Saturday, January 31, 2015

Final WeWriWa from The Mechanic

It's time for another WeWriWa!


Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)


For January, we are going to explore The Mechanic. This is Linda's story in the Loving Her series.Linda. Her name means beautiful. Linda's life, though, is anything but beautiful. Independent, head strong and perhaps even a bit vindictive, Linda is both tough and vulnerable. Linda survives the unthinkable from both family and strangers alike. Linda is not one to be kept down. As long as she stays true to herself, she knows that her life will one day, indeed, be beautiful. Linda's incredibly powerful story is the third book in the Loving Her series.







Linda was floored by the sight before her. The front door of the shop was wide open. The windows had been smashed from the inside out. Tools and equipment were tossed around like a tornado had ripped through the shop. Linda’s desk had been flipped over. The cash register lay in pieces, and what was left of the drawer was devoid of any money. Graffiti was sprayed everywhere. The bay doors were folded like accordions.






Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

The Best of Pianissimo

Happy Thursday, troops!

Today, I wanted to do something a little different. I want to share some of my favorite sections, snippets, and lines with you. I would love to find out which lines are YOUR favorite! ;)

Corinne sat in the bare living room with the front door to the old house wide open. The screen door made a pitiful barrier between her and the raging thunderstorm outside. The light, sweet, crisp scent of rain tickled the back of her nostrils with each gust of wind. The rain was more than welcome, though. The humidity had finally died down and there was even a slight chill in the air. Drenched green leaves danced and twirled on just the other side of the door.
   Surrounding Corinne was a sea of boxes. Her whole life was contained in the plain brown parcels.
Pictures, memories, books, sentimental items: indeed, her entire existence was covered in bubble wrap and contained in the boxes she had clearly marked.

Corinne longed for the familiarity of Darryl’s scent; for his warm body hogging up the majority of the bed; for even his snore.

The backboard was missing, exposing the scrawny, naked strings and hammers.

The outside world was morphed and swirled around through the old leaded glass. Corinne stole an extra glance at the warped view as she vacuumed the cat hair off the area rug and then the couch. She smiled at the quirkiness of the old windows. Sweat raced down her face as she cleaned diligently despite the horrid hot, humid weather. After several minutes, she finally stopped the vacuum.
   As soon as the whirl of the motor died down, Corinne thought she heard something. She strained to hear it. After concentrating for a few silent moments, she could finally make out the faint sound of a woman crying.
   Why was there a woman crying? Was someone hurt? Did something happen? Corinne hoped whoever it was was alright.
   Panic stricken for the other person, Corinne ran through the house looking in every room, opening every door. What was going on? Who was that? There was no one in the house. She ran out through the back door to see if any of her neighbors were hurt. Not one sign of life. What in the world?   Something had to be happening.
   She could still hear the cries.
   Corinne walked briskly back into the house. As she came in, she felt drawn to the inside basement door.
   Corinne went to slide back the lock, but it was so hot, it singed her hand. Corinne immediately removed her hand from the door. She looked at her palm which was blazing red. She blew gently on it to try to ease the scorch. The crying was clearer now.
   Braving the lock once again, Corinne quickly undid the latch. She pushed the door open with all her
might. The darkness rose up the stairs like billowing clouds of smoke. There it was. The crying was clear and loud now. A woman wept down in dark, dank basement.
   “Hello?” Corinne’s voice trembled with fear. “Hello? Who are you? Are you ok? Do you need help?”
   Her voice echoed mildly down the stairs.
   The crying continued.
   “Who are you? Are you okay? Do you need help?” Corinne repeated herself.
   Still no response, only sobs.
   Corinne stood at the stop of the stairs, frozen with fear. The burn on her hand began to throb. She looked at her hand. Her palm was red and beginning to blister. Yet, there were no signs of fire. No smoke, there was no scent of anything burning, no crackling or visible flames. Was it possible the fire had only just begun? Why was the door so hot that she couldn’t touch it? If she were to go down there to help this woman, would she end up hurt herself? She was truly torn: unsure of whether to brave the basement stairs or tend to her hand.
   After a perceived eternity, the sobbing suddenly began to fade away. Just as when it began, Corinne found herself straining to hear this woman once again. Eventually, there was utter silence.
   Now paralyzed by both fear and confusion, Corinne stood in place and looked back at her hand. The blister was gone and her palm looked completely normal. No longer red, no longer painful. As if nothing had happened, life in the house was still and peaceful again.

Corinne stared down the piano.
   It pathetically stared back.
   She looked at the face of it. An instrument that was once solid, regal and beautiful was now merely a skeleton.

"Would you like to meet the one man who has captured my heart? My dearest friend since childhood?”
   Margaret was taken aback. “Most certainly,” she said with trepidation in her voice.
   “Come with me!” Agnes exclaimed. She grabbed Margaret’s hand and ran with her out of the house and down towards a barn that was a short distance from the back of the house.
   “You have a man living in your barn?” Margaret asked in between her deep breaths as she ran.
   Agnes laughed heartily.
   After a short jaunt, they reached the barn doors. With great enthusiasm, Agnes opened the doors.
   Margaret stood at the door way.
   “Go on!” Agnes encouraged her.
   Margaret took one cautious step in. “Hello?” She called. Her voice slightly echoed through the barn.
   She shrieked when a large chestnut horse head appeared out of one the stalls.
   Agnes walked in laughing. “Margaret, this is Chief.”
   Margaret was still breathing heavily from her shock.
   Smiling, Agnes grabbed her hand and walked her over to the majestic animal.
   “Chief, this is Margaret.”
   As if he understood, he softly nuzzled Margaret’s elbow with his nose.
   Margaret studied him, taking in the sight of what very well could have been the most beautiful horse she had ever seen.
   He was a rich chestnut color, with vibrant white patches. His mane was black, except for one patch of cream colored hair that rested above one small white spot on his neck. His eyes were big, deep, gentle brown eyes. He was tall and regal, just like Agnes. He had long white “stockings” on all four of his legs. His tail was also a mixture of black and cream hair.
   “He’s…gorgeous!” Margaret said softly.
   “I’m glad you like him.”
   Again, Chief lightly nudged Margaret’s arm.
   “And he clearly likes you!” Agnes chuckled.
   Margaret began to gently pet his face and nose. “What a remarkable creature!”
   Agnes beamed. “Thank you.”
   The women were quiet as Margaret continued to pet and admire Chief.
   Margaret turned her head slightly to look at Agnes. “Thank you for introducing me.” She said softly.
   “It was my pleasure.” Agnes’ face radiated with gladness and joy as she watched her new best friend with her childhood best friend connect.

Sunbeams weaved through the leaves of the trees as the sun began to greet the world.

Agnes stood proudly in the closet door frame holding up a pair of black trousers.
   “What…?”
   “They’re pants! These are my father’s trousers!” She looked down at them. “I can’t believe they’re here. I had no idea. I thought all of his belongings were long gone.”
   “What do you intend to do with them?”
   “Well I think I should wear them!”
   “What?” Margaret laughed.
   Agnes pulled the pants on under her dress.
   Margaret laughed hysterically. “Now that, my love, is quite the fashion!”
   “I agree. It is all the rage in Paris!”
   “I could only imagine.” Margaret chuckled.
   Agnes began walking around the room. “I must say, I do quite like this.”
   “You do?”
   “It would be better with just a blouse rather than this dress. This is comfortable, though.” She sat in the chair. She sat with her legs open and she leaned back in the chair. “So this is what it feels like to be a man! Oh this is so much better than having to act like a dreadful lady. You may sit anyway you choose. You may slouch. You need not worry about posture or appearing inappropriate. Oh this is wonderful! You should try it, Margaret. I think you shall enjoy this as much as I.”
   Margaret chuckled again. “I’m not quite so sure of that. I think I shall leave you to be the man. I am quite comfortable as I am.”
   Agnes quickly pulled the pants off, bundled them up and tossed them at Margaret. “Spoil sport!” She teased.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

More WeWriWa 8 Sentence Sunday from The Mechanic

It's time for another WeWriWa!


Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)


For January, we are going to explore The Mechanic. This is Linda's story in the Loving Her series.Linda. Her name means beautiful. Linda's life, though, is anything but beautiful. Independent, head strong and perhaps even a bit vindictive, Linda is both tough and vulnerable. Linda survives the unthinkable from both family and strangers alike. Linda is not one to be kept down. As long as she stays true to herself, she knows that her life will one day, indeed, be beautiful. Linda's incredibly powerful story is the third book in the Loving Her series.




Background on this snippet: Linda is outside smoking one evening. She looks up at the sky and is very contemplative.



The sky was a jet black blanket with the stars as little shining decorations. A three quarter moon sat like a full, round, content Buddha belly. The Philadelphia skyline was a lighted mountain range, poking the sky at various heights.
She exhaled her smoke and watched it swirl up into the night. Linda suddenly felt so small. The buildings around her stood at unfathomable heights. The sky was so much larger than the small portion she could see. The universe was so much greater than the few stars she saw.





Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Thursday, January 22, 2015

THANK YOU!!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for voting for Pianissimo.




For the third consecutive year, my work has won a spot in the Top Ten. Pianissimo came in 6th, and I am very grateful and excited. There is no way I could have done as well as I did without your help. Thank you is inadequate comparative to the gratitude I feel. I deeply appreciate it!




For anyone who has not yet checked out Pianissimo, I would like to share a couple of links, and even an excerpt for you.


First, here is the video.

Second, here are the first 4 chapters as a sample for you to read before you buy the book in its entirety.

Lastly, here are some buy links for you:

Amazon
Smashwords
All Romance Ebooks

And here's a little snippet to wet your appetite. ;)

As she peered around the corner, something green caught her eye. Slowly, the form took shape from
under the shadows. It was an old piano. A very old piano. As Corinne stepped closer, she read a large brass plate that still sat regally on the old instrument. R. S. Howard. It was an R. S. Howard upright piano. The backboard was missing, exposing the scrawny, naked strings and hammers. A few of the keys were permanently depressed. The piano’s original rich wood finish was hidden under an old coat of drab olive green paint.

Why on earth was there a piano in the basement? Who keeps a piano down there? It’s an unfinished
basement. It’s not like people would be entertaining company in this hole. It was so weird.

And why was it painted? Who would paint a piano? Especially such an ugly color. It looked stupid.

Corinne just shook her head in confusion.

As she stared at the old instrument, memories of her musical days came flooding back to her. She
remembered the years and years of piano lessons. She remembered all the recitals and concerts. She smiled reflecting back on all those great memories.

She walked over to it. She could only imagine the beautiful music that had once been played on the old piece. She softly touched it. A burst of a cold sensation struck her hand and raced up her arm. 

Corinne immediately dropper her hand. The cold feeling was gone.

She was struck by a burst of energy while she continued to stare at the piano.

“Hello?” A man’s voice echoed down the stairs.


I hope you liked it. Happy reading!


Saturday, January 17, 2015

This week's WeWriWa: more from The Mechanic!

It's time for another WeWriWa!


Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)


For January, we are going to explore The Mechanic. This is Linda's story in the Loving Her series.Linda. Her name means beautiful. Linda's life, though, is anything but beautiful. Independent, head strong and perhaps even a bit vindictive, Linda is both tough and vulnerable. Linda survives the unthinkable from both family and strangers alike. Linda is not one to be kept down. As long as she stays true to herself, she knows that her life will one day, indeed, be beautiful. Linda's incredibly powerful story is the third book in the Loving Her series.





Linda looked over her shoulder as she merged onto 76. The right lane was clear as she drove on. She just started to pick up speed when she was suddenly hit from behind. Her car lurched forward, throwing her into the steering wheel and then back again. She inhaled and exhaled deeply after a moment. She put on her hazard signals and limped her car to the shoulder.
“Get out of the way, you fucking dyke!” A well-dressed man in a luxury sedan shouted as he drove by.




Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Writers Helping Writers

Holy cow!

Another Thursday is upon us!


Today, I want to talk about a writer friend of mine.


In the writing community, you can either forge great friendships, or ruthless competitors. I'll admit that when I was younger, I was a bit of a writing snob. But, as I got older and wiser, I realized that there are so many talents and voices out there. There's plenty of room in the literary world for all of us.

One friendship that came up for me was with a children's book writer. I give such writers tremendous credit because children's books are far more difficult than writing for an adult audience.

So, I met this gal. I really liked her work. As time went on, I began to see she was having tremendous success. I was so happy to see that someone who was pursuing their passion was being greatly rewarded for that. She has been working diligently, and she deserves every bit of that success.






Our friendship has only gotten better over time. It is so nice to see (and be a part of) writers helping writers. So, in turn, I would like to ask all of you for your help to help her.

Her name is Ibby Lang. Her books are a series of children's books aimed to help young girls with their self-esteem, as well as giving out messages of respect, understanding, acceptance of other people, and the like.


PLEASE click here and support her tremendous work! Her stories and characters can and will have a beautiful effect on children globally. Let's all help her, so she can help our children.




Thank you!!!!

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Another WeWriWa from The Mechanic

It's time for another WeWriWa!


Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)


For January, we are going to explore The Mechanic. This is Linda's story in the Loving Her series.Linda. Her name means beautiful. Linda's life, though, is anything but beautiful. Independent, head strong and perhaps even a bit vindictive, Linda is both tough and vulnerable. Linda survives the unthinkable from both family and strangers alike. Linda is not one to be kept down. As long as she stays true to herself, she knows that her life will one day, indeed, be beautiful. Linda's incredibly powerful story is the third book in the Loving Her series.





Mike folded in at his waist and began shuffling backwards. Linda was slapping his arms as hard and as quickly as she could. After a few steps, she stopped; she pushed her knee up right into his groin. 
Mike doubled over in pain. He dropped to his knees, his back against the cafeteria wall.

A small crowd of kids circled around them, watching the school’s biggest bully get beat up by a girl.

Linda punched him repeatedly in the arms and stomach. As she heard the crowd grow and become more rowdy, she punched him once in his right eye, turned and walked away.





Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

The 2014 P & E and Team VHP

Hiya troops!

I may be beating a bit of a dead horse today. I want to talk about the P & E Poll...again. The polls close one week from today, so I really just want to explain the importance of it, not just for me, but for all of VHP.

As some of you may remember, Loving Her Volume 2 took 2nd place in its category last year. Does that make me hungry for the win? I'd be a liar if I said it didn't.

But there's so much more to it than just the win. 

Yes, I want to win. But, it's not just about the accolades for me. Oh sure, it's nice to have bragging rights. The thing is, I don't want to just win. I want to use the win.

Vanilla Heart Publishing and I have some big goals for Pianissimo. I really want to use this book as a means to create more social awareness and acceptance. In order to have a bigger impact, a broader readership is necessary. An award-winning book is more likely to gain more readers, and thus have a bigger positive social impact. That's why I'm asking for your help. Your votes will help me to reach others. I want to touch lives, open minds, and change hearts. With your help, we can do just that.
Together, we can make this world a better place. 

Please vote for Pianissimo here (please note that entries are listed in alphabetical order).



But I don't want you to vote just for me.

My publisher, and all of us VHP writers have been nominated. I would ask that you please help support all of us by voting. You may vote one time in each category. Here are all of the awards Team VHP has been nominated for:

*Angela Kay Austin: Rumer http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml

*Charmaine Gordon: the River's Edge Trio

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryr.shtml and Housebroken 
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml 

*Chelle Cordero: Holiday Happiness  
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryr.shtml

Can We Talk? http://www.critters.org/predpoll/nonfiction.shtml
Author Page http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml
Writer's Workshop Living, Breathing, Writing http://www.critters.org/predpoll/writerws.shtml
The Potpourri Parlor http://www.critters.org/predpoll/promotions.shtml
Within The Law Cover Art http://www.critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml

*Malcolm R. Campbell: Emily's Stories 
 http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelyoungadult.shtml and Jock Stewart and the Missing Sea of Fire http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelmys.shtml


*Neva Squires-Rodriguez: In Too Deep 

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml and In Too Deep Cover Art
 http://www.critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml

*Tamara Philip: The Trouble with Playing Cupid
 
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml


*Vanilla Heart Publishing: 
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/ebookpublisher.shtml



Saturday, January 3, 2015

2015 WeWriWa kicks off with The Mechanic!

It's time for another WeWriWa!


Click www.wewriwa.com for more information and to see other 8 Sentence Sunday posts.
This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight sentences from a published work or even a WIP (work in progress). Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! It's a great way to meet readers, writers, and your next favorite book!  :)


For January, we are going to explore The Mechanic. This is Linda's story in the Loving Her series.Linda. Her name means beautiful. Linda's life, though, is anything but beautiful. Independent, head strong and perhaps even a bit vindictive, Linda is both tough and vulnerable. Linda survives the unthinkable from both family and strangers alike. Linda is not one to be kept down. As long as she stays true to herself, she knows that her life will one day, indeed, be beautiful. Linda's incredibly powerful story is the third book in the Loving Her series.




Background: This is the beginning of the story. Linda and her brother, Jerry, are high school students. They are both taking classes on auto mechanics. They're outside working on a car together when their mother calls them in for dinner.
Linda has come out to Jerry, but not their parents. Like any good older brother, Jerry torments her about coming out.




“Thanks.” Linda said as she, too, uncurled.
“Kids, time for dinner!” Their mother called out from the back door.
“Coming!” Linda and Jerry called back in unison.
“So, are you gonna tell ‘em tonight?” Jerry asked.



Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!



I cannot believe it's 2015. It feels like 2014 just started! It is amazing how quickly time flies, isn't it?




So of course, I want to talk about the new year, hopes, dreams, goals, and the like. New Year's Day is a day of reflection and hope, so let's do just that.




In reflection, I am proud of what 2014 gave me. Taking 2nd place in the P & E Poll, having all 8 Loving Her stories revamped and re-published, and having Pianissimo come out.




There were certainly hard times, especially after breaking my back this summer, but overall, I think it was a good year.


Holding onto that excitement and joy, I look forward to 2015. The New Year promises some wonderful experiences as Pianissimo has been nominated for a Lambda Literary "Lammy" Award AND for the P & E Poll.

As an aside, I would love to place or even win the P & E this year. Please click here, scroll down and vote for Pianissimo. Thank you!!!

It will be exciting to see what the Lammies have in store as well! Win or lose, I don't really care. To be nominated is such an honor, that I am thankful either way! :)




What else is there? Who knows?! My hope is that my readership will continue to grow, and that my books can have a positive effect on our world today. Even if I touch just one person's heart, I can rest assured knowing that I've done some good. That's really all I want out of all this: to help people. to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance within the human race. To help people open their eyes. To remind us all of our humanity and connectedness.




I can tell you that I am working on some short stories that I plan to have released in 2015.


However many stories or experiences arise day by day remains to be seen. Regardless, I will stay positive, I will continue to write for the greater good, and I will be forever grateful for all the blessings I have received (and continue to receive)!


Happy New Year (and, of course, happy reading), everyone!