Thursday, August 31, 2017

A Love Letter to Artists

I truly love art. I hunt it everywhere I go. I adore standing in front of a piece, imagining what the artist tried to convey. What did the artist want me to feel/think/understand?

Art has the potential to instantly convey a message more accurately than a million words. At the same time, the viewer is allowed to appreciate the things they need to see and take with them.

I remember attending a student exhibit in Philadelphia. The piece that captured my attention was a dead fish nailed to a board. That’s all:  just a dried fish attached to a weathered 2x4 with a nail.

At the time, it annoyed me. Well, if that’s art I could do better. But that piece stood the test of time, and it stayed with me. When I had the opportunity, the memory of a dead fish nailed to a board gave me the courage to ask a Chinese Brush Stroke master to teach me watercolor.

Now, years later, I see how that one work containing three items was so much more. It affected how I view art. That simple creation makes me ponder how seemingly simple actions have far reaching implications, and how something can be more than the sum of its parts. (Granted, I’ve given a lot of power to a dead fish on a board. For all I know, it could have just been the product of a lazy art student, and it’s just my interpretation that gives the piece brilliance.)

In many ways, The Craving is my love letter to artists. It honors their talent and their impact on the world. Whether it’s Monet, Botticelli, Klimt, Paul Richmond, Catherine Dair, PL Nunn, Young Fan Chin, Yamane Ayano, K-Koji, and many others who create pieces that make the world a better place. Artists make us think, reflect, and feel. In the best case, viewing art allows us to give to others, changes our thinking on a subject, or encourages us to make a positive change. 

The Xantha star system takes the power within art seriously and is credited throughout known space for developing dimensional art. Dimensional art’s ability to morph and to travel beyond its nature determines the level of dimension it achieves.  These distinctive works have been credited with preventing wars, helping to focus efforts on positive outcomes, and is utilized in negotiations. As the planets of the system are guided by art, the artists and those who guide them are quite powerful.

First & Second dimension:  non-dimensional and convey an image and makes you feel.
Third dimension: morphs and allows the viewer to question a concept.
Fourth dimension: conveys complex information.
Fifth dimension: can influence thoughts.
Sixth dimension: changes people’s actions and promotes the direction of their efforts.

Any artists that reach the third dimension are honored with a place at the Ambrosial monastery. They become initiates and follow a strict regimen. In return, they are given training and support so they may release their full artistic potential.

Life in the monastery is filled with discipline. The Principles of Purity is the foundation. All activities are scheduled. Diet, exercise, sleep, and release are prescribed in precise amounts.

Initiates and monks wear protective units that are removed every eight-sleep cycles allowing for a nonorgasmic release. It’s believed that sexual energy should be refocused back into their art and not wasted in pleasure.

In the purest form, dimensional art is a powerful vehicle that makes the star system a better place, though it can be used to forward agendas that suit certain individuals and not for the betterment of the Xantha star system. The Craving highlights some of the divisions between the monastery and the ruler of the star system.     

Art has the power to speak when we aren’t able. It has the power to heal and give hope. Thank you to all the artists on our planet for sharing your talent with us.


The Craving Blurb:
The craving is an undeniable urge that drives K’Dane citizens to find their life mates—if only to sate their uncontrollable physical longings.

Thrilled at being named a Chosen, Phoenix Dotir leaves K’Dane to become an artist-monk who will create dimensional art capable of changing worlds. Living by the monastery’s Principles of Purity will surely help him overcome the craving. But he never accounted for star chaser Zadra Solav.

Zadra doesn’t believe in rules and makes his own future. Fate separates him from the man he loves, but one touch renders him helpless to his own desires. Bonding with a monk is forbidden, and Zadra’s family sends him to deep space to avoid disgrace. Unable to give up, Zadra must find a way reunite with his Chosen.

Tormented by enforced separation, Initiate Riva Quinton struggles with his vow of chastity and risks all to rescue his lover. Together with his Eros, he stows away on board a star craft to follow his heart.

Four men defy destiny and tradition for love… but their love is a crime punishable by death.

Buy Links:

Author Bio:
Z. Allora believes in happily ever after’s for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing rainbow romance allows her words to open hearts and change minds.

To contact Z. Allora:
E-mail: Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com
FACEBOOK:   Z Allora Allora
Twitter: @ZAllora

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Inspiration for Sharing my Writing

 I've always written or re-written things.

About 7.5 years ago Adam Lambert pulled Tommy Ratliff's hair and kissed him at the AMA. Since I was living in China didn't hear or see this for several months. Here's the original:




I was first shocked anyone would have an issue with it. ((>>>>talk about filters & being sheltered... I couldn't imagine people having such problems over it!!!!!)) 

It kicked off me studying his concert performances across the USA via China's answer to YouTube:   YouKu. I discovered you could judge the homophobia of the state performed in based on how & if there was a kiss during the song Fever

I was enthralled. Of course, Jet Mykles Heaven Sent series was finally available in print (I didn't have a kindle at that point). Sooooo here was a hot rocker making a statement beyond his lyrics.

I dashed some words down... and then Adam Lambert's tour came to Asia. There were protests in Malaysia over fears of him turning their kids gay! Again, I found the lack of education and ignorance stunning. 

It made me realize I needed try to use my voice to promote equality... Hell even if my words weren't perfect maybe I could help forward the agenda of LOVE IS LOVE... I believe now as I believed than with every page we turn hearts and minds are changed. 

 

In 2014, I rewrote the original and republished it with 25,000 more words.  I will always be grateful for those of you who encouraged my early efforts. Thank you.

Many hugs and much love, Z.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Tied Together Was Tied to What?


Early Tokio Hotel fanfiction invites you to imagine twins... who like each other... a lot.
I played with the concept a bit in Tied Together. Though while there was no blood ties between Robin and Josh they were raised as brothers and have the same last name. So naturally the Dark Angels fans referred to them as twins...



This video in particular called to me. I imagined Robin being outgoing on stage but completely different offstage. (The personal vs public personas) When I rewrote this I showed more of his demons: his fear of abandonment, his anxiety, not accepting the kinky side of himself, a deep love he felt he shouldn't have for Josh...

 



Tied Together Blurb:
Josh has loved Robin since the day they met, although he never dared to follow his heart. After the two are kicked out of their house, a night of despair turns into a night of discovery, forever changing them both. One taste of his dream leaves Josh hungry for more, but Robin’s fear of abandonment forces him to pull back, denying them both.

Their fortunes changed. Josh and Robin are now in the limelight with legendary megaband The Dark Angels, but Robin is still the scared little boy inside the rock star who isn't convinced he won't be left behind. He clings tightly to the word "brother" because stepbrothers can't leave, right?

There's only one way for Josh to prove to Robin, now and forever, that the love tying them together can never be broken.





Thursday, August 3, 2017

Interview with Z. Allora by Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words




How much of yourself goes into a character?
A lot. I sculpt the character’s personalities & experiences based on my own life. My stories are set in places I’ve lived or visited (Thailand, China, Bali, Albany, South Carolina). My adoration for BDSM infiltrates almost every story. Several characters struggle with anxiety, which unfortunately I have too much experience with. Their professions echo my own jobs: I have my hair license in NY (like Andrew & Phillip). I’ve worked direct care in Human Services and I’m now writing (like Justin). It truly is easier to write what you know.

Do you enjoy research or prefer making up your worlds and cultures?
Usually my experiences with travel, or BDSM.  Although in Secured and Free, one of the Doms adores piercing play, but needles = allergy shots for me = NOT SEXY. Fate allowed me to meet Revi at YaoiCon2016. She really enjoys needle play and based on her experiences, needs and desires I was able to add to Marcus Satir’s motivation enriching his character.

In The Craving, I had to generate planets and a star system for my characters to live, which was fascinating. I had to come up with why they evolved (with only a few expectations) into bipeds. I loved coming up with each planet’s societal views on sex, love and relationships.

I spent many, many, many hours in Thailand clubs talking to the fascinating performers… Illusions & Dreams is set in a ladyboy club in Bangkok…. We can call in research if you like.

Has your choice of childhood or teenage reading genres carried into your own choices for writing?
Absolutely! Romances with happy endings are the be all in my world. They have always been tops with me. Seeing a sad movie or reading a non-happy ending makes me annoyed (especially if it wasn’t marketed it as such)… I didn’t care how meaningful it was. The world is horrible enough so I want happy! In my writing, I try to add a little bit of fluffy smexy goodness with a dap of happy.

Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?
HEA. We’re all going to die. Dark but true. While I’m dancing toward death I need love, hope and happiness as my partners. We get a limit number of moments in this life and my goal is to make as many of them as I can happy (for myself and others).

Do you read romances, as a teenager and as an adult?
Romances are my drug of choice now and then. I have turned to them in the worst of times to allow me to escape if only for a little while. And I re-read them with joy to celebrate happiness.

How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going?
I think some folks will always love paperbacks, but how amazing is it that we can hold all of our favorite stories right in the palm of your hand. I think ebooks allow people to explore genres that might not be comfortable having the world know what they are reading. For me: Ebooks are great because I’ve moved 13x in 23 years so not losing my books is an incredible gift. (Though when we left China I gifted reading coffee shops with 100’s of my m/m romances, so some good came out of my loss).

How do you choose your covers?  (curious on my part)
Usually I try to capture a scene… then I find a very patient artist who tries to pull the character out of my head. See Secured and Free’s cover for what that looks like!!! K-Koji struggled with me over many e-mails perfecting Marcus, Orion and even the shadowy Hunter. Ahhhh, it’s glorious to actually show others who is in your head taunting you for years!

Do you have a favorite among your own stories?  And why?
No. I love them all! How can any author chose? Though I like my writing in the most recent because I’m struggling to improve with each book.

What's next for you as an author?
The Librarian’s Rake will be released in the Fall.
Then I’m diving back into hot rockers. Going to head to Suzhou China where the fledging rock band Made in China is struggling to catch a break. I can’t wait!