Thursday, November 1, 2018

Just in Time for NaNoWriMo - RAB Announces Contest


I believe in NaNoWriMo. It didn’t exist when I was in high school and college writing my first novel.  I am sure I would have gotten to The End (instead of writing two 100 page novels that petered out mid-way) if I had known I was part of a national wave of writers working on their 50,000 word first draft. *

I also believe that NaNoWriMo books are good books—books worthy of publication with a little spit and polish.  I know a lot of people think they are throw-away books, but Riverdale Avenue Books had a NaNoWriMo contest in 2014 and we published what I consider to be one of the best science fiction titles I’ve ever read.  Untrustworthy by JR Gershen-Seigel is an LGBTQ Hand Maid’s Tale.  It is so good that I had to ask the author if she had really written it in 30 days, or if it was a work shopped trunk novel she had submitted for the contest. 

The point of that is that I want to encourage NaNoWriMo.  So, I begged my wonderful staff of free lance editors to commit to reading NaNoWriMo submissions this year, and Riverdale Avenue Books will be having a NaNoWriMo contest again.  Submission details to follow.

And Romance Daily News will be supporting NaNoWriMo all month long with as many encouraging articles as we can print.

Please feel free to send an editorial note if you’d like to guest post on this subject, lori@romancedailynews.com.

* NaNoWriMo began in 1999 when 21 San Francisco writers pledged to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days in July. The next year, November was the chosen as the month, and 140 writers participated, most of who were not from San Francisco. The following year, 5,000 people joined. In 2017, a little under 500,000 people joined the NaNoWriMo website, but many authors write a NaNoWriMo novel without registering.

Here is the official website where you can sign up and get helpful advice. https://nanowrimo.org/

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Join us for a Pub Party for The Princess of 42nd Street

We're celebrating the publication of THE PRINCESS OF 42ND STREET: Surviving my Childhood as the Daughter of Times Square's King of Porn by Romola Hodas on Thursday, September 13 at Manhattan's Museum of Sex, 233 5th Ave, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

The book is getting great press (here's link to the article that ran in The Daily News http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-news-porn-hodas-princess-20180731-story.html)

Next week on HBO's The Deuce, the series that explores the world of 1970's porn in NYC, the character of the author's father, Marty Hodas, appears. Saul Stein, the actor who plays her dad, called the book, "A testament to the awakening and reclamation of self, Romola Hodas [is] such a courageous voice and blessed to be given the opportunity to listen and learn. [The Princess of 42nd Street is ] a most welcome book.”

The event is free. Just ask for the Disco Room at the back of the museum.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

The Princess of 42nd Street: Surviving My Childhood as the Daughter of Times Square's King of Porn Just Pubbed




Author Romola Hoda Pens her Inspiring Memoir About Growing as the Daughter of the Man Who Created New York City’s Pornography Empire


Behind the salacious headlines, Marty Hodas’ family paid a terrible price. In her shockingly honest, no-holds-barred memoir, Romola describes hanging out as a child in her father’s porn shops on 42nd Street and meeting the eclectic clientele who frequented the stores, making friends with the girls who performed live sex acts on stage, and spying on her parents’ sex orgies and crazy all-night swinger parties. Romola relates, in moving detail, how she cared for her three younger siblings when her brilliant, bipolar mother broke with reality, and how she survived verbal, physical, and emotional abuse; a year in reform school; her father’s three stints in prison; two kidnapping attempts by the mob (one while at summer fat camp); and how her baby brother, Jarrett, actually was briefly kidnapped by mobsters wanting to send Marty Hodas a clear, unambiguous message.

“My story has its darker moments, but it is also infused with humor and hope. Hope always burned brightly inside me, even during the darkest of times,” said Romola Hodas. “My book is provocative, but also inspiring.”

For all its darkness, The Princess of 42nd Street is, at its heart, an uplifting and inspirational story of how one young woman overcame incredible odds to become a successful businesswoman who now devotes her life to helping others. Raw, unflinching, and devoid of self-pity, The Princess of 42nd Street is a one-of-a-kind story.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Deadline Extended to Sept. 9 for Divorce Diaries Comedy Anthology


Call for Submissions to Divorce Diaries Anthology Edited by Michele Traina

Michele Traina, a regular at Caroline’s on Broadway and various East Coast comedy clubs, has put together a comedy showcase where performers share their amusing divorce stories. Inspired by that, award-winning New York publisher Riverdale Avenue Books is now collecting anecdotes like these into an anthology.

Divorce Diaries is a comedic journey examining families, careers, and love before, during, and after divorce.  In this anthology, writers, actors and comedians share how they, their family or friends have been touched by divorce, and replaced their tears with laughter. 

Michele Traina said, “Divorce led me to uncover different facets of my life and affected my journey as a stand-up comic. I live with my parents, make fish sticks for dinner and I’m far from the average soccer mom. But I enjoy my daughter’s silly moments and show her how to find the humor in life's roughest.” 

The collection is intended to inspire the reader, and motivate them through any life-transition. Reminding them to laugh because nothing is perfect forever, and remember that you have the power to change your life.  

The anthology is looking for humorous prose in the 1,500 to 5,000 word range.  Please include a short bio with your submission.  If you are on the East Coast, you might be asked to bring your routine to the stage.  Please send submissions to: submissions@riverdaleavebooks.com, attn: Divorce Diaries.

Deadline for submission is September 9.  Publication will be November 1, 2018.  All participants will receive a copy of the ebook and a print book, as well as a pro rata share of the royalties.  The book will be on sale online, as well in bookstores throughout the United States, and available in English throughout the world.


Monday, July 16, 2018

Second Novel in Jack-the-Ripper series, “Track The Ripper” by Dr. Katherine Ramsland, Just Published

Riverdale Avenue Books has just released a new mystery/thriller title Track The Ripper by Dr. Katherine Ramsland. This new paranormal romantic suspense is the first title in Riverdale Avenue Books’ revitalized Dagger imprint. The second novel in this international series features a secret society of telepathic blood-magic angels who come together to destroy what appears to be the reincarnation of Jack the Ripper.

This second novel in the Hearts of Darkness Series, Track the Ripper, takes NYPD detective Dianysus Brentano to London, Glastonbury and Paris as she chases a man who calls himself Jack the Ripper straight into an Internet web that aims to turn followers into killers and control the world. Her resolve to recover what he stole from her attracts allies from among the blood-drinking celestial ma’lakhim. Overwhelmed by their dangerous beauty, Dianysus sets her heart on the leader, Sitri, who has been her secret protector since childhood. But she’s unsure if he’s equally attracted to her or is exploiting her for his own purpose. 

Dianysus learns that the mother who’d abandoned her when she was young had been a queen among these creatures. This makes her own blood unique and gives her new skills. When she discovers that the Ripper seeks her blood to complete his conquest, she forms a risky plan. As the ma’lakhim strive to save Paris and London from mass destruction, Dianysus goes to face the Ripper alone. She must trust that her blood-bond with Sitri is true, because otherwise, all is lost.

“Track the Ripper weaves paranormal romance and mystery together as a rogue nyc detective tracks a serial killer aided by a secret society of angels,” said Publisher Lori Perkins.. “It’s Anne Rice’s Talamasca with very sexy angels!”

"Within Ripper lore and 19th-century occult practices in London and Paris," says author Katherine Ramsland, "were intriguing mysteries that let me blend thriller, crime investigation, and erotic romance in this parallel shadow world. I loved raising the stakes from The Ripper Letter into this much more dangerous mission."

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Launch Date of July 17 Set for Romance Daily News

We've been busy designing and assigning the content for Romance Daily News. You can see our work-in-progress up at romancedailynews.com.

There are some exciting new features that we're working on such as This Day in Romance, which will highlight romantic (and less than romantic) events that have taken place on a calendar day in history.

We also have our very own in-house astrologer, Sephera Giron, who has studied occult arts and writes both paranormal romance and New Age nonfiction.

And we will have a regular Last Kiss cartoon from John Lustig, who updates old romance comics form the 60's and 70's (which I love).

In addition, we have a new partnership that we'll be announcing that will enable us to offer subscribers a free book a day, as well as an exclusive author interview.

And lots of trend articles, as well as guest posts from editors, agents, librarians, book sellers and publicists. Even accountants!

And reviews! We're hoping to publish three reviews a day in our first month and gradually get up to 150 reviews a month.

We'll be making our official launch announcement on July 17th in Denver at the annual Romance Writers of America conference.

Please email me of you'd like to contribute a piece or review, or inquire about advertising. lori@romancedailynews.com



Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Call for Submissions for Funny Stories for Divorce Diaries Anthology


Call for Submissions to Divorce Diaries Anthology Edited by Michelle Traina

Michele Traina, a regular at Caroline’s on Broadway and various East Coast comedy clubs, has put together a comedy showcase where performers share their amusing divorce stories. Inspired by that, award-winning New York publisher Riverdale Avenue Books is now collecting anecdotes like these into an anthology.

Divorce Diaries is a comedic journey examining families, careers, and love before, during, and after divorce.  In this anthology, writers, actors and comedians share how they, their family or friends have been touched by divorce, and replaced their tears with laughter. 

Michelle Traina said, “Divorce led me to uncover different facets of my life and affected my journey as a stand-up comic. I live with my parents, make fish sticks for dinner and I’m far from the average soccer mom. But I enjoy my daughter’s silly moments and show her how to find the humor in life's roughest.” 

The collection is intended to inspire the reader, and motivate them through any life-transition. Reminding them to laugh because nothing is perfect forever, and remember that you have the power to change your life.  

The anthology is looking for humorous prose in the 1,500 to 5,000 word range.  Please include a short bio with your submission.  If you are on the East Coast, you might be asked to bring your routine to the stage.  Please send submissions to: submissions@riverdalebooks.com, attn: Divorce Diaries.

Deadline for submission is July 30.  Publication will be October, 2018.  All participants will receive a copy of the ebook and a print book, as well as a pro rata share of the royalties.  The book will be on sale online, as well in bookstores throughout the United States, and available in English throughout the world.


Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Call for Stories for LGBTQ Horror Erotica Anthology Dark Rainbow

Dark Rainbow Vol. 1 is the first book of an LGBT dark erotica series edited by Andrew Robertson. The anthology will be released by award-winning New York publisher Riverdale Avenue Books.

Dark Rainbow will explore a wicked hunger within the LGBT sphere with exciting short stories that thrill the reader and all of their senses, but also send shivers down their spine. Send us the type of horrific treats that can only come with a queer protagonist, and tricks that have a lasting effect on the reader…a werebear who longs for more than a full moon can offer, a polyamorous necromancer, a witch who has plans for a different type of coven, a vampire who can’t let go of their favorite same-sex snack, a voodoo tale of zombies with a hunger for bisexual brains…

We are looking for stories that cover all sexualities and have an exciting, horrific edge.  Blood and guts should be served with a sexy side course. There are several authors confirmed, so we are looking to complete the anthology with some stimulating new voices.

We welcome anything in the horror-erotica realm but no incest, no underage sex, no dubious consent, and be careful with age play. Horror should be relevant to the plot. Splatterpunk and extreme gore won’t be considered for this anthology.

Payment is a pro rata share of epub and print royalties, a pdf and a print copy of the book. All authors will receive an acknowledgement and response within four weeks. Please inquire about reprints. Original, unpublished work is highly preferred.

All submissions should;
·         Be submitted as a Word doc
·         Be between 2500-8000 words
·         Be proofread
·         Follow the Shunn Manuscript format
·         Use Times New Roman 12 point and underline italics
·         Use ### or *** centred for scene breaks, with a blank line above and below
·         Include title, last name and page number in upper right hand corner using the ‘Header’ feature

Deadline is July 6, 2018 at midnight, the witching hour…
 
Send submissions to: glhcsubmissions@gmail.com

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Riverdale Avenue Books #MeToo Anthology Wins Bronze Medal from the Independent Publishers Awards (IPPY)

For the fourth consecutive year, the innovative hybrid publisher Riverdale Avenue Books will receive an Independent Publisher Book Award. #MeToo: Essays About How and Why This Happened, What It Means and How To Make Sure It Never Happens Again received a bronze medal in the Women’s Issues category at the IPPY award ceremony on May 29th at the Copacabana Times Square.

Published in early November of 2017, #MeToo is a collection of 24 essays written as an immediate reaction to the Twitter hashtag #MeToo as the multiple revelations of sexual predation in Hollywood and elsewhere quickly spread throughout the world. The authors see #MeToo as the tipping point of the need for change and the book calls for ways to figure out how to drive that change.

“I am so proud that this book has won this award.  All the authors wrote their essays within a week and donated their work so this book could be available free and could reach as many people as possible.  This award will help that message reach even more people,” said Publisher Lori Perkins.

Attending the awards ceremony were Publisher Lori Perkins, #MeToo essayists Camilla Saly, Cathy Brown and Veronica Vera, and RAB Social Media Manager Trevor Lang and Formatter Judi Fennell.  “It takes a village to publish a book in eight days, “ said Publisher Perkins.  “This is my village.”

#MeToo is available for free digitally, and at cost in print.

The Independent Publisher Book Awards, affectionately called the IPPY Awards, has identified a reading list of progressive, thought-provoking books, the kind that can touch lives, advance careers, and stretch our imaginations. "Recognizing Excellence in Independent Publishing," the IPPY Awards showcase the best books from throughout North America and the English-speaking world. Launched as the first unaffiliated awards program open exclusively to independent, university, and self-published titles.


Thursday, May 17, 2018

Romance Daily News to Launch in June to Carry-on RT Reviews Traditions


I was a little surprised that I announced that I am starting Romance Daily News (which we already affectionately refer to as RDN) at this morning’s opening breakfast for Romantic Times.  I had been asked to talk about how much Kathryn Falk has influenced my life in publishing. I wanted everyone to know that she has been a role model for me, a friend, and a constant force of positive energy for everyone who falls under the romance umbrella for three decades in this ever-changing book world, but I hadn’t really anticipated that I would just blurt out the news.  It’s just not how these things are done.  But when I saw how sad so many of the attendees of the convention were at the news that this would be the last RT convention and that RT Reviews would be closing, I couldn’t keep the exciting news to myself, and I didn’t want anyone to think that Kathryn’s legacy would fail to go on.  I have been on the phone with Kathryn, late nights and weekends, talking about how I could fill the gap with a new publication so there would be no void left by the closing of RT.

My vision for Romance Daily News will include a lot of what RT Reviews did – reviews, interviews, trends, free reads, etc., but it will be a little more expansive in its definition of what romance news is.  As I’ve gotten older I can see the romantic in places I never saw it before.  And as my world gets more complicated, and often darker, I want to share the joy that romance brings in everything I do.

So, Romance Daily News will have a lot of new elements, more like a print women’s magazine -- horoscopes, This Day in Romance, an editorial cartoon by Last Kiss artist John Lustig, but also features on trends in romance on everything from books to films and TV and theater, as well as clothing, vacations, food and drink, friendships, real life romance, and even romance in art, history, gaming, sex, politics, science and math.  Romance and the romantic is everywhere, and we, as the readers and writers who love romance, need to show the world that there’s another way to see things every minute of every day. For many, romance is an escape.  For me, it’s a reality.

We’re putting together columns and features and new sections.  We’ll need reviewers and writers, and all kinds of input, so please feel free to write me with suggestions at submissions@riverdaleavebooks.com.

We are hoping to launch in June, just as RT Reviews winds down.

Some of you may be asking, “Why is Lori Perkins doing this?”  Aside from the fact that I personally want Kathryn Falk’s legacy to continue, journalism is my first love (see there’s some romance for you, right there).  I have a B.A. in journalism from N.Y.U., and I started the local newspaper in upper Manhattan when I was 22. I also taught journalism at NYU when I was 23 because, as the feminist that I was then, I mentioned that there were no female professors teaching journalism and they asked me if I wanted to teach.  I taught at NYU on and off for the next 20 years.

I believe in the power of the press, and I believe in the power of women’s voices and perspectives.  We need our own presses where we can express ourselves, and we need women-centered spaces that are inclusive.  Kathryn Falk created that space 37 years ago.  I want it to go on.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

RAB Publishes Third Erotic Mash-Up by IPPY-Award Winning Author Lissa Trevor, Domme Quixote




Riverdale Avenue Books has just published Domme Quixote by IPPY-Award winner Lissa Trevor, her third erotic romance mash-up wherein she creates a fem domme re-imaging of Cervantes’ Don Quixote.

Dulcinea del Toboso runs a nightclub that's part dungeon/part live-action theater.  Her exclusive clientele pay a great deal to be told erotic stories at Chivalry and be led on sexual adventures that includes BDSM, voyeurism and multiple partners. In addition to her harem of slaves, Dulcinea has her eye on conquering her chief of security, Alonso Quixano.

Alonso, however, doesn't mix work with pleasure—no matter how much Dulcinea gets under his skin.  He would like nothing more than to spend endless nights of pleasure with her.  However, he's not one to wait in line.  And the line for Dulcinea's bed is varied and never ending.

When mobster Gino de Pasamonte decides his money can buy the best Dominatrix in the tri-state area, he's in for a big surprise when she puts him in a chastity cage and punts him out of her club, naked, for disrespecting her.  Now, Gino is out for revenge and it's up to Dulcinea and Alonso to stop him from destroying Chivalry, her reputation, and her devoted slaves.

“Unlike my other mash-ups, it was virtually impossible to tell an erotic story in between Cervantes' prose.  So I took his wonderful stories instead and modernized them with a "play within a play" motif,” said Author Lissa Trevor. “Dulcinea may be putting on a show using Don Quixote's famous escapades, but it's often she that is "tilting at windmills" as she goes about running her club and managing her slaves.”
“Trevor’s creative wit never ceases to amaze me as she weaves together these classics we know and love with contemporary erotic imaginings. ” said Publisher Lori Perkins.

Lissa is the author of Menage a Musketeer which won the 2016 IPPY erotica gold medal, as well as Spank Me, Mr. Darcy.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Screening and Pub Party in Manhattan March 28th for ViceLand TV Episode on Monster Sex

We're on national TV!

Come celebrate with us on Wednesday at Prof. Thom's where we'll be watching the live broadcast of Viceland TV's Slutever show where Riverdale Avenue Books and 5 of our authors are featured in their Monster Fantasies episode.  Party starts at 9:00 with our signature Dirty Word raffle for naughty prizes.

Or you can watch it at home at 10:00 p.m. (set our DVR's).

Prof. Thom's
219 2nd Ave.
NYC
9:00 pm.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Mystery/Thriller Imprint Gets Relaunch Under New Editor




Riverdale Avenue Books, known for embracing cultural and gender diversity, and winner of the Bi-Publisher of the Year award, is proud to announce the relaunch of their Dagger imprint under the direction of publishing maven Chantelle Aimée Osman, former Editor-in-Chief of RT Book Reviews.

Dagger will focus on mystery, thriller and suspense, with a solid appeal to the female reader. Riverdale is looking for Dagger to be synonymous with a range of strong and unique voices who truly represent the modern world.

“We live in exciting, constantly changing times and we are looking for edge-of-your seat fiction to tell those stories. Chantelle knows the suspense market and will bring that immediacy to the books we publish.” said Publisher Lori Perkins.

“I am thrilled to be working with Lori and joining Riverdale, a publisher who places such importance on cultural and social issues,” said Osman. “Using that as a lodestone for Dagger to discover new voices in mystery/suspense/thriller is exciting and overdue."

Mystery and thriller submissions can be sent to chantelle@riverdaleavebooks.com.

About the Editor
Chantelle Aimée Osman has been an editor specializing in crime fiction for over ten years, and teaches writing internationally for programs including Authors at Large, LitReactor and the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. The author of numerous works of short fiction, including several collaborations with New York Times bestselling authors, she has also published a series of non-fiction writing guides, and edited several anthologies, including a forthcoming episodic thriller featuring authors Jeffery Deaver and Eoin Colfer. A 2017 Left Coast Crime Guest of Honor, and current Left Coast Crime board member, Chantelle was also nominated for an Anthony Award for her website, The Sirens of Suspense, and is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Mystery Writers of America. She co-hosts The Crime Friction podcast, available on iTunes, with author Jay Stringer.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Watergate (But Were Afraid to Ask) Pubs



Riverdale Avenue Books has just released Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Watergate *But Were Afraid to Ask. The new book from award-winning journalist Brian J. O’Connor and noted feminist author Lori Perkins exposes the Watergate Scandal 43 years after it happened with insights and wit.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Watergate *But Were Afraid to Ask dives deep into the infamous scandal. In today’s newsfeed, the Watergate story is usually told from the perspective of straight, white male journalists and politicians who were at the center of the scandal—but Watergate happened to all of us – wives, mothers, children, black, white, queer, immigrants. Those voices and perceptions are rarely heard, until now. The book includes exclusive interviews from two members of the House Judiciary Committee that impeached Nixon including Former Representatives Charles Rangel and Senator Elizabeth Holtzman.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Watergate *But Were Afraid to Ask looks at the wider ripples of the Watergate explosion and how it changed the way Americans saw themselves, their country and the world around them using a humor reminiscent of The Daily Show including witty, yet informative chapters such as How Watergate is Taught Today; Game of Quotes - Nixon or Trump; and Food for Thought, which offers actual recipes from Pat Nixon and the oddly-named pistachio-flavored Watergate salad.

“Events in Washington make the issues raised in Watergate so current, that we felt it was important to quickly put together a book to show how deeply Watergate has influenced the culture,” said Author Brian O’Connor. “From phrases such as ‘the smoking gun’ that are part of the political lexicon to the books and movies inspired by this major turning point in American history.”

“This is the one book to read if you never know what to say when people start talking about politics. It’s chock full of Watergate facts, both serious and frivolous, that will make you seem like a real Watergate aficionado and shut anyone else up,” said Author and Publisher Lori Perkins.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Watergate *But Were Afraid to Ask is both a serious, and irreverent book, put together by a team of two newspaper journalists and ten college interns from throughout the country.

Downloads of the book are available now at RiverdaleAveBooks.com, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles Nook, iTunes, Kobo and where digital and print books are sold.

About the Authors

Brian J. O’Connor is an award-winning nationally syndicated finance and economics columnist, as well as author of The $1,000 Challenge: How One Family Slashed Its Budget Without Moving Under a Bridge or Living on Government Cheese from Portfolio-Penguin. In addition to garnering rave reviews, The $1,000 Challenge was named Best Money Management Book of the Year by The Institute for Financial Literacy. O’Connor is a three-time winner of humor-writing awards from the National Society of Newspaper columnists, among others, as well as three Best in Business awards for his column and news coverage from the Society of American Business Editors and Writer. He was the founding managing editor of Bankrate.com, the Web’s most popular finance site, and his freelance work has been featured in The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor, Martha Stewart Living and The Wall Street Journal. In addition to his journalistic work, O’Connor is a respected consultant for white papers and corporate and branded content, as well as an executive ghostwriter. O’Connor holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Sarah Lawrence College, and earned a master’s of science in journalism at Columbia University, where he was a 2001 Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economics and Business.

Lori Perkins is a published author, book editor and literary agent with three decades experience in publishing newspapers and books. She was the owner and publisher of the Uptown Weekly News in Manhattan’s Washington Heights and Inwood in the 80’s, as well as an adjunct professor of journalism at NYU. She has written or edited 30 books, Including the very first zombie romance anthology, Hungry for Your Love and the nonfiction collection of essays 50 Writers on 50 Shades of Grey, as well as 1984 in the 21st Century. She is the founder of both the L. Perkins Agency, an established New York literary agency with numerous books on the New York Times bestseller list, as well as the Publisher of Riverdale Avenue Books, an award-winning hybrid publisher.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

So I went to a press screening of Fifty Shades Freed, the third installment in the Fifty Shades erotic romance saga last night with my movie reviewer friend.  It's been our pre-Valentine's Day date  for the past three years.

Now maybe it's that we've had a year of living in Trumpland and that's just dulled our reactions to everything, or that it was a cold and rainy night, or that anything to do with BDSM has become yesterday's thrill, but that movie was just tepid.  Sure, I got a few nice shots of Jamie Dornan's well proportioned ass, and there were multiple visits to the red room of pain, even one that involved glimpses of stainless steel butt plugs, but it was spectacularly forgettable, as was the music, and the acting by so many really amazing cast members (why did they even bother to hire Marsha Gay Harden and Rita Ora).

And they know it because before we get to the end credits there's actually a montage of the greatest hits form the previous movies set to a remix of the theme song from the first movie to remind you that this was once something that anyone cared about, or that millions of women throughout the world were obsessed with.

It was like a bad Hallmark movie, or the last installment of one of those made-for-TV movies from the late 70's and 80's where something that should have been two hours is stretched out to six.

The one truly amusing part of the film for me was the portrayal of Ana's publishing job.  There are manuscripts piled high on her desk (we ALL read digitally now - that is so 1990's).  The first novel she's acquired has a print run order of 200,000 (also so 1990's). But, hey, I have to remember that this is fantasy!

But I am glad I saw it.  I'm a completest that way.

If you're a real sucker for the this kind of thing, I hear some of the Alamo Draft houses are offering a Fifty Shades three-movie marathon tonight (my local one in Yonkers starts at 6:00.)  Enjoy!


Thursday, January 11, 2018

Call for Stories for Women Who Love Monsters Anthology


Call for Stories for
Women Who Love Monsters Anthology

It’s a tale as old as time…Beauty and the Beast.

It actually goes back even further, if you consider Greek myths about Zeus and his human lovers, or those Renaissance stories of death and the Maiden.  But contemporary pop culture has been smitten with stories of women who love monsters since King Kong and The Creature from the Black Lagoon, as well as Shrek, Barnabas Collins, Lestat, Hellboy, Swampthing and that sparkly vampire dude, capped off by the recent love affair with The Shape of Water.

In the recent erotic romance novel boom, we’ve seen some wild stuff, like the T. Rex and Yeti loving that have become ebook best-sellers.

Let’s never forget fiction based off real-life stories of women who love incarcerated serial killers, hitmen and “bad boys” of unspeakable dimensions.

So, it should come as no surprise to you that ViceTV decided to do an episode on “Women Who Love Monsters” and they came to Riverdale Avenue Books to interview some of those authors.  We put together a reading of work by award-winning romance author Cecilia Tan, Laura Antoniou (author of erotic classic, The Marketplace), USA Today best-seller Jamie Schmidt, Forensic psychologist and Ripper expert Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Amazon best-selling erotic romance author Trinity Blacio which will air late February/early March 2018.

We had a glorious wild time, which we want to share with the world, so we decided to collect the five pieces that were filmed, as well as new pieces (previously published or new) and publish them as one of our anthologies to tie in with the airing of the show.

We’ll have a NYC pub party too.

So, if you’ve written some glorious monster smut, or luscious metaphorical horror, please send it our way ASAP (or if you’ve read something you think we should know about for this volume). Tell your friends, tell your frenimies.

We’re looking for pieces between 2,000 and 5,000 words.  Can be previously published and can be excerpts from novels (as long as you write an intro that makes it clear what we are reading).

We pay a pro-rata share of the royalties to each author, as well as a copy f the ebook and a copy if the print book for one-time world rights.  Royalties re paid out quarterly.

We have an in house publicist and a social media director, so we will be promoting this aggressively.

Send submissions to submisions@riverdaleavebooks.com by Feb. 10, 2018.