Editors and friends have asked where I get my inspiration to write erotic romance. It’s simple since I’ve traveled to some of the most romantic countries in the world. How could a word lover not be flooded with plot lines when looking at the gorgeous gondoliers of Venice? There’s alwats a virile bobby with his stick strolling the parks in London. In Paris there’s enough kissable French men strolling the Champs-Elysees to make any woman’s heart flutter.

My most romantic city is Venice. St. Mark’s Square is filled with enough motivation for me to pick up a pen and scrawl everything I see and hear. There’s always a pair of lovers strolling through, wrapped in each others arms, with no outside world to interfere. You might even find them sharing a Cinzano while the soft strings of an orchestra fill the chilly night air.

So how can you remember everything you see to use in future books? It’s easy thanks to modern technology.

1 - Inspiration is all around you every single minute of the day and night. Take the time to notice it, absorb it, feel it, then let your imagination soar.

2 – Always carry a pen and paper with you to record those scenes blossoming before you.

3 – Carry a disposable camera to photograph anything of interest, no matter how trivial. In a pinch use your cell phone camera. Drop the pictures into a file for future use.

4 – I like to work with visual aids and compile images of location, people, clothing, maps, language, and anything else that lands me feel smack-dab in the middle of my story. Nothing is too trivial to Glue Stic to my poster board. It puts me in the mood but I always make sure it’s hidden before company arrives.

Now I’m off to dig out those photos from London for my latest book PHOTO OP! Look for it this fall coming from Aspen Mountain Press.

Sloane Taylor
Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell
Francine On Fire www.aspenmountainpress.com
www.sloanetaylor.com   

Greeting card manufacturers have decided Valentine’s Day is the most romantic holiday of the year. Okay, I’ll almost give them that, but there’s 364 other days that shouldn’t be ignored.

Below is an easy menu that will satisfy all your hunger on any day of the year. Think Tom Jones, the old movie not the actor, and the eating scene. Go for it. These cold winter nights might just heat up for you!

• Warm Belgian Endive and Pine Nut Salad
• Almost Homemade Pizza
• Dry Red Wine – Ruffino Chianti

Warm Belgian Endive and Pine Nut Salad

1 tbs. Dijon mustard
pepper to taste
1 tbs. red wine vinegar
2 - 4 heads Belgian endive
1/2 tbs. lemon juice
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed so the salad isn’t dry
1 tbs. chopped fresh parsley, dried will work but isn’t as bright a contrast

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar and lemon juice. Whisk in olive oil slowly until you have an almost creamy consistency. Taste and season with pepper. Set aside.

Cut endive heads crosswise into rings. Remove the hard end of the stems and discard. Rinse in a colander, shaking to separate the slices into rings. Set aside to drain.

In a large dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts. Stir constantly so that they do not burn. Once the pine nuts are golden, throw in the endive rings. When it has warmed just slightly, pour in the dressing and toss to coat. Reduce the heat if the endive is wilting too quickly. You want to maintain some crispness and texture.

If you have guests to impress, throw in the parsley. The sharp green flecks will brighten the dish and enhance the flavor, but the salad is in no way lacking without. Serve immediately. It is best served directly from the pan to the plate. If is put in a bowl, the dressing will settle at the bottom and be difficult to toss again without damaging the endive.

Almost Homemade Pizza

1 (12 inch) pre-baked Italian bread pizza crust. I prefer Boboli
1 cup pizza sauce
1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella
½ lb. Italian sausage, pinched into dime sized pieces
Fresh Parmesan or Romano to grate over the top
Mushrooms, peppers or what ever else you enjoy can be added

Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended on the crust package. Lay the crust onto a baking sheet of appropriate size. Spread the sauce over the crust. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Lay your other sausage etc. on top. Cover the pie with the remaining mozzarella then grate some fresh Parmesan or Romano over that.

Bake according to the crust package directions or until the sausage is no longer pink and the cheese is melted.

The pizza makes a great leftover lunch, but the salad will turn bitter and limp.

Don’t forget the candles, lots of them. Every woman likes to set the mood. Also, omitting forks can be most sensual when you feed your partner small bites.

Have a great Valentine’s Day.

Sloane Taylor ~ Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell
Francine on Fire www.aspenmountainpress.com
www.sloanetaylor.com www.myspace.com/sloanetaylor

Last night Studs and I went for a bite to eat at our favorite haunt. Sitting at the end of the bar were the same two old men who never miss a night or a drink when it’s offered. The pair reminds me of the ancient geezers on Sesame Street. Better yet, they’re like the men from the Simon and Garfunkel song. Rarely do theses wizened birds speak with anyone. Too intent on whatever sports show happens to be on TV, but last night was different. 

Bob, the least grizzly of the two, decided to open up for the first time in three years. He told me of his wife and how he had to divorce her years ago when their son was a tiny tot. Her constant cheating and lying was more than Bob could deal with.  

Yesterday would have been their sixtieth wedding anniversary, he said as his eyes clouded over. He spoke of the dreams and plans they’d had for their life together and the savings account he thought would provide them. He turned away then dragged a calloused hand across one eye before he continued to explain what all he’d lost. Bob wasn’t looking for sympathy. He just needed someone to hear about his loneliness and painful past. 

There’s not much a person can say in answer when an acquaintance pours out their heart, including someone who makes their living writing romance novels. I held his hand and nodded, the whole time thinking how fortunate I am to have Studs in my life. 

To all of you I wish a beautiful life with a person you can trust and honor. May you never feel the pain so many people in the world are forced to experience. 

Sloane Taylor

Sweet as Honey…Hotter than Hell

www.sloanetaylor.com