/1129705434?ean=2940161713808
Want to learn more about Shunga and other historical artwork? Sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive A Peek Behind the Red Door: Historical Erotica that Inspired the Book Nirvana Series. (Adult material, of course)
Wow, sounds like a fun trip. I enjoyed the photos. Grand dog is a cutie!. Happy IWSG!
Wow, sounds like a fun trip. Enjoyed the photos. Grand do is a cutie. Happy IWSG Day.
The Ripped Bodice – what a fantastic name for a romance bookstore! And the interior is so creative – it’s a throwback to what bookstores used to be like in terms of having a soul. Also, what a great find in terms of research. Best to you on the next book.
Oh, wow! That bookstore must’ve felt a little bit like heaven to you. Most small bookstores seem to struggle so much to keep the doors open, it’s amazing that one carrying nothing but romances would be able to make it. (I hope they’re carrying YOUR book! I mean, what a perfect match!)
Ugh, jealous of your trip to the Ripped Bodice! Someday. And the desiccated earthworms sound like a fascinating thing to have near your desk. Thanks grand-dog! lol
Congratulations on the new release!
I wouldn’t mind dog-sitting that pup one bit.
And what a cool bookshop for romance readers. Very colorful.
I also write with a dog nearby. Well a couple of them nearby. Sometimes they’re cuddle hounds and other times they drive me nuts with their barking, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. What a great book store!
Elsie
Sounds like a wonderful outing. And just in time for gift giving. hehehe
Anna from elements of emaginette
These are some great pictures. I love that book tree. I’m still deciding whether I’m going to mess up my shelves and go for it at home. 🙂 Also, hi, Elle! She looks super snuggly.
I love a floppy eared dog! Do you think the kids will notice if you smuggle her out for **ahem** safe keeping?
Post-its in restrooms seem to be the thing, right now. I recently ran into a post-it telling me I’m special in one of my local stores.
Aaaw, Elle is so cute. I wouldn’t get much work done if she was visiting me!
Ripped Bodice looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
This shop sounds wonderful. I didn’t even know a bookstore dedicated to romance exists. Thanks for the heads-up.
I think your site just ate my comment. So, trying again…
I didn’t know about a bookstore dedicated to romance, but somehow, its location near LA fits. I want to visit it too.
Sounds like a really neat bookstore.
Wishing you lots of luck and sales for your new release!
I’d love to go to The Ripped Bodice. 🙂
Thanks for commenting on my blog!