Holy Meow-The Conscious Catwoman!

Julie Newmar played the original Catwoman in the camp 60s TV show "Batman". Unforgettable. She was purrfect. Seductive and comedic with the most incredible legs in showbusiness.They were insured for $10 million - except in the case of theft! Her unique, beautiful, animated and feline personality makes her one of my favourite women of all time. But there is so much more to Julie Newmar and she's about to release a book!
She bedazzled audiences as the temptress in many films, conquered Broadway and moved into TV .Apart from screen, she created the Nudemar, a new design in pantyhose, became a Paris model for Thierry Mugler,appeared in George Michael's music video "Too Funky", has had a film named after her from Stephen Spielberg's company "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar",and has even had an orchid, rose and day lily are all named in her honour. I can't wait for the book. This will be a very valuable addition to your library, if you are a) conscious, b) alive, and c) on Earth. d) a Catwoman is optional...consult your costumer or therapist for details. Julie's book is filled with observations, quotations and sublime sensations to help in your relations and elations, and even daily ministrations. It should become available in early 2011. And she even has her own blog at Julie Newmar Writes.

Arvin Is All Over the Mistress's Library

Anyone who knows the Mistress knows she loves herself a good Eric Arvin book. You know that talented writer who also happens to be hunky? Eric Arvin is a wonderful writer and resides in the same sleepy Indiana river town where he grew up. He graduated from Hanover College with a Bachelors in History, and is a fan of the writing of James Purdy. He has lived, for brief periods, in Italy and Australia, and also survived brain surgery, during which they apparently added enough sense for him to decide to write full-time. He has since become author of several successful novels, one naughty comic, Kidd Christmas, as well as his blog, Daventry Blue. The Mistress has all these titles, although I haven't had time to read Simple Men yet. But don't you love the cover art? I love to read all year long, but it seems in the summer I really fall behind in reading. Especially on the beach. Have you tried to read when your surrounded by eyecandy? You can read what the Mistress though of his titles she read here,here, and here.



Well y'all Eric has re-released one of his titles in a reprint, The Rest is Illusion.

A coming of age story with a supernatural bent, set on the campus of Verona College. The story centers on five students whose lives are further complicated by an unseen force that surrounds the college, changing them forever. Leave it to Eric and Young Offenders Media who present The Rest Is Illusion book trail or! Looks like I'll be ordering another Arvin work! Be sure to check at his works and show your support and stop by his blog to say hello!

The Rest is Illusion - Book Trailer from Pat Nelson Childs on Vimeo.

More Tales from Jasper Lane

Well dear readers, last week I finished reading Eric Arvin's sequel to Subsurdity, Suburbilicious, and I'm pleased to say I LOVED IT! I found it to be a hysterical, breezy, and entertaining read. Suburbilicious picks right up where Subsurdity left off. Cassie Bloom is back with her side kick Vera, and joined by her son Jason, who has returned home, but Cassie is worried about some secrets buried around the house, especially when a scary looking stranger is spying on her. Rick and Steve are still together, but there is a fly in the ointment named Seth! Terrence bonds with his son Christian. And Melinda, now divorced from her husband is dipping her toes in the dating pool, but her potential date's last mane could be a problem. Steve and Sandy are back, and added to the mix is a new lesbian couple- you know for the home repairs! I found this installation of the Subsurdity series to be a another hilarious look at the gay version of Desperate Housewives, filled with straight and gay characters. This book should appeal to all readers, gay and straight as Eric effectively draws his readers into the wild and zany world of Jasper Lane. And it is a drama filled page turner. I love Eric's style of writing. It is a clear and crisp read with snappy, contemporary dialogue and he has a knack for just the right amount of humor in everyday events. And I love how he builds the history of all the characters from the last book and continues to expand and grow the characters further. Melinda is way more hip and cool in this book, but still has a some of her old character. She sort of reminds me of Brie Vandakamp. I loved her much more in this book. My favorite character again has to be Cassie and her sidekick Vera though. And I can say I didn't see the revelation of their history coming either! There were definitely some surprises in this book. So the Mistress gives this book, Suburbilicious four out of five lipstick tubes!



I would have given five tubes, but the wise guy Eric left the Mistress hanging again with what looks like the set up for another installment! Curses! Ah, well, I guess I can wait- it will be worth it. So again, I urge one and all to go to Eric's blog, Daventry Blue to order this book and his others, and while your there leave him some comments! He's a real swell guy! Tootles!

Slight Details and Random Events

A few weeks ago I received three other Eric Arvin books in the mail from the cutie himself. I enjoyed reading Subsurdity so much I ordered Slight Details and Random Events and Kidd Christmas meets Snow Globes. Eric even threw in there The Blackbeard Legacy for some extra reading. Well, the Mistress took the books on vacation two weeks ago when she went, and I'm happy to report two EXCELLENT reads! Slight Details & Random Events is a collection of short stories. Eric covers everything from college boy love, to mystical river sprites, to deep tragedy ,to some hot hunky sex comedy. My personal favorites were Honeysuckle Sycamore, the Painting, the whole Gordy series, and the Camera Phone scared the be-jesus out of me! The story Prometheus was also very hot and entertaining. What a brilliant book of short stories. I really like the way Eric writes and truly love his work. This was my first book of short stories I have read, but it almost feels novel, since many stories inter connect and there is a bit of every genre in their. From fantasy, some hot moments like the Gordy series, and some romance in the short stories of Cat and Gael. From the moment I started to read them I was hooked and I can now see where Eric's other works come from. I can't wait to see what he does next! Now Kidd Christmas Meets Snow Globes is a fun, sexy, and I'll say it, horny read! I was getting some tickles in my unmentionables! It is a cute animated read with some excellent illustrations!



See what I mean. This is the picture where the Kidd is trapped in a ice room of the evil Snow Globes. Why is the Mistress never trapped in a room in the winter with ice dildos? So if you like to read, Eric is a wonderful author and he even personally signed my books! How nice is that! Now go to Eric's wonderful blog,Daventry Blue, where you can order them. Like now would be good, Tootles!

Eric Arvin's Subsurdity

I don't know if y'all remember, but a two weeks ago I did a post where I received Eric Arvin's book Subsurdity- Vignettes from Jasper Lane. I'm happy to report I finally got the book read. Every night I wanted to start to read it, something came up, but when I did start to read it, it was done in five days! And I'm happy to report I LOVED IT! Eric Arvin is a very talented and skillful writer who kept the story moving. I met the handsome devil through our blogs. Eric's blog, Daventry Blue is where we met in the blogosphere and I have been back pretty much daily. That is where I learned of him being a author. Eric is definitely an author to be on the lookout for. The story is full of talented writing, and it is witty, with lots of humor sprinkled throughout the story. It is highly entertaining, a light read and it will keep you reading. I haven't enjoyed a book so much since I read Last Summer by Michael Ford Thomas. Every night I meant to read a chapter or two, then I just couldn't put the book down! And I love that the set ups are not drawn out. The Mistress has a short attention span. Unless their are men present or flashy objects it's hard to hold my attention!

The story is roughly about a cul-du sac that seems to be perfect. The neighborhood centers around Melinda Gold,a young mother who desires a position in the neighborhood, and her son Patrick who may or may not be gay. Cassie Bloom, my favorite character, who is the grande dame of the neighborhood. Cassie ,along with her transsexual housemate Vera, have a secret of their own regarding Cassie's missing husband and son. Rick, who just moved into the cul-du-sac, falls for the ex-Army man, James. Terrence, Rick's best friend, has found out he has a son from a one night stand. Then the perfect couple, Steve and Sandy, who hit a rough patch when Steve loses his job, forces Steve to find a new job in the porn industry. What the neat thing is, is that all the stories interlock with each other. If you like reading, you must check it out. The Mistress has also found out you can now go to Eric's blog to purchase some other works he has written, which is where I'm heading later, as well we all should. The hunky author will even autograph the books for you. Thanks Eric for such a wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can't wait for the sequel already! Now the Mistress is tell'in y'all to head to Daventry Blue to make some purchases and say "Hi" to Eric!

On the Nightstand

It appears the Eric Arvin made his way onto the Mistress's nightstand!



About a week and a half ago I received one of two books I ordered by author Eric Arvin. I have only gotten to read two chapters and find the book highly entertaining already. Subsurdity- Vignettes from Jasper Lane is one of the books I ordered. I'll continue reading more tonight. Eric for y'all who don't know who he is, is a very talented author who resides in the same sleepy Indiana river town where he grew up. He has authored several books, all of which I hope to read. Eric also has a very successful blog Daventry Blue, which the Mistress tries to read everyday on her must read list. Eric has all kinds of interesting things to say, from personal stories, writing samples from some of his books, silly film list, artist spotlights and his Hot Shots of the day. You can also read his current interview with the Spotlight Web Digest Weekly. A very good interview. So over the weekend of course I went to Giovanni's Room.



Giovanni's Room derives it's name from James Baldwin's poignant novel from the 1950's
I think for many of us it was like a pilgrimage to go there to get gay reading materials. I never would have gone to a "big box" bookstore. And be judged? Hell no. So while in there with my friends I did name drop Eric's name four or five times while searching for one of his books. Ed, the older gentleman asked if he could be of assistance. I told him I heard of a talented writer by the name of Eric Arvin and was looking for his work. Ed searched the inventory but turned up nothing. Although they did have Eric in the computer inventory and could order any of the books I wanted and could have them in 3-5 days! I told him I am currently reading one of Eric's books and love his writing, and was interested in more of his books. They had a couple come through already and said maybe they should look into it further. What service. I told him he should also check out Eric's blog! Ed is always so friendly when your in their and is always so helpful. Giovanni's Room is now the oldest gay bookstore in the country now since Oscar Wilde closed it's doors. And the place isn't hidden down some ally either. It's out and proud in the Washington Square gayborhood of Philly. Giovanni's offers fiction and non-fiction works, history, social sciences and humanities in addition to "skin" rags,beefcake calendars and all kinds of rainbow gadgets. On a rainy day, I could spend hours, and have just browsing the shelves. And the feel of the place has a unique decor like a college library or college professors home library.







So maybe next time I go back the shelfves will be brimming with Eric Arvin novels! And besides I don't think you will find these books at a Barnes and Noble.