Finding Inspiration in Research: A Note from Sapphic Shelley Dear Readers, As an author, I often find myself immersed in the creative process, diving headfirst into writing, editing, and publishing my books. However, I've recently discovered that stepping away from the keyboard can sometimes lead to the most significant breakthroughs. Over the past few days, I took a break from my usual writing routine to research the latest trends in sapphic romance. I explored the dozens of books published in the past year that you, my wonderful readers, have been enjoying. It was enlightening to see what caught your attention and sparked your enthusiasm. I meticulously noted which books received the best reviews and which ones didn’t resonate as much. I looked at the length of these preferred stories, the general themes, and the characters that you loved. Were the romances fade-to-black or open-door? Understanding these elements has provided me with invaluable guidelines for my own writing. Going on reviews, most readers definitely preferred open door intimate scenes within the sapphic romance stories. This research was so insightful that I decided to delay the release of my next book by three days. I wanted to ensure that I could incorporate more of the scenes and elements you enjoy into my upcoming work. My goal is to create a reading experience that resonates with you and keeps you coming back for more! Moving forward, I’m committed to releasing two insta-love lesbian romance books each month, aiming for the 1st and the 15th as my release days. I’m also excited to announce that I plan to release a special Christmas story under my Sapphic Shelley name this year. Thank you for your continued support and for sharing your thoughts through reviews and feedback. Your insights inspire me to grow and improve with every book I write. Happy reading! With love, Sapphic Shelley Chasing My Dreams by Sapphic Shelley Sam's warm smile drew Mary in as she settled into the seat beside her. "Mary, it's been too long. Tell me, how have you been? I want to hear all about your adventures since high school." Mary's heart swelled at the genuine interest in Sam's voice. She took a deep breath, the words tumbling out. "It's been a whirlwind, honestly. Chasing my dreams, writing, trying to find my place in the world. But through it all, I never stopped thinking about Crescent Bay, about the people I left behind." Sam reached out, her hand resting gently on Mary's arm. "We never stopped thinking about you either. You were always a part of us, even when you were far away." As Mary shared stories of her triumphs and struggles, Sam listened intently, her eyes filled with understanding. The years melted away, and Mary felt the walls she had built around her heart begin to crumble. Across the table, Lily's vibrant laughter caught Mary's attention. She turned to find the artist's eyes sparkling with mischief. "Mary, I've been dying to ask you something. What inspires your writing? Where do you find the magic that brings your stories to life?" Mary's lips curved into a smile, the question igniting a passion within her. "It's the world around us, Lily. The beauty in the ordinary, the emotions that we all experience but sometimes struggle to express. Writing is my way of making sense of it all, of capturing those fleeting moments and preserving them on the page." Lily leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. "I feel the same way about art. It's like we're kindred spirits, you and I, always seeking to create something meaningful out of the chaos of life." As the two delved deeper into their shared love of the creative process, Mary felt a connection blossoming, an understanding that transcended words. Lily's enthusiasm was infectious, and Mary found herself swept up in the excitement of possibilities. Yet, even as she lost herself in the conversation, Mary couldn't shake the feeling of Becca's presence beside her, a constant source of comfort and strength. She glanced over, catching Becca's eyes, and the love she saw there took her breath away. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of old friends and the promise of new beginnings, Mary knew that she had finally found her way home. * * * Ethan leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with mischief as he observed the growing camaraderie between Becca and Mary. The allure of their reunion, the palpable connection that seemed to dance between them, was too tempting to resist. With a charming smile playing on his lips, he interjected, "Well, well, well. Look at you two, thick as thieves. It's like no time has passed at all." Becca turned to face him, a playful glint in her eyes. "Jealous, Ethan? Feeling left out?" She teased, her voice laced with a hint of challenge. Ethan chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Me? Never. I'm just admiring the view." His gaze lingered on Mary for a moment, appreciating the way the soft café lighting accentuated her features. "I must say, Mary, you've certainly grown up since high school. In all the right ways." Mary felt a blush creep up her neck, unsure how to respond to Ethan's bold flirtation. She glanced at Becca, seeking reassurance, and found a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. The tension between them was palpable, a history left unspoken. Ollie, ever the peacemaker, sensed the shifting dynamics and stepped in. "Now, now, Ethan. Let's not make our guest uncomfortable." He placed a gentle hand on Mary's shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. "Mary, we're all so happy to have you back. It's like a missing piece of the puzzle has finally fallen into place." Mary smiled gratefully at Ollie, his words wrapping around her like a warm embrace. She couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for this kind-hearted man who had always been there for her, even in her darkest moments. As the conversation flowed, Mary found herself caught between the pull of the past and the promise of the future. Ethan's presence, with his undeniable charm and the weight of their shared history, stirred up feelings she thought she had long buried. Yet, every time she looked at Becca, she felt a sense of belonging, a connection that ran deeper than mere nostalgia. The café buzzed with energy, the clinking of glasses and the laughter of patrons creating a soothing backdrop. Mary inhaled deeply, the rich aroma of coffee and the faint scent of Becca's perfume mingling in the air. She wanted to bottle this moment, to capture the feeling of being surrounded by people who cared for her, who saw her for who she truly was. As the evening wore on, Mary found herself drawn into the easy banter and shared memories. Ethan's initial reservations seemed to melt away, replaced by a genuine curiosity and a desire to reconnect. Ollie's gentle presence acted as a balm, soothing any lingering tensions and fostering a sense of unity among the group. And through it all, Becca remained by her side, a constant source of comfort and strength. Their hands brushed beneath the table, fingers intertwining in a silent promise. Mary's heart swelled with love and gratitude, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she had finally found her way back home. * * * The warm glow of the café lights cast a soft halo around Becca's face as she threw her head back in laughter, the sound melodic and infectious. Mary couldn't help but smile, her gaze lingering on the way Becca's eyes crinkled at the corners, the way her lips curved into a perfect crescent. In that moment, the years melted away, and Mary felt like she was seeing Becca for the first time all over again. "Do you remember," Lily began, her voice tinged with nostalgia, "that time we snuck out to the beach at midnight, just to see the stars?" Becca's eyes sparkled with mischief. "How could I forget? We nearly got caught by the police!" The group erupted into laughter, the memories of their shared adventures weaving them together like a tapestry of friendship. Mary leaned back in her chair, letting the warmth of their camaraderie wash over her. She had spent so long running from her past, from the person she used to be, but now, surrounded by the people who knew her best, she realized that perhaps she had been running towards something all along. As the conversation flowed, Mary found herself opening up, sharing pieces of her life that she had kept hidden for so long. She spoke of her struggles, her triumphs, and the lessons she had learned along the way. And with each word, she felt the weight of her secrets lifting, replaced by a sense of peace and belonging. "I'm so proud of you, Mary," Sam said softly, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "You've been through so much, but you never gave up on your dreams." Mary felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, overwhelmed by the love and support that surrounded her. She glanced at Becca, who was watching her with a tender expression, her green eyes shimmering with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you," Mary whispered, her words meant for Becca's ears alone. "You've always been my anchor, my guiding light." Becca's fingers tightened around hers, a silent promise of forever. In that moment, Mary knew that no matter what the future held, she had found her home, her sanctuary, in the arms of the woman she loved. As the night drew to a close, the group lingered, reluctant to say goodbye. They made plans for future gatherings, for new adventures and shared laughter. And as Mary walked out into the cool night air, her hand firmly clasped in Becca's, she felt a sense of peace settle over her, a certainty that she was exactly where she was meant to be. * * * The cool night air caressed Mary's skin as she stepped out of the café, hand in hand with Becca. The soft glow of the streetlights cast a warm, inviting ambiance, and the distant sound of laughter from a nearby bar added to the lively atmosphere. Mary inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of blooming jasmine that drifted on the gentle breeze. Becca turned to face her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, what do you say we take a little detour before heading home?" Her voice was low and alluring, sending a shiver down Mary's spine. Mary raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion. "What did you have in mind?" she asked, her own voice taking on a playful tone. Becca's lips curved into a seductive smile. "There's a secret spot I've been wanting to show you. It's not far from here, and I think you'll love it." Without waiting for a response, Becca tugged gently on Mary's hand, leading her down a narrow side street. The cobblestone path beneath their feet was worn and uneven, adding to the sense of adventure. Mary's heart raced with anticipation, the thrill of the unknown mingling with the excitement of being alone with Becca. As they walked, Mary's mind wandered to the events of the evening. The acceptance and support from Becca's friends had touched her deeply, filling a void she hadn't even realized existed. For the first time in years, she felt like she truly belonged, like she had found her place in the world. Becca's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "We're almost there," she whispered, her breath warm against Mary's ear. They rounded a corner, and Mary gasped in surprise. Before them lay a hidden garden, tucked away from the bustling streets. The air was heavy with the scent of roses and honeysuckle, and the soft trickle of a fountain could be heard in the distance. "Becca, this is beautiful," Mary breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. Becca smiled, pulling Mary closer. "Not as beautiful as you," she murmured, her gaze intense and filled with desire. Mary's breath caught in her throat as Becca's lips brushed against hers, soft and inviting. She melted into the kiss, her hands finding their way into Becca's hair, pulling her closer. The world around them faded away, and all that mattered was the feeling of Becca's body pressed against hers, the taste of her lips, the heat of her touch. When they finally pulled apart, both breathless and flushed, Mary rested her forehead against Becca's. "I love you," she whispered, the words falling from her lips like a sacred promise. Becca's eyes shone with emotion, a single tear sliding down her cheek. "I love you too, Mary. More than I ever thought possible." They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, lost in the magic of the night. And as the stars twinkled overhead, Mary knew that this was just the beginning of their story, a love that would stand the test of time and grow stronger with each passing day. While the love scenes in this blog are family friendly, sweet and cosy,
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Sapphic Fiction
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