I got signed...and had to get over myself.

First of all, happy news!

My dark erotica novel "Soulless" was accepted by Damnation Books, a publisher specializing in dark fiction. The "A Perfect Dream" series will continue, so I'll be officially in the hybrid category. I'm thrilled with all the future possibilities.

It was also one of those moments, when, as a writer, you just have to get over yourself.

"Soulless" is much darker than anything I've ever imagined or written before.

Robin is dealing with a difficult work situation and the end of a long-term relationship. Natalie, young, charming, and irresistible, awakens sexual needs and desires Robin didn’t know she had. She soon learns that Natalie has a dark side.

As Detective Jean Shelby tries to solve a series of puzzling murders, she is drawn into the current of a relationship defined by obsession and the struggle for control. No one can remain innocent.

As an LGBT person, you will likely come across pre-conceived notions at some point, if not in person, then in the form of articles or comments you read about on the internet. One common question/accusation: "Why is always about the sex?"

The answer: It's not. You're the one who makes it all about the sex by bringing the subject up all the time, and, oddly, seems to think about it a lot more than most LGBT people. We have everyday lives, families, jobs, just like you.

And then there are erotica writers, who, by definition, get to think about sex a lot. That much is true, but it's the same for straight and LGBT writers.

The other point is that as lesbian writers, we often feel like we face expectations from within the community to represent, but what does that mean anyway? No one story, or even a dozen, can represent the complete lesbian community. Sometimes, a story is a metaphor or an exploration of how far the mind can go, and how far readers are willing to follow.

Do the "Fifty Shades of Grey" represent all straight women and their sexual fantasies? I know many who'd not only disagree, but would point out the absurdity of the question. Do "Dexter" and "Hannibal" represent all male writers? I don't think so either.

I loved writing "A Perfect Dream", where respect and consent are the ultimate rules. With "Soulless" and the character of Natalie, I delved deep into the darkness, and yes, there are lots of erotic moments in it as well.

I had to get over myself and realize I can write this type of book, and still be a lesbian and a feminist. When you touch a boundary in writing, the answer is not "okay, this is the point where I turn around and go back into my comfort zone." It's to go further.

I invite you to accompany me.