Tuesday, 14 May 2013

True Confessions: Sage Marlowe's 1st Anniversary Blog Tour




Sage Marlowe’s First Anniversary Blog Tour & Giveaway
The First—Sub-Mission


Hello and welcome to the latest stop of my 1st Anniversary Blog Tour & Giveaway. Thank you for hosting me, Michelle!

One year has passed since my successful debut novel, Sub-Mission, was released on May 14, 2012, and a lot has happened during those twelve months. I’m taking the chance to look back and tell you a bit about the background of the books I’ve published, but also about things that happened in my life or that are on my mind. There’s one stop for every book, and of course, there are prizes waiting for you, because as always, good things for me mean good things for you, my dear friends and readers. Please read the “Giveaway” section below for details.

You may have already noticed the date I mentioned earlier, Yes, today is the day, my first anniversary as a published author, so of course I’d like to talk to you about Sub-Mission today, the book that will always have a special place in my heart as it was my first. It wasn’t the first book I’ve ever written, and not even the first I’ve completed, but when the time had come for me to decide which one of my numerous projects I would finally finish and submit, my choice fell on the manuscript that was to become Sub-Mission.

When I first started writing, I didn’t even think about the titles for my stories. I was far too busy scribbling down what the characters wanted me to write, so all my projects simply got a number—the order in which they entered my head. I still do that, by the way. Sub-Mission was No 6.
I can’t remember when I picked the title, but I’m fairly certain that it was just there all of a sudden. It fit the story so well and I kinda liked the irony of Sub-Mission being my first submission. I just can’t resist a pun.

A lot of other first times are connected with this book. The first time someone other than me got to read what I’ve written. I don’t work with beta readers, never have, and until this day, not a single member of my family has read any of my books, so TEB’s acquisitions staff were the first people who set eyes on it. What a feeling. Ever told a random stranger one of your dirties secrets? Do it, then you get an idea of what submitting an erotic BDSM novel feels like.

The first time I worked with an editor followed a couple of months later. For several reasons, the experience was not what I’d anticipated, but I prefer not to dwell on it. Soon after that, I went through the heart-pounding, palm-sweating hours that were the thrill of the first release day. Sub-Mission received its first review (positive) and a little while later, it got bashed in its first bad review. Eventually I found out my book was stolen and put up on a piracy site for the first time. Not a nice feeling and I think I nearly popped a vein that day with rage. Then there was the first time a reader contacted me to thank me for writing what she called a ‘wonderful story in which love overcomes all obstacles’. I received her message late in the evening and was so thrilled, I could barely sleep that night. Next up was the first time I held a printed copy of MY book in my hands. A book, properly printed paperback with MY name on the cover. Strange as it may sound, that was the moment I realised that now everyone can read what once only existed somewhere deep in my mind.

There was more, but those were the biggest steps along the way to today, my first anniversary as a published author. This is a lifetime’s dream come true for me, but that’s a story for another time. Right now I’d like to thank Noah and Pierce for choosing me to tell their story, my editors and the staff at my publishing houses for their brilliant, hard work and, of course, I’d like to thank you, my dear friends and readers—without you, this amazing first year wouldn’t have been the fantastic experience it was.
I don’t know what the future holds in store for me and what devious characters ask me to write their story, but one thing will always be true—I am a published author!

So, Ladies & Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you to my first ever published book:


Sub-Mission
How far would you go to save the one you love?

Pierce Hollister is a down-to-earth businessman. Most of the time. His romantic side has him secretly dreaming of Mr Right, a family and happy ever after.
Noah Conway is a single father who doesn't believe in happy families anymore. When his daughter's life is at stake, he would sell his soul to save her but as a sadistic Dom takes an interest in him, he sells his body instead.

A shared session at a BDSM club leaves Pierce intrigued and soon he finds himself willing to do anything in his power to heal the wounds that life has left on Noah's soul. When he realises that the very thing Noah dreads the most might just be what he needs, Pierce sets out on a mission – but maybe it's just not in his power to save Noah.

Will Noah be able to battle the demons that haunt him and find the happy ever after Pierce has dreamed up for them?






Giveaway—Here’s what you can win:

#1 - Sage’s Goodie Package:
Contains a signed copy of Sub-Culture, a set of signed book cover photographs and some surprise goodies to spoil you

#2 - Create a character
Here’s your chance to create your very own fictional character that will be featured in one of my next books. The winner gets to pick the name and distinct features like hair / eye colour, height and a few personality quirks of a hero (male characters only, and please keep it doable…). Depending on the specification, I will either include him in a current WIP or use him as inspiration for a brand new story. The winner will also receive a free e-copy of this story once it’s published.

How to enter:
Leave a comment in the comment section asking to be entered in the giveaway. The winner will be picked at random and announced on my blog on May 20th. Multiple entries are allowed and will increase your chances to win. For additional terms and conditions, please go to http://www.sage-marlowe.com/p/contests.html

You can find the full tour schedule here: http://www.sage-marlowe.com/p/blog-tour-may-2013.html


About Sage Marlowe

Sage is a multi-published author of gay erotic romance novels and novellas and loves exploring the flavours of gay erotic fiction.

A willing slave to all the fascinating guys who keep queuing up and want their stories told, Sage can almost always be found cooking up the next hot story or daydreaming about new ways of rubbing sexy male bodies together to make the sparks fly.

Contact and buy links

Sage’s website & blog: www.sage-marlowe.com
Twitter: @SageMarlowe
For all books published with Total-E-Bound, go to: http://www.total-e-bound.com/authordetail.asp?A_ID=224
For all books published with Siren-BookStrand, go to: www.bookstrand.com/sage-marlowe


4 comments:

  1. Thank you for letting us into a few more of your secrets. As it's 9 months since I got my first book published I share a lot of what you are feeling. This series has moved me to tears on occasion and I do love it. Happy anniversary and MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY...xxx

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  2. Happy Anniversary. Thanks for the great post.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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  3. Happy Anniversary Sage. I was given a rather harsh review for my first book and I know how it feels. But I've read your books and they are awesome and I know many other readers feel the same way. Cheers to you and your wonderful characters.

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  4. Congrats on your anniversary. I'm hoping that some day this will be me, with all of the ups and downs. Because I think that's part of the journey for an author. Or like me an as yet un-published author. Please enter me into the contest. Thanks.

    goaliemom0049 (at) gmail.com

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