In order to be able to utilize key words and other tools I have moved this blog to http://www.reginapaul.blogspot.com please come and visit me there!

You know I think it's time to set something straight when it comes to sex in romance novels. Those of us that write erotic romance or even the lesser graphic sensual romance know that sex plays a big part in our stories, although generally speaking it is not the only focal point. I've gotten into more than one discussion with friends and relatives about what the difference between pornography and what I and other writers write which we consider to be romance. It's usually the ones who have never read both that can't delineate the difference erotic and even sensual romance is not pornography nor as a close friend calls them "spank books."

Here is how I tell the difference, and trust me as a person who has been reading and reviewing books for over a year I know what I'm talking about. A romance might have sex, but it will also have a plot, and there are emotions expressed between partners so it is not just someone writing sex scenes, such as tab a goes into tab b. Pornography is someone writing about sex, but there does not necessarily have to be a plot and often there are no love or caring emotions expressed. This would be say a relationship where a couple were to put it bluntly "fuck buddies." Now, a couple might start out that way in a romance novel particularly in an erotic romance novel, but it is usually not long before the dynamic changes, and a good author will be able to do that well by utilizing the emotions of his/her characters.

Above all romances have a story to tell that is seperate from the the characters and their love interests. When there is no story that is seperate and no love or caring emotions expressed with relation to sex and the relationship, then what you have my friends is pornography. That's the difference. Enough said.

I am so excited! About two weeks ago I found out that my romantic suspense novella Destiny's Choices won 3rd prize at the Amira Press Around the World contest. I've really enjoyed working with this publisher so far, they are friendly and timely about getting edits and cover art to you and putting you in touch with those who will be doing these things.

The lady who is the editor is professional and pleasant and has some really good ideas for improving the manuscript.

Ok, I'm back to working on the edits, just wanted to post as I hadn't in a while.

I think I found a contest I want to enter Destiny's Choices in which will be very cool. There is a cash prize and a publishing contract. While I love Lulu and POD publishing it can't hurt to go ahead and take a shot at this contest. They are looking for multi-cultural romance and I think Destiny's Choices fits that dynamic with Nez Perce characters. It's not set on some exotic place like Cancun or anything, the rez is anything but romantic, but I think it does provide a look into another world and culture that not many people get to see.

If I had a nickel for everytime someone said something to me to the effect of "Oh, you're Indian, you get lots of money because of that huh?" I'd be rich! A lot of people have such incorrect notions about Indians, and reservations that I swear I spend half my time trying to educate people, and the other half groaning inwardly over the terrible cliche's and stereotypes people actually believe as truth. Anyway the story does a good job of giving the average person a look into life on a reservation I think, so hopefully it will be unique enough that I'll place in this contest.

It's been a couple of days since I last posted, mainly because I've been multi-tasking like crazy! I'm been working on a new website, trying to keep my new years resolution of posting more often on my blog, and keeping up with my writing deadlines so I can still make a living. Whew! When it rains it pours, losing power last month for a full 24 hours didn't help either! LOL

I just updated my website www.reginapaul.com with a new special, and contest, so check out the front page for the special, and the contest page for the new contest and what you have to do to win an Illara's First Christmas coffee mug. I also got out the January newsletter and added a new chapter of Soul Memories to the folder in Files. So, if you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet, be sure and check it out, I have several free reads there for subscribers! You can find a sign up box on my main page.