She pressed my legs open and slowly pushed into my body. I whimpered at the uncomfortable sensation of her hand and another contraction co-mingled in my body for a completely horrible experience. Withdrawing her hand she smiled, “Good girl. You’re almost there. About eight centimeters. Two more and you’ll be ready to push.”
I sighed, “I’m ready to push now.”
Dr. Nichols chuckled, “No Sicily you really aren’t. Unless you want to take the chance of the baby getting stuck and you ripping open.”
I grimaced, “Okay, I’ll wait.”
“Can I get you anything?” she asked.
“A shot of whiskey followed by an epidural chaser?” I asked grinning.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sizzling Sunday
with Eva Marquez
How did you make the decision to become a
writer?
I began formal writing when I was thirteen years old, encouraged
by my dedicated and driven middle school English teacher. At a young age, I
read the book ‘Flowers in the Attic’ by V.C. Andrews and it intrigued me to the
point of inspiration. It was not long before I began typing stories up on my
DOS-operated computer. Even in my early teens, I focused on writing about
female characters that found themselves in difficult situations and schemed to
find a way out. My short stories shed light on my fascination with conflict and
what lies beneath the surface, and people’s struggle in finding a resolution.
At sixteen I wrote my first full-length novel, which was truly the beginning of
my writing career.
Throughout the different stages
of formative education, I have been blessed by working with intriguing
teachers, professors and mentors who helped to shape my global perspectives. I
have also had the unique opportunity to travel the world, studying and
volunteering in challenging corners of the globe, which has nurtured and
contributed to my love of writing and storytelling. Although writing skills are
important, life experiences and my exposure to many different cultures has
allowed me to cultivate my literary work throughout the years. Writers are not
born, nor do they spring up overnight.
Who is your favorite author? Favorite book?
There are dozens of authors I admire, but two that have captivated me
with their work are Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Julia Alvarez. Ms. Adichie is
Nigerian-born and now living in London and I think I had an instant connection
with her work because I lived/worked in Nigeria for two years and was able to
really get to know the southern Nigerian culture and context because of my work
in the communities. Her first book, Purple Hibiscus, resonated with me because
of my experiences in Nigeria and her second book, Half of a Yellow Sun, was so
expertly written and wove four amazing human and social stories that I fell
absolutely in love with her prose and skill for telling complex stories. Ms.
Adichie writes about what she knows well, Nigeria and Nigerian culture, history
and society and because she does so, her books include incredibly sincere
stories. Julia Alvarez is a Dominican-American who writes primarily adult
fiction, although she has also written young YA fiction as well, which are
characterized by fantasy-type series. My favorite all-time book from Ms.
Alvarez is In the Time of the Butterflies, which is a uniquely narrated book
written in the perspective of four sisters growing up in the Dominican Republic
under the dictator ship of President Trujillo. It’s superbly narrated and the
story just tells itself effortlessly, it seems. Another book I very much
enjoyed was How the García Girls lost their Accent, which is a story about
Dominican immigrants to New York and their journey into mainstream American
life. What these two authors have in common is that they are strong, confident
and experienced women writing fiction about their natal lands, writing about
their contexts and weaving extraordinary stories of strength and love in times
of adversity.
Where do you get the inspiration for your
stories?
I grew up as an immigrant in a
lower-to-middle class Southern California suburb. So I tapped into that
experience in ‘Sweetest Taboo’, which chronicles the love affair between a
young Hispanic schoolgirl and her much older, married teacher. I drew from my
experiences growing up to develop several plot ideas. Romantic experiences are
universal. Provocative, illicit and risqué contexts do not take away from the
experience of love, and that’s what this debut book sets out to communicate.
I was also intrigued by the
news of one of my former teachers being convicted of [sexual] misconduct with a
minor. Since I can remember, I have always been fascinated by similar stories
making the news, but like many people, wondered about how these relationships
originate and how they flourish under the radar. In Sweetest Taboo, I got to
unravel one of these clandestine relationships, one exciting page at a time.
While writing Sweetest Taboo, I had
the opportunity to explore a subject with much social and psychological
significance. To delve deep into romantic encounters among unlikely partners
and develop an honest but page-turning story has been rewarding. I am
fascinated by the complexities of society, and the often-difficult choices
presented to individuals, particularly women. Sweetest Taboo exposes
the inner dialogue and emotional strategies pursued by those making difficult
decisions, and it exposes the mechanisms of manipulation that become useful to
characters in getting what they want, regardless of the outcome. What excites
me most as a writer, and storyteller, is unearthing the drama that we rarely
see, the drama that lurks beneath the surface.
Do your characters come first or the does the
plot come first?
My inspiration for ‘Sweetest Taboo’ came in spurts, but those
spurts were carefully jotted down in a notebook as chapter titles and brief
descriptions of what I wanted to include in each chapter. Plots, characters and
timelines were all carefully plotted which made the writing process flow.
Because of the comprehensive outline, I was able to develop each chapter at one
sitting. However, as I wrote I also became somewhat of a panster, weaving new
plots, characters and climaxes into each chapter. In essence, my writing
process can be described as highly organized and plotted, with room for
creative ‘interventions’ when the inspiration hits.
Have you ever fallen in lust… I mean love with
one of your characters?
I have to be completely honest and say, not really. The reason is
because I ‘design’ my characters so I know their strengths, weaknesses, trials
and tribulations. For me, ‘lusting’ after a character happens most when I read
other writer’s work rather than when I write and read my own work. For example,
I can’t help but lust after Travis Maddox in Beautiful Disaster because that
character was written in a way that captivates the female reader, in one way or
another. However, had I been the creator of that character, I likely would be
very aware of his flaws, issues, misgivings, etc. and would feel so close to
him as a creator (perhaps like a parent?) that I don’t think I would lust after
him.
When it comes to your sultry sex scenes –
where do your ideas come from?
Some of the best books I have
read, and those I have enjoyed the most, are fiction BUT they delve into
controversial topics (i.e. arranged marriages, under-age ‘selling’ of girls,
sex work, homosexuality, child abuse, etc.). Perhaps I am most intrigued by controversial
topics because of the controversy around them and the strong opinions that we
see in the news, on television and on social media outlets. For instance, this
whole ‘Chick Fil-A’ issue and homosexuality is very intriguing because people
have strong opinions about it. What I enjoy the most, is understanding more
about the social act that is considered ‘controversial’ and understanding it as
a cultural or human condition or learning why that ‘act’ exists in our society,
or how it unfolds. That is exactly what I tried to do with ‘Sweetest Taboo’. I
wanted to delve deeply into a controversial topic we have seen on the news
quite a bit and that hit close to home in my high school (years after I
graduated) and unearth just how these relationships can develop, how they can
blossom into something beautiful in the face of such opposition and scrutiny.
In ‘Sweetest Taboo’, I made every attempt to present the perspective of a young
teen completely ‘in crush’ with her coach and develop that relationship as I sincerely
believed it had the potential to unfold.
Have you ever been turned on by something
you’ve written?
Again, I hate to sound clinical
about my writing but when I create and write, I write with much passion and
inspiration for the stories unfolding and not with an actual ‘experience’ of
the story. What does that mean? Well, I write with a concept in mind and it’s
more of an intellectual and creative process than a process of discovery. My
intellectual process is a bit divorced from my physical feelings, but not my
emotional ones. I’m very emotional close to my story, but not physically close
so I’ve never experienced being turned on by my own writing. But, I have
enjoyed intimate scene I have created and written and although the intention is
not first and foremost for the reader to be turned on, there is an implicit
intention for the reader to enjoy the intimate scene and to be able to
live/experience it.
If you had the opportunity for a one nightstand with one of your
characters who would it be and why?
My debut novel, Sweetest Taboo,
only has several male characters of interest and if I had to pick one to have a
one night stand with, I would definitely choose Tom Stevens. Sounds a bit
twisted perhaps, since many readers may perceive him as the ‘bad guy’ who
engaged in an illicit physical relationship with an under-aged student. But
hear me out! His physical characteristics are those I find quite appealing, as
well as his age and maturity. I also feel a connection with Tom Stevens because
he’s the underdog in the story and in one way or another, I want him to come
out on top and be perceived for the good and caring human being he really is.
Tom Stevens really went out on a limb to be with Isabel. He’s a man driven by
the heart, a passionate man, and a man that went after what he wanted in spite
of society’s scrutiny. For those reasons, I find Tom Stevens rather intriguing
and I would likely fall under his spell if I were to meet him.
Tell us about your current novel.
Isabel Cruz was fifteen years
old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they – and sometimes reckless –
fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told
her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous
relationship. Readers can join Isabel as she makes her way through this dark
love story, hiding from teachers, lying to her parents, and defying the
authorities to make a life with the man she loves. Watch as she discovers the
wonders of love and romance, and the terrible betrayal of jealous friends. And
cry with her when she learns the hard truth about life and the people in her
world. Sweetest Taboo is inspired by the true and tragic stories of students
who fall in love with their teachers, and live with the hard truths of
forbidden romances. In a world full of after-school specials on sexual
predators, this touching book seeks a different path, casting both student and
teacher in a gentle light, and showing that true love may lie at the base of
even the most illicit romance
Is it a standalone story or part of a series? If it’s a series
what can we expect in the next chapter?
Although I did not intend on ‘Sweetest Taboo’ being part of a
series or trilogy, I decided that my next literary project would embark upon
the story before the story, so to speak. Readers really want to know what
Isabel was thinking when she became intimate with her school coach, they want
to know how she could have gotten herself into such a mess, a mess that involved
the authorities and potential prison time for Mr. Stevens, the man she loved
most. So what I am doing is writing the prequel to ‘Sweetest Taboo’ that
explores Isabel’s childhood and early adolescence as an immigrant in a Los
Angeles suburb. Readers can expect complex and somewhat disturbing revelations,
some violence, and definitely some tears. Then of course, there will be a
sequel to ‘Sweetest Taboo’, where readers will learn about Isabel and Tom’s
journey and what their relationship had in store for them. The stories I weave
will always include trials and tribulations, but they will also include
redemption and hope.
Book Synopsis
Isabel
Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they
started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she
turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an
ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school
sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a
relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school
career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she
met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless –
fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told
her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous
relationship.
.
Join Isabel as she makes her way
through this dark love story, hiding from teachers, lying to her parents, and
defying the authorities to make a life with the man she loves. Watch as she
discovers the wonders of love and romance, and the terrible betrayal of jealous
friends. And cry with her when she learns the hard truth about life and the
people in her world. Sweetest Taboo is inspired by the true and tragic stories
of students who fall in love with their teachers, and live with the hard truths
of forbidden romances. In a world full of after-school specials on sexual
predators, this touching book seeks a different path, casting both student and
teacher in a gentle light, and showing that true love may lie at the base of
even the most illicit romance.
Author bio
Born in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her
life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her
parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After
graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in
International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International
Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global
health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides
in Southern Africa.
Links
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
FREE Download
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Sunday, October 14, 2012
Sizzling Sunday
with Alexandra Weis
1. How did you make the decision to become a writer?
I don’t think I had a choice really. It was something I started to do at the age of eight. Putting words on paper that imparted the emotion I was feeling at the time just seemed like something natural to me. I began with poetry, moved on to short stories, but because of my career demands in nursing did not write my first novel until I was in my thirties.
2. Who is your favorite author? Favorite book?
My favorite author is Ian Fleming. I know it’s weird, but I really loved his character development of James Bond. The books are a whole lot better than the movies and as a writer I learned a great deal about what makes a character memorable.
3. Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?
I wish I knew. Ideas pop into my head and I cannot rest until they are on paper. I think a writer is nothing more than a super-computer in a way. We put together all of our experiences, people we have met, and surroundings, and turn them into a story. I see many people I know or have known come through in my characters. Sometimes you surprise yourself as a writer.
4. Do your characters come first or the does the plot come first?’
Characters come as I write them and many times so does the plot. I have an idea for or story or see the end, but never the whole book. Honestly, as I write the story develops.
5. Have you ever fallen in lust… I mean love with one of your characters?
Of course! Most of them, if not, all of them. I write people I would love to know, good or bad. I think that is the gift a writer has; we can create people. I always hope that heaven is a place where I finally get to meet all of the characters I have written. Imagine the fun I will have!
6. When it comes to your sultry sex scenes – where do your ideas come from?
I get asked this question a great deal by friends. They look at my husband of twenty years in a whole new way after they finish one of my books. But knowing how a character moves, talks or has sex is part of who they are. I attribute the sultry sex in my books to my active imagination.
7. Have you ever been turned on by something you’ve written?
If your story doesn’t turn you on, then you are doing something wrong. If you can’t get turned on, then your reader won’t be interested. I write from my gut, if I don’t feel it, I start over. You have got to feel what you write; otherwise it just doesn’t work.
8. If you had the opportunity for a one-night stand with one of your characters who would it be and why?
Wow! I think it would have to be Dallas August from Recovery, Sacrifice and The Secret Brokers. He has got it all. He is smart, sexy, has a great heart with vulnerabilities that make him appealing, and yet he can be strong and resilient when needed. Plus, he is a great cook, and when doesn’t a man in the kitchen turn a woman on. Of all my characters, he is the one I would most likely want to be with.
9. Tell us about your current novel.
Diary of a One-Night Stand is about Kara Barton’s life after she has a one-night stand in a hotel room with a business associate, the sexy Scott Ellsworth. Raised by a single mother who taught her to use men to take care of her, Kara has fought her past all of her life. She went to law school, married a great guy, and had a child. But in her forties, she is beginning to feel like her youth is slipping away and because of her stale marriage she longs for one more night of lust. However after the tryst, her life becomes very complicated when Scott wants more, and so does Kara. After a violent argument with her husband, she takes her daughter and moves in with Scott, but the security she felt when she was married is missing, and despite their fairly-tale existence, she has doubts about Scott’s fidelity. It is really a story about wanting for something better, but finding out in the end that what you wanted was there all along.
10. Is it a stand-alone story or part of a series? If it’s a series what can we expect in the next chapter?
This is a stand-alone novel. I have done a series in the past with the character of Nicci Beauvoir in To My Senses, Recovery and Sacrifice. The other current series I have involves the Dallas August character and begins with the novel The Secret Brokers. I like to break out and intermingle a stand-alone book with my series work. It gives me a brain break and I feel helps my writing by starting something fresh with new characters.
11. What can we expect from you in the future? Any new books in the works?
My next novel hits later this year. Called, Acadian Waltz it is a romance filled with Cajuns from the bayous of Louisiana. The main character, Nora Kehoe is feeling pressured by her overbearing mother to settle down. Then a passionate encounter with a childhood friend changes everything. The charismatic Jean Marc Gaspard manages the family business, Gaspard Fisheries. But rumors abound that Jean Marc is running more than seafood through the waters around Manchac Louisiana. Soon Nora is thrown headlong into the dangerous world of smugglers and swindlers.
In 2013 I have my first paranormal romance coming out. The Satyr’s Curse incorporates a great deal of New Orleans voodoo into a story about a man turned into a mythological creature, and doomed to roam the earth until he finds the woman who can free him of his curse. Filled with sex, murder, magic, and a whole lot of good New Orleans food.
My Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alexandrea+weis&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalexandrea+weis&ajr=0
My website: http://www.alexandreaweis.com/index.html
.
FB:http://www.facebook.com/pages/To-My-Senses/113609858681394
Twitter:
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/alexandreaweis
www.amazon.com
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Blurb: Resilient and practical, Kara Barton has continually strived to live a respectable life. She went to college, embarked on a promising career as an attorney, married a great guy, and always appeared to be the perfect wife and mother. But all is not what it seems, and the troubling past Kara has been running from her entire life is about to catch up with her. Urged on by her insecurities about growing older, and desperately wanting to feel one more night of passion, Kara agrees to share a tryst in a hotel room with a sexy business associate, Scott Ellsworth. But Scott wants more than one night together, and Kara quickly discovers it is impossible to resist him. Soon Kara finds herself transformed into the kind of woman she vowed never to become, and the secure world she has struggled all her life to build begins to fall apart. Kara Barton is about to find out how a one-night stand can change everything.
Friday, October 12, 2012
A Halloween Treat!
It was a
drenching, beastly night. Thunder and lightning tore the skies apart to the
steady hum of the windshield wipers while Gaby and Raina listened to the eerie
sound of Monster Mash ringing through the car speakers.
It was Halloween night and the women
were on their way to a costume party that Gaby’s brilliant boyfriend decided to
hold in an old abandoned house on Hanover Street. Gaby had decided to dress up
as a dead bride. The gown she purchased from the thrift store was perfect
especially once she ripped it in several locations and poured fake blood down
the front of the dress. Even the veil was shredded and dirty.
Shifting one of the vents to blow
heated air directly on her, Gaby rubbed her arms and shivered, “Raina, I think
we should turn around and go home. I’m not having a very good feeling about
tonight.”
Raina laughed, “Don’t be overly
dramatic Gaby. I’m sure it’s just the weather creeping you out.”
Gaby crossed her arms and huffed,
“I’m not being overly dramatic. I’m attempting to follow my gut instinct which
has kept me out of trouble more times than I can count.”
Raina reached over and patted her
leg, “C’mon Gaby, chances are you’re just freaking out because the weather
sucks, it’s Halloween and the party of the year is being held in the old dilapidated
colonial up on Hanover. I promise tonight will be a blast!”
They drove on in silence until they
reached the house. Raina was almost positive that in its day the house was
gorgeous but now it was run down and looked exactly like that one house that no
one wanted to go into because they just knew it was haunted. The front yard was
covered in fog and packed full of cars. Several of the windows on the first
floor of the house were flickering with the soft glow of candlelight. Raina
glanced up at the second floor of the house and caught a glimpse of a ghostly
image in a window that immediately faded away. She grinned, “Man, they went all
out for this party tonight. C’mon Gaby, let’s make a mad dash for the door!”
Gaby and Raina jumped out of the car
and ran as fast they could to the front door of the house. Their only hope was
that the rain wouldn’t wash away the makeup they spent hours trying to perfect.
As they neared the door, it opened and the women were greeted by a sexy
vampire, “Good evening ladies and welcome to my party.”
Gaby giggled, “Hi Josh. Thanks for
inviting us.”
Josh wrapped an arm around Gaby’s
neck and kissed her on the cheek, “May I have this dance? And perhaps a little
sip of your blood?”
Gaby laughed, “The dance you can
have, the blood will have to wait.”
Raina watched as Gaby and Josh
disappeared into the throng of gyrating ghouls, witches, zombies, vampires,
pirates, ghosts and anything else this lively bunch decided to wear as a
costume. They had been dating for the better part of a year and were almost
inseparable.
Deciding she needed to finish
putting her costume on, Raina made her way through the crowd of partiers
looking for the bathroom. She began walking down a hallway as a door on her
left opened and a couple walked out. She looked at them and asked, “Bathroom?”
The guy, who was dressed like a
1920’s gangster, held up a lantern and said, “Right in there.”
“And the lantern?” she asked raising
her brows in question.
He shrugged, “No electricity.” Raina
nodded her understanding.
Accepting the lantern, Raina walked
into the bathroom and turned the flame up as high as it would go so she could
see herself in the dirty mirror. She had decided to dress as a gothic fairy for
the party. She wore a black corseted dress that laced up the front and rather
than displaying her naturally red hair, she opted for a white wig. The wings
she was trying to clip on her back were made of black sheer material that had
white airbrushed tips and silver glitter all over them. While she struggled
with the wings she never heard the man enter behind her, “Can I be of some
assistance?”
Raina nearly jumped out of her own
skin as she spun and slapped her hand to her chest trying to keep her heart
from beating right out of it. “You scared the begeesus out of me,” she
breathed.
The man grinned, “My apologies. That
was not my intention. I simply wanted to offer you some assistance with your
wings since you seem to be having a bit of trouble.”
Raina smiled, “Well, thanks. I’d
appreciate that.” She spun back around to face the mirror after the man picked
up the wings that she had dropped on the floor when he scared her. After
securing her wings he said, “You look great.”
“Thank you,” Raina replied turning
to face him. “I’m Raina.”
“Brandon,” he replied.
Raina frowned, “I knew someone named
Brandon once.” She sighed, “I miss him.”
“You miss him? What happened to
him?” he asked.
Raina nodded sadly, “He was my
boyfriend. He died a year ago.”
Brandon frowned, “I’m sorry for your
loss. Did you love him?”
“With everything that I am,” she
replied.
Wanting to change the subject, Raina
glanced down at his outfit. He wore a pair of black slacks, a white collarless
shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a dealers vest. His long brown
shoulder length hair and been pulled back in to a pony tail at the nape of his
neck and tied with a black silk ribbon. He face was covered by a black mask. She
smiled, “I love your outfit. It’s very 1800’s meets Zorro.”
He chuckled, “Thank you.”
He held out his arm to her, “May I
escort you back to the party? Or perhaps I could interest you in a leisurely
walk around the house? I’d offer a garden stroll but the weather is making that
impossible.”
Raina giggled, “Such a gentleman.
You really are playing the part tonight aren’t you? Well, Brandon, I’d be
honored to walk with you.” Raina wrapped her hand around Brandon’s arm and they
began their stroll through the house.
As they strolled through the various
hallways, Raina couldn’t stifle the shiver that ran up her spine. She began to
feel like something bad was about to happen but wasn’t sure what it could
possibly be. Deciding it was just her overactive imagination, Raina brushed it
off to spending too much time listening to Gaby talk about her gift of prophecy
and walking through a truly creepy house.
Raina and Brandon walked around the
house while they talked of nothing important. They danced to a few songs and
when the rain finally stopped he escorted her outside to a balcony that
overlooked the rear gardens of the house.
Raina rested on the balcony railing
and watched as the clouds shifted in the night sky allowing the full moon to
peak out and shine down on the grounds making it look like tiny diamonds
decorated the foliage.
Brandon studied Raina’s profile. He
always thought of her as perfect. Smiling he said, “Do you have any idea how
beautiful you are?”
Raina smirked, “Laying it on kind of
thick there aren’t you Brandon?”
Brandon smiled, “I suppose you would
think so. Do you have any idea how I’ve longed to hold you in my arms again?”
Raina slowly turned to face the man
that she spent a majority of the night with as a terrifying fear gripped her
heart, “Excuse me?”
He stepped towards her reaching for
her as if to grab her, “I’ve missed you Raina.”
Stepping away from him, Raina
scowled, “Is this some kind of joke?”
Taking another step towards her,
Brandon reached up and pulled off his mask. Raina’s eyes widened in shock and
fear as she stumbled back away from him shaking her head, “No, it can’t be!”
Holding out her hands to ward him off, she continued moving backwards until she
finally tripped on her gown and began to fall backwards and into the balcony
railing that literally disintegrated when she hit it allowing her to tumble
over the edge.
“RAINA!!”
Brandon yelled as he flew across the balcony attempting to reach her before she
fell.
Raina stared up at Brandon as she
continued her slow motion descent to the ground below and only when she hit the
mud covered ground did she finally lose sight of him.
Brandon rushed down the stairs to
Raina’s side and cradled her head in his lap, “Raina, are you alright
sweetheart?”
Raina frowned while she tried to
clear the cobwebs from her head. I must be dreaming, she thought, because only in my dreams would Brandon be
real. Ever so slowly she opened her eyes and stared into the honey gold
beauty of his eyes. As realization set in, tears began to fall from her eyes.
She reached up wrapping her arms around his neck, “I’ve missed you so much baby!
I thought you were gone forever.”
Brandon smiled as he wrapped his
arms around her, “I’ve missed you too sweetheart. And no, I wasn’t gone forever
only temporarily. Are you up for a stroll through the gardens?”
Raina hesitated briefly mentally
checking for any broken bones, when she felt none she said, “Sure.”
Brandon wrapped his arm around Raina
helping her up then guided her into the gardens. Raina was surprised to see how
well the gardens looked considering the house had been empty for years. He directed
her to a stone bench where they sat with their fingers entwined together. Brandon
cupped Raina’s chin and turned her to face him. He kissed her softly on the
lips and whispered, “I love you Raina.”
Raina smiled, “I love you too.”
Brandon tucked Raina into his side
and kissed her deeply. Rising to his feet Brandon held out his hand to Raina
which she immediately accepted and began leading Raina back to the house as the
pink light of day colored the horizon. Raina gasped as she looked at the
gorgeous colonial standing in front of her, “I don’t remember the house looking
this amazing.”
Brandon
grinned, “You like it?”
Raina
smiled, “I love it.”
Brandon
squeezed her hand, “Then I’m flattered.”
Raina looked
at Brandon in surprise, “The house is yours? I had no idea.”
Brandon turned fully to face Raina.
He cupped her face and kissed her passionately stealing her breath from her
chest, “Stay here with me Raina.”
Raina grinned, “Always.”
***
Gaby stood next to Josh clutching
his hand as if he were the only thing left in the world that would keep her
sane. The tears rolled freely down her face and no matter how much she brushed
them away they just kept coming back. When a quiet sob broke free, Josh
released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top
of her blonde head, “It’s okay Gaby.”
Gaby shook her head, “It’s never
going to be okay Josh. I knew going to your party was a bad idea and yet I did
nothing to stop her – us - from going.”
Josh sighed, “Raina’s a big girl and
you better than anyone should know when she wants to do something she’s going
to do it. Besides her fall was a complete accident. There was nothing you could
have done to save her Gaby.”
Gaby sighed and leaned into Josh, “I
know. I just miss her so much.”
Josh hugged her, “I know baby. I
miss them both but at least there together for ever now.”
Gaby leaned down and placed a single
white rose on the ground. She kissed the tips of her own fingers and touched
the cold hard marble stone that read…
Brandon Summers Raina Hammond
1985-2011 1985-2012
May you find
happiness
in each
other’s arms for eternity.
Happy Halloween,
Charlie Daye
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Sizzling Sunday
with Monique Rockliffe
1. How
did you make the decision to become a writer?
I believe the talent was always within me. I’ve always been
an excellent storyteller since I was old enough to read, and even when dancing
became my top priority I was always very good at doing demi-character solos –
dances that require storytelling through mime. With dance you use your facial
expressions and body language to convey the story whereas writing requires the
art of using words. Two completely different but equally powerful art forms!
2. Who
is your favorite author? Favorite book?
This is always such a tough question because I have so many I
like. In the Fantasy genre I’d say my favourite storyteller is Terry Brooks,
and in the Horror/Supernatural genre it has to be Stephen King. Both these men
have amazing imaginations, and although their styles are quite different they
each bring such inspiring, imaginative, unusual, and, in the case of King, such
‘out there’ ideas to the page. I love that in any story, and I aspire to be as
good as them.
My favourite book, if I had to pick only one, is by another
of my favourite Fantasy authors, Raymond E. Feist. It’s Magician, and
the two that complete the trilogy – Silverthorn
and A Darkness at Sethanon. I believe Magician was instrumental
in taking my imagination to new heights and pushing the boundaries of my ideas
about story, characters, and style. It also strongly influenced my decision to
start writing seriously when my dance career ended.
3. Where
do you get the inspiration for your stories?
Well, my current project is a four-part Epic Fantasy series
that had its birth in my love for Star Wars. I first saw Star Wars when I was
eight years old, when my love for reading and storytelling was already firmly
established in my heart. This movie opened up my mind and stirred my
imagination to begin making up my own stories. I was amazed by the imaginations
of others to create such brilliance like Star Wars and other Sci-Fi/Fantasy
films I saw at that time, and I wanted to be able to do it, too! In short, my
natural creative ability started recreating Star Wars into my own characters
and my own worlds and galaxies! It was thrilling, and that’s where my Sword
Bearers series was born.
As for the rest of my stories (most already outlined and
waiting for me to turn them into books), they get their inspiration from other
books, movies, poems, and, quite often art – especially fantasy art. I usually
focus on the feel of a story, movie etc, and then create my own stories,
characters, and unique situations and worlds. I make sure I steer away from
stereotypes and constantly push the boundaries of my imagination! The birth of
a new story is always the most exciting part for me!
4. Do
your characters come first or the does the plot come first?’
Usually the characters, although as they come into existence
then usually the story does, too. It kinda ‘folds’ around the characters and
they end up creating their world/s. I know it sounds bizarre J but it’s true!!
5. Have
you ever fallen in lust… I mean love with one of your characters?
Oh, absolutely! When, as a woman, you have the opportunity to
create the perfect man then you can bet you’ll fall in lust . . . er, in
love with him!! Yup, two of my male characters are extremely hot – in looks
and in personality. Strong, gentle, kind, powerful, compassionate, sexy warriors
. . . ah, yes, sooo in love!! J
6. When
it comes to your sultry sex scenes – where do your ideas come from?
Well, as a Fantasy author I don’t get too sexy in my intimate
scenes, but I write them in such a way as to allow the reader to use their
imagination. My main character, KC, comes from a place of deep sadness and
loss, so when she meets her mate and their relationship slowly blooms into
passion, and they finally come together, it is physically very powerful and
emotionally charged because he helps her escape her pain and brings her the
comfort, love, and passion and compassion she’s so hungry for.
I don’t necessarily get my ideas from anywhere – I simply
allow the characters and the story to create the perfect love scenes.
7. Have
you ever been turned on by something you’ve written?
Oh, yeah! Relating to my previous answers, those scenes of
ecstasy, and the love of a man who gives all of himself to his ‘heart-love’
(what KC and her mate, Ren, call each other), then I can’t help but be turned
on! *blushing*
8. If
you had the opportunity for a one night stand with one of your characters who
would it be and why?
Later in the series, in Book 3: The Sword Bearer’s Awakening,
the reader meets First General Devad Tanesin in earnest (a character who was
only mentioned in passing in the second book), a man who has suffered great
loss in wartime and in his personal life. Because of his job, he can be hard
and demanding and appears harsh, but as it turns out he has a heart filled with
love and kindness and he’s desperate for love and to share his love with
someone. He is secretly in love with KC (sorry, can’t give too much away J ). He’s a skilled soldier with great authority, and he’s
very, very sexy in every way – an erotica novel’s perfect poster boy! *giggles*
Now, who wouldn’t want to be with the strong, silent, intense (in a good way)
type? Aren’t they the ones with the most passion to give??? He’s definitely my
choice for a one night stand!
9. Tell
us about your current novel.
Book 2: The Sword Bearer’s Journey, came out in January 2012, and continues the story from KC’s
home-world, Theras, into the far reaches of space where she faces new
challenges and dangers and sees other worlds and meets alien races she only
ever dreamed about. She is still pursued by the arch demon, Drakoor s’et,
because as the mighty Sword Bearer she possesses the most powerful weapon in
existence – the Sword of Heaven – a weapon that can destroy entire worlds. The
demon, filled with a great rage and a burning lust for vengeance, wants the
Sword to destroy the Universe and all mortal-kind who he hates above all else.
KC has to learn to accept who she is and accept the burden
that was forced on her in the beginning of Book 1: The Sword Bearers,
when her mother, the Cai’rin (queen) is killed by the demon. It’s a tough life,
and she learns to cope with it in her unique way. She is a natural warrior, but
struggles to accept her birthright.
In her journey she experiences great love and great loss,
passion, excitement, joy, and unexpected adventures! And all the while she
works with her family to stay hidden from the arch demon and prepare for the
Final Battle, the battle that will either see the demon destroyed or KC – and
if she fails then the Universe will be dust!
10. Is it
a stand alone story or part of a series? If it’s a series what can we expect in
the next chapter?
As you know by now this is a series. In Book 3: The Sword
Bearer’s Awakening, KC struggles to accept what has happened to her, and
through her grief has to learn to rebuild her self-esteem and go on with life.
This includes continuing her training with the Sword to face the demon.
The galactic war escalates, and Drakoor s’et is
systematically destroying N’varda, the galaxy where the main story takes place.
He continues to relentlessly search for the Sword Bearer, frustrated that he
still has not managed to lure her into his many traps and obtain the Sword of
Heaven.
The tension builds as N’varda and KC prepare for the Final
Battle. But will she be ready, or will her mindless thirst for revenge destroy
all her hard work and that of her family and allies? Only love can save her –
but will it be enough?
11. What
can we expect from you in the future? Any new books in the works?
Book 3 is coming out before Christmas this year, and I’m
really excited about that! Book 4: The Sword Bearer’s Ascension,
is busy being written and will be available about mid 2013.
I also have a Sci-Fi short story ready for publication called
The Door. Although I’m publishing my Epic Fantasy series through a
publication house, The Door will go straight to Kindle, Nook, Smashwords, etc
quite soon. I’ll let everyone know as soon as it’s available!
‘The Sword Bearers’:
Synopsis for Book 1
Khyri never wanted to rule as queen or carry within her the
renowned Sword of Heaven.
But after centuries of peace, war has come to her planet,
Theras, and with it comes death and destruction. Against her will, and in a
desperate attempt to save all she holds dear, the Sword is forced upon her by
those she loved and trusted.
Betrayed and lonely, Khyri and her family flee across
Theras, and, hunting her in her dreams and in the waking world, Drakoor s’et,
an arch demon, seeks the Sword – and with it, her soul.
‘The Sword Bearer’s Journey’: Synopsis for Book
2
The arch demon, Drakoor s’et, is furious: the Sword Bearer
has escaped him again!
KC and her family flee to Verai, to her uncle, Korin
Beloruuis, the leader of the Alliance of Territories, the only opposition to
Drakoor’s massive forces.
Khyl desperately fights another battle – one of his
brother’s twisted mind – while serving beside him in disguise.
With all of N’varda at stake, KC uses her considerable
skills and talents to fight a war she hopes she can win, but the fury of the
demon is a nightmare she faces every time she closes her eyes to sleep. He
approaches!
Twitter: @monrockliffe
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