I'm on AReCafe!

To promote my new book 'A Slow Process of Understanding' I was asked to appear on AreCafe.

What an honour!

http://www.arecafe.com/cafe-news/faith-ashlin-world-like/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

Faith Ashlin: A World Like This

Please welcome Faith Ashlin to AReCafe!
A world like this one but not quite.

I love that idea. Taking a familiar situation and twisting it, just a bit. Then, of course, adding in a relationship between two gorgeous men, and seeing how love – and lust – can grow. It’s even more interesting if they are from different positions in society.

I’ve been fascinated by the idea of love between two people whose status seems poles apart for a long time. I tried it with royalty and soldiers in my book Knights and Butterscotch but I wanted to take it one step further.

For me, the ultimate imbalance has to be a world where there is slavery. One where slaves are such a normal part of life that no one questions owning one. A world like ours except slavery is commonplace. I thought that was a really interesting idea. How would people react in a world like that? It’s too easy to apply our morals to a different time and say we wouldn’t accept slaves. I don’t think back that in Roman times everyone was worrying about the morality of slavery. I’m also sure there are things we don’t question in the modern western world that, sometime in the future, people will look back on and shake their heads at.

I decided to take a world like that and think about relationships between slaves and owners. What really fired me was thinking about my own reaction to being in both those positions. I’d be a terrible slave. I’d either be cowering in the corner, too terrified to move, or so fuelled by anger I’d be plotting my revenge on my owner, no matter how kind he was. I’d be cooperative and thankful on the surface while peeing in his soup and absolutely seething inside.

But what if I were the owner? I’d try to be kind, decent and treat my slave well, but would I give him up when no one around me even questioned the idea of ownership? I doubt it. I think that takes someone exceptional and I’m not exceptional.

Would I actually rather enjoy have control over someone else and always getting my own way? I like to think not but one of the things I love about writing is having power over all the characters.
So how do I bring a slave and owner together in a loving – and lustful! – relationship that’s equal and fair? I have to change mindsets, diffuse anger and get both characters to see things from the other’s point of view. That was the challenge I set myself in my new book A Slow Process of Understanding. I think the result is one of the best things I’ve ever written.

Blurb for A Slow Process of Understanding

How does a world that accepts slavery affect both master and slave? Can two people build a new life for themselves with a start like theirs?

It’s a world like this one except for the all-powerful State that’s very firmly in control and the fact that slavery is legal. Jimmy had never really thought about it or the fight for freedom going on around him. He was too busy enjoying his privileged life as an actor on a sci-fi show.

But what is he meant to do when he’s forced to permanently bond to a slave he doesn’t want just because he made one silly, drunken mistake? Does it change who he is, what he is?

Trouble is, Jimmy isn’t sure who he was to start with. He’d never thought about it.
And what about his slave, Nate? Can a slave force Jimmy into learning something about himself?

It's beginning to look a lot like …

…. a huge mess in my house.

So how was your Christmas? Mine was really good but in a funny kind of way. We have a couple of family members who are very poorly and they wanted a fun, special Christmas. We managed to give them that, which made me feel good and, hopefully, made them smile.

But… oh the mess! Hours and hours of work and ten minutes after getting up this was the result.

How can that many presents – which I wrapped oh so carefully – be opened that quickly? But we did have lots of fun throwing squashed up balls of used wrapping paper at each other. I never realised just how scratchy it can be when it's shoved – forcefully – down the back of your pyjamas.

Someone came up with the idea of Naughty Secret Santa. Rude and funny were the instructions I was given so I did just that and told my kids to do the same.

Of course no one else did.

Chocolates here, oven gloves there and…. 'Pin the Tail on the Male' game I bought.

You think that's funny? One of the kids bought his 80-year-old granny an 'Inflatable Cock Fighting' game. Yes, two huge, blow up, strap on willies that you have to try and knock off your opponent.

Good job the older members of the family are broad-minded. Or at least pretended to be.

Then we played 'wrap the grandparents up as mummies' with cheap loo paper. Huge fun but oh the mess!

If I had just bought everyone an e-book – a gorgeous m/m story for those with 'taste' – think how tidy my house would be.

And how much fun we would have missed.

Happy clearing-up to you all.

New release! - 'A Slow Process of Understanding'

My new book 'A Slow Process of Understanding' is on general release today. You can get it at Totally bound or Amazon.
I think it's one of the BEST things I've ever written and I *love* the cover.

https://www.totallybound.com/a-slow-process-of-understanding

In an alternate world very similar to this one the all-powerful state controls just about every aspect of life—including the sanctioning of slavery. Jimmy, enjoying the privileged life of a television actor, has never given the matter much thought, or paid much attention to the fight for freedom going on around him.

So what is Jimmy meant to do when a careless, drunken moment leads to him being permanently bonded to a slave he doesn't want? Does it change who he is? What he is?

Trouble is, Jimmy isn't sure who he was to start with. He never thought about it.

And what about his slave, Nate? Can a slave force Jimmy into learning something about himself?

When an m/m writer falls in love

I fell in love last week.

Well, love or maybe lust or fascination or… something.

I was trying to be a good relative and going to visit an aunt and uncle. We were almost there when I realised I’d forgotten to take anything. “We need wine!” I cried.

“You always need wine,” The Hubby replied, deadpan. “A Pinot Grigio or a Shiraz this time?”

“I’m not an alchie,” I said.

“No, but you’re always a bit crotchety unless you know there’s a nice Pinot Grigio in the fridge.”

At that point I had to agree. Life is better when you know there’s a Pinot Grigio in the fridge. And a spare in the cupboard, waiting.

I contemplated the box in the shed. They were on special offer – 25% off if you bought 6. Who could resist? 

“So,” The Hubby brought me back to the present. “Pinot Grigio or Shriaz?”

“No, it’s not for me. It’s to take with us.”

“Really?” I could hear the disbelief in his voice. “You shouldn’t tell lies, it’s not healthy.”

How could I prove it wasn’t for me? “No, I want cake or flowers to take.”

“The cake would definitely be for you,” he said.

“I want flowers. Aunties like flowers.”

“Good idea. You can’t eat or drink them while we’re there, like you would with wine or cake.”

I hate him when he’s right.

“Stop, there’s a florist over there,” I said, pointing.

“Yes, dear. Whatever you say, dear. Never mind the traffic or the fact that there’s nowhere to park, your wish is my command.” Did I mention how much he annoys me when he’s right?

Anyway, it was then that I fell in love or lust or obsession.

I picked a lovely bunch of purple flowers – dahlias, I think – and took them up to the counter, to pay.

“Do you want them wrapped?” asked… such a vision of gorgeousness that I could hardly breathe. All sensible thought left my head – yes, Hubby, I do have sensible thoughts. Occasionally – as I gazed in wonder at the most beautiful young boy/man I have seen in a very long time.

Messy black hair, long, long, long lashes, creamy skin, dark, glorious eyes, and a smile that…

I’ve heard the expression rendered breathless but I’ve never actually had it happen to me. Worse – and, according to The Hubby, rarer – I was also rendered speechless.

“Do you want the flowers wrapped?” My vision of loveliness asked again, with a soft pink flush on his perfect cheek.

I stared, mouth slightly open. “Erm… whatever you think best,” I managed.

He gave me an easy *perfect* smile before wrapping them and then held out his hand. I stared at his long shapely fingers and perfect palm for too long. Gorgeous boy/man shuffled a bit and then said, a little impatiently, “Do you want to pay cash or by card?”

I handed over the money whilst staring at the faultless curve of his ear and then, oh poor me, I had to leave. I contemplated buying something else just so I could stay but the thought of explaining it to The Hubby made me remember he’d parked blocking someone’s drive. It would be typical of my luck if they came home. So I had to leave my picture-perfect boy/man with one long last wistful look. He honoured me with another smile and then turned his attention to another customer. Lucky cow.

Back in the car I thought about the boy/man. In the distant past I might have imagined running off with him, the two of us holding hands on a moonlit beach in the Caribbean, while the surf broke melodically in the background. Now it’s quite different. Now I think about who I can pair him with in my next story. He’d be a perfect character and he’s definitely going in there!

I don’t need a beautiful boy/man, I have a gorgeous – and VERY understanding Hubby – but I always need exciting characters. I love being an m/m writer.

If I’m odd, then I’m going to revel in it.

I have my first ever blog post up on the Totally Bound site!
                               http://www.totallyboundpublishing.com/?p=3868

I've been told I'm allowed to post it here as well, so I will. :-)

This is my first post here so I wanted to start out by saying hello and introducing myself. My name’s Faith Ashlin and I’ve written m/m romance for as long as I can remember.

Have you ever thought you were odd?

Picture the scene; about 10 years ago.

Over custard tarts and a cup of tea, I was telling my mum about my imminent weekend trip away to meet some ladies I’d got to know online. Mum looked totally scandalised.

Mum: What if they’re axe-murdering lesbians?

Me: Why would they be lesbians and why would they axe-murder anyone?

Mum: Isn’t everyone online a lesbian and a murderer?

Me: Even the men?

Mum: Oh yes, especially them. Why would you want to meet these people?

I tried to work out if she was teasing me – how does anyone get to be 71 and not know that it’s quite hard for a man to be a lesbian? – but she appeared deadly serious. It was then I realised that I couldn’t explain to her why these ladies and I had become friends.

These were the first people I’d talked to that also liked m/m stories. Ever since I was a kid I thought I was odd because I was the only one I knew who wanted the hero to run off into the sunset with his best friend, rather than the heroine. Not only were there very few stories for me but I also felt I had to keep it a secret because no one would understand.

Here were some lovely ladies that seemed to be just as odd as me and I adored them for making me feel normal and at home. I decided then that it was rather nice, being odd.

I like to write stories with beautiful young men falling in the kind of hopeless, life-long love that I dream of. I adore a happy ending but I don’t like to make things too easy for them. I like to put them in difficult situations and make them work for their love. It’s so much fun being in control.
Another thing that I always thought made me odd is that I get obsessions about weird things. I’ll be deeply interested in a subject and spend ages researching it. A few examples; Samurai, circus trapeze, the Tour de France and WW2 planes.

Yes, I know, it’s odd. Although, I’ve started to realise that I’m not the only woman that loves WW2 planes. After all, what’s not to love?


That’s a Lancaster, one of only two still flying in the world.

How about a group of Spitfires?


If that doesn’t make your insides go a bit wibbly then you just aren’t as odd as me!

I like to use things that interest me in my books and WW2 planes have to be a good start. But the Lancaster has too big a crew for things to get ‘interesting’ and the Spitfire only takes one man. Then my uncle told me about the Mosquito plane he’d worked on just after the war and I fell in love.



The Mosquito has a crew of two, who were pressed close together in a small cockpit (at least they were in my mind), dressed in gorgeous RAF uniforms or flying jackets, under constant threat while they fought a war that had to be won… My heart went pita-pat and my brain started whirring with all the possibilities.

That’s the great thing about writing; you can take whatever fires your imagination and use it in a story with heroes that do whatever you want. Oh I love the power of being a writer!

So, if I’m odd, then I’m going to revel in it. I’ll wallow in my oddness because it makes me happy and that has to be a good thing. I’m all for celebrating being odd!

The book inspired by the Mosquito is ‘Pathfinder‘. It’s available now from Totally Bound and Amazon.



https://www.totallybound.com/pathfinder

Bobby is fighting fervently amid the planes and bombs of World War Two when events take a passionate turn with the arrival of a new pilot. Can Lewis offer him more than he thought possible?                            
During the Second World War, two airmen from Texas join the Royal Air Force, while America is still neutral. The attraction between them is immediate. Bobby, a navigator, has given up on thoughts of relationships, concentrating instead on the war he fervently believes in. Lewis, his new pilot, is full of life, and passionate about planes and playing his part in the war.

They connect immediately with intense, but furtive, sex. Their bond grows during many tough raids and passionate nights, until Lewis pushes Bobby to admit how he feels. Bobby didn’t think love was a possibility. But now Lewis is here, real, and offering everything he could never admit he wanted.
Can they have a future together during the war?

Excerpts from 8 fabulous UK authors... and me!

On the 6th September I attended a UK MM writers signing event in London, arranged by the awesome Sue Brown. It was a fabulous event, the first time I've been to anything like that, and I really enjoyed myself.

Rj Scott came up with an idea of collating excerpts from anyone that wanted to and creating a file for people to download to read the various excerpts.

Contains content from Chris Quinton, Rj Scott Ashlin, Josephine Myles, SA Meade, Charlie Cochrane, KJ Charles, Julie Bozza, Clare London and me.

Thank you Rj and Sue!!!

pdf

http://www.mediafire.com/view/w05hwugt88f8lno/UK_MM_Writers_London_signing_event.pdf 
epub

http://www.mediafire.com/download/7tc1mb3vo22n96g/UK_MM_Writers_London_signing_event.epub

mobi

http://www.mediafire.com/download/amc57n6do6x2e67/UK_MM_Writers_London_signing_event.mobi

Review for 'What You See'

Got a lovely review on Joyfully Jay reviews for 'What You See.' That's started my day out better than I could have hoped for!

http://joyfullyjay.com/2014/09/review-what-you-see-by-faith-ashlin/

"Wow, so this book was such a lovely surprise.  I had no idea what to expect of this story or this author, but I was drawn by the former slave theme and decided to give it a try and I am really glad I did.  Ashlin really manages to elevate this into a nicely layered story with a great characters and a moving plot"

"So I really liked this one and was quite impressed with how Ashlin builds this really lovely and moving story.   I loved Richard and Denny and really enjoyed them as a couple.  The set up for the story is great and gives us a nice mix of an alternative world story with a very contemporary feel.  I definitely liked this one and would certainly recommend it."

5* review for 'What You See'

MM Good Book Reviews gave 'What You See' a wonderful 5* review! But, beware, it's a bit spoilerish.

 

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/what-you-see-by-faith-ashlin/#comment-7987

"I would recommend reading this book. It will make you feel so deeply that you would break down during the time you are reading it. It will make you feel the pain that they felt. It has everything in it that you could want. Sexy men, danger, excitement, adventure and show you what you can learn about yourselves in the mean time. These two men set out to live their lives and learn about themselves and others and lead them to their freedom and love."

 

Cover reveal

Cover reveal

This is the cover for my new book, due out,

Preorder: 12th December 2014
Early download: 26th December 2014
General release: 23rd January 2015 

 

'A Slow Process of Understanding'

 

I think it is truly, truly gorgeous. 

 

 

 

 

How cool is this!

 'Pathfinder' has been included on

August Prism Recommended Reads list.

http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014/09/august-prism-recommended-reads-congratulations-authors-with-giveaway/

There are some amazing books on the list so it's a real honour to be included. Thank you so much Prism!

Prism is also holding a giveway in celebration. Go here and comment to win one of the books on the list. The contest ends on 13 September 2014 @8pm.

'What You See' 5* review

I've just had an amazing 5* review for 'What You See' from 'The Romance Reviews'

This is what Breann said
"WHAT YOU SEE was definitely hot, very emotional, a little sweet and just a fantastic read."

and

"Denny and Richard's relationship pulled me in right from the start and the development kept me engaged the entire time. I was also on the edge of my seat a few times. I just didn't know how everything would turn out. I knew it just had to because Denny and Richard were so great together, but the getting there was rough"

How brilliant is that!

Read the rest of the review here

Totally Bound

Doesn't this look nice! I now have 3 books on my Totally Bound page.

https://www.totallybound.com/author/faith-ashlin#books

Free Read!!!!!!!

I have a free read published through Totally Bound, it's available now, now, NOW!

My Unintended

Noah and Greg are teachers and have been living together for a while. They're content in their lives and with each other. Or at least they think so. Then Noah is forced to consider his dreams for the future when his parents change their wills. He's told the family house will be left to his sister rather than him, as she has children. But does he want a wife and traditional family?
Instead of talking to Greg, as he knows he should, he runs back home. His grandmother takes him in hand and tells him a story about her own loves back before she was married.
It makes Noah think about what he really wants.

Go here for your FREE copy...

My Unintended

My three keeper books

I'm on USA Today, talking about my keeper books, including Maurice by EM Forster, One Summer by Karen Robards.

Please, come and read.

USA TODAY post

Coming soon - 'My unintended'

I've just got the front cover for a free read I'm giving away through Totally Bound called 'My Unintended.'

I have one word for it... wow!

Older Ladies by Donnalou Stevens

This is so true!

I'm on BTS eMag today!

I'm on BTS eMag today trying to answer the very important question; am I odd?

http://btsemag.com/am-i-odd-by-faith-ashlin/?utm_source&utm_medium&utm_campaign=faithashlinblogbtse

Am I Odd? by Faith Ashlin

I’m a woman, and passionately interested in WW2 airplanes. Nothing before the war or after – although I do love the noise a Eurofighter Typhoon makes. Boom! It’s so loud you can feel it in your chest— No civilian planes and it has to be iconic. I’m very fond of a B-17 Flying Fortress but really it’s the British ones that make me go weak-kneed.

Weak-kneed over an old plane? Yes, I know, I’m odd.

But there’s something about a Spitfire, Hurricane or Lancaster that just makes me proud and a little misty eyed. I can hum the theme tune to The Damnbusters, I’ve had my photo taken in front of the life size models of planes at the Battle of Britain Memorial and been to lots of air shows. Then, as a birthday treat, I went to the RAF Museum, saw a Mosquito for the first time and fell, inexplicably, in love.

It’s small and made of wood. A plane made of wood? That’s bonkers. But it was hugely important to the war.

Inside the cockpit is quite small, so the pilot and navigator are close together for hours and must form a great bond. That got me thinking; which led to Pathfinder being written. I loved the idea of two men, under huge pressure, knowing how short their life expectancy was, fighting on because they believed it was a war that had to be won. Add to that a uniform – or a very sexy flying jacket – and it was a story I wanted to write. Knowing I’d have to do lots of lovely research into my favourite plane was an added bonus.

If that makes me odd then I’m glad of it because it makes me happy. Here’s to everyone that embraces being odd. It’s a great way to be.

Win a copy of Pathfinder!

Win an e-book of Pathfinder, this weekend only! Go here to enter

https://www.totallybound.com/competition/pathfinder-ebook-giveaway?utm_source=faithashlin&utm_medium=webcompetition&utm_campaign=pathfindercompetition

5 star review!

'Pathfinder' got a great 5 star review Prism Book Alliance Wow, how fantastic!
 
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014/08/pathfinder-by-faith-ashlin-book-review-by-josie-goodreads/.

My View:

Seventy Five years ago at the start of World War 2 Britain found herself with her back against the wall. Initially on her own in the fight against evil the battle drew brave men to her shores from all over the world. Men of integrity, of honor and faith. Brave men who felt the fight was too important to be limited by their country of birth. This is where we find Americans Bobby Davenport and Lewis Winters, both Texas men, both filled with courage and conviction, two men who found each other when the world was looking elsewhere.

Bobby Davenport is a navigator on Mosquito bombers with the RAF 29th Squadron based at West Malling, he’s dedicated and committed to the cause of freedom, and he’s been with the RAF since the beginning of the war. As we start the story its 1941 and Bobby is anxiously awaiting his new pilot. What Bobby is not expecting is fellow Texan Lewis Winters.

Lewis Winters just wants to fly Mosquitos, a plane he’s dreamed about since he first heard of it. Lewis may be inexperienced in aerial combat (he’s been teaching new pilots since he joined the RAF), but what he lacks in experience he makes up for in personality. Lewis is a revelation to Bobby, a big man, tall and broad, with a smile that splits his face wide. Lewis is smitten with Bobby from day one and shrewd enough to recognize that Bobby is ‘his’ kind of man, i.e. he likes men like Lewis does, and pretty soon the two men are sharing more than just a bomber, after all life is short and they might be dead tomorrow.

Lewis and Bobby both can’t quite believe their luck; they found each other when the world was falling apart. As the war intensifies the two men find what escape they can in each other’s arms, Lewis calls them a ‘Lucky’ pairing. But can their luck hold out, the war seems like it will run and run, but will their luck run out first, before the war ends.

I love historical novels, that’s no secret, but it’s rare to find one authentically set in wartime. I loved Pathfinder; it was a delight to read. Both men are so different, yet they complement each other perfectly. Bobby is a stubborn, almost pig headed man, sticking to his beliefs whatever happens. Lewis is totally different. Throughout the worst the war can throw at them Lewis mostly remains cheerful and positive, convinced that as long as he and Bobby stay together, fly together, nothing can touch them, it’s only when it seems that their ‘lucky’ pairing has come to an end that the more fearful and morose side of his personality comes to the fore.

Faith Ashlin’s research is to be commended. I’ve not checked every fact in the story but what I did check, the main events, are accurately portrayed. Pathfinder is an absorbing story of two men who find each other in wartime, full of action, love and emotion it left me on the edge of my seat in one minute and close to tears the next. She doesn’t sugarcoat the worst of war, showing how Britain was pummeled from the air and the effect on civilians as well as the military. Pathfinder is a 2nd edition release. I never read the previous version and I’m glad I waited, as the epilogue at the end, which is new to this edition, was worth waiting for. For all lovers of historical fiction I can’t recommend Pathfinder highly enough.

'What You See' - re-released today!

'

'What you See' is re-released today and is also, for the very first time, available in print. How very exciting!

https://www.totallybound.com/what-you-see

New release: 'A Slow Process of Understanding'

I've just signed a new contract with Totally Bound for another book. It's called....

A Slow Process of Understanding

I think it's the most ambitious story I've ever written and I'm really pleased with it.

Here are the release dates:

 

Preorder: 12th December 2014

Early download: 26th December 2014

General release: 23rd January 2015

Authorsinterview

I was interviewed on 'authorsinterviews'. How very exciting!


http://authorsinterviews.wordpress.com/2014/07/11/here-is-my-interview-with-faith-ashlin/

Print release - Pathfinder

What You see - print release

I'm so excited, another print release....

'Pathfinder' has a scheduled print release date of ...

15th August 2014

Another real - in your hands - book!

What You see - print release

What You see - print release

I can't tell you how excited I am about this. 'What You See' has a scheduled print release date of ...

1st August 2014

A real- in your hands - book!

Should I worry?

Am I odd?

I'm dong the ironing (with a *little* glass of wine) watch The Battle of Midway. I do like a good war film.

Does that make me odd?

Pathfinder

Pathfinder has a new contract...

*does happy dance*

I was - not so gently - persuaded by my new editor to add an epilogue to the story plus an extra chapter.

I have to admit, she was right and I was wrong. It is a much better story with the extra parts.

I have a new front cover. It was made by the wonderful Emmy Ellis at TB, who is a joy to work with.

And I have release dates...

Preorder: 4th July 2014

Early download: 18th July 2014

General release: 15th August 2014

This is very exciting. :-) 

What You See - front cover

I have the new front cover, from Totally Bound, for 'What You See'

You can find it here...
https://www.totallybound.com/what-you-see

Released dates are:

 

Preorder: 20th June 2014
Early download: 4th July 2014
General release: 1st August 2014

What You See Isn't Always What You Get

Hurrah!

I have a new contract for ' What You See Isn't Always What You Get'. It's going to be republished with Totally Bound, which is just wonderful.

Totally Bound have been brilliant to work with; easy, friendly, efficient and just all round nice people. I am *very* pleased.

The Book is going to have a slightly shorter name – which is what I always used to call it anyway – and the full title as a tagline. So, let me introduce

What You See

Released dates are:

 

Preorder: 20th June 2014

Early download: 4th July 2014

General release: 1st August 2014

Best thing about it? There will actually be traditional paper copies. The old publisher kept saying there would be ones available but it never happened. I love ebooks but some how holding a paper copy in my hand makes it all feel that much more special.

Go Totally Bound!

 

The End of Silver Publishing

As I am sure most people are now aware, Silver Publishing is no more. I had three books with them and, at first, was very happy there. There were a lot of problems but not with the lovely staff that worked there, who were always wonderful.

I hung on, I stuck it out, I believed in them, but in the end it has gone.

I have got the rights back to my books and am now in the process of finding new homes for them. So, for the time being, ‘Pathfinder’, ‘What You See Isn't Always What You Get’ and ‘My Unintended’ are not available. Hopefully they will be published again soon. I will, of course, let you know if/when they are.

‘Knights and Butterscotch’ is still available in both e-book and print formats at Totally Bound

http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=2320

Many thanks,

Faith