Guest Blog: Blakely Bennett

The Publishing Process

Life as an author has been very interesting.  For one, I have been so busy between writing, promoting, doing social media, blogging, making decisions and sometimes even lobbying for my ideas that on some days I can’t see straight by the end of the day.

I’m very happy to share the three covers above.  I think they are fabulous and it has been a process to get to the place where both the publisher and I were satisfied with the outcome.

I happen to be very particular and detailed oriented and don’t have a problem expressing my opinions.  It has been a learning process in finding a comfortable rhythm between myself and my publisher and for me, quite honestly, not taking things so personally.

My books are my babies but to get them published and published well, I needed to let them go so that they can be refined and perfected.  The editing process has taught me so much about writing better and according to my husband; the new knowledge is reflected in the last book of the trilogy.  He loves all three novels but says My Body-Mine is his favorite.  I think it might be my favorite as well because Jane, the main female character completes the arc to self-healing and empowerment.

One of the highlights of being a published author has definitely been seeing my books in a book store.  Wow, that does not get old.  My first book signing and reading was definitely a night I will never forget.  My only really worry was that no one would show up.  Instead, the place was so packed that I had to stand on the stairs reading down to everyone on the first floor.

I enjoyed signing books and occasionally glancing up to see a line in front of me.  I’m looking forward to the next book signing and reading that is happening on March 30^th to launch the release of the second novel of the trilogy, My Body-His (Marcello).  You can find details for the signing on my blog under events: http://blakelybennett.fannypress.com/

The most satisfying part of the experience of getting published has to be the realization that the dream is the reality that I want.  I love writing and I hope you love reading my stories as well.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey.

You can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/blakely.bennett

For updates on the Trilogy, please like my FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Body-Trilogy/359307324147300

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlakelyBennett

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Jane Stiles has embarked on an intense odyssey into the world of domination and submission. She no longer recognizes herself. She has quit her job, surrendered her possessions and agreed to a wedding where she is the only one naked, all for the sake of the elusive Luke—a man so compelling, she can deny him nothing.

Now there is no going back. Her new life will revolve around Luke, his friends and clients. Hovering in the background is Luke’s best friend Marcello, whose ego is as towering as his stature. Marcello has set his sights on Jane. She is drawn to his power, his masculinity, and the challenge he represents, even though she fears and dislikes him. After Luke discovers that Jane has breached one of his many “rules,” he sends her to Marcello for punishment and lessons in Dom/sub culture. What happens there will change her forever.

Jane and Luke reconcile, and even find a rhythm that includes not only bondage and punishment but genuine love-making. Just when Jane is convinced that the happiness and devotion she has always craved is within reach, Luke pushes her beyond endurance, and she rebels in a way her harsh husband cannot forgive. From there, her life spins out of control. But Jane has a strong spirit, and she will prevail. My Body-His (Marcello) is Book 2 in the My Body Trilogy.

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Blakely Bennett grew up in Southeast Florida and has been residing in the great Northwest for over seven years. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in psychology, which accounts for her particular interest in crafting the personalities, struggles, and motivations of her characters. She is an avid reader of many genres of fiction, but especially erotica and romance. Writing has always been her bliss.

She is attracted to stories of self-struggle and ultimate recovery. Blakely is married to a wonderful, loving and supportive husband, also a writer, who helps to keep her grounded. She is a mother, a communitarian, a lover of music (always on while she is writing—thank you, Pandora), and a good friend.

An advocate of love and female empowerment, she is a facilitator for a women’s group. She loves to walk and hike for exercise and finds that, since moving to Seattle, WA, she is now one of those “crazy” people who walk in the rain. You can find Blakely on the Web at: www.BlakelyBennett.fannypress.com

Author Blog: www.blakelybennett.fannypress.com

Twitter @BlakelyBennett

www.goodreads.com/author/show/6551789.Blakely_Bennett

http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Body-Trilogy/359307324147300

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COMMENT TO WIN!

Win an eBook copy of book one in this series, My Body-His. Please leave your email address in the BODY of the comment, or you won’t be entered into the giveaway. Winner will be drawn on 3rd April.