Saturday, February 28, 2015

Final WeWriWa Snippet from The Ballerina

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!  :)

During the month of February, I will be posting snippets from The Ballerina. This is Liz's story, and the first in the Loving Her series.

A southern, redheaded, pickup driving lesbian ballerina? You bet! Meet Liz: a southern belle with flair. Vivacious, eclectic and graceful, she is unique to say the least. The first in the series of Loving Her stories, Liz's story is the kind that stays with you long after you've closed the book.





Background on the snippet: Linda is doing work on Liz's truck. They are talking about Jen's health, as Linda finishes up her work.

“I’m just gonna hose this real quick,” she explained as she walked over the hose. Within a few seconds, all the dirt was being washed down the bay, and the truck’s air filter looked brand new again. Both women were silent as Linda made her way back towards Liz.
Linda quietly placed the air filter back end and carefully closed the hood of Liz’s truck. She then wiped her hands on a small hand towel, but they still were black as night.
As she looked up, she noticed tears welling up in Liz’s eyes. Cautious of her mechanic’s hands, Linda gently hugged Liz. “It’s gonna be ok, sweetie.”


Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Some Samples

It's Thursday once again, folks!

Today, I would like to offer you some samples of my stories to wet your appetite...for more of my books! ;)

These are in no particular order. Hopefully, they will pique your interest.


From The Peace Officer
After a few silent moments, a small, meek woman peered around the corner. “Hello?” Her submissive voice hardly broke the silence. She was a mousy little woman. She was short and incredibly thin. She had flat brown hair and soft brown eyes. She exuded fear.
“Hi. I’m Officer Racanelli with the Doylestown P.D. I came because we got a call for a domestic disturbance.”
She weakly nodded her head.
“Can we sit somewhere and talk?”
She nodded again. She carefully stepped out into the room. Without uttering a word, she guided Brynn into the kitchen.
They sat opposite each other at the table.
“So what’s going on? Can I have your name?”
“Helen,” she peeped.
“Hi, Helen. What’s going on? What happened?”
Helen looked away, her eyes staring at the linoleum floor.
“N... n... nothing.” She mumbled.
“Helen, I doubt it was nothing. You wouldn’t have called us here if it was nothing, right? You know that’s a criminal offense, don’t you? You can’t call 911 for no reason. And something tells me you had a very good reason. So, what was it? You’re safe. Your husband is outside speaking to a male officer. It’s just you and me. So it’s okay to tell me what happened.”
“I…uhhh…well, my husband…gets angry. He gets angry sometimes.”
“He gets angry sometimes? What does he get angry about? Was he angry today?”
“Y – yes.”
“Okay. What was he angry about?”
“I didn’t vacuum well enough.”
Brynn strained to hear her. “Excuse me?”
“I didn’t vacuum well enough.” She said slightly louder.
Brynn paused. “You didn’t vacuum well enough. Okay. So what happened? Did he ask you about it? Did he tell you to vacuum again? What exactly happened?”
Helen took several deep, audible breaths. She still couldn’t bear to look Brynn in the eyes. “I was vacuuming.” She paused. “I was vacuuming and he – Andrew - grabbed me by the arm. He told me I missed a spot.”
“You missed a spot?”
Helen nodded as her eyes welled up with tears. “He…he…”
“It’s okay, Helen. You’re safe.”
“He grabbed my arm and he threw me down. He told me to look and see how I had missed that spot.”
Brynn quietly jotted down her notes. “Okay. Then what happened?”
Helen took another deep breath. “He pulled me back up.”
“And?”
“And he backed me into the wall and told me I had better not do that again or next time I’d be really sorry.”
Brynn reached out and began to stroke Helen’s arm.
“How did you call us? It’s incredibly brave that you did. How were you able to call us and not get hurt?”
“He went to the refrigerator and saw he was out of beer.”
“Okay. And then what?”
“I offered to go get it for him, but he told me that I needed to keep cleaning and get it right this time. So, he went to the store. I called when he was gone.” She said quietly.
“Did you feel you were in immediate danger?”
“He always gets worse when he drinks. I had no idea what he would do once he got back.”
“Did he do anything when he got back? How much time had gone between when he came home and when we got here?”
“Not long at all.” Helen replied. “He had just put the beer in the fridge and was about to sit down, watch the game and have one when you pulled up.”
“Okay, good. “ Brynn said, sighing a sigh of relief. “Can I see your arms?”
Helen hesitated. Slowly, she rolled up her sleeve. Bruises dotted her hands, forearms and elbow. Then, on her bicep, Helen’s arm had a perfect red hand mark around it.
“Do you mind if I take some pictures?” Brynn gently asked.
Helen slowly shook her head.
Brynn picked up the camera, walked over to Helen and got close to her arm. Helen whipped her head around in shame, making sure her face was not going to be seen in the pictures. Brynn snapped a couple of shots and then sat back down.
“So where do we go from here, Helen? What are you thinking? Do you want to press charges? Based on what I see here, we have enough to arrest him right now.”
Helen’s tears began flowing again. “I don’t know,” she whimpered. “I don’t know what to do or where to go from here. I’m scared of him, but if he goes to jail, what am I supposed to do? I don’t have a job or another home to go to. I can’t really go anywhere and I can’t afford for him to go anywhere.”
“Helen,” Brynn reached across the table again and tried to soothe her. “It’s okay. We can help you find a place to live. We can get you into a shelter for the time being until we can find you your own place. We can help you to find a job, too. It may not be a glamorous job, but we can get you a job. You don’t have to stay here. You can have your life back and be safe. Let us help you.”


From The Ballerina
Liz’s heart was pounding in her chest. “Ummmm…hi…Jen.” She struggled to find the words. “This is…Liz O’Kane calling. I’m…sorry for freaking out on you the other night. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and…I’ve decided…I…I’d like to see you again.” A wave of fear enveloped Liz. “If…you’re interested, come by the theatre tonight at nine. We’re doing an early show at seven, so the performance will be over at nine. I’ll be waiting for you after the show. Thanks. I guess I’ll see you later.” Liz hung up the phone hoping that she hadn’t sounded like a complete idiot in her message, and that Jen would actually show.


From The Vet Student
She walked up to her father. “She… this… Linda isn’t my first girlfriend, Dad. You only think I haven’t dated, because that’s what you wanted to believe. You remember my friend Samantha, from high school? She was my first girlfriend. I’ve always been this way.”
“No, no you haven’t!” Her mother screamed with tears racing down her face.
“You are only saying that to cover up for this…pervert! Mr. Williams is a good deacon of the church. He would never raise his daughter to be gay.” Her father shouted.
“Dad, it’s not in how we’re raised or that it’s any kind of a choice. We were born this way. I was born this way.”
“You were not! That is just another one of the lies this deviant told you!” He pointed down towards Linda.
“Dad, stop it!” Katie shouted. “Stop saying that about her. It’s not true. I love her!”
“That’s it,” Katie’s mother said sternly. She walked over and grabbed Katie’s arm, and started dragging Katie out of the apartment.
Katie struggled to get free. She dug her heels into the ground, only to be dragged harder. She tried prying her mother’s cold hand off her arm, but her mother’s grip only grew tighter. She stopped and tried to drop down to the floor. She could feel her mother pulling her arm up. Her shoulder began to hurt; her mother pulled even harder. Now her shoulder felt as though it might break. With one strong yank, Katie’s mother pulled her back up on her feet. Something in her shoulder snapped.
“No!” Linda shouted. “Katie! Please don’t…I love you!” Linda shouted; she tried to get up, but couldn’t.
Katie still struggled, trying to reach out to Linda. She tripped over her own feet and fell. Once again, her mother pulled her right up, cracking something in her shoulder yet again. The pain was excruciating.



From The Writer
The phone on Maria’s desk hadn’t finished ringing when she picked it up. “Maria Lopez.”
“Hi Maria. My name is Tom. I am calling from Documents ‘R’ Us. I was just
wondering…”
“I know who you are. I also know that you have called here several times. I’ve heard a few of my co-workers tell you nicely that we are not interested. I have also heard my editor tell you on three separate occasions that we are not interested.
“Let me tell you something. We don’t want it. We don’t want it, we don’t care; we don’t want to talk to you. Not now, not later, not tomorrow. Not anymore. We are done. And if you continue to call us here, you will enrage all of us. Most of us are Latinas. Hispanic women. Not just women, Hispanic women.
“Let me ask you something. Do you know what we Latinas are made of? What makes up us Hispanic gals, girls and ladies?”
The other end was silent. “Uhhh…” There was a long pause. “Aren’t all girls made of sugar and spice?”
“No. The sugar and spice and everything nice is what white girls are made of. We are talking about Latinas. Do you know what Latinas are made of? Let me tell you. They are made of sugar and spice; we are made of fire and ice. You do not want to piss off a Latina. Ever! If you do, you will become very sorry that you did.
“Are you starting to become sorry that you called here?”
Maria didn’t wait for an answer. “I hope you are. But you know what? This is nothing. This is just the tip of the iceberg. You have no idea what a Latina is truly capable of doing.
“Do us both a favor. Because honestly, I cannot be bothered to do this. Am I capable of making your life miserable? Yes. Do I want to? Not really. It means I have to drive out of my way, buy a baseball bat, wait until the wee hours of the morning. Are you getting my drift here, Tom? I could do things that you only see in Hollywood movies. But, I’d rather not be
inconvenienced. And I am sure you would prefer to maintain your safety. So please, do us both a favor and hang up the phone and take our number off your call list. Otherwise, I cannot be held responsible for my actions.”
There was nothing but a dial tone in her ear. Maria hung up.
Emmanuel stood in the doorway to his office and began clapping. Several other people stood up and began to clap as well. Maria smiled as everyone in the entire office rose to their feet and applauded her.


I hope you liked them. There is plenty more from where this came from! ;) Please check out ALL of my titles. If you like what you read, please leave a good review. It's how we small press folk are able to put food on the table. ;) Thanks!


Happy reading!

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Another WeWriWa from The Ballerina

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!  :)

During the month of February, I will be posting snippets from The Ballerina. This is Liz's story, and the first in the Loving Her series.

A southern, redheaded, pickup driving lesbian ballerina? You bet! Meet Liz: a southern belle with flair. Vivacious, eclectic and graceful, she is unique to say the least. The first in the series of Loving Her stories, Liz's story is the kind that stays with you long after you've closed the book.


Background on the snippet: Liz is laying in another hotel bed while she and her company continues to tour. The tour, the driving, and living out of a suitcase seems to be taking a toll on her.




Seinfeld played on the TV, but Liz wasn’t paying attention. It was a swirl of noise and colors in the background. The hotel bed was small, hard and incredibly uncomfortable. Life on the road seemed endless. She didn’t even know where she was any more. Cities blended into each other. Miles became exponentially longer. Home was just a distant memory.





Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Stories of Love Without Boundaries

I say that I write stories of love without boundaries. Boundaries simply cannot contain love - it is far too great! 

Need some examples? I'd be happy to oblige!






Imperfect and Impeccable show us that not only is love gender blind, it is (more importantly) colorblind.



Unbreakable Hostage teaches us that love is infinitely powerful.














The Loving Her series reminds us that love flows across all social classes, all careers, all walks of love. Whether you're a famous model, or just a mechanic, love is still yours to have.












Pianissimo demonstrates that love stands the test of time, as well as the test of social stigmas.












Love wins...every time!




Love knows no boundaries. Love doesn't believe in race. Love doesn't understand social status. Love is not gender specific. Love does not divide or separate us. Love brings us together. Love is the unifying force of humanity.




Saturday, February 14, 2015

A Valentine's WeWriWa from The Ballerina

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!  :)

During the month of February, I will be posting snippets from The Ballerina. This is Liz's story, and the first in the Loving Her series.

A southern, redheaded, pickup driving lesbian ballerina? You bet! Meet Liz: a southern belle with flair. Vivacious, eclectic and graceful, she is unique to say the least. The first in the series of Loving Her stories, Liz's story is the kind that stays with you long after you've closed the book.


Background on the snippet: Liz and Jen had just had dinner together. Liz shows off her truck to Jen, and pulls into a spot with a perfect ocean view. Their understanding and expectations of the evening are polar opposite.




Silently, they watched the waves dance under the moonlight. Words would only detract from this incredible moment.
Jen quietly slid over the long vinyl bench seat until she was next to Liz, taking in this breath-taking scene.
“This is great.” Jen whispered.
“Huh?” Liz asked, turning to look at her.
Jen placed her soft hand on Liz’s face, slowly leaned in and gently kissed her.




Hope you liked it! Happy reading!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

I've been nominated...AGAIN!

Happy Thursday, kids!

Today, it is with great excitement that I announce that I have been nominated for MORE awards!

I don't mean to toot my own horn.

I am just honored and excited about all of this!

The Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter has announced its semi-finalists for their Readers' Choice Awards. I am honored to not only be nominated, but to be a semi-finalist...and in 4 different categories to boot!

http://gaylifenewsletter.com/wwwrcasemifinalistballot.html

I am a semi-finalist for:

1) NEWS MEDIA STAFF OR COLUMNIST

2) LESBIAN OF THE YEAR

3) GLBT COUPLE OF THE YEAR (with my wife, Vicki Shiro)

4) MISS GAYLIFE CONGENIALITY

Semi-Finalist votes will be accepted between February 1st thru February 28th.  Finalist votes will take place between March 5th thru April 5th. Winners will be announced on April 20th in the newsletter.

Send your ballots to keystonealliancegaylifenewsletter@hotmail.com.

Thank you all for your votes and support! It means the world to me!

Thank you, and happy reading!!!


Saturday, February 7, 2015

February WeWriWa: The Ballerina

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!  :)

During the month of February, I will be posting snippets from The Ballerina. This is Liz's story, and the first in the Loving Her series.

A southern, redheaded, pickup driving lesbian ballerina? You bet! Meet Liz: a southern belle with flair. Vivacious, eclectic and graceful, she is unique to say the least. The first in the series of Loving Her stories, Liz's story is the kind that stays with you long after you've closed the book.




Background on the snippet: Liz's company just finished a performance. They are all packing up to leave for the night. Little does she know that an innocent encounter will be life-changing.


“Rehearsal is at one tomorrow,” Karen said as she walked deeper into the group of dancers.
“Okay. I’ll be there.” Liz called back. Picking up her duffel bag, Liz walked out of the stage door.
“Ummmm…excuse me.” A quiet voice barely interrupted Liz’s thoughts.
Liz stopped to see a young, unassuming woman with bland brown hair watching her.



Hope you liked it! Happy Reading!



Thursday, February 5, 2015

Inspiration

Good Thursday morning, world!


A couple of days ago, I was struck with inspiration for a very brief short story. A friend caught me feverishly writing down my thoughts for that piece. He asked if that was how my stories originate. I explained to him that sometimes they do, but not always.


So that got me thinking about how my pieces come to life. There are so many forces that stir inspiration in me. I thought it might be interesting to discuss and explore them (in no particular order).



Personal experience. The piece from the other day came into being from a moment in my own life. Whether it's something I see or hear, something I own, or something that happens to either someone on my life - or even me. It's not to say that my writing is a reenactment of my life. The story came from seeing my own shadow out of the corner of my eye, and my imagination ran wild with it. So even little things like that can suddenly become story worthy.






Pictures/Images. I'm a visual person. Sometimes if I look at a person or place, a story pops into my head. It's amazing how much one person's face can impact and inspire me. From celebrities to everyday folk, watching the sunset to watching kids play in a park, I am able to find inspiration almost everywhere.



Dreams. Dreams didn't start encouraging my work until the last few years. Now, they are a font of inspiration. Various stories and/or characters spring to life in my sleep. This is still a new source of inspiration for me, so sometimes these dreams need to be worked and re-worked. Ultimately, however, a good, solid story can come from even the most bizarre of dreams.




This is a good overview of inspiration. Just like anything in life, this isn't all encompassing. These are just a few sources of creativity for me. There are more - and I'm sure there are more to come, but this is a good start.


I hope you found this to be interesting. More over, I hope you find my stories to be captivating!


Happy Thursday, and happy reading!!!


What's in store for 2015

Yet another Thursday is upon us, fellow bibliophiles!



We've talked a lot about Pianissimo since it's release in October. But what's next? Where do we go from here?




Fear not! More goodness is coming your way! ;)



For 2015, I am working on 3 independent short stories, that will all be published together in a collection. They are all very different stories, but I think they all have really great messages.

In addition, I am starting some brain storming for another full-length novel. The idea for this just struck me the other day, so I am very much in the beginning stages, but I will make sure it's something that you will absolutely love.



So yes, there is life after Pianissimo. As long as I keep breathing, I'm gonna keep writing! I hope that you'll keep reading! ;)




For now, enjoy all that we have thus far, and remember that great things are on their way!