Rainbow Snippets - From the Ashes

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella set roughly in 16th century France, taking us back to the origins of the popular fairy tale. One should not expect historical accuracy in any tale that includes a fairy godmother.

This is not my typical historical. But efforts have been made to at least keep the feel of the era and make sure all elements are contemporaneous.

While Cinder digested her claim to be his fairy godmother, she pulled out a wand and waved the slender rod at him. His dress grew suddenly weightier. Cinder glanced down and gasped. He was now encased in a frothy, airy confection of blue satin, lace and pearls. When he took a step back in shock, Cinder almost fell, owing to the glass slippers on his feet. Glass? Whose crazy idea was that?


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Rainbow Snippet - From the Ashes

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella that I intend to rerelease after the New Year.

Cinder never thought that he could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman claiming to be be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself flung into his own fairy tale, she sends him off to meet his Prince Charming. But was the gown really necessary?

Midnight? What was so special about midnight? He had no intention of going, much less staying that late.

A soft hand at the small of his back coaxed him into motion, urging him toward the front of the manor. Every time Cinder opened his mouth to protest, she prattled right over him without even pausing for breath.

"But I don't want to go. I don't need a prince. I am a man!"

Don't Throw Stones at Glass Shoes

Naughty Nursery Rhymes Rule #1

Don't throw stones at glass shoes. - Cinder

Cinder is the main character in From the Ashes.

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella (m/m version of Cinderella) roughly set in 16th century France.

Roughly? you ask. It's a fairy tale, all of which are roughly set in a previous era. What does this mean? It means that magic and a fairy godmother exist in my story, but probably not in real 16th century France.

Unfortunately if you were looking for a story about a 16th century laundress, you will have to look elsewhere.

If you were looking for a cute, heartwarming m/m fairy tale, look no farther.

Excerpt:

Dancing couples parted effortlessly around them as the elegant man escorted him to the center of the floor. Cinder's cumbersome skirts swayed and swept the floor, threatening to entangle his feet past any hope of grace.

Fighting down panic, Cinder frantically searched his memories for how to waltz. He could do this. He had to do this. He couldn't risk discovery. He quailed at the punishment meted out to servants impersonating nobility. If anyone guessed, he would be beaten or worse.

Fumbling as he tried to remember which hand went where, Cinder placed his right hand on a broad velvet-covered shoulder. Strong, warm fingers enfolded his other hand and gave a reassuring squeeze. The man seemed to sense his unease. The awkward way he held himself, all tense and tight, had to be unmistakable.

Cinder corrected himself several times as he either stepped off with the wrong foot or tried to lead. How was he supposed to do this without harming either one of them? Why couldn't it have been a pavane?

The blasted slippers were so slick that Cinder had to hang on to the other man more than he wanted to just to remain on his feet. He had the distinct impression that the noble got the wrong idea from that.

The man caught his eye and smiled, somewhat more predatorily than Cinder was entirely comfortable with. What was going through the aristocrat's mind? Cinder began to feel like one of the small cakes the footmen carried on silver trays.

Did he want this man to gaze on him in that fashion? Cinder blushed and turned his face awkwardly away. He needed to concentrate on the dance. He didn't have the luxury of sharing soulful glances and chattering like a magpie.

He needed to find some way to extricate himself before he made a mistake and gave himself away. He didn’t normally have to worry so much because everyone already knew he was a girl and would ignore anything he did. But this man saw him with fresh eyes unhampered by the fiction of Cinderella. He would recognize any misstep.

The longer they were together, the more his risk increased. If he could escape quickly enough, the other man might never realize the deception. The noble might not care about an awkward woman he shared one dance with, but as the lie grew ever bigger, the duped man’s anger, if Cinder were discovered, would too.

Buy Links:
Amazon
Breathless Press

ARe's Number 1 Historical Medieval Romance

From the Ashes is number one in ARe's paid Historical Medieval Romances! It's the little story that could.

Cinder and his prince have been in the top ten for the past three weeks and steadily climbing. I was beginning to think he wouldn't get any higher than two, but he's finally done it. I couldn't be more pleased.

Early Reviews for From the Ashes

I am flattered and extremely gratified at how fast From the Ashes is garnering reviews. And such wonderful reviews at that.

Five out of Five Stars on January 4th
"This is a sweet twist on the well known fairytale. This isn't a story about escaping from rags to riches. I thought the author pulled off a clever twist in the way she solved the HEA aspect." - AB Gayle at Goodreads

Five out of Five Stars on January 5th
"Beautifully written and very imaginative. A must read for anyone into retelling of fairy tales, M/M Romances or good tales, in general." - Christopher Hammel at Goodreads

Four out of Five Stars on January 6th
"Ms Jameth did a wonderful job turning this classic fairy tale into its gay counterpart.The HEA was perfectly worked out for this well crafted short story." - Don Bradshaw at Hearts on Fire Reviews

Three out of Five stars on January 6th
"Adorable, sweet, cute and romantic  with a nice twist on how the prince finally works out how to find his sweetheart." - Vio on Goodreads

Five out of Five Stars on January 7th
"It was a beautiful read and Kayla has earned herself a new reader." - Jenny Steel at Goodreads

Four out of Five Stars on January 8th
Cinder is adorable and the prince is perfect. Very sweet. - Dianne Hartsock at Goodreads

Three out of Five Stars on January 9th
"A unique retelling of a classic fairy tale. Enjoyable, light reading with a guaranteed HEA." - TessaKate at ARe

Five out of Five stars on January 12th
"loved it really enjoy reading it" - Davina Phillips on Goodreads

From the Ashes is also a silver star, number 1 best seller, and number 6 overall--make that number 5, now number 4, and number 3, oh my heavens! it's number 2--on ARe's Historical Medieval Romance category.

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy and especially those who are taking the time to write a review or even just give it a rating. You are making my day!

Release Day - From the Ashes

Today is the day I've been waiting for, my chance to introduce Cinder and his prince to the world. Or at least the m/m romance reading world.


Come with me as I transport you to 16th century France. A time when fairy godmothers were real and a boy could hope for his very own happily ever after.

From the Ashes is now available from Breathless Press.

From the Ashes Blog Tour

Tomorrow kicks off my From the Ashes promo blog tour. I am currently scheduled to appear on a dozen blogs. There will be interviews, book spotlights, and giveaways in preparation for the January 4th release of From the Ashes. Be sure and drop by to comment for a chance to win.

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella (m/m retelling of the classic Cinderella story--boy meets prince) set in 16th century France.

Blurb:
Cinder never thought that he could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman claiming to be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself flung into his very own fairy tale, she sends him off to to meet his Prince Charming. But was the gown really necessary?


When, where, why, and how:
December 14: Amara's Place
     The source of my inspiration for From the Ashes and giveaway - winner: Loveless3173
December 15: Kharisma Rhayne
     Christmas interview
December 20: Deanna Wadsworth
     The Twelve Days of Sex-mas and giveaway - winner: Jim Evans
December 27: AB Gayle
     Interview the Next Big Thing style and giveaway - winner: Christopher Hammel
December 31 - January 1: Kay Berrisford
     New Year's Kisses Party and giveaway
January 1: Zara Stoneley
     Interview
January 3: Rebecca Leigh
     Inspiration for From the Ashes and giveaway - winner: Faberge Nostromo
January 4: Leona Bushman
     Book spotlight
January 8: Doris O'Connor
     Book spotlight
January 9: Micheala Rhua
     Book spotlight
January 10: Megan D. Martin
     Author spotlight
January 17: Allie A. Burrow
     Interview
January 18: Raven McAllan
     Ten things about my heroes

Hope to see everyone there!

Cinder Takes Wing

I've finished my content editing and have sent Cinder and his prince off to the proof reader and then the line editor. My boy is all grown up and no longer in my hands.

That is always the strange part for me. It's like the first time you put your child on the school bus and realize that someone else has a say in their life now. And after they are finished with him, I have to turn him loose in the big wide world where I hope everyone is nice to him.

From the Ashes Cover

Mina Carter outdid herself on my new cover for From the Ashes. Henri is sexy, sensual. And Cinder? Cinder is exactly how I and his godmothers pictured him.

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella. A m/m Cinderella story. Cinder's grasping stepmother forced him into a dress when his father died a decade earlier. Since then he has been a servant in his father's house, known as Cinderella. But soon his stepmother will be unable to continue the charade. What will be his fate then?

Blurb:

Cinder never thought that he could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman claiming to be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself flung into his very own fairy tale, she sends him off to meet his Prince Charming. But was the gown really necessary?

Excerpt:

Cinder glanced around. Paper lanterns floated in the trees, lined the walks, and graced the gazebo near the reflecting pool, giving the grounds a mystical air. Their warm glow caught the dancing jets of the fountain splashing merrily to his right. The musical, crystalline tones carried on the night wind’s breath. He was reminded of the enchanted gardens in the fairy tales his father had read to him when he was a child. What would happen to him if he dared walk there?

Henri led him toward the gazebo. Soon he would find out.

The cool breeze caressed his uncovered neck. Cinder shivered at the ethereal touch. Henri turned to him, the question clear in his eyes, but he didn't know how to answer. Instead he breathed in the tangible scent of rich earth and flowing water, hoping to calm his bounding heart.

Henri lightly stroked his arm. Cinder’s breath caught at the silky brush of the other man’s fingers. He drew another shaky breath. Henri may have meant to soothe him, instead his touch set Cinder’s wayward body aflame.

They left the last of the courtiers behind as they entered the dim interior of the fanciful pavilion. Vines climbed its intricately carved posts, perfuming the air within. The music and voices of the aristocrats faded away. Only a single intrepid nightingale could be heard over the cheerful babbling of the fountain. Hidden from the rest of the court, an unworldly sense of peace filled him. Was his very own fairy tale about to come true?

Bespelled and bemused, he could feel the magic in every beat of his heart, in every trembling breath he drew.

Once inside the bower, Henri reached to cup Cinder's cheek. Unused to being touched, he nearly flinched away but managed to still, heart pounding, before giving himself away. The older man's thumb slid across his cheekbone and came to rest lightly on his mouth. Why did he want to lean into that caress?

The other man's warm, slightly musky scent filled his nostrils, drowning his senses.

Henri's other hand wrapped around his waist and drew him close while tipping his face upwards. Cinder's breath left him in a rush, stirring the noble’s hair. Henri was all that he could see, his mouth slowly, carefully descending toward Cinder’s. If he allowed this, the other man might discover his deception. He couldn’t risk that, so why then did he ache to feel Henri’s kiss? Their lips brushed, light as thistle down.

Surprisingly, Henri's mouth was soft and warm upon his own. After a moment, Henri's pressed more firmly against his. Something fluttered in his chest, trying to get out.

Cinder didn't think to pull away until he felt Henri's tongue seeking entrance. The hand on his face slipped to his nape and held firm. He froze in shock, not even daring to breathe, as flames rushed through his body. The very beat of his heart betrayed him.

The questing tongue stroked his lips and pushed between them. It slid over his teeth, seeking to enter. When he protested, Henri's tongue swept in and began a lazy, sensuous exploration that left him breathless.

Soon he found himself stroking Henri's tongue with his own. Henri responded to his fledgling attempts by pulling him closer and moaning into his mouth. He had never experienced anything so deeply sensual and erotic. He fed his own needy pleas to the other man one at a time.

Finally they separated slightly, Cinder panting heavily, trying to catch his breath. Was Henri as affected by their kiss as he was? A quick glance confirmed Cinder was not alone in his arousal. Flushed and gasping, Henri gazed at him with eyes full of wonder and something unnamed smoldering in their depths.

Cinder Has a Home!

The manuscript I've been calling Cinder now has a home with Breathless Press. I don't have a release date yet, but will post it as soon as I have one.

From the Ashes
Cinder never thought that he could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman claiming to be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself flung into his very own fairy tale, she sends him off to meet his Prince Charming. But was the gown really necessary?

A New Old Short Story

Back when I first started writing slash, Linda Reilly told me about a submission call for m/m fairy tales. At the time I thought "Yeah, right! As if anyone would publish me. I only do slash." But I came up with a plausible story line for a Cinderfella.

Then Cinder wouldn't leave me alone. He insisted that I stop part way through a chapter of my Samurai Champloo slash and write his story.

And it just flowed onto the paper, metaphorically speaking, of course. In one night, I must have written about 5K. That was as much, if not more, than I had written in my entire "career" as a slasher.

By that time it was 3am, and I had to get up for work in another three hours. So I grudgingly told the boys goodnight and got some sleep.

Apparently my prince was a true prince. He took offense and wouldn't talk to me the next night. I struggled getting the last of the story down. In fact, it was so traumatic, that it colored my perception of the story. When I reread it a few days later I was pleased to see that it didn't suck.

I missed the call, but that's okay. I was still very new to the whole writing gig. (Read: the story is good, but needs reworking.)

His godmothers, Linda Reilly and Rebecca Leigh, encouraged me to keep writing and have always wanted him to find a home. So I am applying everything I have learned editing Alexios' Fate and will be submitting Cinder for consideration.

Wish me luck!

Promo

Today was the start of a busy week for me. I was interviewed by Seriously Interviewed. I think they may have gotten me to let a few deep dark secrets loose! In a few more days on the 20th, I'll be on Whipped Cream Guest Blog discussing what inspires my stories. The following day I will be part of Erotic Diaries kick off week discussing the origins of slash and m/m fiction. I will be a regular contributor at Erotic Diaries.

I never realize just how much behind the scenes promotional work an author had to do. I was under the mistaken impression that if a book was good, people would read it and the word would get around. But since word of mouth seems to be an unicorn instead of merely a zebra, I will have to do a lot of kicking and shouting to flush it from its elusive hiding place.

All of this promo work seriously cut into my writing time. Now that I've caught up for the moment, I'll get a chance to finish "Alexios' Fate." Then I'm sure the next round of promotional stops will be waiting in the wings. Of course there is this new blog and the free reads that I will have to work on before I post them.

I wonder how much cringing I will be doing as go back over the first thing I ever wrote? I haven't decided what to do about POV in my slash. I'm thinking about leaving it alone, but I don't want people who hate head hopping to get the wrong idea about my current writing style. So I will probably address that, even though I still think that third person omniscient is a perfectly legitimate voice.

I have multiple short stories that I intend to revamp and release as a collection of my shorts. (Still not those kind of shorts, Johnny!) I won't forget Cinder, Rebecca.

So I can see that I still have a lot of work on my plate.