Normandie Alleman Talks Edits and AFGOs

By Normandie Alleman (Guest Blogger)

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As a relatively new author, I’m still getting used to the editing process. Some edits that I’ve received from my publisher have been relatively painless. Others, not so much. Edits often involve “killing your darlings” as Stephen King calls it. They can break your heart or help you solve a problem in your book. Sometimes it’s a problem you didn’t even know you had.

I’m currently editing a book that I knew had some problems. I had struggled with where to begin the story and with my villain. To be honest I was too timid to make him as evil as I really wanted to. I thought that in a romance it would be too much to have him be as bad as he really needed to be. So when my editor told me the character wasn’t working, he needed to be worse, I felt like I had “permission” to write an all-out bad guy. (He did warn me to stop short of Hannibal Lecter. That was good. I need boundaries.)

Even when my sensitive little feelers are hurt by some of my editor’s criticisms, I try to remember that editors absolutely know how to make your book better. They can see what we, as writers, often miss. With every book, and every set of edits, I become a better writer. Keeping that in mind, every time I sit down to tackle a pile of tough edits, I remind myself my book will be better for it, and it’s just another AFGO (Another Freaking Growth Opportunity).

Today I’m sharing with you about a sweet short story (which didn’t require too many edits – fist pump!) called Subterfudge, a light, fluffy BDSM story about romance in the hottest room in the house.

Subterfudge Blurb

When Roger asks his live-in sub Ashley to learn to cook she eagerly agrees, assuming it’s going to be a breeze. After all, she’s a bright, accomplished woman with a successful career—how hard can it be to prepare some food? 

Once she’s up to her ears in cocoa and flour, Ashley realises cooking is more complicated than it looks. Finding ways to shortcut the process, Ashley dupes Roger into believing she’s a diva in the kitchen. But when he finds out she’s not the chef of his dreams, will he serve up a punishment fit for a saucy sub or will their relationship go up in flames?

Reader Advisory: This book contains anal sex, rimming, food play.

Excerpt

Something soft and fluffy drifted up the inside of one of her legs, barely passing over her crotch before it glided down her other leg. It could have been a feather…a frilly, lush sensation. Yes, please.

“I know how much you like being tied up…do you think I need to do that to you tonight?”

“Yes, Sir.” Her voice quivered with need.

“Good thing I brought these, then.” He clutched her wrists and bound her with the familiar cloth restraints that he used with her so frequently. Her hands were confined above her head, their movement restricted to a few inches in each direction.

“Spread your legs for me.”

Ashley obeyed. The air in the room was chilly. A sense of vulnerability came over her. It reminded her of that feeling when you’re a patient in a cold, sterile hospital room.

Then she felt his mouth on her. She lurched and gasped for air when he buried his face in her mound. Tongue licking, nose nudging, teeth nipping, his hot breath coated her with his own lust. He had her quaking in moments.

She was on the verge of climax when he stopped.

Bastard! He’s teasing me. She was breathless, at the peak of arousal. He loves seeing me like a bitch in heat.

“I’m going to play with you with some unusual toys. I want you to try and guess what they are. I will help you along, but you give your best guess. Ready?”

“Yes, Sir.” She nodded.

Thwack! She felt something on the inside of her leg. What is that?

“Keep your legs spread.” His voice issued a warning.

“Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir.”

More swats from the unknown implement. That feels familiar. What is it? When have I felt it before?

Then a swat to her pussy woke her up. The sting wasn’t terrible, but it definitely brought the blood to the surface and made her cry out.

“What am I smacking you with, little sub?”

“I’m not sure…”

Watch the video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT4tARS994I

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1bydScO

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/subterfudge-normandie-alleman/1118070472?ean=9781781848357

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-subterfudge-1364216-147.html

Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/subterfudge

About the Author:

A former psychologist, Normandie has always been fascinated by human behavior. She loves writing quirky characters that are all too human. Fiber arts, baking, and Pinterest are a few of her favorite pastimes. She lives on a farm with a passel of kids, her hunky husband, and a pet pig who’s crazy for Red Bull.

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Twitter at @NormandieA https://twitter.com/NormandieA

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Her website: www.normandiealleman.com