I just wanted to wish all the wonderful Mothers out there a very happy Mothers Day.
We have an idea that all the mothers in the UK today will be opening presents, sipping mimosas and going for Sunday Roast with their smiling and adoring children around their legs.
But there are some mothers out there who don’t have anyone to buy a card on behalf of their kids. Who are now sitting on the sofa with baby vomit in their hair, still awake since 3am this morning. No one is going to make them tea or breakfast in bed, and they won’t be going for dinner for a good few years.
So, this message is especially for you. The unsung mothers. You’re all hero’s, and you are all the sun itself to these relentless screaming creatures in your arms. They love you, and though they can’t say it for themselves yet, they are lucky to have you.
On behalf of all children, ‘Thank you, Mum. You’re doing great.’
This is more of a quick update than anything else, but I’m finally in a headspace for writing again and I’m so excited that I needed to share!
Since starting my new job role in the later part of last year, I’ve been a lot busier at work. This is something that I’ve been wrestling with; I never expected to progress in that job, I mostly just show up so I can support my family and pay for a house to write smut in.
Secretly though, I am passionate about certain aspects about my job, and I was offered an opportunity to have an impact in an area I really care about, so I took it. I’ve mentioned before that the role comes with longer hours, extra responsibility and a Masters level training course. As a result, my stress levels have been through the roof and my writing capabilities have been almost zero.
This weekend though, I submitted my first assignment, and it’s like my brain was suddenly freed of a massive weight. I had a clear direction for my story, and banged out 1,000 words in less than half hour. I’m now really excited about the way it’s going.
I also designed my entire kitchen remodel, new garden landscape, loft conversion and created a state-of-the-art Pokemon Zoo with Playmobil for my son. The last one was the most impressive.
What about you, dear readers? How are your ventures coming along?
Joseph Chiltern Pearce said, ‘To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.’
Just a quick note to say I wish all of you out there a very happy new year!
My Grandparents were from Glasgow, so I have an endearing relationship with Scottish New Years traditions, particularly the loud, passionate chorus of ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ at midnight. As closely as we can translate it, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ means something like, ‘For old times sake.’ I love that song, as do so many of us.
That been said, I’m very much up for whatever new times are waiting ahead. May 2023 bring each and every one of you new, and gloriously sexy adventures!
(Which you can then tell me about so I can market them.)
See you all next year, and as the famous song goes, ‘we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.’
Ah, the Scottish brogue. As clear today as it was in 1788.
I just wanted to wish anyone out there reading this a very Merry Christmas.
There can be alot of pressure at this time of year to be deliriously happy and get swept up in the spirit. For most of us, that’s fine, wonderful even, but for others, Christmas can be anything to moderately annoying to severely painful, depending on what you’re going through at the time.
To those of you out there who know what I’m talking about, I get it, I’ve been there. Trying to grind out a smile while it feels like your world is collapsing. To you, I wish you love, compassion, warmth and friendship.
Remember, keep your head up and keep believing. As Grandsanta said in Arthur Christmas, ‘They used to say it was impossible to teach women to read.’
It feels like it gets longer and longer between posts at the moment, but that’s largely because I’m moving slower with my writing too.
I’ve mentioned before that I’ve got a new job which actually comes with a massive training course alongside it, so I’m pretty damn busy at the moment.
And let’s not forget that we have officially entered the craziest time of the year: Holiday Season! My family celebrates Christmas and I’m sure we all know just how much that gets in the way of everything else. Have I done any writing today? Nope; I’ve been busy wrapping presents for neighbours I don’t know and relatives I don’t like. Ho, ho, ho!
To be honest, I’m so charmed by the season since I became a Mum that none of the annoying aspects of it bother me at all anymore. I was even blasting the Christmas radio station (oh yeah, that’s a thing) in my car the other day. When I see my boy writing letters, looking out for reindeer, decorating a tree, baking cookies…frankly, you’d be hard pushed to sour my eggnog.
Anyway, back to writing. Because I’ve had to slow down in pretty much every aspect of my life to balance it all, I’ve actually had to look a lot more closely at my writing to make sure I’m using my time effectively. As such, I’ve found another weird niche that I’m quite good at; erotic horror/sci-fi. I’ve done a few stories in this genre before, mostly because the occasion (Halloween) called for it.
But having this time constraint has meant I’ve had to write what comes the most naturally to me, and it seems that the weird stuff is just pouring out of me uncontrollably. It’s my first high school party all over again!
So, I’m currently working on my new Erotic short, tentatively named, ‘Slime Lake.’ Though the title may yet change. It’s an erotic horror and a loving homage to the films I loved in the 90’s. It’s a little tongue in cheek, and a little tongue in anus.
Sorry, I’m in that kind of a mood.
On that note, I leave you with a quote from a British politician who absolutely would not have ended up starring on I’m A Celebritity…
‘Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.’ – Winston Churchill
It should be noted, he was a big drinker, and ‘failure’ may have been code for ‘pub.’
And by that, of course, I mean I’m writing a story about a mythological creature made of stone. Yup, Strange is writing about gargoyles!
Why? What did you think I meant?
Yes, readers, I’m really delving into some very niche tropes here, but hear me out! It seems that monsters and demons are the new vampires- people are really into it.
And here’s the other thing, they’re not alone. I’ve always found mythological monsters sexy too, but I figured I was the only one, isn’t that always the way with kink?
Funnily enough, I recently downloaded the Disney+ app for my son, and one of the recommendations was a show from the 90’s called ‘Gargoyles.’ I was so excited! I’m like, ‘I remember watching that show, I loved it as a kid/preteen. Come on, nostalgia!’
Anyway, ten minutes into watching it I suddenly realise that I wasn’t actually as invested in the storylines as I had thought. But I was completely captivated by ridiculously ripped, long-haired lead gargoyle, Goliath. Funny how you don’t realise what shapes your indulgences as you grow up, huh?
I’m also using this as an opportunity to get my teeth into a new style of writing; gothic. I’m having a lot of fun playing with imagery and personification to set the scene. Check this out:
The moon was waxing, almost full, but hidden behind a thick blanket of dark, angry clouds. The rain beat down upon the earth like stones, spiteful and sharp. The lightening was the only source of brightness, and it seemed to cackle madly at the irony of it’s fleetingness. No, it had no comfort to offer the humans it illuminated.
See that? Am I gothic AF or what? #sodark #strangeandelvira4eva
That’s one of the opening paragraphs; Mr Strange was very specific on what he wanted to see in this one, ‘Give me dark, brooding, storms, all that good stuff.’ And when I read him what I had written so far, his answer was, ‘Well, it’s good…But where’s the humour?’
Needless to say, I had an answer for him, but it’s not appropriate for this platform.
In other news, my straight novel is also coming along nicely, if veeeeery slowly. The main characters are literally just about to start their journey. It’s been hard trying to manage my pacing appropriately to such an epic word count, but I’m getting there. It’s weird having so much time to develop and get to know my characters, usually I’ve seen their best side, worst side and backside by now.
At this point, even I don’t know exactly how my characters are going to respond or how things are going to play out. My main concern is, how much do I like the characters? Usually I’m in love with them by now, but because I’m having to flesh the story out so much more than usual, I’m genuinely a little unsure. I like how I picture them in my head, but is that coming across yet in the story? Will people be invested in their development, rather than the face value? I guess time will tell.
For now, dear readers, I leave you with this quote from the aforementioned Disney series;
Goliath: Courage. Virtue. Struggling to do what is right. Gargoyles and humans want to believe that we are always in control. That we can aide our loved ones in any crisis. But there are times when life mocks our ride. That is when we learn humility, and that the greatest of our strengths is to persevere.
I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself! If you’ve read my most recent posts, you’ll know that I’m currently working on a full, mainstream novel that is still underway as we speak. That been said, mama still needs to bring home the bacon, and the relevance to the animal puns will soon be revealed!
I’m still writing shorts alongside the novel but for obvious reasons it’s now taking longer to get them written and published. This is also why it’s been a while since I released a post on here.
In the interest of trying to stretch my story writing muscles, I’ve been exploring yet more new kinks to write about, and this time, you can bet the farm that I’ve found a good one. At least, I think it is.
My new story falls within the genre of Hucow(ism?) with some subtle undertones of mind control or manipulation. Again, some of the more risky themes in today’s ‘Cancel Culture’ world but, as I’ve said before, what goes on for a consenting adult reading a fantasy story…
I love a bit of light mind control in my erotica, personally. As a sub, the idea of giving up even your ability to make decisions for yourself seems like the ultimate act of submission, and appeals to my kink in that way. I know it’s different for everyone, that’s just how my freak manifests itself.
The Hucow thing, however, is relatively new territory for me. It is a theme that rears it’s head (I can’t stop myself!) fairly frequently in the D/s realm and I would be lying if I said I hadn’t taken a casual stroll around the pens. I mean, from my perspective, if submitting your mind is submissive, submitting your very humanity has got to have some appeal. And in many ways, it does.
The other angle that I have enjoyed it from, is that of a curvy woman. I’m size 10 now, but it’s been a long, hard fight to get there. I’ve always battled my weight and as a teenager I was very self-conscious about my body. What I love about Hucow stories is that it often empowers women with a fuller figure, making large breasts and hips an object of worship rather than scorn.
On top of which, the Hucow fetish often gets paired with a ‘thick and juicy woman’ preference, even acquainting itself with feeder/feedee tropes. Not to mention lactation which then can blend into the DM/lb scene. So there’s a huge scope for exploration depending on which way you lean.
So, yeah, it’s a pretty diverse topic. I’ve enjoyed researching the kink, reading the stories and coming up with my idea, but most of all, I’ve enjoyed exploring how this particular kink appeals to me even if it isn’t my immediate go to.
K M Strange: Growing as a person while getting people off since 2020.
This story is about half-way written at the moment. I’ve had a few road blocks along the way but, hey, no point crying over spilled milk! I’ll keep you all posted on it’s development and let you know when I have a release date.
Someone once said, ‘Your sexiest body part is your mind.’ Well, I have news for that someone; ‘I’m hot now. Suck it.’ 😎
Take care,
Strange
Disclaimer: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You are the sexiest version of yourself when you believe you’re sexy. Don’t let other peoples opinions (or K M Strange’s tongue in cheek humour) ever make you doubt that. 😘
More of a post than a blog post a suppose, I just felt like sharing this incredibly important part of my writing process. You know, in case it helps any of you other writers out there.
1) Make a hot chocolate.
2) Don’t skimp on the whipped cream and sprinkles.
3) Write the next Jurassic Park with your new found, hot chocolate fuelled inspiration.
So, remember a little while back, I said I was considering expanding my horizons somewhat? Well, I’ve decided to take the plunge: I’m writing a full on, in-one-piece, romantic-rather-than-erotic novel!
And, to top it off, I’m actually going to try to submit it to a publisher and see if I can get it published traditionally.
I should note that I have a few pros and cons for this decision. The pros are mostly that it’s going to serve as a milestone for my writing: it’s mainstream, full length and I may actually get critiqued (rejected) by someone in ‘the biz.’
There’s also the obvious pro that in some wonderful universe where I need to buy a lotto ticket, I might actually get published! Live the dream: book release…public appearances…a movie? Dinner with RuPaul? The sky’s the limit.
Now for the cons. The genre of the book is paranormal/ adventure/romance so I still get to be a bit flirty and dirty in my writing, but it’s much more vanilla than the Strange brand usually presents. Not that I mind that, it’s just going to be a learning curve for me. I mean, I find whips and chains super romantic, but where’s the line for the rest of the world?
Also, it means a lot of my energy is being put into one place. I’ll still be writing my shorts on the side, but they won’t be as regular and that worries me because I don’t want to lose the 5mph traction I’ve built over the last year and half.
The scariest thing for me though, is I won’t be writing under my pen name, I’ll be writing under my real name. Because this isn’t erotica, I don’t have to hide my identity. Which is great for the most part, I can actually stand up and take credit for my work. But I’m actually a little sad to shrug off K M Strange. I feel like I’ve grown so much with her, the writing style, the colours, even the colour scheme. It’s all very me. I know I can apply the same style to my real name, but I still can’t risk being connected.
Of course, if I hit the big time I can quit my day job and come out of the stationary cupboard once and for all. Then there will be no shutting me up! Muhahaha!
Anyone out there had any experience in traditional publishing, I’d be very grateful for your tips, tricks or even just your stories.
(Sorry, not your stories; I’m not trying to steal your work. I meant your experiences. I swear…)
Saul Bellow said, “You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.”
If someone wakes me in the middle of the night to write they’ll have to redo it completely because I’ll have made them eat it. I’m a Mum.
How is 2022 treating you all so far? I have had a pretty productive month, and I am finally on the last legs of the final part of the Sophisticated Beasts series.
I’ve also learned something about myself, something I think I’ve been trying to avoid for a while now. When I started writing as K M Strange, I didn’t believe I had any capacity beyond writing erotica, and I was totally okay with that. But while I was writing these three shorts for Beasts, I found I was having the same trouble as I had with Garden of Eden; the further I got into it, it became less about the sex, and more about the adventure.
I did a lot of research for this because I really wanted to make sure the story was wrapped up in a way that was exciting and even (mostly) historically and culturally accurate. I actually learned some interesting stuff about Russian folklore and history while I was writing it too which has been a great experience for me.
I was raving to my husband last night about the story and the twist I’d come up with and how delighted I was about how it had come out and he listened to the whole monologue before patiently asking, ‘Uh huh. And, when do they have sex?’
I realised then that, though I have written a good sex scene for it (I mean I think it’s pretty good) I wasn’t as excited about it as I was literally everything else.
I walked away from the conversation feeling a little out of sorts, really. It never occurred to me that I might be able to write stories that would have sustenance just as they are, not because of the sex. But if I’m really honest, I think I’ve learned that I can do exactly that.
So, what now? Do I make a side-step into adventure based romance? Do I try writing something completely straight? (Like, not even a little bit sexy? Not even a side-boob?!)
Honestly? I don’t know. I have an idea for my next story, and I’m seriously considering writing it as an actual, just-in-one-piece novel, and possibly not as erotica.
Huh. Did I just grow a little? Is this my author glow-up moment?
Well anyway, if you’re interested in reading the Sophisticated Beasts saga, the full story is available for pre-order here.
Alternatively, if you’ve read the first two parts you can email me directly and I’ll send you the third part for free as soon as it’s edited and completed.
Winston Churchill said, ‘To improve is to Strange, to be perfect is to Strange often.’
K M Strange - Erotic Romance Author 