Guest Author ~ SJ Drum

Hi Everyone! Please help me welcome my fellow Ellora's Cave Pricked author SJ Drum to the blog today!

In celebration of the launch of Ellora’s Cave’s new PRICKED line and my new release, SINFUL SOUTHERN INK, I’d like to share a bit about my experience with body art.

The ‘Pricked’ line is all about tattooed and pierced characters. I’ve personally spent a considerable amount of time in tattoo and piercing parlors across the United States and its outlying islands, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. Since I turned sixteen, I’ve been steadily accumulating body art, each piece decided upon for a different reason and initiated by a unique catalyst.

The heroine in SINFUL SOUTHERN INK, Abigail Hart, is a tattoo artist who explains in the first paragraph of the book, exactly why she chose the profession.  Here is a brief introduction to Abigail:

 Abigail Hart leaned over the man’s back, her implement jumping, vibrating in her hand as the needle pierced his tanned skin. She enjoyed this, the mostly irreversible quality of her work. This ability she had to leave a mark on humanity that wasn’t easily brushed aside like the marks of devotion, lust, love.

I’ve personally been tattooed after a spur of the moment decision to do so. I have tattoos that were contemplated and dreamed about and considered for years. I have one tattoo from college I have no recollection of receiving (Thanks, girls of Sigma Kappa Sorority!). Some have deep meaning, like the dual heart scarabs tattooed on the insides of both my wrists. Some are flippant and fun like the dragon fly on my shoulder blade with the words “Follow Me” written underneath.  My oldest tattoo has rested on my skin for twelve years and, though I have no true idea what the Kanji symbol means and the initials originally inked there have long since been covered-up, I have no regrets.

What about you? Do you have tattoos or piercings? What prompts you to make an appointment and sit through the pain of needle on (or through) skin?

Check out SINFUL SOUTHERN INK by S.J. Drum

Jed Weston is a tall, hard country boy with dangerous cowboy charm and piercings in all the right places. 

As Abigail’s partner in her tattoo and piercing shop, he’s kept things between them on a strictly professional level. Until Abigail’s violent past catches up with her and she seeks his comfort—comfort that leads to an intense emotional and sexual connection neither can ignore. 

Jed’s jealous ex-girlfriend, a nosy reporter, and a potential father-in-law on death row won’t keep him from the woman who makes him hard at the very sight of her. Nothing will keep Jed Weston from catching—and keeping—the woman he loves.

About the Author

Former zookeeper turned author S.J. Drum writes Urban Fantasy and Erotic Romance novels, each with a bit of Steampunk flair.

S.J. has a terribly expensive and utterly useless BA in Studio Arts with a minor in Psychology.

When she’s not changing diapers or writing, she enjoys scuba diving and has been known to make an elephant do a headstand.

You can find S.J. Drum on Twitter @AuthorSJDrum, at www.SJ-Drum.com, and Facebook at facebook.com/SupernaturallyChallenged