Jaci – What’s good about writing a novella for anthology? That’s easy. It’s so much fun to write a novella and know that you’re going to be paired with other authors. I’m very lucky in that the Unlaced anthology I knew one of the authors very well–Joey Hill. I was familiar with her writing and her style and knew it would be awesome having a story in an anthology with her. The other two–Jasmine Haynes and Denise Rossetti–I didn’t know but had heard great things about. During our promotional efforts for this anthology I got to know Jasmine and Denise and we all worked so well together I had the best time ever promoting this book. Writing is such a solitary endeavor, that promoting an anthology is like getting together with a fun group of women for cocktails and having some fun. And we had an absolute blast together on UNLACED. The bad part of writing a novella for an anthology? Trying to make sure your story meets the guidelines, and hoping it meshes well with the stories the other writers have done. Because contrary to what some might think, the writers in an anthology don’t meet to discuss our storylines in advance. You might be given a general theme, then everyone goes off and does their own thing. Which could end up in disaster if you end up with a mish mash of stories that don’t blend well together. Fortunately, we’ve heard some great feedback about our novellas in UNLACED, so I think we did well!
Jasmine – The best thing about writing an anthology is working with other wonderful writers. I was familiar with both Jaci and Joey’s work, but I hadn’t read any of Denise’s. Needless to say I’ve been thrilled working with all these ladies. I love their writing. The promotion we’ve done together has been tons of fun rather than a tedious chore. Dare I say I feel that I’ve made new friends!? This whole experience has been so wonderful that I’m looking forward to working on the second anthology with great anticipation. The ugly about anthologies? When you have more than common theme, where the story lines actually intersect. That can become a coordination nightmare. UNLACED worked so well because though we had a common thread, the corset, we didn’t have to actually connect the stories through plot or characters.
Joey – The ladies have hit the pros and cons well. I’m always amazed to be asked to do an anthology, because I write 120k plus books. And the term “word limit” just goes into my muse’s one ear and out the other. But the others are dead on as to why it’s fun to do anthologies. Writing is a very solitary pursuit. Don’t get me wrong – I love solitary, otherwise I wouldn’t do this as a profession. But interacting with others who are in the same creative process is a rush. As they noted, we don’t really collaborate on the novellas in an anthology, but it’s great to work shoulder to shoulder with authors to get the word out to readers about our stories through blogs like this. The cocktail visual is perfect, because we joke, tease back and forth, and give each other encouragement and reinforcement as the reviews come out. And being women, we typically fork off onto totally unrelated topics as well! In short, there has been some goofing off, but hey, gotta have fun sometimes, right? Seriously, it’s also true that the synergy of working together helps us open up more, making for more entertaining and interactive events with our readers. For instance, we just did a great cross blog tour where we talked about our romantic firsts – first kiss, first date, first love, and first breakup. It was the perfect topic to chew on with romance readers – we all did some laughing, crying, and remembering how wonderful – and how painful – it can be to fall in love. Which in turn reminds us why all four of us love writing the kind of stories we can share with you in Unlaced.
Denise – Hey, you J-girls snagged all the best lines! Hmm, let’s see, where to start… There are so many “up” sides in writing for an anthology. For me, the first thrill was actually having story alongside Joey. Not only do I admire her work enormously, but she’s my invaluable critique partner (also agony aunt, slave driver and cheerleader). I think I did a literal happy dance when I received the email – or a happy wriggle anyway. And the icing on the cake was discovering that Jaci and Jasmine were the other two authors. Funnily enough, I haven’t met either Joey or Jaci in the flesh – I live in Australia – but I made the trip to San Francisco for the RWA conference this year and it was a delight to have a coffee with Jasmine there.
I’ve always loved working in a team – and if the other players have similar lifestyles, similar obsessions and similar senses of humour, it’s a pure joy. When it comes to ideas for promoting Unlaced, the email discussions are a total hoot, except I tend to be late, my excuse being the different time zones. (Don’t tell the J’s that Oz is about 14 hours ahead of the US. heh heh)
And the “down” side of anthologies? Oh heavens, fitting myself into the word limit. I must have a complicated mind, because my plots usually end up being kind of curly. It’s great discipline, but I sometimes feel like I’m sitting at the dinner table trying not to flap my elbows. On the other hand, the different and sexy things four creative women can do with a corset are, um, absolutely mindboggling. Boy, it’s been fun.
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As Jasmine mentioned, we’ve been contracted to do another corset-themed anthology, since our current one is doing so well – hit the Barnes and Noble list bestseller list the other day – yea! It will be called Unbound, and we’re looking forward to coming up with a whole new set of stories for you.
For today, however, we’ll be giving away a signed copy of Unlaced to the winner of a random drawing from comments posted here. So tell us something about corsets – what you enjoy, don’t enjoy about them, a fond memory you have involving one…if you dare (wink). Okay, so if you know nothing, don’t care or have no memories (fond or otherwise) or corsets, you can also ask us a question or make a comment related to our discussion here.
ETA: Links to the excerpts –
The Ties That Bind by Jaci Burton here.
Undone by Jasmine Haynes here.
Controlled Response by Joey W. Hill here.
Rubies and Black Velvet by Denise Rossetti here.
I think they look very sexy although I have never worn one. The anthology looks like a good one and it’s the perfect time of year for anthologies with so little time.
I think corsets are one of the sexiest things a woman can wear. They often show a woman’s figure at it’s best. They might be uncomfortable at times, but they are beautiful to look at.
This anthology sounds great, and congratulations on there being a second one coming up.
A costumer friend of mine laced me into one. You know, if it’s not tightened to the point of moving your organs around in your body, it’s actually quite comfortable. And I do think it’s one of the sexiest garments. Hmm, I think my hubby should buy me one for Christmas because of course I’ve got more research to do now for the next anthology!
Maureen and Raven, I’m glad the anthology appeals to you!
I have to wear a corset every day for medical reasons. I am usually just happy to take it off after wearing it all day. LOL After looking at the gorgeous cover of Unlaced and reading the terrific excerpts I’m reminded just how sexy they are!
there are some really fun things you can do (or imagine doing) in a corset. 🙂
And I think they look beautiful.
Hey, Jasmine…great idea. Research! 😉
*waves to everyone*
I think it’s all in the reasons you have to wear it, Susan! It can be very sexy. So glad you think the cover is sexy!
Hi Ladies,
Thanks so much for playing with us today!!
As for corsets –
I think if you buy the right kind and are careful about tying/lacing, they can be really comfortable. Great for your posture, too. LOL And yes, sexy. I bought one for my wedding night and I’ve never felt more beautiful and sexy (I’m sure the circumstances helped, too, but still…).
I love the cover. And I love that the theme in all the stories was a corset. =)
I love the look of them but i have not been daring enough to try one myself.
This book looks awesome, I cannot wait to read it.
Holly, I just adore this cover. So sexy and feminine and yet, so totally classy. I can’t wait to see what they come up with for Unbound!
I love wearing sexy lingerie, though it has to be comfortable too. It feels like a delighful secret and it gives me confidence in difficult situations, like a job interview, for instance.
On a night out, though, it doesn’t matter that only My Beloved knows what I have on under my clothes. That’s part of the naughty fun. heh heh
Now, see, I’m one of those who likes it as tight as possible – the more restraint, the sexier it feels (grin) – might also have to do with who’s handling those lacings as well (wink). What else would you expect from me?
But Jasmine (and Kris!), you’ve got to get one, because Dirk is exactly right when he says there’s something really sexy about a garment a woman needs a man’s help to get in and out of. Now, you can put on a corset yourself, but you just end up throwing your back out (thereby likely needing the medical kind of corset Susan mentioned – laughter – and looking really silly in front of your pets.)
Umm unfortunately (or fortunately) I have nothing to say about corsets. Thanks for this post though, it was interesting to hear about writing for an anthology. It sounds like fun!
thanks for having us Holly! I think your wedding night was a perfect time for a corset!
But as Denise says, there’s that lovely feeling of wearing something only your hubby knows about. So you’re right, Joey, I really ought to treat myself!
And Joey, you do make me laugh!
Mary-Frances, not to worry, we’ve all got plenty to say about corsets and anthologies!
Corsets are so sexy and flattering. What’s not to like about the way they flatter your figure, tiny waist, high boobs? However, they can be pretty uncomfortable. Splurge and get one that has individual boning and is top quality.
Deidre
Hi ladies,
One of the first things that came to my mind when I saw the discussion about corsets was a visit to a Renaissance Fair in Maryland this fall. I have to say that if you want to see a lot of tightly laced corsets, the Renaissance fair is definitely a worthy place to visit 😉 They were also selling some beautifully embroidered/detailed corsets. These were definitely not the lingerie variety, but sexy regardless 🙂
I can’t wait to read this anthology..
Happy Holidays!!
I would love to try a corset and have looked at them and coveted. However, I really feel like I need to shed some pounds before I feel sexy enough to pull it off. I think they are just beautiful and sexy.
Deidre, I like the fact they make you look like you HAVE boobs (lol). Oh, and Bray, I think you should treat yourself anyway. We all think we need to lose pounds, and undersell how beautiful we are now (and I’m no exception to that!). Whether or not we lose pounds for better health (which is the right reason to lose) as Denise pointed out, a corset holds your waist so firmly, but accentuates those soft parts your man likes best (wicked grin). It’s why it’s the ultimate in lingerie wear, for any size. And just putting one on makes you FEEL sexier, trust me.
Eshani, I haven’t been to a Renaissance Fair in years, but I LOVED going – wished I could stay and live there. Think I’ve been in love with them ever since I read Mercedes Lackey’s Elves of LA series.
I love the cover of Unlace; did you or any of the others have a say in the cover art and the title of the anthology? So glad you are doing another anthology.
Deidre, the one I tried that belonged to my friend definitely had the individual boning. You know, I think i could get used to it.
We have a Ren Faire out here, too, Eshani. I’ve been and loved the whole corset experience. It might actually give me boobs!
And Bray, I agree with Joey, I don’t think our size matters. The corset accentuates the beautiful and hides any flaws we might imagine. Isn’t that why Scarlett O’Hara wore one!
Robyn, so glad you love the cover as much as we do. I had no say, it just appeared in my inbox one day, and I loved it! The Berkley art department did an amazing job.
I’ve never tried a corset, but think they can accentuate our uh… womanly assets 😉 They do look beautiful, at least some of them do! But, I wonder how they would work for those of us who don’t have um… many assets to enhance.
I do love that cover–there’s something very beautiful about that view of a woman’s back!
have nto tried but they can be very sexy now. so many ways to wear them and make them your own.
would not mind wearting one. congrats ont eh hot books ladies
kim h
I have had some experience with a corset (as in I wore one once…lol). I went as a Dominatrix for Halloween…..
It was fun times!
Natasha A.
Bray, I read somewhere that scientific studies show that men don’t care how big a woman is, but that they’re biologically driven to notice the curve between her hips, waist and bust. Something to do with the fertility of a potential mate.
We all know men are visual creatures, that’s for sure. 😉
So I’d go for it. There’s nothing like a corset for producing beautiful curves. My heroine in Unlaced, Meg, is a tall, full-figured woman and John is utterly entranced with the way she looks in a corset!
flchen1 – that is the miracle of them – they make you look like you DO have assets (grin). And Robyn, I second Jasmine there – they don’t usually seek input on the anthology cover (though they do for standalones), but it turned out lovely!
I don’t really know much about corsets, but I do think that they are incredibly sexy!
I am sure that I have missed this and it will be a silly question, but does your second anthology come out the same time next year or will it be out sooner?
And I second Joey! When I tried the corset on, Fedora, it gave me curves and assets I never knew I had!
Tasha, the dominatrix corset sounds fun!
Thanks on the book, Kim!
You’re right, Lori, I do think they are very sexy. Men seem to think so, too!
As for the next anthology, I do think it will be out about the same time next year. Girls, do you have any more info?
I have never worn a corset before but would be willing to explore it as an option especially with someone to take it off. Most of my associations of corsets are from Regency romances with whalebone and tiny waists. I think the modern ones are more comfortable. Looking forward to reading Unlaced and congrats on the new anthology. I look forward to sneek peaks all year.
The corsets I’ve seen at Ren Faire’s are amazing! And omg, how those women keep their boobs from spilling out of the tops of those things is a feat of physics! lol
I believe that Berkley is trying to release UNDONE, the next Unlaced anthology, around the same time next year, so fingers crossed! *grin*
Who got the idea for the anthology?
And how did they decide what authors would be in it?
Amy, if I remember correctly, it was Denise’s agent, and she pitched it to Berkley, who ran with it. As far as how the four of us were chosen, on that I admit to not having a clue. My understanding is that’s entirely up to the publisher – I’m just pleased they made the choices they did. If any of the other ladies have a different story/information, I defer to their greater knowledge (wink).
Amy, Joey’s right. It was my agent, bless her. She was trawling through images looking for inspiration for the cover of The Flame and the Shadow and was intrigued – and inspired! – by the corsets she came across.
So I guess that’s why I was included. Lucky me, huh? 😉 Not sure about the others, but I couldn’t be happier, let me tell you!
Btw, the artist didn’t use a corset for The Flame and the Shadow, but it turned out absolutely beautiful just the same.
Thanks, Jaci, on confirming the timing of the next one. Is it Undone or Unbound?
Lindsey, I think we should all try a corset at least once. And Jaci’s right, I don’t know how the ladies at the Ren Fiare keep their boobs in!
As for how we all got chosen, I did tell my wonderful editor Wendy that I’d love to do an anthology if she had one coming up, and the next thing I knew, she was calling to ask if I wanted to be in Unlaced! And I couldn’t have picked a better group of ladies to be with!
I think corsets are beautiful but I’ve heard that they’re really uncomfortable and I don’t think it’s worth it to be uncomfortable in order to look beautiful so you would never catch me wearing a corset.
I am told, Mandy, that if you get a corset which is properly fitted to your figure, and not laced ridiculously tight, that they are actually comfortable to wear. And so sexy! I think I’m going to give it a try!
Sorry…the title is UNBOUND for the next anthology. Besides UNLACED, I have a book out titled Unwrapped and one releasing next week titled Unraveled, All these “Un” titles confuse me. Heh.
That’s a lot of “uns”, Jaci, no wonder you’re getting them confused! Congrats on the new release next week!