I wanted help coming up with questions for you so I asked my blog readers to submit some to me for you. The first question submitted was a tried and true one. Where do you find your inspiration? Is it based all in fantasy or is there some reality within it?
Eden/Eve: Of course much of my inspiration comes from pure fantasy. Who hasn’t had a dream or a few moments alone in their head? I simply turn mine into full stories on paper. And as a writer, you learn to sort of farm your mind for different scenarios. But some of my inspiration has also come from real life. I’ve led a…varied existence-lol! Something I’m not afraid to talk about, and often have. And that runs anywhere from modeling a hero on a guy I couldn’t forget to writing about actual experiences (with a few embellishments, perhaps, and names changed to protect the not-so-innocent).

Why erotic romance?
Eden/Eve: Well, it’s a helluva lot of fun, to begin with! But also because I’m a people-watcher—I majored in psychology in college—so what makes people tick is endlessly fascinating to me. I like to really dig deep when exploring my characters. And the deep stuff, the most powerful stuff, tends to come out when a person is at their most raw, their most vulnerable, which often happens during sex. If you want to strip a person down to their most basic, primal selves—literally and metaphorically—start by getting them naked. Or, you know, bent over a desk with a blindfold on…

What is a favorite line or moment from one of your own books?
Eden/Eve: Ooh, so many! But right now I am madly in love with my vampires, especially my poor, tortured Ever. I’ve even written a short prequel story about him. EVER: THE TURNING, which I’m putting out myself at the end of this month.I’ve even had a book trailer made for that story by the fabulous Saturday Buffet:

…But there is a moment in his book, EVERSONG, Book Four in my Midnight Playground series, where you see a flash back to his past, to the female vampire who made him. Vérún is an even more tragic figure, and there is something so powerful to me in their love for each other while they battle her encroaching insanity. Here’s a small peek:
Together they moved. Pleasure was hot, sharp. His heart hammered as his hips arched, as she took him into her body, over and over. As she bit into his shoulder, his neck, pulling his blood into her hot mouth, tearing his flesh. Still, he could only see a darkness inside her. But he kept fucking her. Kept loving her.
Vérún.
She gasped as she came, then screamed. He was coming, too, his hips pistoning. And before he was done with the final shivers of his climax, she was crying. Still drinking from the wound in his throat, pulling at his blood, sobbing against his skin.
“Vérún,” he whispered, his body going weak as she drained him. “Do not do this, my love.”
His fingers went into her long, silky hair, trying to pull her head back. She fought him even as she cried.
“Stop, my love. I cannot fight your sadness if I am made too weak.”
She latched on. Cried harder. Drank more deeply. Until he had to dig into her scalp and yank her head back so hard he heard the bones of her neck crack with the force of it.
He was gasping for breath. She had taken too much again. He blinked at her lovely face, which was covered in her tears, his blood.
“Ah…” she made a noise, a strangled sound coming from deep in her throat. She pushed away from him, fell to the ground in a crumpled heap.
“No, Vérún…”
He bent over her, gathered her in his arms, his heart breaking.
If only he could take her sadness from her. The shadows that haunted her mind. That had begun to fill it completely lately.
Vérún. His lover. His love.
“I want to die,” she sobbed.
“No,” he protested. “You cannot leave me.”
“But I will, Ever. You know I must.”
He only rocked her in his arms. And tried to resist the knowledge that the unthinkable would surely happen, just as she said. It was the one thing he was helpless against. Her darkness. Her shadows. The death that hovered always over his love, and that eventually, he would not be able to fight.

Are there any romance tropes you love? What about hate?
Eden/Eve: I can love them all, as long as they’re done well, in a way that’s organic to the characters and makes for an interesting story. I believe that a really talented writer can write about anything and make it magical for the reader.

How do you manage your time? Are you too easily distracted by the internet when you should be writing? Twitter? Facebook? Can you ease in and out of places like that while you write or do you set aside times to play?
Eden/Eve: I’m supposed to manage my time…? Seriously, I am awful at it. I get caught up in Facebook and Twitter and visiting blogs and my Yahoo group because I love talking to readers, as well as other writers. I think that kind of interaction is just as important for me as it is to them. No one can exist in a bubble—which is really the only way a book gets written—so it’s necessary to break out and socialize once in a while. Finding a good balance is the hard part. I haven’t figured it out yet.

What would be off limits to you in writing. (besides the cardinal no-no’s like incest, rape, etc.)
Eden/Eve: I’m really not into the whole toe-sucking thing. DP, rimming, fisting, even an intimate golden shower I’m okay with, but toes….*shudder*

If you could go to any workshop, given by any author, what would it be?
Eden/Eve: I would love to hear Tanith Lee talk about how she develops her characters and her worlds. Her prose is just magic for me.

If you could co-author a story with any author who would it be?
Eden/Eve: I’m a terrible control freak, so the idea is absolutely agonizing! But I have to say I have recently considered the idea of co-writing something with my dear friend and critique partner R.G. Alexander—‘considered’ being the key word-lol! We’re sort of attached at the hip, anyway, and when the Smutketeers did our Wasteland continuity series together for Samhain, while everyone chimed in on building the world, her story and mine were very closely linked and I think they wove together beautifully. I can almost imagine writing a book with her. It would have to involve bunnies. She knows what that means…*G*

All the writers I know are also avid readers, at least they were before they started writing. One thing I’ve heard again and again, and even experienced is being so busy writing you don’t have time to read. Personally I found that when I don’t pleasure read (as opposed to research read) often enough, my passion for writing can wane a bit. What about you? Do you read every day like Stephen King suggests in ‘On Writing’ or are you more sporadic when writing?
Eden/Eve: I’m always writing—that’s been nearly every waking moment for the last several years. I really only read for my critique partners, the writers I mentor each year, and then there’s that one hour (or less) at bedtime for my luxury reading. I remember the days when I would devour a novel or two in a week. Now it can take me a month to read anything. But I do read something each day.

What about Genre? What’s your favorite genre to read?
Eden/Eve: I’m an old sci-fi fan from way back, and I still love to read it. I also love women’s fiction, both serious and comedic. And I’ve been reading a ton of YA. There are amazing YA authors out there, in all subgenres. I’m really loving the serious contemporaries and some vampires. Genre of the day changes, depending on my mood, but I’m always up for something funny.

What was your favorite childhood, I’m thinking middle school or younger, book?
Eden/Eve: I loved the Narnia tales. I probably read the entire series a good dozen times.

You can have only 1 book with you on a deserted island. Which one do you choose and why?
Eden/Eve: I can’t have two?? Okay…it would be Time Enough For Love by Robert Heinlein, for several reasons. It’s an old favorite-my comfort book. If I can’t sleep or I’m stressed, I’ll pull out one of my dog-eared copies and open it to any page. And in that book is romance, adventure, science, comedy, characters I’ve loved for a lifetime, and even sex, so it satisfies on every level.

What do you think readers would be shocked to discover about you?
Eden/Eve: I’m not sure there’s anything left that I haven’t shared-lol! Everyone already knows I’m fairly heavily tattooed, am in a relationship with a much younger man, am addicted to shoes and lip gloss, have spent time in the BDSM clubs, love my cats, am a daddy’s girl, a huge art geek and am obsessed with anything steampunk. Hmm…maybe it’s my shark phobia? Seriously, I can’t go in the ocean because I’m deathly afraid a shark will bite my leg off. They’ve been known to attack in as little as three feet of water, you know! Which doesn’t explain why the fear will sometimes creep up on me even in a fresh water lake. And the occasional swimming pool.

Do you believe in soul mates? Does everyone have one?
Eden/Eve: I do believe in soul mates, but not necessarily one for each of us. I think we have a number of possible soul matches out there. I do, however, totally believe in love at first sight.

Do you prefer George Clooney, or Johnny Depp? (I”m going to say Johnny Depp for me because I think roleplaying with him would be oh so wicked.;) )
Eden/Eve: Sasha-do you not know me at all?? It’s Johnny, all the way, all the time. Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. And…Johnny. Yep. *girlish sigh*

* * * * *

Award winning and best-selling author Eden Bradley aka Eve Berlin writes dark, edgy erotica and erotic romance for Harlequin Spice, Berkley Heat, Bantam/Delta, and Samhain Publishing, and soon for HQN.

Eden lives in Hollywood and has appeared regularly on Playboy Radio’s ‘Night Calls’. She loves shoes, tattoos, art, younger men, reading smutty books, chocolate and sex, of course, not necessarily in that order. Eden’s next books include her first self-published title, EVER: THE TURNING, a prequel to her Midnight Playground vampire series, out at the end of this month. After that look for her second title from Berkley Heat, where she writes as Eve Berlin. DESIRE’S EDGE, a contemporary erotic BDSM story, will be out September 6th.

On October 4th Book Four in Eden’s Midnight Playground series from Samhain, EVERSONG will be out!

~And~ as of today Eden’s first book in her Midnight Playground series, THE SEEKING KISS, is FREE on Kindle and Nook! The free read will continue through August 28th, so if you’ve never read her vampires and want a free taste, you can download now for FREE!

CONTEST! I can’t visit Sasha and not have a contest! All you have to do is answer this question: What is your favorite kind of hero? Do you like them dark and tortured? Totally Alpha? Or do you prefer they have a softer side? What’s your kind of guy? Post your answer here, and be entered to win the winner’s choice of either a $10.00 Amazon gift card ~or~ a $10.00 Sephora gift card (my favorite stop to indulge in my lip gloss habit), PLUS a copy of any one of my Samhain backlist e-books-they can be found on the Books page of my website, or on the Samhain site (this does not include my latest release, EVERSONG, or the print Wasteland anthology). I’ll announce the winner tonight in the comments section, so be sure to check back!

Be sure to check her websites for book releases, appearances, book trailers and other news and updates: www.EdenBradley.com www.EveBerlin.com or her group blog www.Smutketeers.com

You can also find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorEdenBradley.EveBerlin

***Eden will be also guest blogging at Genreality on Thursday***

* * * * *

A huge thank you to Sasha for letting me crash her blog today to talk about my latest release, Hollywood Confessions. This is day six of my two week Hollywood Confessions Blog Tour, so please check out my website for more tour stops, as I’ll be giving away cool prizes (including gift cards, free books, cameo appearances, and Hollywood Headlines collectibles) at each stop!

In Hollywood Confessions(#3 in the Hollywood Headline series), Chester Barker, a reality show producer, is poisoned in his Beverly Hills estate. Luckily for reporter Allie Quick, it’s just the kind of story she needs. Allie has high aspirations – much higher than reporting on the latest celebrity gossip for the L.A. Informer, Hollywood’s most notorious tabloid. But if she’s going to join the ranks of the real reporters, she’s going to need a headline worthy story under her belt – and this story has her name written all over it. Allie has no shortage of reality stars suspects, but when she finds herself falling for her numero uno, Allie’s relationship with her editor is suddenly on the rocks, and her life is in danger. This is one deadline Allie can’t afford to miss!

While writing this book, one of the most fun things I got to do was create the fictional reality shows that Chester Barker worked on. While they are so not real shows, they so steal some concepts from my favs.

Among others they are…

Little Love
A reality dating show, where one eligible bachelor is put into a house with twenty hot, young single girls. Every week the girls tried to out-flirt each other on group dates to earn a rose at the end of the hour-long show. The last one left standing at the end of the season gets a proposal from the bachelor. The twist? All the contestants on the show are little people.

Don & Deb’s Diva Dozen
Don and Deb Davenport are the parents of 12 little girls: two sets of triplets (ages six and ten) and a set of sextuplets (four-year-olds), and all of them compete in the Tiny Tot beauty pageants. In their fourth season, the ratings hit a high when Don was photographed with a string of young co-eds at trendy Hollywood nightclubs. Don and Deb announced a trial separation for Fall sweeps, Deb taking the sextuplets and doing the Southern Glitz pageant circuit, while Don took the triplets to the West Coast Sunshine pageants. But, thankfully, by May sweeps, the couple announced they were going to give marriage a try again, and the season culminated in an hour-long Don & Deb’s Reunion show where the couple took all twelve children to Vegas for a long weekend, renewing their vows at the MGM Grand.

Stayin’ Alive
Currently in its ninth season, this is the granddaddy of all reality shows, pitting fifteen strangers against each other to fight for the title of Last Survivor Alive. Each season contestants are dropped in the middle of nowhere, the only location requirements being a beach (where the female contestants can wear their teeny tiny bikinis), torrential rains (that wet said bikinis suggestively), and lots of big, hungry mosquitoes (just for kicks). All fifteen contestants have to brave both the elements and each other, fighting it out in reward and immunity challenges. Anyone not winning immunity is forced to go to the tribal staging area, where someone is sent home each week. However, they aren’t voted out on their survival skills. Instead, the contestants participate in a dance-off, where a panel of judges vote out the contestant with the worst ballroom skills.

So, while no actual reality stars were harmed in the making of Hollywood Confessions, I will admit that several fictional ones might have been bruised. ;) And since this is the 3rd book in the Hollywood Headlines series, today I’m offering a FREE autographed copy of the 2nd book in the series (Hollywood Secrets) in print format to one lucky winner. Just post a comment below to enter, telling me what sort of reality show YOU would create, and I will post the name of the lucky winner in the comments at the end of the day.

Happy reading!

* * * * *

Gemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.

Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader’s Choice award and three RITA nominations.

Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
http://www.gemmahalliday.com

HOLLYWOOD CONFESSIONS
available now in:

Paperback Print*Kindle*Nook*Ebook

For a chance to win a copy of Gemma’s HOLLYWOOD SECRETS (Hollywood Headlines #2) comment below. A random winner will be picked and announced on Friday.

By: Taige Crenshaw

There is a subtle rhythm that beats when you read. One you probably don’t even notice it.

From that first word of any book you read it pulls you in and takes you on a journey. Each step gives you various beat that resonate with you. That first blush of meeting and the little catch that you get when you read it. The foray of the characters as they do that dance of seduction which keeps your heart racing as you wonder when will they or will they at all. Then when they do you your pulse skyrockets with each kiss, caress and thrust as they come together. Then you go on the journey of their affair. The up rhythms of them getting to know each other after the sexual encounter. A laugh at their antics which makes your body move in time with them. That little sound you make as something they do pleases you. The humph as they act the fool. The sway as you enjoy this journey that makes you go up then down and all around. When that obstacle comes and your fist clenches while your heart wonders how can they fix this and the tears fall with the person most devastated after that moment. Then ultimately the triumph they get when they overcome it all to be together. Your soul rejoices and you love it. Once done you exhale and that dance is done at least until the next time.

All this is rhythms that comes from within. One that is individual as each of you. No two rhythms you feel are the same. Heck when you reread the book the rhythm changes. I love reading books and how it makes the rhythm of my soul move. And this is what I work for when I write. A rhythm that will resonate in a reader. Make them become part of the fabric of the dance I am creating in my story. Let me share with you the rhythms I feel when I write.

In writing Power of Attraction my new release I felt that rhythm in each word. From the opening scene with Wesley McCarty my hero who fears what is happening to him. His not knowing and fear because of it makes me think of a pounding of drums driving him on. Peyton Blackstone my heroine has a feeling that makes her feel such joy and abandonment that she leaves her home and goes into the forest and dances under the stars. Her rhythm reminds me of a clarinet and sax being played in a duet each trying to get supremacy. But in the end they blend into a harmonious sound. When Wesley and Peyton met under those stars his drums meld with her clarinet and sax to create a sultry melody. Yet it is not to be and reality intrudes with a clash of cymbals taking them apart. Peyton clarinet and sax make sounds that will make you weep as she knows her life is about to change and she has no way of knowing in what way. She has to think of the legacy she must face. Wesley stands with his lone drum making a steady tap, tap as he wonders if he really losing his mind.

As the story progresses I felt the back beat of many rhythms that drives the story. Made it pulse in my soul as I put it on paper. It was a stupendous feeling. I’ve been called everything from writer, author, storyteller and all the in between. I am all those things and so much more. Of all the names I’m called I like to call myself … Rhythm Maker.

****

Taige Crenshaw is a multi-published author with books available at Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id, and Total-E-Bound. Taige has been enthralled with the written word from time she picked up her first book. It wasn’t long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. With novels set in today, in alternate dimensions, or in the future she writes with adventure, fun sassy heroine’s, and sexy hero’s. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels. You can find out more about Taige at her website or her blog.
Power of Attraction
A woman whose destiny has been ordained from birth meets the man who has been prophesied for her–but there is more to him than meets the eye. With prophecies and legacies to fulfill, which way will she go: to a man who may be possibly her mate, or to a dark legacy that could take her life.
Buy Here – (http://www.total-e-bound.com ) at Total-E-Bound.

Twenty years of livin’ and lovin’ on a South Texas ranch raising horses, cattle, goats, ostriches and emus left an indelible impression on Myla Jackson, one she likes to instill in her red-hot stories. Myla pens wildly sexy, fun adventures of all genres including historical westerns, medieval tales, romantic suspense, contemporary romance and paranormal beasties of all shapes and sexy sizes. When she’s not wrangling words from her computer she’s out snow-skiing, boating, riding her ATV or spending time with her family. She lives in the tree-covered hills of Northwest Arkansas with her husband of 20+ years and her muses— the human-wanna-be canines—Chewy and Sweetpea.
To learn more about Myla Jackson and her stories visit her website at http://www.mylajackson.com/

Thought for the day

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes their way

I’m truly blessed by those I love and those who love me and it’s at this time of year I like to reflect on the people and feelings that fill my life.

My parents – They brought me into this world, taught me the values I live by and how hard work and perseverance pay off. They taught me humility and love, equipped me with an education and off I went out into a big scary world, knowing they would always be my safety net.

My children – They taught me that I have one heart big enough to love more than one child. I learned patience and understanding and was blessed with more love than I could have ever imagined. Now they’re bringing me grandchildren…

My husband – Has taught me respect and the need for open communication, the art of negotiation and the value of forgiveness. He’s my island in the storm, my strength when I feel defeated and my love when I feel alone.

My friends – They are there when I need them, they share my joy, my sorrow and my frustrations unconditionally. They fill me with laughter and hope.

Myself – I figured you thought I’d forgotten that thought for the day. I learned a long time ago, that no one can make you happy. You have to make yourself happy, no matter the circumstances. Things don’t make you happy. People don’t make you unhappy. You have to search for and find the happiness in everything and embrace it.

Have you found your happiness today?

Myla’s novella BODY SNATCHERS comes out today, Dec 3rd, at Ellora’s Cave.

Introducing guest author Shelley Munro.

Firstly, thanks to Sasha for inviting me to visit today to talk about my new release, The Bottom Line. As you read this post, I’ll be lying back in a comfy deck chair, sipping a fruit cocktail as I cruise somewhere in the Pacific. At least that’s the plan!

I’m really excited about this release. The Bottom Line is about friendship and love and exploring sexual fantasies. Much like Maggie, I got the idea for this story after reading an erotic romance featuring a lot of spanking. I thought it was interesting, and the more I thought about it, the more I thought there was a story there for me. The Bottom Line is the result.

Maggie starts writing a blog about her spanking experiences and, throughout the book, there are excerpts from Maggie’s blog. Of course, things don’t go smoothly for Maggie in her quest to find a man she trusts enough to spank her.

Here’s the blurb:

Spicing up her sex life sounds exciting…until the fantasy hits the fan.

As Maggie gives in to the temptation to let Connor add some sin to her life, she finds herself juggling lies, half-truths, friendship and sensual delights. Her job is in jeopardy—and she’s falling in love. Exploring her fantasy is one thing, but she’s beginning to question if indulging her own pleasure is worth the cost to everyone around her. Especially Connor…

An excerpt from Maggie’s blog:

For those of you who are reluctant to participate in a spanking or can’t understand why anyone would enjoy a good spanking, I thought I’d give you ten reasons why I think spanking is great.

1. It’s a great method of stress relief.
2. It can be a good way of opening communication, since spanking requires talking and discussion.
3. Spanking doesn’t require special tools—a hand or a hairbrush will work.
4. It can bring a new buzz to a relationship.
5. Most bottoms are well-padded and careful swats won’t do any damage.
6. The closeness that comes after a spanking is magical.
7. It’s great for foreplay and sex after a spanking is hot.
8. It’s fun trying out different positions and scenarios.
9. Role-playing and dress-up can be a lot of fun.
10. An alpha man administering a spanking is plain sexy.

You can purchase The Bottom Line at Samhain Publishing
http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/shelley-munro

Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand and writes contemporary and paranormal romance for Samhain Publishing and Ellora’s Cave. You can visit Shelley at http://www.shelleymunro.com

What do you think about Maggie’s reasons for spanking? Do you agree or disagree with her?

Everyone who comments will go into a draw to win a download of one of Shelley’s earlier contemporary releases, Soldier of Fortune.

Little background on why I’m here posting for Sasha while she’s on Holiday. Sasha and I met initially on a site she was giving a workshop on, and I, of course, loved her books, so…. Through a loop we got to know each other and she gave an open request for some help. I’m sure all of you have read the below poem in Most Wanted—well, we worked together to get it right. Finally meeting for the first time in Orlando at the RT Convention, which was so AWESOME. (Yes, I felt like a groupie – authors are my rock stars).

Jack & Jill Chase after their thrills, to see who gets on top
Jack goes down and Jill doesn’t frown, even when she’s under the cop

Jack lets go and Jill starts to glow, no longer a matter of trust.
It’s time to play, and this time with more than just lust.
Laurie Kapkowksi / Sabrina Pugliese

I’m an author—or rather a struggling one. Sasha has graciously given me her time and knowledge, but ultimately the end result comes down to me. This business isn’t an easy one. And it’s also the only one where you don’t get a job well done pat on the back, or sometimes not even a by your leave for work you’ve put blood, sweat and tears into.

This business is not for the weak.

As someone who has written her entire life, but never had the nerve to send anything off until about three years ago, my eyes were certainly opened.

I’ve learned a lot about myself these past few years. And I’ve learned some things no workshop will ever be able to teach you, until you’re in the mix of this business. Here are some of them:

I can take rejection letters, as long as I’m allowed to grieve for 24 hours after it’s received. After copious amounts of alcohol, pizza and chocolate it’s time to get off my ass and get back on the horse (or keyboard).

I can take criticism, because I want to be a better writer, but will fight to keep things I believe in.

You have to read to write. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

I don’t have to write in complete sentences.

Just because you type “The End” doesn’t mean it’s done. *sigh*

You don’t have to be a great writer—just persistent. Although my personal note: strive for greatness! I know I don’t want to be a one book wonder.

Not all critiques need to be taken. It’s my work after all. Some things might not be the norm—but who wants to be normal? Not me. And for new writers, this one is essential to learn!

There are more politics to the world of writing than I ever knew about, or care about, but I need to know about them.

It’s okay to have voices in my head. And answer them!

And I’ve learned I can actually sit in one place for 7 hours or more and only get up to pee, and get more coffee.

Old and new writers I want to hear from you. What did you learn on the way up? What are you learning now? I dig short-cuts and if there’s an easy way for anything in this business – I WANT TO KNOW!

So let me have it….

Hugs
XOXO
LKap

Laurie Kapkowski

DD: Sasha gave me access to her blog to post some comments, so here I go!

When the retreat ended, Sasha and I stayed with my cousin and his partner in Seattle. Sasha took this pic in my cousin’s back yard. She said, “Pick up the baby gargoyle and let me take a shot!” Little did I know the joke was on me. Who knew the gargoyle and I would bear such a strong resemblance! I do love it though.

Sasha Here: I asked you to pick it up so I could get a picture because your story with a gargoyle hero had just released. I know that little guy didn’t resemble your hero, but I thought it was cute.

My cousin and his partner took Sasha and I to Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle so that we could make a tour of the Underground. I know, all the lovely places we could have gone, but we wanted to see the nasty bits. That’s writers for you. Not quite sure what this shot’s supposed to convey, but you can see a bit of the architecture.

Sasha : It’s the shop right next to where the first part of our Underground tour started. That first part of the tour started through a door to the left o the Cafe, and we came back up in that alley to the right of the cafe. So we went around all underground and behind it. PLus, I thought it was cool cus the sign for the shop says “Seattles Oldest Restaurant” on it.

This shot is definitely in The Underground. If you don’t know, Seattle was originally built at sea level. When more people moved in and they built a sewage system, they had real problems every time the tide rolled in. They posted the tide timetable in the newspaper so folks knew when not to flush, otherwise they’d have geysers of nasty backwash. So when the town burned down in the late 1800′s, they rebuilt the streets higher than the ground. Businesses on either sides of the streets had to build up their foundations and put their entrances on the second floors. Everything beneath became The Underground. There was an intricate system of walkways beneath the ground with skylights in the sidewalks above to let in light. Some of those underground structures still exist, and we got to roam the parts that haven’t been closed to the public. 

Sasha: One of my few from the actual underground that turned out. I really need to learn more about my cameras lighting features.

Without artificial lighting, The Underground would be dark as a cave. She shot this of me with just her flash. Of course she didn’t tell me I was sweaty and bedraggled from the rain.

Sasha: I love this shot. I think it’s all moody and cool, especially considering some of the Dark Vampire stuff you write.

After a day of slogging around The Underground, we picked up takeout at a Chinese restaurant and headed home. Seattle is pretty hilly, almost as bad as San Francisco in parts. Sasha was on the uphill looking down at us.

Photos and information about the writers retreat part of the trip are coming up in a separate post at a later date.