Friday, May 30, 2014

Readers' Favorite Part from "Finding Infinity."

A little insight into me... Once I hit publish, I do not read my books again. 
So I keep getting messages from readers telling me about their favorite parts. The most common one mentioned is in "Finding Infinity" where Colin has to give a sperm sample. I broke my rule and went back and read it. Damn... It is funny and hot! Here's the scene if you've forgotten.  



After Doctor Starr leaves to see another patient, I fall back in my chair, running my hands through my hair. “I’m so fucking sorry. It never occurred to me that my ex-wife didn’t get pregnant. I just thought God was doing me a favor.” The weight that’s been sitting on my chest since my accident has become crushing. I can’t believe this. This is me. I’m broken. Why didn’t I see it before? God, why have I dragged Charlie into this mess? She deserves a baby.
“Look, Colin. That’s why we’re here. It probably means nothing. Stop it. Quit beating yourself up. We’re probably just going to be told that we need to keep trying. But, we’ll never know if you don’t go make love to yourself while you watch a bad porno.” She smiles.
“Fuck the porno,” I say, trying to make myself feel better. “I’m going to beat off to us making love on the sun lounger by the pool.”
“Colin, we’ve never had sex on the sun lounger?” she lifts her eyebrows in confusion.
I shoot her my half smile. “It’s called a fantasy, darlin’.”
The nurse opens the door, and I slip the cup in my shorts pocket. I need two hands to crutch to the “special” room.
Charlie goes to the waiting room while I follow the nurse. She shows me how to work the DVD player, and introduces me to the porn library. The titles are so amazingly bad that I’m half tempted to snap a couple of pictures of the covers, and buy them for Aiden for Christmas. There’s even a gay porn. I could buy it for Brad. Even he would be appalled—I hope.
When the nurse is done giving me instructions, she leaves me alone in the room. I take the lid off the spooge cup and stare at it. If they’d just let Charlie suck me off for thirty seconds, then we could be done. I wonder if I could maybe sneak her back, but I know that she’d never go against doctor protocol.
I pull my pants down and look at my dick. For once, it’s not hard. I try to get comfortable on the plastic covered couch, and picture things that normally get me hard: Charlie’s lips, Charlie’s hair, Charlie’s lavender eyes.
Nope. Nothing. My dick knows that it’s showtime, and he’s apparently gun-shy. I pick my dick up and then drop it, watching it flop to the left. “Look, I get it,” I say staring at my flaccid cock. “We’d both rather fuck Charlie than my hand, but we don’t have a choice. We’ve got to perform on command, now.” Fucking great! My dick and I are now having a conversation.
I try to relax, but it’s so absurdly awkward. I can hear muffled voices outside the door. I feel like a wanker or a pervert in here, staring at the porn collection.
I force my body to relax by rolling my shoulders and attempting to do some visualization exercises. I go into game day mode. I think about my girl, sitting in the waiting room. I think about seeing her for the first time when the elevator doors opened at the hotel in Los Angeles. She had on a fucking lavender dress, like God was giving me a sign that she’d be mine again. Then, I think of the kiss in Clay’s trophy room. How I wanted to lay her out on the pool table and just stare at her curvier body. Her tits. My beautiful girl’s tits are perfect. Perfect for my hands. Made for my mouth. She’s everything that I want, and a lot that I didn’t even know I needed.
I wrap my hand around my cock and begin to stoke it, up and down. I picture Charlie and me making love in the college chair in our bedroom. I stop pumping my dick, and begin to massage my balls. I picture my cold empty house that she’s filled up. I see her pinching her nipples, and bringing them to hard points. Then I see her running her finger along her beautiful pussy folds. And how there’s a wet sheen that covers the inside of her thighs.
That’s doing it. My dick remembers all of it, and totally forgets we’re in a doctor’s office.
I start stoking my cock back and forth again, as I picture her straddling my lap and sliding her hot, wet pussy on my dick. I see how her tits bounce up and down as she rides me, throwing her head back in ecstasy that she’s feeling because of me. How her caramel hair brushes against my thighs when she throws her head back in pleasure.
I feel my balls pull up tightly. I pump harder and squeeze my dick while I remember how it feels when her pussy grabs my cock just before she floods me with her sweetness.
“Oh, fuck,” I moan. I grab the cup sitting next to me.
I see Charlie’s beautiful face when she’s almost there, and then I picture her leaning forward and fucking my mouth with her tongue as she comes. I can almost feel her sucking my tongue and biting my lips. It’s the hottest fucking mouth on the planet and it’s my girls.
My abs tighten with every spurt of cum that I shoot in the plastic cup.
That wasn’t so hard, was it, dick?
I lean back against the sofa after I’m done and mentally try to get myself back together. I’m going to have to remember all of that for the next time I have to be away from her. Fuck, that was powerful.
I quickly twist the top shut on the cup, and use the bathroom inside the room to clean myself up. I have to get a paper towel and wipe my face. I’m covered in a thin layer of sweat.
I mentally give my boys a pep talk. Swim perfectly for the nice doctor. And then, I slide my sample into the cut-out in the wall that the nurse directed me to.
We’ve got an hour to kill, and I know exactly what we should do. We should go christen Charlie’s car, because all that jack-off session did was make me hornier.
When we’re alone in the elevator, I attack her. I open her lips with my tongue, and begin making love to her mouth. She responds back just as forcefully. She always does; we were made for each other.
The ding of the elevator tells us that we’ve reached the lobby way too soon. She pulls away first, and begins straightening her shirt and smoothing her hair. I just smile, and look down at my cock that’s at full attention against my zipper.
Charlie smirks. “When isn’t it hard?”
            I don’t tell her about my almost problem in the spooge room. Think I’ll keep that story to myself. 

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Paperback Books Are Now Available

I'm taking orders for signed paperback copies of the Infinity Series. Please email me at layne@layneharper.com with the name of the book that you want, your mailing address, and who you would like the book signed to. For US residents only, the books are $12.99. That includes shipping. If you're outside the US, no problem. I'll just work with you individually on the cost of shipping.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Ramblings...

After I hit "publish" on a book, I immediately submerge myself into writing the next book. I don't check my book rankings, and I peek only once-a-day at my sales. Here's why... You'll either love what I've created or hate it. Either way, there's not much I can do once my books are live. In order not to lose my mind, I've had to make peace that if I love what I've created then that's all that ultimately matters.

With that being said, I do read every review that you write. If you're willing to take the time out of your day to comment on my work, then it deserves to be read. Although, I don't always agree, I respect your opinions.

The past ten months have been such an incredible journey. I mean, no one was actually supposed to read what I had written. It was a check on my bucket list. To hear that my words have inspired you to try again on your marriage, made you fall back in love with reading, encouraged you to seek out your long lost love, and my favorite - inspired you to write your own books, are the greatest encouragement to keep writing that you could give me.

Today, I checked my book rankings on Amazon. Wow! All four books in the Infinity Series are in the top 900 paid in the Kindle Store. There are not adequate words to express how much this means to me. This is because you've shared Colin and Charlie with others. I love that my series proves that indie authors are still relevant in the publishing world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

"Infinity." FAQ's

Thank you so much for all of your lovely messages and questions. Infinity. has been live a week tomorrow so I thought I would address some of the most common questions that I've received.

1. Will you ever get around to putting out print versions of Finding Infinity and Infinity.?
Yes! I decided to focus on what I do best which is not format books. I hired Jason, who's an Aussie, to make them pretty for me. Everyone in my house is pleased with my decision :-) I should have books in two weeks. If you'd like to buy them from me, I'll write you a message inside. If you could care less about my horrible penmanship, they'll be available through Amazon.

2. Are you going to write about Ainsley and Royce's relationship?
This question has shocked me. I never meant for the ending to come across as a teaser. I've been accused of having the book end on a cliffhanger. If I left you with that feeling, I'm so sorry. No intentional cliffhanger... I promise. Here's the honest to God truth. I loved the idea of the book ending with Ainsley beginning her relationship in a very similar way to how "Falling Into Infinity" began. I was playing with the concept of Infinity. I haven't given Ainsley and Royce's story much thought. As I've learned, never say never, but their relationship is not on my writing calendar.

3. Which part do you still laugh at even though you wrote it and have read it to the point that you can recite it like the Pledge of Allegiance?
Just typing this, I'm smiling. I love the scene where Colin is going through fast food row to get Charlie her pregnant food cravings. I read a book when I was pregnant called, "Pregnancy Sucks for Men" by Joanne Kimes. I thought, "Wow! It really does." Anyway, since I envisioned Colin becoming a dad, that scene has always been present. I hope that I communicated just how funny it was to me in my own head.

4. You write FICTION why can't your characters be more fairy tale like?
This is the biggest criticism that I receive. Here's how I think about the answer. One of my all-time favorite songs is "99 Problems." I have every version of the song that I can get my hands on. You name it... I have performances from singing competitions to artists' covers. Seriously, I have a YouTube channel dedicated to it. Do I have a favorite version of the song? Yes. However, I appreciate anyone who tackles the song and puts their own spin on it. The message is the same. The difference is how it's delivered.

Example: Here are three different ways that I can write about the first five minutes of my morning.

Version One: The morning sunlight filters through my shut eyes before my body takes notice that it's indeed time to get out of bed. As if I needed another clue, the shrill voices of my children pierce my otherwise peaceful room. Apparently, today's the day that they are going to death match to see who chooses the morning cartoon. Don't they know that I have a hundred things on my to-do list today? I like to wake up and lie in bed for a few minutes with no one bothering me. This is my time to think about what I need to get accomplished, and prepare myself to be in a good mood. "Damn!" I mumble through my scratchy morning voice. "This is a terrible way to begin my day.

Version Two: She was buried deeply underneath the yellow summer duvet - probably sleeping on her side. However, it was hard to tell because the blanket was piled so thickly - smothering her. It wasn't possible to make out a body form. Her hair was splayed in a fan like shape on the white pillow. The sunlight or maybe the sound of the children awakening caused her to stir - eyelids fluttering before they eventually opened. The kids' voices reached a fever pitch as they fought over the television remote. "Damn!" she mumbled, sounding as if she had swallowed glass. "This is a terrible way to begin my day.

Version Three: The birds were singing a song that only they knew. The sun filtered through the trees and cascaded the bedroom in shades of yellow light. It appeared to be subtly attempting to awaken the sleeping family. The mother's eyes opened and her face did not look as serene as it should emerging from a deep sleep. It could have been the children fighting over the television in the next room or perhaps she's just not a morning person. As the voices of the kids grew louder, the mother mumbled, "Damn! This is a terrible way to begin my day."

I prefer version one because I can definitely share more about the character. The reader has a much better idea of what's going on in my head then the other two versions. This is my style. There's nothing wrong with the other two versions. In version two you find out more about how I look when I sleep (okay! That creeped me out). In version three, you discover more about my environment. To each their own. It's what makes the world go around.

In my humble opinion, it's much harder to write the first version with a fairy tale like spin. Just think of all the thoughts that pass through your head on a daily basis that you don't say out loud. Eek!

5. Why is Charlie a professor instead of a doctor?
I love this question. It means you have really gotten my story. The underlying theme of the series has been finding the balance between careers and family. Some call Charlie selfish. I understand completely why she comes off that way. When she was in early 20's she chose Harvard Medical School over Colin. For the record, I don't see this as a selfish move. I can debate this point for hours and have over a bottle of wine with a good friend. We ultimately agreed to disagree. However, I couldn't have Colin walking away from his career, and Charlie not compromising at all. I think her growth through the books has demonstrated that she got on board (maybe a little later) with Colin to put their relationship/family first. Plus, I didn't see Charlie being happy as a small town doctor. I think being a research professor is perfect for her. She's using her degree while still being a mom. I also love that her and Colin carpool. Maybe she's gotten through to him about his environmental abuse? Probably not :-)

6. Will you ever offer Infinity Series SWAG?
Probably not. However, a reader designed this shirt, and asked me to try to talk 30 of you into purchasing one. I think it's pretty cute, and I purchased one for myself. Here's the link http://teespring.com/infinityseries.

Keep the questions coming...

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Infinity. Is Live!

I should have written this blog post a week ago, but I procrastinated as usual. So now I'm writing it just as I hit refresh on Amazon. Infinity. is live.

Excuse me for a moment while I exhale.

June 9, 2013 I hit publish on the first book in the Infinity Series. I thought exactly two people would purchase it, my husband and me. When I saw that more than two people bought a copy, I was thrilled. My next thought was, "Oh God, that means that they're going to read it." And they did.

As I've said before, imagine standing naked in front of the entire universe and asking the world to critique your body. Then, you have to speak. That's what this process feels like. But I love it. I love that these two characters (well all of them really) that have been living inside my head since I was a pre-teen have now been shared with the world.

This is the last book in Colin and Charlie's journey. I think you will be pleased with the ending. I hope you get mad at some parts and cry at others. There's still one scene that makes me laugh even though I've read it about one hundred times.

Their story is complete without really a beginning or an ending. In my humble opinion, it's the number eight turned on it's side perfectly representing the symbol for infinity.

Cheers!
Layne

Amazon Links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQOEWC8
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JQOEWC8
Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00JQOEWC8
Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00JQOEWC8
Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00JQOEWC8




Monday, April 14, 2014

Important Stuff

Hey! It's time for a few housekeeping items...

  1. The final book in the Infinity Series will be live some time on Thursday. I will hit "publish" Wednesday evening around 7:00 pm CST. As soon as Amazon notifies me that it's live, I'll post here, on Facebook, and Twitter.
  2. Kindle is doing this weird thing where it ends books at the last page of the last chapter. KEEP READING! There's a surprise after the story is over. 
  3. I do plan to keep writing. In fact, I have two books that are written and waiting for my undivided attention after the craziness around "Infinity." has calmed down. 
  4. I am aware that the first book in another series called "Infinity Series" has been published. I haven't read it, but from what I understand, it's not similar to my Infinity Series. For the record, I am not affiliated with it nor are my characters. I wish the author all the best :-)
I'm so excited for Thursday! I can't wait to read your comments and reviews. Cheers!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

"Falling Into Infinity" is FREE Today and Tomorrow!

The first book in the Infinity Series is free today, April 3 and tomorrow, April 4. Then, it will return to its original price of $2.99. 

Here's the summary of Falling Into Infinity...




Pre-med student Caroline “Charlie” Collins, a sophomore at Texas A&M, knows exactly what she wants in life and the order that it will happen: finish college, complete medical school, and then fall in love. A chance meeting with A&M’s star quarterback Colin McKinney changes everything. A friendship between the two grows over time and blossoms into a powerful love affair. Charlie and Colin must learn to cope with his transition to playing professional football, the crushing attention of the media, and constant demands of his fans. At the same time, she’s struggling with how her dream of attending medical school will fit into their already stressed relationship and Colin’s new life. Falling Into Infinity asks the question is just loving someone enough to make a relationship work?


Download it for free HERE.