Bitten by Books
Once with a Cowboy Now with Bacon Lube
For quite awhile, I’ve wanted to do a story in honor of Loving Day. When I decided to put together a collection to celebrate the unofficial holiday I got my chance. I asked some author friends (Amie Stuart, Melissa Blue and J. Hali Steele) to write themed books to celebrate it and a collection of books was born. The One Night Only series was inspired by a post from awesome author Cat Johnson about bacon flavored lube.
Now I know what you’re thinking, bacon lube? Is there such a thing? Why yes, there is and yes you can find it on Amazon. Now, why bacon lube? Why center a story around it or even include it? Well, my muse is…weird, to be nice. She can take anything, and I mean anything, and turn it into a starting point for a story, anything. Which means TV, walking outside, just drinking coffee can set her off like a Hellhound looking for a meal.
My muse showed me a group of friends and told me it was a bachelorette party and as party favors they got bacon flavored lube and other goods all gotten at an adult store called One Night Only, which is where the series got its name. So, in theory each story should include or mention the store and maybe a bacon flavored item just for fun. Once with a Cowboy is the first book in the series and I look forward to not only exploring this whole new world and the characters in it but taking up the challenge of thinking up all the ways I can use bacon in stories, my Super Twin BFF awesome author Jodi Redford will be thrilled. I, on the other hand, can see lots of hungry moments in my future. Trust me, writing about food can make authors hungry, oh so hungry.
Great now I want bacon. I’ll be right back. While I’m making up a fresh batch of salty, meaty bacon-y goodness I’m going to leave you with a question if you could center a story/series around an item of food what would it be?
Buy a Kindle copy of Once with a Cowboy from Amazon by clicking here. – ONLY .99 cents!
About Selena Illyria
Author Bio:
Multi-Published Author, part vampire, part pixie, Selena Illyria was born with a need to write and enable. Her imagination takes her into the paranormal, sci-fi and fantasy genres and all sorts of mischief. When not writing she enjoys catching up on her TBR pile, watching some of her favorite programs and listening to her favorite music as well as teasing people with posts on decadent food and plot bunnies.
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If you could choose any literary character to spend the day with, who would it be and why? What questions would you ask them?
I forgot to answer your question about what food item I’d center a book or series around. My answer is: Sushi!
Oooh, I’ve never had sushi. Seafood and I have an odd relationship. If you’re deep fried shrimp okay but other than that I’m iffy. Great answer though. That’d be an interesting story/series.
Ooooh, good question Becky. Right now I’m on a Nero Wolf kick so I’d spend the day with Wolfe and Archie. I’d ask them about their detective work, about the success and failures they’ve had in their culinary obsession and why Archie loves milk so much. Thank you so much for stopping by and asking such an awesome question.
Do you have a favourite cowboy from TV, books or movies?
Ooooh another good questions. Thank you Minna. Hmmmm…Okay, I’m not sure, I’d have to consult my buddy the uber awesome author Chris Marie Green aka Christine Cody but her Gabriel character from her Bloodlands series. He’s a vampire, wanderer with a past. But if I’d have to go for mainstream I’d say John Wayne. Although, now I’m wondering if the Magnificent Seven counts as Western/Cowboy-ish.
What do you do to keep cool for the summer?
I get sick from the sun and heat very easily. So I generally choose to stay inside, with the air conditioner on, and drink iced tea and lemonade.
What mythological creatures do you wish were real and what would you do if you could have one?
I wish House Elves, like the ones in Harry Potter, were real, because then I wouldn’t have to spend so much time doing housework, and read instead.
What movies are you looking forward to this summer?
Inside Out by Disney/Pixar, which just came out. It’s about a little girl, and what goes on in her head when she feels emotions, after she has to move from a small town to a big city. It sounds hilarious, and looks super cute.
House Elves, yes! *sniffles* Dobby *Sniffles*
Hi Selena!
Welcome to Bitten by Books. I am so excited to have you here today celebrating the release of your new book.
My question for you is; What do you like to do to relax and have fun (besides reading and writing)?
To answer your question about what to center a story/series around an item of food, I had to think a bit on this. It seems like EVERYTHING has been done already. Man you really could go some pretty naughty and fun places with GREEK food! hehehe
*Squish Hugs the Rachel* I’m so excited to be finally be here! Hmmm, watching movies that have been out of theater for quite awhile. I don’t go out to the movies too often so I would say that. Or window cyber shopping for things I can’t afford but still want, that counts right?
Mmmmmm, baklava right? You’d have an entire book on that right?
To answer your questions that are on the Contest Widget.
1. Summer is here. I prefer to hide inside and wait out the heat. What do you do to keep cool for the summer?
I typically try and sit in front of the fan and or stay in air conditioned places. This summer, I hope to do some more swimming since I love the water and haven’t been for a long time.
What types of things do you do to stay cool Selena?
Drink lots of cold drinks and hide from the sun. *hisses at the bright golden orb int he sky* Why does it have to be so near? Why?
2. What mythological creatures do you wish were real and what would you do if you could have one?
I think I would like to be a gargoyle! Cool stone, can fly and am fairly impervious to most forms of attack. Plus you get to have a goofy face on all the time. I like to make them in real life so it would be fitting. LOL
What other creatures would you be if not a Dragon Selena?
I would either be an ice fairy or a wheater witch to deal with the summer heat. Why does it have to be so hot? Why?
3. What movies are you looking forward to this summer?
I, like you have NO clue what is coming this summer. I could list some movies I wish they would make. Lets do that.
More books in the chronicles of Narnia
Lord of the Rings movies or spin offs from some of the short stories related to that world
Another awesome vampire movie.
What about you Selena? What movies do you want to see made? Have you seen this movie? It is FREAKING fantastic. http://amzn.to/1QS12uZ Only Lovers Left Alive. Amazing flick you should watch it!
I’ve heard about it, haven’t seen it yet. I do want to see Jurassic World for starters, not sure what else is coming out.
Congratulations on your new release! Who are some of your favorite authors and how have they influenced your writing?
Thank you so much Bonnie! To name a few: Rex Stout, Tasha Alexander, Chris Marie Green, Agatha Christie, Karen Marie Moning, Alexander Dumas, J.K. Rowling and so many others. Thank you for your question.
1. On really hot days, if I have to ride my bicycle, before I go I make my hair thoroughly wet and take with me a couple of bottles of frozen water. It melts in the sun and stays cold enough.
2. A shapeshifting dragon, definitely.
3. I have no clue what’s coming out, either. I usually wait until I can get the movies on DVD.
Me too Minna! I’m so behind on what’s in theaters right now except Jurassic World or Inside Out.
Author questions
In the hot summertime I like to stay indoors with the air conditioning on high and a big glass of ice tea.
I would love to have a unicorn, because they are so magical and would be fun to ride.
Some movies coming out in 2015 that I would like to see are Spectre (James Bond), Terminator Genisys, and Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Oh yes! The new Bond film and Star Wars! How could I forget. I’m so behind. Can’t wait to see those.
Hi Selena and Congratulations! Who is your favorite book character?
What was your favorite book/author as a child?
Hi Lisa! I’d say Carolyn Keene and Nancy Drew. Those books were my entry drug into this thing we call book addiction…which there is no rehab for soooo….We deserve more books now yes?
Answers to Selena’s questions:
1. I like to whine about it because all that hot air really helps the situation! Actually, I have a nice screened porch with ceiling fans that fronts the New River so I sit and read out there and sip iced tea. When that doesn’t work, I seek air conditioning!
2. I’m with Becky R! I want a House Elf, too! Less housework and more time to read!
3. I’m so bad with the names of movies! Spy could be funny and Jurassic World could be pretty good but other than that I can’t really remember… I know, sad!
Not sad at all! I can’t tell you what’s coming out soon unless I’m reminded. Ooooh, that sounds lovely. And the screened in porch keeps the bugs out. Genius!
I really enjoy it and it is wonderful not to be annoyed with bugs! I’m willing to share my piece of wonderful West Virginia if you’re ever in the vicinity! We can talk books and drink iced tea!
Hello Selena, here’s my question for you: What makes a romance novel a great love story and how would you define “romance”? Thanks!
Hi Nat! Great questions! I think what makes a romance novel a great love story is the journey you take with the hero and heroine and how they reach that point where they realize, “Oh my God, I’m in love!” I define romance (both in real life and in books) as mutual respect, love and adoration, attention, and awareness. The little things.
I would center a story around chocolate as that is what my vice is. If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be and why.
Hi Kathy! Great questions. Oooh chocolate. *drools* An excellent vice to have. Hmmm, I would say…wow, this is difficult. Queen Hatshepsut. There’s not much known about her. As the first female Pharaoh it would be fascinating to get her take on power. How she felt about ruling and what were he struggles and victories and how she sees Egypt today and women in power.
Hello! Is there any summer releases that you are looking forward to?
Hi Susan! I have a release in August with Loose Id. Thank you for your interest.
Who is your favorite author?
Hi Natalie! Oh, I have so many authors that could be considered favorites. Right now I’m in a Rex Stout phase. Thank you for the questions.
What do you consider to being the top “PRO” of becoming a writer. WHat do you consider the top “CON”?
Hi Raonaid! The pro about becoming a writer is getting to play in so many worlds, world build and explore different characters and share their stories. The Con, writer’s block, the bane of every writer’s existence, and the stress when your muse either gives you details on a possible story you’re not working on, or doesn’t give you enough details on the story you’re writing at the moment. Great question, Thank you!
Summer is here. I prefer to hide inside and wait out the heat. What do you do to keep cool for the summer?
—- Remain close to the fan or fight my children away from the darn thing… Or find shade outside to sit and read
What mythological creatures do you wish were real and what would you do if you could have one? If I had a dragon, it would be free airfare and household security forever?
—- Dragon! Actually I want a small dragon like a star-drow mage of mine. He has a small dragonet familiar who believes HE is HER familiar (she likes his sparkly skin and hair). He tends to carry her on his back (like a shawl) and he enjoys it. I so want one like that! Have it snap its tail at people it dislikes.
What movies are you looking forward to this summer? I have no clue what’s coming out so please do suggest some things, maybe I’ll even leave my little home cave and go to the theater.
—— I have no idea. We rarely go to the movies. Hubby did inform me that when the new star wars comes out we are going…
That book sounds so cute. I have to look it up. Fans are a godsend! Nice! The new Star Wars does look super cool.
Hrm? My star drow is not in any book… not yet anyhows. although the mage would like that it would go to his head. He’s a character I use to role play with an ex-friend. I decided to give him a familiar and chose a dragonette with attitude
Oooh! Okay. I see now. I love that idea! And if you do decide to, please write it.
- Laughs - You got a deal. His name is Elemiire, and he’s suck an ornery, sneaky yet lovable guy
I’m a total foodie so I would have to say that I would center a sexy romance around pasta. I LOVE pasta and I think in the right setting it could be a sexy food. Right?
My question for you Selena is what was the first book you read that made you decide you wanted to write?
Pasta one of my weaknesses. The first book, hmmm, I would say In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, that book really sparked my imagination and was a real comfort to me during a dark time in my life.
I would love for you to give us 3 random facts about you
Hi Jo Anne! Thank you for the request, let’s see. 1) I’m obsessed with Yankee Candles. Lavender and Vanilla and Early Morning are two of my favs. 2) I love things having to do with space and planets and stars, etc. and 3) I can’t resist cute kitten or penguin posts. So much cute!
Hi!
Well, my first answer would be chocolate, but that’s obviously been done… certainly nothing wrong with more, of course. But I just can’t think of anything more unique… so, a question to you - do you have a favorite vampire or pixie?
Lois
and your questions -
- hope to go somewhere with a/c… but otherwise just stay in front of the fan and not move. LOL
- whichever one whose job it would be to help someone win the lottery.
- not a summer movie, but winter - Star Wars!
Great answers Lois!
Hi Lois! Jean Claude is my favorite vampire and as for Pixie no clear fave, yet. Thank you for the question!
Do you have a least favorite genre in which to write and/or read?
I don’t have a least favorite genre to read but I don’t think I could write steampunk. So much research to do and am so nervous to get it right.
And Hi Fox and Thank You for such a great question.
! lots of cold drinks 2 unicorn — just love it 3 not a movie goer so not sure what is showing right now
Yes, cold drinks should be mandatory. Unicorns, so sparkly. Me neither Jo Anne. I just wait for PPV.
Any tv shows you love that you think are a little embarrassing/soapy/trashy/, but you can’t stop watching?
Hi Bethany! Oooh, I sometimes can be found watching the Millionaire Matchmaker or House Hunters International. Great questions, Thank you!
My hubby and I love to do photography and go caving, in the summer
Hi Bri! Ooooh and I love photos, lol. They really help when trying to set scenes and understand things.
I would Love Hercules’ flying horse to be real - free flying and travelling the world!
My childhood dream: a pony combined with my wanderlust need: wings. Great answer!
Jurassic World!
The movie looks both terrifying and so good!
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
Hi Lindsey! Great question. I’d have to say the bar scene in Mate Not Wanted because I was so into that scene with Pierce and Madison. It was special because I was coming off of writer burn out and to be able to get really that deep into a scene felt amazing and gave me hope that not everything was lost when I hit my writer’s wall.
Hello Selena. Here is my question for you. If you could go into any book and spend the day which one would it be?
Hi Gabrielle! Thank you for such a great question! Right now, despite the no access to indoor plumbing, running water or vaccinations, I’d say Count of Monte Cristo. It was the first book I’d say that made me fall in love with reading.
Hi Selena Illyria,
When you begin writing a new book , what’s the first thing you decided on , the location of the story , or if the story is going to be a paranormal story , or a shifter story or steam punk , or romance with a combination of all of these elements . And who is your favorite hero /heroine from your stories ?
HI Rebecca! So awesome to see you here. Great Question. It all starts with the idea. My muse just hits me with the hero or heroine or the location or a scene and then runs away like the brat she is and I have to navigate with what she’s left me, lol. Oh boy, my favorite hero would be Pierce and my favorite heroine would be Madison. Pierce was strong enough but also vulnerable enough to accept Madison and her wishes while making what he wanted clear without putting pressure on her. Madison had her own issues to deal with and was strong enough and open enough to voice them.
Here are my answers to the questions listed.
We beat the heat by enjoying a nice trip to the local ice cream parlor with the whole family.
I would love to see shifters especially wolves or big cats and Dragons become real.
I cannot wait to see Jurassic World.
Awesome answers Gabrielle.
Finally home from work and catching up on this chat. Checking in with my RSVP.
Thank You for RSVPing and for coming out to chat with me.
Do you have any reading or writing rituals?
Hi Amy! Thank You for such a great question. Music must be turned on. Light some incense and open up the document before I open up email or Facebook and then pray the muse is going to give me something to work with. As for reading, pick up either my Nook or the book I’m reading and just read, maybe if I need a distraction turn on a relaxation app for the sound of rain or a crackling fire to really get cozy.
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Hi Trix! Thank you for such a great question. I adore the Muppets. I’d have to say Beeker. I feel horrible for him, plus he’s adorable. After him I’d say Animal and then Janice. Don’t tell Miss Piggy.
What is the worst thing you ever did in the name of research.
Hi Debra! Thank you for your great question. Now I don’t have the Google Fu my Super Twin, author extraordinaire Jodi Redford does, but I’d say just typing in a question to Google. If that’s not worst or playing chicken with your eyes and brain I don’t know what is.
Questions answered:
1. I usually spend the summer at the movies or in an ice cream parlor
2. Dragons or unicorns
3. Just saw Jurassic World for the 2nd time last week and I’m planning on seeing Inside Out
Great answers Amy! Warning, bring tissues for Inside Out. I heard the short before the movie will make you cry.
Do you prefer to read the book first or see the movie first?
Hi Mary! Great questions. I prefer to read the book first this way I’m not so disappointed if the movie doesn’t turn out the way the book was for me. That made sense right?
Iced latte or mocha by day (maybe with coffee cubes in it), a not-too-hoppy beer by night!
I never really thought of a mythological creature as a pet before. I always wanted a Muppet dog or something like that, because they usually come in cool colors and often sing or crack jokes. There was a Sesame Street book where a dragon shrank to just the right size for a pet…that could work.
I’m not too well-versed in the movies this year! I’m kicking myself for missing DIOR AND I-I should have seen it in the nearby major city, since I don’t think it’s coming here. Debating MAGIC MIKE XXL (I know! but I did have issues with the first one)…this looks like it might be funnier, but I liked Alex Pettyfer best and he’s not in this one. I’m curious to see what Donald Glover will do, though (yeah, I miss COMMUNITY already).
Mmmm iced mocha….*drifts off for a minute* What? I’m still here. Sorry. I haven’t had my coffee yet. Those muppet dogs were awesome! LOL. Magic Mike does look funnier and a bit racier than the first one.
would you like your book turned into a movie and if so, would you mind them changing it up?
Hi Dina! Thank You for a great question. Nope, wouldn’t want to bore you guys to bits. Although, if they turned my life into a sci fi action thriller maaaaybe I wouldn’t mind, lol.
Hi, Selena!
Is there any scent better than cooking bacon? I think not! Therefore you had me at bacon lube! LOL! Soooo, have you actually bought the bacon lube? Notice I’m not asking if you’ve used it…snicker! But yeah, have you bought some? And what is the most unusual thing you’ve done in the name of research?
Hi Naima! Great to see you here and great question. Nope, but I should right! LOL. Naughty! Man, now I want some bacon! LOL. The most unusual thing is when authors and you know you’ve done this, try and figure out body positions either by themselves or with their partners/spouses to make sure the scene is right and doable. Either that or just Googling.
What other genres would you be interested in writing?
Hi Michelle! Thank you for a great questions! Noir! I’m slightly obsessed. I’ve started a Noir cyber punk but need to find time to work on it.
What do you hope readers will take away from reading this book?
Hi Lisa! Thank you for a great question. I hope they take away enjoyment and hope and love and happiness.
Who is your favorite author?
Hi Thomas! Thank You for a great question. I’d have to say right now it’s between Laurie R King and Rex Stout.
Where’s your favorite place to write?
Hi Amanda! Great question! I like to write near the TV. I need noise, even if I have music on, I need to distract myself from what’s going on outside. So on the couch in front of the TV.
What is your favorite book character?
Hi Natalie! Great Question! I have to say Edmund Dantes from the Count of Monte Cristo. He has a special place for me because he was my first book boyfriend.
What is your favorite part of being a writer/Author ?
Hi Stacey! Thank you for a great question. Being able to share and create worlds from just a snippet of an idea.
Have you ever felt like giving up?
Hi Ann! Thank You for a great question! Yes, I have but I pushed on or took a break and restarted.
Would you write a book with another author?
Hi BlackAsphodel! Thank You for a great question! Yes, I would. I would love to write a book or a series with the uber awesome Jodi Redford.
if you could have three folks to dinner living, dead, real, or imaginary who would they be and why?
Hi Pam! Thank you for the great question. Goldie from Diane Mott Davidson’s Series because you’d know she’d bring an awesome desert. Nero Wolfe from Rex Stout’s series because again, awesome food. Jodie Redford, Amie Stuart, Chris Marie Green, Tilly Greene and several of my author friends because the conversation and fun would be over the top!
1. stay inside a lot or I’m hoping to buy a pool sometime this summer
2. a dragon of course. Free rides. Just wouldn’t want to have to feed it.
3. Avengers, Jurassic Park, spy and san andreas
Awesome answers Pam. Well, I don’t think you’d have to feed it per say, because after a certain time it could get it’s own food…I hope you live far away from people!
Have your job experiences ever found a way into your books? What was the worst job you ever had?
Hi Dovile! Great Question. Not yet, but I’d say data entry, very monotonous.
1) I just dress as little as possible, stay out of the streets and keep curtains closed on all windows at home throughout the day.
3) This summer I’m only going to see the Ant-Man movie in about a month. There’s also a Fantastic Four reboot coming at the beginning of August, but I’ve watched the trailer and I’m not watching that in cinema and most likely ever. And there’s also a Terminator reboot/sequel coming next week which might be interesting, but I’ll wait for the DVD.
Great answers! Ant- Man does look good.
what’s your favorite summer cocktail?
Anything lemonade with blueberry and maybe vodka.
I dont do well in the heat, so stay in alot
dragons, fairies
Magic Mike xxl, and not sure whats coming, lol
Hi Dina! Thank You for the comments. Me neither. LOL. I don’t either unless I’m told, lol.
What things inspire you for writing books?
Hi Alexandru! Great question. Anything can inspire a book. Anything.
Thank You Rachel and BBB! Thank you Everyone for the great comments and questions. It has been wonderful. I can’t wait to come back and do this again sometime.