Alison's Wonderland

"I'm savoring it..."

2010-10-08T07:40:00.001-07:00

Some Like It Hot is reviewing Alison's Wonderland in two parts. Here's a tidbit:

The characters are boldly written and I found in Portia DaCosta's Unveiling His Muse the height of obsession bought to a stimulating sexual peak by having your muse walk out of your work and into your life.

I'm waiting (im)patiently for the next part of the review!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. The image is the front page from ETSY a few days ago. I love when ETSY goes all Red Riding Hood on me!

Happily Ever After

2010-09-20T07:35:00.001-07:00

Twenty-two interviews, more than 100 comments, and the winner is…. Me. Hahahaha.

When I first typed up all the names, I forgot to pull out myself. And the first number chosen corresponded with one of my own comments. Not to worry. I am not the winner. Well, I am, in one big way. I am a huge winner in the fact that I was able to interview twenty-two fabulous authors and able to receive feedback from so many interesting readers and writers.

But the winner of my box—come on, stop that, it's too early to be that dirty—the winner of my treasure box is Cora Zane.

Hey, CZ, please drop me a note to msalisontyler at yahoo dot com with your snail mail address and I will send you a huge box of prizes in the mail!

Thank you to everyone—authors, readers, friends, neighbors—for taking the time to get to know the Alison's Wonderland writers a little bit better.

XXX,
Alison

P.S. If any of the other authors still want to turn in their Q & A's, I will happily post.

An Interview with Alison Tyler

2010-09-17T07:38:00.001-07:00

Hey! That's me! I mean, *I'm* me. I mean, here's my A's to my very own Q's. Oh, wait. But what about the required lead-in? Hmmm. Here we go: I've worked with Alison Tyler for years now. Sure, sometimes she drags her feet when I toss out the theme for a new anthology. And yes, she can require a bit of coddling here and there—but who doesn't need their hand held every so often. Basically, what I'm saying is that, gosh, I can't imagine putting a book together without her.

1. Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

I'd like to be done by the King of Hearts. That's no surprise to anyone, is it? He did beat the Knave full sore, after all. And I think I have a healthy share of naughty Knave in me.

2. If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

My outfit of choice—my uniform, if you will—rarely varies: favorite jeans of the moment, t-shirt emblazoned with a snarky saying, killer boots. For wishing, I'd simply upgrade: scarlet velvet jeans, tight red t-shirt, blood red patent leather boots. I might throw in a leather collar or leather cuffs with chrome hardware.

3. What would you wish for?

Here's a sneak peek into how I'd waste my wishes. (See, I wish these almost daily—even without a fairy god type person asking me what's on my mind.) I'd wish for health for my family. I'd wish my far-flung friends lived closer by. Especially because for wish #3, I'd love to share good food and good stories with good friends around my dinner table for years to come.

4. Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Do I own fairy wings? Hell, no, I don't own fairy wings. What kind of stupid question is that? Who came up with the Q&A...oh, wait. Sorry. No, I do not own fairy wings. Or a riding hood. I'd crash in glass slippers. But I adore the concept of playing dress-up, even if my own fantasy wardrobe is far more limited to latex, PVC, and leather.

5. What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I have a fun story to share rather than a question to ask. One of my friends went through a brutal break-up last year. She told me she never thought she'd have sex again. She was done. She was through. She was hanging out the closed sign. And then she read Alison's Wonderland, and she felt something, well, stir. So, she wanted me to let you all know that your words brought her to place where she can actually envision opening herself up once more to the messy, crazy, not-always HEA world of real life love and sex.

How's *that* for the power of fairy tales?

6. What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

My story, "Rings on Her Fingers," is based on a rhyme rather than a true fairy tale. Although I believe I turned a simple sentence into a modern, slightly gritty L.A. love story, complete with a happily ever after. And what can I say? I've had a thing for ink for a few decades now.

7. What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

If Mr. Thomas Roche is listening, I'd like to try to co-write a fairy tale with him. Any fairy tale, with each of us taking on one persona. I'd happily write Beauty to his Beast, Cinderella to his Charming. Snow White to his, um, Seven Dwarfs. (No, that would be pushing things.)

Alison Tyler is the author of 25 naughty novels and the editor of 50 frisky anthologies. Her work has appeared in more than 100 anthos—as well as in magazines such as Penthouse, People, and Playgirl. Her first anthology of fairy tale-themed erotica was published by Plume in 2004. Currently, she's drinking a cup of coffee and trying to figure out what to wear to work.

*****

Now, I'm done. I know there are a few writers missing from the Q&A line-up. But I'm not much of a nag. If new A's come in later, I'll happily post them. Until then, I did want to announce a winner of all the Fairy Tale Swag I've been collecting throughout the past few months! So give me a minute (or possibly a weekend) to shake my eight ball, and then I'll be back to announce the winner!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. See you on Monday!

An Interview with Bryn Haniver

2010-09-16T19:58:00.001-07:00

Bryn Haniver's Mastering Their Dungeons may have been a slightly unusual choice for Alison's Wonderland. But I loved this story so much! The piece is filthy, fierce, and fucking hysterical. And as Dorla Moorehouse so eloquently said, "Some stories simply take the supernatural/fantastic elements of fairy tales without creating a direct analog from old stories to present ones. Bryn Haniver's 'Mastering Their Dungeons' and A. D. R. Forte's 'Moonset' are my favorite examples of these." I've been lucky enough to have worked with BH a handful of times, and I'm thrilled to host the following uber-entertaining Q & A:

1. Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

A mermaid or siren. One of the terrible, irresistible ones known for luring sailors to their doom. It's an adrenaline thing, life on the edge and all that.

2. If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

Scuba gear. Or at least a sailor suit. See first question.

3. What would you wish for?

Gills. So I could frolic with the mermaids without running out of air. Then wings, so I could frolic with airborne angels and demons. I've watched eagles mate in midair, it looks pretty exiting. And finally, I'd wish that we could live in better harmony with the environment. That, or maybe just a bag of cash - back on solid ground, we writers are often a hungry lot.

4. Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Alas, no fairy wings or riding hoods, and I'm not much of a slipper wearer. I suppose I'm more of an observer of fairy fashion.

5. What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I'd ask Rachel about any undergraduate social science classes she might have taken.

6. What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

Although not a traditional fairy tale, I did spend much of my teenage years lost amidst the elves, maidens and multisided dice of Dungeons and Dragons, which obviously inspired my story.

7. What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I'd like to run, run, as fast as I can, to catch up with the ever so delicious ginger haired woman. Even though chases, like fairy tales before Disney, often end badly.

Bryn Haniver writes fiction, much of it naughty, from beaches, boats, islands and peninsulas.

So there you have it! Whew! I'm done! Oh, wait. Maybe I'm not. I still have to post *my* answers. Yup. I'm going to answer my own questions. We'll see how that goes. I might be bratty and give those one-word, monosyllabic interviews that make editors tear out their hair. Nah. I like my hair.

XXX,
Alison

Interview with T. C. Calligari

2010-09-16T07:03:00.001-07:00

Did you miss me? No, I wasn't really gone, but now I'm back. Ha! That makes no sense at all. Clearly, I've had too much sake—or possibly not quite enough. One thing is for sure, I have a brand-new interview to post from an author featured in Alison's Wonderland. T. C. Calligari penned "A Taste for Treasure," a retelling of one of Grimm's fairy tales. She's here to answer my standard Q's with her witty A's:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

I'd like to do the Beast. He's big and beastly and untamed, but gentle and sophisticated too. A creature of depths who's sure to be wild in bed.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

I'd be wearing very high shoes, shiny and red, and a diaphanous, sheer gown.

Alison Tyler butts in. Oooooh, she likes diaphonous dresses, too!

3) What would you wish for?

Feet that could wear (and walk in) any shoes or boots no matter how high and for as long as I wanted. All the time in the world to travel and write, in style of course. And third, at least a couple of beautiful and strong attendants to go with me and attend to my every need (and whim) with love and sensuality.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

I have a pair of black feathered fallen angel wings, as well as aquamarine diaphanous fairy wings, decorated with jewels and glitter. My scallop shell bra with strings of pearls and glass beads is for my mermaid days and I have at least two wands, a flog and collars for all those enchanted evenings.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I would ask every author what is the closest they have come to a true fairy tale or fairy tale character in real life?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

I love fairy tales and have since I was a child. A Taste for Treasure is based on one of the shorter, more obscure tales of the Brother's Grimm, of which there were hundreds. I have the complete collection but haven't read them all. There is such a treasure trove there.Magic often comes in threes and it does so in this tale. I have changed the tale so it's not just a damsel being used by a beast or a being rescued by a prince. The innkeeper is a woman who likes to collect many things and she finds what it is that she most treasures. I wanted to explore a tale we haven't heard about over and over. New territory and quite a challenge in its own. Besides, I was intriqued with the father who tosses his children out in favor of a goat!

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I have tackled some fairy tales in my other writing guise: Snow White, Princess and the Pea, Rapunzel, the Minotaur, but there's always room for more exploration. I see a tale with a lady with a tail, some mermaid siren song in the watery depths of the future. I also see a linking of the Beauty and the Beast tale to Greek myths. And those Greek gods were lusty lovers! There are so many tales and I want to explore the Irish landscape and the magic brooding there.

T.C. Calligari's work has appeared in various anthologies including Mammoth Book of the Kama Sutra, Guilty Pleasures, Naughty or Nice, Don Juan: Tales of Lust and Seduction and Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica. T.C. lives on BC's magical west coast where selkies and sasquatch make their homes. She has at least one genie bottle and rubs it regulary waiting for the genie to come...out and grant her wishes.

I have only one more Q & A to post, I believe. So hang in there, everyone. Once I get these up—I will move onto my big, big super cool plan for the Flash Fucking entries!

XXX,
Alison

"share her kinky sense of fun"

2010-09-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

Alison's Wonderland has received a brilliant review by the ever-awesome Ashley Lister:

Fortunately, Spice Books and Alison Tyler seem to understand that fairy tales have always been intended for adults.

Not that Alison Tyler is alone in this understanding. She’s managed to find more than two-dozen authors who share her kinky sense of fun. In Alison’s Wonderland there are twenty-seven scintillating stories of fairy-tale shenanigans to set your red shoes tapping and make you wonder what might happen if you go down to the woods today.

It should be noted here that, in excess of 100,000 words, Alison's Wonderland is the largest collection of erotic stories that Alison Tyler has ever published. It should also be noted that this one, possibly more than any other, contains some of the most celebrated names in the world of erotic fiction.

Ashley's right. This *is* the largest collection I've ever done. Nearly twice as long as the first anthology I put together! Alison's Wonderland was a long time coming. I read so many stories, shuffled the tales in so many different way, danced back and forth with my editor (Susan Swinwood) over the selection. Sometimes, I can't believe the book is actually out, that people are currently reading the stories that delighted me so much! I almost feel as if I might wake up and be back in the editing process. But no. The book is done. Really and truly. And I'm so proud to have worked with the 26 authors in the collection.

I adore fairy tales. My first fairy tale collection came out back in 2002 or 03 with Venus and then Plume. But I wrote my first fairy-tale inspired story back in the 80s. And I spent my youth reading the Red Fairy Book and the Blue Fairy Book and Swedish Fairy Tales and Grimm's. I still have my huge, Golden fairy tale book with the gorgeous illustrations. So this collection truly stamped a happily ever after on one of my blank pages.

Read Ashley's full review here.

XXX,
Alison

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Tsaurah Litzky

2010-08-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Look at us! We are climbing our way out of the tower and down Rapunzel's hair. Only a few more Q&A's to go! Here is Tsaurah Litzky, who wrote "Dancing Shoes" for Alison's Wonderland:

1. Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

The fairy tale character I would most like to do and have do me is Jack-In-The-Beanstalk, because he has strong arms, a good strong back and lots of endurance from climbing that beanstalk.

2. If your fairy godmother or godfather waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

I would be wearing my favorite clothes; my black snakeskin patterned leggings, the black leather jacket I got in Amsterdam, the ivory silk blouse my mother made for herself out of the parachute my father used during World War II. She gave the blouse to me when I was sixteen.

3. What would you wish for?

My first wish would be for world peace. My second wish would be for a house with a private beach on St. John, in the U.S. Virgins Islands so I could have ocean sex any time I wanted. My third wish would be to be swimming on my private beach with the love of my life R.L. on my birthday, August 31.

4. Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe?

I do not own fairy wings, a little red riding hood or glass slippers. However I do own several pairs of crotchless panties and a peacock feather mask.

5. What question would you like to ask another author in the line-up?

For the author of the Midas F*ck, obviously you wrote this story because you know how great sex is a multitute of riches. What experience or experiences most inspired you to come (pun intended) to this conclusion?

6. What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

I wrote Dancing Shoes because of my real life crush on the shoemaker who repairs my shoes. He eventually asked me out. What happened on that date will not be revealed here but will be described in a yet unwritten story.

7. What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

Rapunzel.

Tsaurah Litzky is an internationally known writer of Erotica whose work has appeared in over eighty publications including Best American Erotica (eight times), Best International Erotica (three times), Bitten, X - The Erotic Treasury, Penthouse, New York Times, Sex For America, K is for Kinky, Got A Minute, The Merry XXXmas Book Of Erotica, The Urban Bizarre, Dirty Girls, Evergreen Review 12. Simon & Schuster published her erotic novella, "The Motion Of The Ocean," as part of Three The Hard Way, a series of erotic novellas edited by Susie Bright. Tsaurah has taught erotic writing and erotic literature at the New School and erotic poetry at the Bowery Poetry Club. Tsaurah believes that great sex is often inspired by a pair of shoes and that fairy tales do come true. You can find out more about Tsaurah and her writing life at http://tsaurahlitzky.com.

Don't forget to comment on the interviews! My box of goodies is growing by the day!

XXX,
Alison

An interview with N.T. Morley

2010-08-24T07:55:00.001-07:00

As an editor of smut, I am generally able to turn down my libido while I work. Otherwise, you know. I'd never get anything done. I'd just sit at my desk, jerking off all day. Which, while not an unpleasant sounding scenario, wouldn't have given me such an extensive backlist. But there are authors who, well, pierce my glass ceiling. N.T. Morley is one of those writers. I will shuffle Morley's work to the bottom of my pile—virtual or literal—because I know I'll be taking copious "breaks" during the reading.

For Alison's Wonderland, N.T. wrote a new take on Beauty and the Beast. One reviewer wrote, "...believe me when I say that I have never read a fairy tale like this before. This short story is so deliciously, wickedly good! I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say this… this book is worth purchasing just for this story! It’s that awesome!"

Morley has stopped by to answer my standard, slightly silly questions:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

Definitely Belle in Beauty and the Beast—which is why I chose this classic story to re-imagine for this volume.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

I’m going to say knee-high riding boots, leather jodhpurs, and a You've Been A Bad Girl, Go To My Room T-shirt, both because it'd be hot, and because that outfit seems to be the sort of thing that would invite a fairy godmother to take interest.

3) What would you wish for?

I'm going to assume the wishes have to be horribly selfish and I couldn't wish for world peace or the end of hunger or ethnic strife—because I guess anybody could wish for those, couldn't they. If I had to pick 3 selfish wishes, I'd want to be transported into 3 of my unwritten novels for roughly the amount of time it takes me to write them. And, perhaps most importantly, I'd like to get paid an advance for living each one of them.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers?

If yes, please describe. Or send photos! Not a one, but I've been known to wear devil's horns on occasion.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I'd like to ask Alison if she has any ink in interesting places.

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

I've always loved "Beauty and the Beast" because it's the distilled form of my favorite fantasy—a woman being taken out of her comfort zone and placed somewhere that she's totally out of control, but maybe in some way completely in control. The question of which is which—control or surrender—and which is desired, is what's so hot. But it's the wondering how far a character will TAKE either control or surrender that totally drives me over the edge. In that sense, "Beauty and the Beast" essentially represents the dynamic I relive in all my stories and novels over and over again.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I'm fairly content to keep rewriting this one in various mansions, limousines and goth clubs up and down the West coast. :-)

N.T. Morley has written more than twenty published and forthcoming novels of erotic dominance and submission. The author of such decadent classics as The Visitor, The Nightclub, The Parlor, The Limousine, The Circle, and The Appointment as well as the trilogies The Office, The Castle, The Library, Morley has also contributed fiction to such anthologies as Alison's Wonderland, Naughty Stories from A to Z, Sweet Life: Erotic Fantasies For Couples, Juicy Erotica, Best Bondage Erotica, and The Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica, and to the podcast Open Source Sex, as well as editing the double-anthology MASTER and slave available from Berkeley Books. Recent projects have included the forthcoming novels The Embezzler, The Adulteress, The Institute, and The Conservative.

Remember to comment for a chance to win a whole plethora of cool fairy-tale themed goodies. I have this box. I've been filling it. You won't believe your eyes!

XXX,
Alison

Hooray for Sommer!

2010-08-22T07:40:00.001-07:00

image 1= how it was when i arrived

image 2= is how it was when i was done

image 3= is 'the big picture'
tada!

Yay! Thank you so much Sommer! If *you* send me a picture of Alison's Wonderland at your local bookstore—or on display at your house, in your bed, on your shelf, in your partner's hands, etc.—I will send *you* an Alison's Wonderland button!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. BTW, Sommer has a brand-new blog: http://sommermarsden.blogspot.com, so be sure to update your link list!

An Interview with Andrea Dale

2010-08-12T08:06:00.001-07:00

Andrea Dale is an author I've had the pleasure to work with many times. Not only in books—her story The Queen of Christmas in Naughty or Nice always gets a rise from me—but also on the group blog Lust Bites. Her piece in Alison's Wonderland is The Broken Fiddle, a story which as repeatedly been praised in reviews of the book:

Andrea Dale's "The Broken Fiddle" is boxed tale, a story within a story. Set in Ireland, it rolls all the romance of far-off-places, storytellers, and fairy bargains into the story of a perfectly hot one-night-stand.

Almost every story is a winner and the best are "The Three Billys" by Sommer Marsden, "Fool's Gold" by Shanna Germain, and "The Broken Fiddle" by Andrea Dale.

Here she stops by to answer my favorite fairy tale queries:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

Belle from Beauty and the Beast (Disney version) because she’s smart and someone I could talk to afterwards. (I’m afraid I don’t go for dumb blondes.) Plus that kiss she shared with the Prince Adam at the end? Rowr! Let’s invite him over, too! (But not the teapot. That would freak me out.)

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

Most likely one of my many Styx concert shirts and a pair of jeans, and barefoot. Or an early Celtic peplos. Or nothing at all.

3) What would you wish for?

More than three wishes, of course! And a contract that spelled out the contingencies of any possible wish. I’ve read too many “wish” tales—I know how they can turn on you!

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Oh hell yes! I’m a costumer and a faerie aficionado; I’ve been to Faerieworlds in Eugene, OR (kind of Renaissance Faire for the faerie-minded folk) and Labyrinth of Jareth in Los Angeles (a masked ball inspired by the movie Labyrinth). I have a crystal-and-wirework faerie crown, faerie wings, skirt, bodice, chemise… The only thing I didn’t hand craft are the wings and the waist-cincher.

I also own a dark angel costume of enormous black feathered wings and a black feather halo, which I generally wear with a black see-through burn-out velvet dress, black waist cincher, and black thigh-high stockings.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

For Thomas Roche: Are you planning to write the continuation of Sarah/Psyche’s story? I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m also hot for a woman who can use “expiation” correctly in a sentence…

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

Back when I studied in England in college, I visited as many castles I could. Outside of Denbigh Castle in Wales, I saw a pub called The Hand. (You have to say that like in a horror movie: dun dun dun! The Hand!) It did, in fact, have an extremely creepy pub sign. So I thought, wouldn’t it be cool to do a coffee table book of unique pub signs and names, with photos and the stories behind the names? Unfortunately, I haven’t yet found a photographer to travel Britain with me….

So that’s how “The Broken Fiddle” began in my mind: a woman writing the story behind pub signs in Ireland. I set the story in Ireland because I originally wrote it for a music-themed anthology and thus it needed a gorgeous young Irish fiddler named Finn, with “hair as black as coal and curling silkily to his collar, eyes as blue as twilight eve.”

The music-themed antho passed on the story, and I then submitted it to one of Alison’s anthologies…and she passed on it, too. But she remembered it (she has a steel-trap mind, that woman!) and requested it for Alison’s Wonderland, and for that I’m truly grateful.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

Let’s see… I’ve already written stories based on “The Little Mermaid” (“How the Little Mermaid Got Her Tail Back,” in Fairy Tale Lust), “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” (“The Twelve Fucking Princesses,” to appear in The Mammoth Book of Threesomes and Moresomes later this year), “Cinderella” (“If the Shoe Fits,” in The Trouble With Heroes, DAW, 2009), and “Rumplestiltskin” (a fantasy still making the rounds), as well as numerous ones based on fantasy and mythology.

I like turning tales on their heads, digging deeper to find the “why” in an unexplained action and then twisting things around. So rather than pick a specific fairy tale, I’ll say this: Send me anthology guidelines and I’ll see what sparks in my brain!

Andrea Dale lives in a fantasy world in her head, weaving tales of erotic romance and magic. Her alter egos write speculative fiction, appear in the front row of Styx concerts, make and wear a variety of costumes, and dance under a full moon sprinkled with faerie dust. Sometimes all in the same day. (There’s a reason why she named her blog “Enchantments.”) Now that she’s cast her spell on you, visit her at www.cyvarwydd.com.

Comment for a chance to win a smorgasbord of fairy tale items! (I'll announce a winner after all of the interviews have been posted.)

XXX,
Alison

G is for Gloat...

2010-08-12T07:14:00.001-07:00

I mean, goat, as in "The Three Billys." Check out this fab review by Dorla Moorehouse for Alison's Wonderland:

Alison's Wonderland, an erotic collection based on fairy tales and myths, has officially earned a spot on my list of favorite erotica anthologies. In fact, this book is one of the few erotica works I own that has managed to keep me hot story after story.

When I think of my favorite collections, the best are those that are diverse - many different sexualities, the inclusion of both kinky and vanilla pieces, and in particular, the ways in which the stories reflect the theme in different ways. Alison Tyler has created a collection in which such variety exists. While I would have liked to have seen a few more gay/lesbian pieces, Ms. Tyler does showcase threesomes that require characters to slide along their Kinsey scales. We also get a good blend of kink and vanilla, showcasing both the sweet and sadistic side of things.

Best of all, these stories interpret the theme of fairy tales in delightfully different ways. Some, such as Janine Ashbless' "Gold on Snow" and Georgia E. Jones' "The Walking Wheel" are true fairy tales, with more sex thrown in. Most of these stories take fairly tale themes and adapt them to contemporary settings and situations. "The Three Billys" by Sommer Marsden and "The Midas F*ck" by Erica DeQuaya are particularly excellent examples of these. And some stories simply take the supernatural/fantastic elements of fairy tales without creating a direct analog from old stories to present ones. Bryn Haniver's "Mastering Their Dungeons" and A. D. R. Forte's "Moonset" are my favorite examples of these.

I always try to come up with some constructive criticism when doing a book review, but I'm hard pressed to think of something I didn't like about Alison's Wonderland. This collection is impeccably selected and edited. Two days after finishing the book, the only real criticism I have is that in "A Taste for Treasure," T.C. Calligari has a character who goes by the name of "Jimbo." And when the only complaint I have is with a character's name, that really isn't much at all.

Thanks so much, Dorla! You're awesome!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. Oh, god. I once wrote a piece for my mythology class at UCLA—which wasn't really a mythology class at all—with a character named Bruno. The professor read my piece out loud. (She liked it.) But the class exploded in giggles each time she said the name Bruno! No idea why! I really *did* date someone with that name.

Interview with Georgia E. Jones

2010-08-11T07:05:00.001-07:00

Georgia E. Jones rocks my world. I've known her since high school (I had an embarrassing crush on her younger brother, Charlie, but don't tell anyone), and I see her every day. If not more often. What's even cooler? She's a bang-up writer. I mean, she's one of those people you just know is going somewhere. Her story in Alison's Wonderland is "The Walking Wheel," a historical take on Rumpelstiltskin. Here, she answers my standard down-the-rabbit-hole questions, and she asks *me* one of her own:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

The beast. Most definitely the beast, in all his hirsute glory. I cried hot tears at the end of that story, which everyone thinks has a happy ending, but to me it was sad. He was so much more attractive and interesting as the beast than as the blond Ken doll. Clearly my biases are showing: a strong preference for dark and hairy.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

During my wishing I would be wearing overalls encrusted with swarovski crystals, the kind of outfit I think is sexy, but no one else does. At least one of the wishes would be the FG trying to get me to wish for some new clothes.

3) What would you wish for?

This is like a trick question. Of course I should say, No hungry children in all the world. Is it that big of a wish? If it's just a small personal wish, I would ask for a lifetime supply of batteries; they are expensive. And some shoes.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

I don't own any of the aforementioned, although I just got an interesting visual of a woman wearing all three at once... or a man. I'm an equal opportunity fantasizer.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I would ask Alison Tyler when she came up with the great idea to do a book of erotic fairy tales. In some ways, the original versions were closer to these than what they've become. Darker, grimmer (no pun intended) and scarier.

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

Thank you for reading it! And if you liked it, I'm really happy.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

There are so many fun ones it's hard to choose. I always liked the one about the sisters; the red rose and the white rose. There was a bear involved somewhere in there. Here we go again with the dark and hairy...

And a big kiss to Alison for putting this project together and doing such a fantastic job.

She had to go and ask *me* a question! I'll come back later on and give an answer. For now, if you'd like, toss a comment her way. What I've decided to do is gather up *all* the prizes I ordered and put them together in one grand prize! So if you've commented on any of the interviews thus far, you are in the running to win a hodgepodge of interesting Etsy items!

XXX,
Alison

I'm a smart bitch...

2010-08-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

Or Alison's Wonderland is... Look! We're on Smart Bitches!! Thanks to Emma Hillman and Sophia Valenti for sending me the link!

XXX,
Alison

Top 20...

2010-08-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, more like top 20,000... but I was so thrilled to see the ranking here!

XXX,
Alison

Interview with Jacqueline Applebee

2010-08-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

Jacqueline Applebee reached out and grabbed my attention with her flirty story in Frenzy called Black Satin Slip. She has a precise way with her words that draws readers directly into the scene she's describing. In Alison's Wonderland she has a bit of naughty fun by turning the classic Cinderella story on its head.

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

I would like to have some fun with Rapunzel. I’m sure I could find some ingenious uses for all her long locks… I’m a fan of restraint, and I’ll use whatever I’ve got at hand, including some lovely long hair!

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

I’d probably be naked, either that or in my flame, tie-dye dress. Both are equally dramatic.

3) What would you wish for?

My first wish would be for world peace, just so I don’t feel guilty when I wish for Iron Man to appear, carrying a jar of peanut butter…

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

I did try to buy a Wand but it didn’t work out. Actually I tried to buy a Violet Wand, but they were a little expensive!

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

A question for A.D.R Forte: What’s your favourite Werewolf book or film? Are you an old school, Wolfman? Or do you prefer a Twilight incarnation?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

I would like to tell everyone that cross-dressing isn’t just for the boys. I’ve had more attentions (and action!) whilst dressed in drag as a man than at any other time. Sure it’s a little scary to let someone see another side of you, but it can be a truly liberating thing.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I’d love to look at the Ostera myth about a bird who transforms into a rabbit (the Easter bunny) but gets a chance to lay eggs just once a year, so she never forgets her true self. I seem to be big into transformation!

Jacqueline Applebee (www.writing-in-shadows.co.uk) is a black, British, bisexual woman who breaks down barriers with smut. She has written Erotic Brits, an anthology that shows that stiff upper lips aren’t the only things getting hard in the U.K.

Comment for a chance to win this slutty little bracelet!

XXX,
Alison

"take a trip down the rabbit hole..."

2010-08-03T06:57:00.001-07:00

This is the type of review that writers dream of receiving...that is when we aren't dreaming of being fucked by Gordon Ramsey, which somehow seems to be how I've been spending my nights lately...

Erotic Fiction meets Fairy Tales in another superb Tyler anthology
July 31, 2010
By Jvstin "Paul Weimer"

Once upon a time, at College, I came across a theory that was to me novel, audacious, and helped reinforce the idea that what I was going to learn in college was not just going to be more high school, but was a whole new type of learning.

That theory, as expounded by one of my professors, was simple. All fairy tales, she said, every single one, had at its bottom a sexual context. Some were cautionary tales, she said, tales meant to warn young women about the dangers of sex outside of marriage. Others were symbolic rites of passage, suggesting the transformation between girl and woman by means of various symbols. Others were meant to show the transfer of bonds between a girl and her father and a woman and her husband.

This old theory was firmly in mind as I began to read Alison's Wonderland, an anthology of erotic fiction based on fable, fairy tale, myth and legend. Readers of my reviews know that I am well and familiar with Ms. Tyler's previous work--both as an indefatigable anthologist and a writer of her own right. That work, in the main, however, has been kinky, sexy, hot contemporary erotica. Characters that you could meet walking down the street in Los Angeles, or encounter in a sawdust-floor bar in deepest Texas.

This anthology, on the other hand, is a little different.

Some of the stories in this collection, such as Janine Ashbless' Gold on Snow and Georgia E Jones' The Walking Wheel, are explictly set in a fairy tale or historical fantasy world. Others take the idea and theme of various stories and transform them into contemporary contexts, sometimes very much a tale sprinkled with magic. Charlie, in Portia Da Costa's Unveiling his Muse meets a fairy queen of his own creation.Sometimes, though, the only magic needed are the interactions of the protagonists (such as Ms. Tyler's own Rings on her Fingers.

All are most delicious and the quality of the tales are high--and hot Ms Tyler has many of her "Regulars" contribute stories--herself, of course, Kristina Lloyd, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Sommer Marsden, and others. Ms. Tyler has slaved away at getting a high quality of authors in the genre to contribute to the anthology.

There is a wide variety of fairy tale subjects to be found here, too. If you were afraid of reading ten variations on Red Riding Hood, relax, Ms. Tyler has carefully crafted an anthology of a wide variety of stories based on original fairy tale inspiration. She also has provided a wide variety of sexual themes, combinations, and kinks. What other anthology are you going to find an imaginary (or IS she?) lesbian dominatrix mermaid? Or a Greek God in an online chat room?

The stories and authors temper and tone are appealing, in general, to a wide variety of readers of this genre. Readers of Ms. Tyler's other anthologies, especially, are going to be quite taken with this set of tales. Readers of the A. N. Roquelaure Beauty novels will be quite satisfied as well.

Really, there are few readers of erotic fiction who will not find something to their taste in Alison's Wonderland. So, why not take a trip down the rabbit hole, and find out where it leads you? You won't regret it.

Thank you so much! I'm so pleased when someone really *gets* one of my books! And I'm beyond, um, chuffed to be mentioned in the same graph with A. N. Roquelaure.

XXX,
Alison

Eat me...

2010-07-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

I mean, drink me. I mean, READ ME! I have just finished posting author copies of Alison's Wonderland to the 26 (!) fabulous writers in this collection. Now, I have a few extra copies on hand to send out to readers who would like to review the book on Amazon.

Please tell me which fairy tale character *you'd* do (yes, as in fuck) for a chance to win a free copy of this 416-page collection!

XXX,
Alison

An interview with Heidi Champa

2010-07-16T08:12:00.001-07:00

Heidi Champa plays along. What do I mean? For nearly two years, when I toss out a challenge, Heidi comes through. She's shared her sticker collection, her notes, her tattoos, and more. She's participated in many of my short-short challenges—delighting people with her winning words. Now, she's answering my queries about her story in Alison's Wonderland:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

-I'd like to have a go with each of The Four Skillful Brothers.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

-I'm not sure. I feel like wishing is kind of a big deal, so I'd want to look good. But, at the same time, if I need to be dressed in preparation for my wishes taking effect, I might want something a little more practical and less flashy. In the end, I'd probably be wearing the same thing I always do: jeans and a t-shirt. Maybe I should wish for some fashion sense!

3) What would you wish for?

-Despite my last answer, I'm not going to wish for better clothes. No, I have but one wish, to be transported quickly and painlessly to the land Down Under, Australia. After that, I'm golden.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

-No fairy wings. I do own a burgundy hoodie, but I'm not sure that counts. I have countless shoes, but none of them are slipper-like. The closest thing to fairy tale wear I own is a blue fur wrap that I keep for special occasions, like meeting the prince or late night flights to Never Never Land.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

-It's not a question, but I would just like to tell Erica DeQuaya that I think her story title is aces!! Absolutely Aces!!

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

-My story, "After the Happily Ever After," is all about what happens after a fairy tale heroine marries her handsome prince, the carriage turns back into a pumpkin and the princess finally meets the prince's handsome younger brother.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

-Hmmm, there are so many to chose from. I think I'd like to do a revamp of the Emperor's New Clothes. So many possibilites.

Heidi Champa always thought she was too cynical for fairy tales, but there is just something about a man on a white horse that drives her crazy. She has been published in numerous anthologies including Best Women’s Erotica 2010, Playing With Fire, Frenzy and Ultimate Curves. If you prefer your erotica in electronic form, she can be found at Clean Sheets, Ravenous Romance, Oysters and Chocolate and The Erotic Woman. Her first novella, White Out, is slated to be published by Amber Allure in August. Find out more on heidichampa.blogspot.com, where she tells tales, spins yarns and rubs every lamp she walks past, on the off chance there is a hot genie inside who wants nothing more than to grant her some wishes.

Comment for a chance to win glittery fairy tale stickers!

XXX,
Alison

Don't you love these?

2010-07-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

Buttonhead made these from the cover of Alison's Wonderland! I'm tempted to cover an entire jeans jacket with them... but I will send one to *you* if you review AW on Amazon. And *then* I'll cover my entire jeans jacket with them.

XXX,
Alison

An interview with Sophia Valenti

2010-07-14T07:54:00.001-07:00

There are some writers whose work rises to the top. Like cream. Sophia Valenti is one of these. Of her story "On the Mend" in Pleasure Bound, Lisabet Sarai writes: I am not talking about a lack of consent here. "Mercy isn't in Marc's vocabulary—and for that I'm thankful" begins Ms. Valenti's story. That sums it up. Some people crave a level of pain beyond what I'd seek. For some, real fear is truly arousing. The thing is, she can write a dark story like "On the Mend" and then she can pen a deliciously divine piece like "The Cougar on Cobble Hill." And she's not even a gemini! Plus, she loves coffee as much (oh, could it be more?) than I do! But I don't know whether or not she takes it black.

Here is an Interview with Ms. Sophia Valenti. Please pour yourself a cup of joe and join in!

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

The prince from “Beauty and the Beast,” because he has a lot more character than the standard fairy-tale prince. And besides, I like a man who has a little animal in him.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

A little black dress, seamed stockings, peep-toe heels and red lipstick. Something to take me from late-afternoon wishing to a night out on the town.

3) What would you wish for?

A bottomless coffee pot.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Alas, no wings. But I do indeed have a little red cashmere hoodie. I live in it during the winter. As for glass slippers—do clear Lucite platform shoes count?

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I'd like to know what inspired Kristina Lloyd to create her kinky vampire spin on “Sleeping Beauty.“ Her narrator is such a fascinating mix of sensitive submissive and predatory hunter.

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

In “The Cougar of Cobble Hill,” I mirrored the tale of “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.” I wanted to tackle the modern-day concept of a cougar. There's so much negative baggage attached to the term, but I wanted to use this piece to present an older woman who was entering a new stage in her life where she was looking for deep personal satisfaction—and not solely in the bedroom. She's not a lonely, predatory creature. Her tale is more about seeing all of the wonderful possibilities that life presents and being bold enough to go after her heart's desire. That, to me, has all the makings of a happy ending.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

“The Princess and the Pea.” Hmm, now I'm getting all sorts of ideas about what she keeps stashed under her mattresses—and she's a very pervy princess.

Sophia Valenti is an editor, writer and lifelong New Yorker. She enjoys uncovering sexy secrets and attending sordid soirees, and then writing all about them. If she's not reading or writing, she probably drinking coffee. Her fiction has appeared in Best Lesbian Erotica 2010, Pleasure Bound, Playing with Fire and Afternoon Delight. Visit her at sophiavalenti.blogspot.com.

Comment for a chance to win this necklace, you sexy cougar, you!

XXX,
Alison

It can happen to you...

2010-07-13T07:24:00.001-07:00

...if you're Sinatra.

XXX,
Alison

Jane Austen meets Alison's Wonderland

2010-07-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Check this out! Very briefly — if you blinked you missed it — Alison's Wonderland hit the genre fiction anthology charts. Not the erotic charts. The fiction charts. Yeah, we were #100, but #100 is still on the charts! With Jane Austen! Gotta love it...

XXX,
Alison

Fairy Tales Can Come True...

2010-07-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

...it can happen to you!

I will be putting up a few different versions of this song — as well as other fairy-tale themed songs — in between the Q & A's this week. Just for fun. And you know me and song lyrics. A writer asked me the other day if you're allowed to quote from a song in a story, or if you need permission. This instantly shot me back two decades when I subbed a story to a big-time magazine. My piece began with an entire paragraph of Prince. No joke. The editor cut the lyrics (copyright infringement, and all that) but took the story!

Which proves... fairy tales can come true. It can happen to you...

XXX,
Alison

Can you hear me?

2010-07-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

You can if you want to. Well, not me exactly. But Alison's Wonderland, which is now available on Audible!

I'm not exactly sure how Audible works, but apparently the audio version is $24.95, or $7.49 if you participate in a special offer. This is an unabridged version, and there are multiple talents reading the tales.

How cool is that?

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Allison Wonderland

2010-07-09T09:59:00.001-07:00

I couldn't actually put together a book called Alison's Wonderland without including the fabulous Allison Wonderland, could I? Of course, not! My favorite mention of her story in a review is this one from Fangs Wands and Fairy Dust: ...and let's say that at some brand-name theme parks with a certain mouse mascot, the shortest route may not always be straight....

Here, Allison visits Alison to answer my questions!

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

Belle. She’s a beauty. Plus, she’s audacious and tenacious, not like those princesses who are passive-regressive.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

Hot pink fishnet stockings and a bubblegum-colored dress like the one Sleeping Beauty wears. Because I would be tickled pink if I met my fairy godmother.

3) What would you wish for?

I’d wish to be fearless, to have the ability to play a musical instrument (piano is preferred), and to travel back in time to the 1950’s so that I could be in the studio audience at a taping of I Love Lucy.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe! Or send photos!

None of the above. However, I do have many magic wands. I hope this doesn’t mean that I now have to be the wish-granter instead of the wish-maker.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

Lana Fox: your story, “Always Break the Spines,” got me thinking about how I never break the spines. I have this thing about keeping books intact, pristine, like I don’t want anyone to know I’ve read them. Of course, after having read your story, I’m tempted to break this very odd habit of mine. So, do you always break the spines?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

You know how the saying goes: "You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your princess." All right, so in all fairness, that’s not exactly how the saying goes, but the sentiment is still pretty much the same. Carla has kissed her share of web-footed amphibians, not to mention a handful of horny toads. But none ever slipped out of its shiny green skin and into a garish gown and polished pumps. Until she met Kendall. “Sleeping with Beauty” is a tale of two theme park princesses who find love and lust at The Happiest Place on Earth.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

Definitely Cinderella. A hundred and one uses for a magic wand…

Allison Wonderland has a B.A. in Women’s Studies, a weakness for lollipops, and a fondness for rubber ducks. Her favorite sound is Fran Drescher’s voice, and her cocktail of choice is a Shirley Temple. On the fairy tale front, she is quite fond of Jane Yolen’s collection, Not One Damsel in Distress. (She finds the dearth of distressed damsels very refreshing.) Allison has contributed to a number of anthologies, including Hurts So Good, Island Girls, Best Lesbian Erotica 2010, and Fairy Tale Lust. Find out what else she’s into and up to at her blog: http://aisforallison.blogspot.com.

Comment for a chance to win a glitter bat. Perhaps *even* more useful than a wand!

XXX,
Alison

Snow White's tighty whities...

2010-07-09T09:46:00.001-07:00

Lana Fox said: Allison Wonderland, I LOVE your story. Have *you* ever owned panties decorated with the visage of Snow White (or any other fairy tale character)?

Allison Wonderland said: Thank you, Lana! I appreciate the compliment and your curiosity. The answer is yes. And I usually wore them with my Snow White t-shirt. I liked my underwear to match my outerwear. Still do, actually.

Stop back soon for a Q and A with Ms. Wonderland herself!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. This hot shot is called POISON!

An Interview with ADR Forte

2010-07-07T07:20:00.001-07:00

I've worked with ADR Forte a handful of times—and always to delicious results. Forte's stories in Hurts So Good and Playing with Fire make readers sit up and take notice. (The PWF piece is a flasher—and one of my all-time favorites!) Moonset, Forte's piece in Alison's Wonderland is one of the more paranormal offerings in the collection—dreamy and striking.

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

Can I watch instead? *grin* I think having a crystal ball that would let me look at any fairy tale character I wanted would be so much more fun. When all the heroes and princes were traveling the world seeking their fortunes, stopping at taverns along the way, maybe the poorer lads having to "earn" a night's lodging- that's what I'd want to see. Even better if the crystal let me see into their thoughts! What was the Beast thinking about Beauty while he went prowling in the forest all night? What *exactly* was the Little Mermaid thinking about after she first saw the prince? What was What was Sleeping Beauty dreaming about all those years?... shoot. Think I just gave myself a few new plotbunnies :)

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

Clean underwear and dry socks. A lady always has clean underwear and dry socks are always, always a must.

3) What would you wish for?

Hmm... I think wishing for world peace is out of fashion now so... Smaller carbon footprint?

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Do the pinned fairies in my pressed fairy book count for owning wings? oh wait... wrong sort. No, I'm afraid that I have a lot of rather belligerent-looking, large, black boots that would stomp any wardrobe items of a fragile or delicate nature into small, crumbly pieces. I DO however have a Harry Potter Slytherin scarf. And yes, I did wear it to the release of every single movie despite being the only person over the age of ten to do so >.>

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

There are so many great authors in this book it's hard to pick just one. What I'd want to ask them is what drew them to retell the fairy tales they chose?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

Moonset is one of those stories that in my head isn't quite magical and isn't quite in the real world either. My characters tend to show up and tell me stories, and the two in Moonset insisted on being mysterious. On the one hand, the transformation of the pair is sexual as they switch roles... but is it something more? I like to think it's a bit of both. Ultimately the truth of the story is a tease, and that's fun!

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

Wow there are too many! There's so much potential to rewrite the well known ones. Poor Sleeping Beauty always seems to end up in a submissive role in erotic reinterpretations so I think I'd like to give her a chance to be on top, so to speak. I'd also like to write about some of the less well known stories. Maybe the Snow Queen or some of the obscure Grimms' tales that I always felt hinted at a much bigger story. So many smutty stories to tell, so little time! :)

ADR Forte is the author of erotic short fiction and erotic fantasy that appears in numerous anthologies. For more information see http://adrforte.blogspot.com or http://www.adrforte.com.

Comment for a chance to win these glittery crystal ball earrings!

XXX,
Alison

"as hot as it gets"

2010-07-07T06:47:00.001-07:00

Alison's Wonderland snagged a five-star review from Fangs Wands & Fairydust:

The Three Billy Goats Gruff will have you looking at painters differently, a dominating Belle turns Beauty and the Beast on his (yes, his) ear, and let's say that at some brand-name theme parks with a certain mouse mascot, the shortest route may not always be straight. In the other anthology I read recently, Nancy Madore's Enchanted, I felt the stories hinted at erotica, but were tepid. Alison's Wonderland does not have that issue. Each story is as hot as it gets....

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Donna George Storey

2010-07-06T08:20:00.001-07:00

Donna George Storey's elegant style of writing resonates with readers. Her story Spider, which appeared in E is for Exotic, is the type of well-written tale that makes you wonder—did this really happen? And then you start to realize that *all* of her stories are so believable and eloquent—and the same query pops up over and over. But now she's got you! Because you *know* that the mermaid fable she penned for Alison's Wonderland couldn't possibly be real.

Except... maybe...well...could it?

DGS was kind enough to swim by—I mean, stop by—to answer some queries for us:

1. Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

I hope you don’t mind if I choose more than one playmate? I’ve always been drawn to the story of “Snow-White and Rose-Red.” One sister was a dreamy blonde, the other a fiery brunette, and their mother told them, “What one has she must share with the other.” They had frequent evening rendezvous with a big, furry, but well-mannered bear, and, well, I always thought it would be fun to get cozy by the fire and be shared by all three!

2. If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

I just acquired a delicious lacy white robe that doesn’t cover much at all. So far I’ve only worn it to private events, but I think it would be the perfect show of respect for a meeting with my fairy godfather—who resembles a young Robert De Niro, of course.

3. What would you wish for?

Okay, this might seem mushy, but I would wish that every adult (18 and over only) in the world could couple up (or triple up?) with their perfect match(es) so that they could enjoy mind-blowing, soul-soaring, screaming hot sex whenever they desired it. Don’t you think the world would be a much better place if everyone were walking around in post-orgasmic bliss?

4. Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

I have quite a collection of make-believe dresses that would serve as lovely costumes for a fairytale—several silk kimono, a colorful satin Korean hanbok, a slinky blue Chinese cheongsam, a dirndl from Austria complete with apron. Then there are the goodies in my lingerie drawer: a crimson corset, a dozen pairs of stockings, Hello Kitty thongs in black and white depending on my mood. The latter especially always make my wishes come true—almost as if by magic. I’m sending along a picture of my favorite fairy item: red velvet gloves. Because of course, it’s always more fun to hold the power of enchantment in your own hands. (And I must add, you have a way of inspiring very fun photo sessions at the Storey household!)

5. What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I’d like to ask Andrea Dale if her wildly romantic Irish tale, “Broken Fiddle,” has any basis in real life experience—and if it’s not too much extra trouble, could she give me directions to that pub?

6. What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

I had a lot of fun imagining the love scene with the dominatrix mermaid. Especially the part about the jade-green nipples that taste like seaweed—it still makes me hungry for sushi!

7. What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I’ve always been intrigued by kitsune, clever fox spirits that are popular in Japanese fairy tales. Kitsune have a fondness for changing themselves into beautiful women and seducing human men who have no clue as to the true nature of their lovers. I’m sure writing a story on that theme would be a good chance to get in touch with my own crafty “beast within.”

Donna George Storey loves to travel to exotic lands and distant times in her stories and—as much as possible--in real life, too. She is the author of Amorous Woman, a very steamy, semi-autobiographical tale of an American woman’s love affair with Japan. Her short fiction has appeared in over a hundred journals and anthologies including Pleasure Bound, Naughty or Nice, Penthouse, Best American Erotica, and Best Women’s Erotica. Read more of her work at her website www.DonnaGeorgeStorey.com and her blog http://sexfoodandwriting.donnageorgestorey.com/

Comment on Donna's interview for a chance to win this ever-so-sexy mermaid necklace!

XXX,
Alison

Moving Up...

2010-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

I've been watching the sales of Alison's Wonderland—as you do—and I'm so thrilled that the title has moved to the first page of my books on my Amazon Author page. Isn't that exciting?

XXX,
Alison

First Real Sighting!!

2010-06-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sommer Marsden says: "Yay for you... but boo on me. i have no picture sending (or texting) on my phone. i did that on purpose but today i would have loved it. so we improvised.

it's in our store and me and boy child spread it four wide. so there was a shelf that was you, you, you, you and then two lucky folks on the end we let stay there
because we are nice
it is beautiouis (but no beast)!

Oh, I'm so very excited! I do not have author copies yet, but I'm thrilled to know that other people have seen the book in stores! Note, in this case, "thrilled" equals "jealous beyond possible measure." But you already knew that, right?

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Portia Da Costa

2010-06-28T07:11:00.001-07:00

Portia da Costa is one of those writers whose work seems effortless. And then you go on her blog and realize that she's human—just like the rest of us. I adore her little asides about "himself" ("18:14 Stomach is better today. Himself suggests fish & chips. Am I ready to get back on the high fat horse?"), and her descriptions of the types of sweets she's eating ("Choc/Yummy: banana, but those Dairy Box are calling"), and the telly she's watching. Aside from several publishers, she and I also share a mutual crush: Vincent d'Onofrio.

Portia's stand-out story in Alison's Wonderland is "Unveiling His Muse." Here, she gives us a little insight into her world:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

You mean do as in 'do'? ;) I don't know, really. Maybe one of the sidekicks of the various princes. The right hand guys are often more interesting and have a better sense of humour than the actual heroes, and yet they still have good prospects if they're the closest buddies of benevolent royalty.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

Some black ensemble with trousers and a sharp jacket that's expensive but not flash and which makes me look much younger and a lot less podgy.

3) What would you wish for?

World peace. Seriously. And to be a lot less podgy. And younger, but knowing what I know now. And to have real blonde hair. That's four, isn't it? Oh, and to be a lot cleverer than I am. And less greedy! LOL

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

None of those, but I do have an enchanted miniature vacuum cleaner that Saskia Walker once gave me as a gift.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

Elspeth Potter, how the devil do you manage to write so well, so short?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

My story UNVEILING HIS MUSE is a home made fairy tale, rather than a reworking or reinterpretation of an existing one. I'd rather write a tale of my own, mainly because it's easier than having to reinvent a classic.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I probably wouldn't tackle one. I'd just make up another of my own special concoctions. :)

A long time devotee of the ‘happily ever after’ and an unashamed romantic, Portia Da Costa is finally writing for her dream publisher, Harlequin. And it’s only taken her 20 years to get there.

She’s the author of six Spice Briefs to date, the latest being a duo of naughty, light hearted Victorian romps called A GENTLEWOMAN’S PREDICAMENT and A GENTLEWOMAN’S RAVISHMENT. Her big ‘work in progress’ is IN THE FLESH, a bizarre, super-sexy Victorian take on ‘Indecent Proposal’ with a dash of ‘Jane Eyre’ on the side, which will be published in early 2012.

In the meantime she has more Spice Briefs and assorted goodies in the pipeline, including a sweeter romance for Samhain Publishing and a bunch of short stories.

You can read excerpts from her titles at http://www.portiadacosta.com and follow her rather sporadic blog at http://wendyportia.blogspot.com, although you’ll mostly find her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/portiadacosta

Comment for a chance to win a fairy muse of your own!

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Thomas Roche

2010-06-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

I don't really know where to start with Thomas. I have known him for nearly 15 years, and I simply flat-out, no-holds-barred adore the hell out of him. First off, he's fucking awesome. And second off, well, he's just fucking awesome. And that's as a person. As a writer, he manages to push my buttons, rotate my tires, trim my hedges, and light my fires. All at once. I've been lucky enough to collaborate one one one with him on two collections: His and Hers. Here he is talking about his story, Cupid Has Signed Off, in Alison’s Wonderland:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

Snow White is very hot, but I have to vote for Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, because I like her attitude.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

Probably what I usually wear -- jeans, combat boots and a black T-shirt, and I'm not proud to say I'd probably ask her to "wait a minute, I need to finish this chapter first."

3) What would you wish for?

I would want to make the world a better place in more than 3 ways, but if I had to make selfish wishes I'd be very cautious, because I know these things always come to bite you in the ass. I'd be most inclined to wish for permanent artistic inspiration and clarity, but I can imagine lots of ways Stephen King could make that gruesome. Wishing for everyone I know to be happy makes me think of Joss Whedon's "Serenity." Wishing for world peace brings to mind the concept out of Michael Moorcock that life is strife, and total order represents a world of concrete statues.

So I guess I'd wish for a permanently solvent pulp publishing empire where I could pay Donald E. Westlake, Lawrence Block and Robert E. Howard to write me huge numbers of stories for the newsstand pulps with Margaret Brundage doing all the covers, while a shady subterranean crew of Marcus Van Hellers and Alexander Trocchis write me naughty paperbacks on the side sold in back alleys and under-the-counter at souvenir shops by guys named things like "Shifty" and "Lenny." How could that wish possibly backfire?

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Not really, but I am guilty of occasionally wearing a poet's shirt when induced to attend a Renaissance Faire.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I'd like to ask Portia Da Costa if she's ever had Charlie's experience described at the beginning of "Unveiling His Muse" -- trying desperately to create a work of art for commercial consumption, and -- damn it! -- it just keeps turning DIRTY. 'Cause I know I sure have!

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

I think the ongoing allure of the "Cupid and Psyche" myth is the idea of wanting being better than having. That's also about the essential element of a happy life being an acceptance of its mystery, and its limitations. If that's not about sexuality, and particularly about D/s, then I don't know what is.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I have an ongoing character based on The Ugly Duckling, named The Fugly Ducky, who has become an enduring character for me. She is a punk nerd dominatrix with the worst fashion sense ever and stick-and-ball molecule tattoos on her back of caffeine and Substance P. I don't know if she will ever see the light of day but she keeps cropping up in my dreams.

Or is that "nightmares"?

Thomas Roche's hundreds of published short stories have appeared in more than 200 anthologies. His books include the Noirotica series of erotic crime noir, four books of fantasy/horror, a short story collection, Dark Matter, and two books with Alison Tyler, His and Hers. You can find him at http://www.thomasroche.com

Comment for a chance to win this killer rock-a-billy cupid tie!

XXX,
Alison

An interview with Nikki Magennis

2010-06-23T06:48:00.001-07:00

I met Nikki Magennis (if memory serves, and memory doesn't always serve, sometimes it dominates), through Lust Bites. I know her to be a generous, friendly (if virtual) host with a wicked work ethic. But more important, I know her to be one of those writers you want to follow down back alleys and force to make speak to you. Ooops. Did I say that out loud? Nikki is the one I go to for the pieces of art that start many of my collections. Her 100 word flashes last—like the echoes of fireworks flickering in a night sky. (Except if she said that, she'd say it so much more poetically!)

For Alison's Wonderland, Nikki literally kicked off the book with The Red Shoes (Redux). You can read a piece of the story up on the Alison's Wonderland page on Amazon (scroll down a bit). Here she answers my randy queries:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

By 'do', I presume you mean ravage licentiously? Okay. The little mermaid. She may be half fish, but she is wholly hot.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I'm an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

A dusty pink silk dress torn at the hem, wellington boots, and ropes and ropes of pearls.

3) What would you wish for?

A clever tongue.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Everybody has at least one pair of red shoes, surely? Here are my latest most favourites – shiny, cherry red glossy patent leather. Lickable. Like lollipops.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

Elspeth Potter .... where can I read more of your 100 word stories?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison's Wonderland?

This is my revenge on Hans Christian Anderson, who took a fabulous old folk story and made it into a miserable morality tale. (The best bit about growing up is that you get to write your own fairy-tale endings.)

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

The one about swans and the nettle shirts. I'm thinking eleven men that aren't the seamstresses brothers, and perhaps a little light nettle flogging.

Once upon a time, there was a writer who lived in Scotland and dreamed her way through the world. She called herself Nikki Magennis, and she wrote lots of stories and painted some pictures and lived in an ivory tower, although only a metaphorical one. You can peek into her world at htp://www.nikkimagennis.blogspot.com, and find her books at Amazon.

Comment for a chance to win a killer pair of shoes!

XXX,
Alison

"Only one left in stock..."

2010-06-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

I do like the sound of that!

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Saskia Walker

2010-06-22T07:25:00.001-07:00

I "met" Saskia Walker several years ago—in fact, a few years more than several. I'm thinking about six, now. Right from the start, her stories drew me in. The characters linger—the descriptions pull the reader right smack into the scene. A few short strokes of her pen on paper (or her fingers on the keys), and you are there with the characters, on a deserted beach, about to fuck with total, kinky abandon.

I actually truly in flesh-and-blood met Saskia Walker a few years ago, at a party for Harlequin authors. She is as sexy and sensual in person as her words are on the page. To me, it's not a complete anthology without a story by Saskia. Here, she discusses her story in Alison's Wonderland: Kiss It.

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

I'd like to have a Big Bad Wolf at my sexual beck and call. I'd have to keep him chained up, of course. Mostly he'd be a regular loving bloke, but sometimes the sex would get really wild and out of hand.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I'm an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

I guess I'd be dressed for any situation that might follow, which for me means leather jeans and a biker jacket.

3) What would you wish for?

First, good health for my loved ones.
Second, good health for my friends.
Third, good health for me.
Because I honestly believe our health is the most valuable thing in the world.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

No fairy wings, although I do like to dress up in fantasy style! My tastes have tended towards the darker paranormal-vampires, ghosts, and the like. The nearest I ever got to dressing as a fairy would be Xena the Warrior Princess. I was carrying a bullwhip though, not a magic wand. Hmm. Just call me the black sheep fairy!

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I'd like to ask Janine Ashbless how the words "snow" and "white" unleashed such a dark, lush, and deviant tale! Actually, it's the least I'd expect of Janine's work. Ha! She's an amazing fantasy writer and I'm a huge fan.

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison's Wonderland?

My story, Kiss It, bubbled up from two of my long-time interests. First is the supernatural genie creature and the granting of wishes. I'm forever fascinated by exotic tales such as Scheherazade's Arabian Nights. The idea of having three wishes-but the third one being somewhat dangerous as it might grant the naughty genie it's freedom-is a compelling dilemma. I took that notion and ran it alongside Irish mythology. I'm half Irish and spent several of my childhood years there. Irish myth and legend was actually on my school curriculum when I was nine years old! On weekends my parents would drive off to various amazing places that have stuck with me including Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Giant's Causeway. In the story I took the naughty genie idea and mixed it up with the legend surrounding the Blarney Stone and the gift of the gab. I had a lot of fun with it!

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

Ooh, I don't know, but if bearskin or magic carpets are involved, I'm right there.

Award winning British author Saskia Walker first dreamed of writing her own stories when she discovered a handful of romance novels stashed away in her school library. An avid reader, she lapped up the fun, the adventures, and the life-affirming emotion of these stories, but always felt dismay when the bedroom door closed the reader out. She vowed that if she ever had the chance to pursue her dream, all the passion would be right there on the page.

Saskia finally began writing seriously in the late 1990s. By that time she'd traveled the world, got herself a BA in Art History, a Masters in Literature and the Visual Arts, and she'd worked in all manner of diverse careers-but the stories in her head simply had to be written.

Her first erotic short story was signed in '97 and since then she has had several single title novel and novella publications, and her work has appeared in over fifty anthologies including Best Women's Erotica, The Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica, and the Black Lace Wicked Words series. She writes across genres, but always with the passion right there on the page! Her novel, DOUBLE DARE, received the Passionate Plume award for the Best Contemporary Erotic Romance of 2006.

Saskia lives in the north of England-close to the beautiful, windswept landscape of the Yorkshire moors-with her real life hero, Mark. Mark supports her work through all its ups and downs, and somehow manages to keep her sane and grounded when fiction threatens to take over.

Comment for a chance to win a special kiss brooch!

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Shanna Germain

2010-06-18T06:51:00.001-07:00

Shanna Germain first caught my eye way back in 2002 with a sweet little strawberry tale that had a fairy-tale feel in a modern day setting. Since then, I've lost count of the times we've worked together. Her writing resonates with readers, lingering long after the story has ended. In Alison's Wonderland, she is one of two authors who took on Rumpelstiltskin.

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

I've always had a thing for Little Red Riding Hood. It's all that sweet innocence hidden inside something that's so full of blatant power and sexuality: a blood-red cloak. She seems to me like the kind of girl you'd approach with the hopes of corrupting, and then she'd turn the tables on you, throw back her hood with a wicked, wolfish grin, and become a woman who'd take control.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

There are so many outfits designed for begging, it's hard to choose just one. Something that lets me go down on my knees, of course, and shows off my cleavage from that flight-height that fairy godmommas and poppas have. Black leather boots, I think, and a leather skirt, hem down to the ground and slit up to my thigh, plus a red silk corset, laced up the back. And some red-red lipstick in a shade called If Wishes Were Whores.

3) What would you wish for?

More lipstick. A better way with words. And a life filled with sensuality, lust, incredible people and unconventional beauty.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

I used to own wings (pink, shimmery, but I'm not sure if they came from a fairy or from my gay friend down the street). I also used to own a red riding hood costume, which definitely came from another friend, after a traumatic work situation (for her, not me). The outfit was one of her ways of saying thank you for being there, I think, and I treasured it for a long time.

I would break my head open if I had glass slippers. But I do have clear acrylic stripper shoes with high-high heels. I am dangerous in them. And also very tall.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

Janine Ashbless, where can I find seven men who will cloak me in amazing jewelry and then worship me? Also, how did you know that was already one of my dreams?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

Most of my fairy tale-based stories are set in the times of the fairy tales themselves. For this one, which is loosely based on Rumplestiltskin, I wanted to go more contemporary, because I felt that there was a theme there that is still pertinent today. The ideas of power exchanges -- in terms of sharing our sexuality, our names, and our intimate desires with another person -- is something we all get tangled in regularly. I wanted to explore the sensuality of spinning and being spun, of catching and being caught, of giving and giving in.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

So far, I've tackled Rumplestiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood (twice), Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Pea, The Woman in the Water and a couple of others. I'm currently working on one called The Rose Thief, about the father who comes to steal the prettiest rose from the Beast's garden. I love to combine fairy tales, to discover what happens when The Beast meets Sleeping Beauty, or Cinderella crosses wooded paths with the Big Bad Wolf.

Shanna Germain believes life CAN be like a fairy tale: Filled with big teeth and ripped dresses, colored by purpled skin and ruby-red lips, crowded with hairy beasts, mirrored movements and sadistic queens. Walk with her in the dark woods at www.shannagermain.com.

Comment for a chance to win this sexy lipstick! See, I can grant wishes, and I'm not even a fairy!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. Isn't this necklace very straw-into-gold?

An Interview with Lana Fox

2010-06-17T05:57:00.001-07:00

In Lana Fox’s story for Alison's Wonderland, Always Break the Spines, a naughty coed learns that fairy tales can hurt. Literally. Her lover punishes her with a leather-bound book:

I will tame you,” he said, quietly, “exactly when I please. I won’t have you saying when and how. You will come back at ten and, if I deem it fitting, I’ll punish you more thoroughly.” Then he raised the leather book, which was damp from my sweat, and whispered, “Now it’s spoiled and you must pay. If you touch yourself, just once, before I see you next, I’ll know.”

Lana was sweet enough to answer my frivolous little queries:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

Goldilocks because I love the sound of those golden tresses and I think she'd be great at afterplay cuddles.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

A pair of gorgeous high heels from Shelly's in London, please, paired with black, lacy panties. (This girl loves underwear).

3) What would you wish for?

I'd wish to become Susie Bright.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Yes, I have a pair of black, net fairy wings edged with bright pink, which I wear with my pink wig. If I did own a little red riding hood I'd wear her all the time. And as for glass slippers, I'd dance too hard and break 'em.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

Allison Wonderland, I LOVE your story. Have *you* ever owned panties decorated with the visage of Snow White (or any other fairy tale character)?

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

The leather-bound books always sting a little more, but naturally, they're worth it.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I'd love to have a go at the Little Mermaid. I think mermaids are gorgeous and they probably have fabulous sex.

Lana Fox's sexy stories have appeared in a variety of books and magazines including "Clean Sheets" and collections by Xcite Books. Other erotica is forthcoming in collections by Cleis, including "Orgasmic", edited by Rachel Kramer Bussell. For more information, visit Lana's blog. Lana's life ain't always a fairy tale, but she loves writing happy endings.

Comment for a chance to win a naughty notebook from subu!

XXX,
Alison

An Interview with Sommer Marsden

2010-06-16T07:52:00.001-07:00

For Alison's Wonderland, the ever-clever Sommer Marsden penned an amazing story called The Three Billys, which is getting mentioned in almost every review!

° My favorites were: ”The Three Billy’s” by Sommer Marsden, where a cranky librarian with the unfortunate name of Ms. Troll goes head-to-head with three repairmen named Billy...—Dirty Sexy Books

° Marsden’s “The Three Billys” a steamy retelling of The Three Billy Goats Guff set in a library. Sex and books and cute construction workers, it was really good. I also like the novelty of it.—Anna Marie's Corner

° In Sommer Marsden's The Three Billys, slightly repressed librarian Philomena Troll is surrounded by a surplus of lovely men named Billy when a repair crew invades her domain. But "Big" Billy Benjamin tempts her to stray from her routine.—Romantic Times

I asked—and she answered—the following questions:

1. Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

Hmm. That’s a toughie as most of the ones I remember involve animals and that’s just wrong. I’d have to say I was rather taken with Benjamin Eliot’s Sisyphus-esque character in this very book! I think I’d do him. Is that fair or did I just cheat on question one?

p.s. I’d totally go all big bad she-wolf on little red, too.

2. If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

I would totally have on a pair of well worn faded Levi’s, my distressed suede ankle boots I bought this past year (photos on my blog!) and a cream colored fisherman’s cable knit sweater. With my wild crazy brown/blonde/silver wavy bed head and some killer chandelier earrings that an ex boyfriend gave me. And oh! My big turquoise ring. Tada!

3. What would you wish for?

I would wish to be the unflappable, unruffleable, unshakeable, calm person who simply does not care what others think who does her thing without worrying. Instead of…you know, the spaz that I am.

4. Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

I have offspring, I have all of those things in my house. But you mean in my own personal stash of dress-up? Nope. Not unless a nun or Wonder Woman fit in there anywhere. And I’m sorry, but I burned all the pictures.

5. What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

I’m going to totally cheat (again) and steal your example question because I’d love to ask Shanna Germain, how’d she come up with the idea for her fabulous Rumplestiltskin-themed story!

6. What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

It’s like nothing I’ve ever written as far as inspiration. And I was never one for fairy tales but this was my favorite, favorite, favorite story. Mostly because I am weird. I felt positive I’d have to elbow my way to the front of the pack to get The Billy Goats Gruff as my story. But nope. Hunh. Go figure.

7. What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

Gosh. Can I cheat again? Of course I can. I’d love to redo the mythology of Pandora’s Box. Again, not the answer I’m supposed to give. I think I need to be sent to detention.

Sommer Marsden is the author of Calendar Girl, Lucky 13, Base Nature and the upcoming anthology Coupling, among others. She writes for Ellora’s Cave, Excessica, Xcite and Pretty Things Press.

She also runs her own nearly invisible press Spastic Girl Press where she puts out small private releases and the recent Dirtyville Project. Visit her at SommerMarsdenl.blogspot.com or DirtyvilleCollection.blogspot.com. The admission fee to her blogs is the low, low price of three magic beans.

XXX,
Alison

P.S. The other image I wanted to use was this one!!!

And the Free Dwarf Goes to...

2010-06-16T07:41:00.001-07:00

That is, the Dwarf Bedding Mix goes to Mary for her comment on the interview with Janine Ashbless. Mary, please send me a note with your snail mail address to msalisontyler at yahoo dot com. And stay tuned for a Q & A with Sommer Marsden!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. How'd I choose the winner? I rolled a die.

N.T. Morley Answers

2010-06-15T07:48:00.001-07:00

In her Q & A, Elspeth Potter said: "I also would love to know how many pairs of boots N.T. Morley has."

N.T. Morley responds:

Oh wow! You know, it is funny to get that question this week, when I just finally carted the three pairs needing attention down to the shoe repair place to get resoled and conditioned. I had to go through the entire batch of them, and it added up to 10 pair. And I thought, "Seriously?"

An hour later my Zappo's wish list was disastrously overloaded.

For Alison's Wonderland, Morley wrote The Clean-Shaven Type, a version of Beauty and the Beast with quite unexpected results for The Beast.

XXX,
Alison

P.S. Speaking of boots, it's my birthday month. Don't you just want to buy me these? You could get together with, um, 159 of your friends. You'd only have to put in a buck each!

Win a Dwarf!

2010-06-15T07:33:00.001-07:00

No, wait. That's not right. You might win a package of Dwarf Bedding Mix if you comment on Janine Ashbless' interview. Winner will be chosen tomorrow.

XXX,
Alison

"Quite a Bit of Bondage"

2010-06-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

Oh, check out this fabulous four-star review of Alison's Wonderland @ Dirty Sexy Books:

Some of the stories played quite cleverly on a fairy tale. My favorites were: ”The Three Billy’s” by Sommer Marsden, where a cranky librarian with the unfortunate name of Ms. Troll goes head-to-head with three repairmen named Billy, “Wolff’s Tavern” by Bella Dean, where a red-head seeks help from a big bad man named Wolff when her car breaks down, and “Rings On My Fingers” by Alison Tyler, about an ‘un-inked’ bookshop clerk who lusts over tattoo artist. I believe this collection has something for everyone, and you won’t believe what the seven dwarves really do to Snow White.

The review is called "Brain Candy for a Lazy Afternoon." You can read the entire piece here! Stay tuned for another Q & A!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. Isn't this art to die for?

An interview with Janine Ashbless

2010-06-14T06:24:00.001-07:00

As promised last night, here is the Q&A with Janine Ashbless. Just for fun, a commenter today will win a packet of Dwarf Bedding Mix!

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

You mean “Do” as in “Fuck”? Oh ... the beast, from “Beauty and the Beast.” Always has been. Handsome princes aren’t interesting enough.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

A horrible look of drooling anticipation.

3) What would you wish for?

Believe me: you don’t want to know. But let’s just say the world would be a quieter and less crowded place afterwards.
*twirls imaginary villainous moustache*

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

Sadly I put all that sort of thing into storage last year. I still have my moon-magic spell-book and a necromancy staff around somewhere, though. And some really horrible things in my attic...

5) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

My story is called “Gold, on Snow” and it’s a retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Yes, exactly what you are thinking of. Yes, I did dare.

It’s my homage to the incomparable Angela Carter.

6) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

I think “Little Red Riding Hood.” Or “The Princess and the Pea.” But I’d need a strong and original angle before I started.

Janine Ashbless started writing erotica as a direct result of reading Angela Carter’s fairy story collection The Bloody Chamber, so writing for Alison’s Wonderland was a welcome return to her roots. She has written two collections of erotic fantasy/fairy/horror stories: Cruel Enchantment and Dark Enchantment, (both published by Black Lace), as well as three erotic fantasy novels. Folklore provides the source inspiration for many of her stories. She always asks permission from an elder tree before cutting it, just so the Elder Witch won’t get mad.

Thank you to Janine for giving us a behind-the-scenes peek.

XXX,
Alison

P.S. What a fabulous Poisoned Apple Button Bracelet! Aren't the colors divine?

Dwarf Bedding Mix

2010-06-13T20:46:00.001-07:00

You can't make this stuff up. I was in a seed store today—don't ask—and landed upon so many different fairy-tale themed seeds, including this gorgeous packet of Dwarf Bedding Mix! I mean, how perfect is that as a way to tell you to tune in tomorrow, when I'll be posting a Q&A with Janine Ashbless, who wrote a story for Alison's Wonderland based on Snow White!

XXX,
Alison

Sommer says...

2010-06-13T08:44:00.001-07:00

I've sent out interview requests to all of the contributors for Alison's Wonderland. I'll be posting the interviews throughout June (and maybe July) in celebration of the book's release. In each Q & A I asked the authors to Q each other! Elspeth Potter had a question for Sommer Marsden.

Elspeth Potter's Query:

Sommer Marsden – how long did it take you to come up with the name "Philomena Fitzpatrick Troll"? Because it is the most awesome name ever.

Sommer Marsden's Answer:

When I got the idea for "The Three Billys," I wanted to be sublty overt. Troll seemed a good name for the heroine. And the man (my husband) had a friend way back in the day with the last name of Troll. I've heard countless stories of his personal "troll" and also the repetition of that friend's three grande names. See my husband always has to say his friend's full name because it is so awesome and sounds so cool! He can't just call him by his first name. Being a thief--I mean a writer--I put my own spin on it and made Philomena's name as grande as I could (considering her last name is Troll).

Check out Sommer today over at Midnight Moon Cafe! Leave a comment on MMC for a chance to win one of her fab e-books!

XXX,
Alison

P.S. Oh, my god. I reached new highs (or lows) trying to find a "sexy goat picture" to go with this post!!

The Fairy Tale Continues

2010-06-13T07:27:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Sommer Marsden for scanning and sending me this 4-star review of Alison's Wonderland. You don't know how excited I am to see this book. Or maybe you do! The truth is that this book was a long time coming. I first did a fairy tale collection back in 2002 for Venus Book Club. The rights to the book went to Plume, which issued a new version in 03 (I hope I have my dates right). But I'd been jonesing to do a new take for years. The pitch for this collection was accepted at Harlequin in April, 2007 — so you can see that I've been on pins and needles (or mattresses and peas) for several years! In fact, this book does seem like a fairy tale come true to me.

I don't have author copies yet—but I do love knowing that the book is almost almost available. If you catch any sightings, please send them my way.

I'll have more contributor reviews up soon.

XXX,
Alison

An interview with Elspeth Potter

2010-06-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see Alison's Wonderland references popping up all over the internet! In honor of the book's release, I have sent out a Q&A to the contributors. I'll be posting the responses throughout June (and maybe July). There are some back and forth queries in the Q's—so hopefully we'll be hearing from the writers multiple times! (And multiple is always good in my opinion.)

Kicking us off is Elspeth Potter, who penned The Princess:

1) Which fairy tale character would you most like to do and why?

The Clever Little Tailor ("Vom klugen Schneiderlein," Grimm 114). I always go for brains over brawn, plus we wouldn't have any class issues between us. You can read it here.

Alternatively, I'd choose the one brother in "The Six Swans"/"The Wild Swans" who still had one wing after they were all changed back to humans. I think he'd cheer up if I took him to science fiction conventions with lots of people in costume, and we'd also go hiking so he could talk to birds.

2) If your fairy godmother or fairy godfather (I’m an equal opportunity fairy employer) waved a magic wand over your head and granted you three wishes, what would you be wearing during your wishing?

Tailored dark blue jeans, tall black riding boots, a pleated white shirt, and a brocaded silk frock coat in fabulous jewel tones. And a silk top hat. And black lace half-gloves.

3) What would you wish for?

More wishes! Everybody knows that.

4) Do you own fairy wings? A little red riding hood? Glass slippers? If yes, please describe. Or send photos!

I have a tasseled red hat with a turtle on it. I've also attached a photo of a house in my neighborhood that totally belongs in a fairy tale, or maybe a Gothic, and one in which I think Philadelphia looks like Fairyland.

5) What question would you most like to ask another author in the line-up?

Sommer Marsden – how long did it take you to come up with the name "Philomena Fitzpatrick Troll"? Because it is the most awesome name ever.

I also would love to know how many pairs of boots N.T. Morley has.

6) What would you like to tell readers about your story in Alison’s Wonderland?

Mine is the short one. Like, really short. Don't blink or you'll miss it.

I love the challenge of telling a whole story in one hundred words. It does wonders for my editing skills, too.

7) What fairy tale would you love to tackle in the future?

"Beauty and the Beast" is a classic that every romance and erotica writer should try out, and I am currently making notes for a possible project based on that theme. I'd also love to do a version of "The Tinderbox," but I haven't yet figured out how I could make it work for me.

Thanks so much to Elspeth Potter, who also writes under the name Victoria Janssen.

Victoria Janssen's novel The Moonlight Mistress was nominated for an RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award. She's also written The Duchess, Her Maid, The Groom and Their Lover and The Duke and the Pirate Queen, the latter out December 2010. Find out more at www.victoriajanssen.com. She blogs at http://victoriajanssen.blogspot.com/.

"an eclectic collection"

2010-06-04T07:52:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Dayle Dermatis for sending me this huge news about a four-star review for Alison's Wonderland:

"An eclectic collection of stories loosely based on fables and fairy tales, this has something for everyone. In addition to the three stories summarized, there are also some intriguing offerings by Portia Da Costa, Lana Fox and Tyler herself."

They go on to summarize Sommer's, Erica's, and Bella's.

Wooh! Huzzah!

Wooh, indeed!

XXX,
Alison

Alison Kicks Ass

2010-06-03T18:56:00.001-07:00

At least, my Wonderland does! Check out this link that Jo sent me. I have no idea how the book is already being reviewed — I don't have any copies yet — but I'm thrilled that the first review I've seen is one like this:

In almost every story I laughed, and others were so intense that I could only read and gasp. Some were more like my favorite stories, others less, but in general, I liked them all.

Recommended if you like to read erotic stories, and if you are familiar with fairy tales.

XXX,
Alison

What you've All Been Waiting For....

2010-05-18T11:30:00.001-07:00

If you are me, that is...
Oh, my god. I am without speech.
And that's a rarity. Ask anyone.

XXX,
Alison

P.S. Check out the list of the authors in this book. They are amazing!