Annette Mori's Blog, page 24
May 1, 2020
Erotica
No-one was more surprised than I was when asked to participate in a Curve Magazine event, titled Hot Spots and Connect the Dots. Why? Because of the panel description: Bring your cold drink as these leading romance writers reveal their sexy, sultry secrets in connecting characters in the powder keg where erotica and relationships collide. The authors will open with a 5-minute reading, followed by a steamy Q+A. The key word here…erotica.
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When the word Erotica is thrown out there, does my name honestly rise to the top of your list of authors? After my first book, a reader who has since become one of my most loyal followers, told me they loved my books, but I needed to step up my game in the sex scene department. I’ve been working on that ever since. But let’s be honest, most of what I write tends to fall more into the vanilla and gentle side of the spectrum. Not always, of course, because then I would not continue with my reputation for the reader never knowing what they might get when reading one of my books.
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That got me to thinking, what defines erotica? Or for that matter, what exactly constitutes a ten on the hot meter? I’m going to make the argument that I believe the sex scenes of a more tame nature are discriminated against. Why does BDSM automatically push a sex scene up the hot scale? And first-time intimate experiences are rated as sweet, but not hot?
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So, I did a little research. Here is the definition of erotica: “literature or art intended to arouse sexual desire.” Wikipedia describes erotica as: “any literary or artistic work that deals substantively with subject matter that is erotically stimulating or sexually arousing but is not pornographic.” I find Wikipedia’s definition quite interesting considering Webster’s definition of pornography: “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement.”
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Why is pornography tied more closely to obscenity or immorality than erotica? Could it simply be semantics? Honestly, I want to know the difference. I often wonder why there is such a slut-shaming of those employed in the porn film industry. Perhaps I don’t know enough about it, but I’d like to think that we should not judge women who basically produce a film version of erotica. Like books, I would presume some of it is better than others. I know that as a writer I would hate if any of my work was described as pornographic, but why, if Webster’s definition holds true? It seems like erotica is a more acceptable term to use. Is the difference quality? One is considered art, the other not so much (or bad art). If so, who gets to decide what is porn and what is erotica? Both have the same purpose to arouse sexual desire.
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That got me to thinking that some authors cringe when their work is described as erotica, simply because it is lesfic or fiction featuring women who love women. Certainly, not all lesfic or WLW contain graphic sex scenes, but I would have to say the majority of what I read, does.
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Depending on a person’s tastes, I would suspect that gentle love-making scenes would absolutely do it for some and for others, not so much. So perhaps erotica is in the, pussy of the beholder. Oh, yes, I don’t just make up words, I make up phrases!
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Do you see my point? What might be considered hot to me, may not work for you and visa versa. This brings me back to my original question. Why does BDSM, fisting, liberal use of sex toys, and anal sex automatically get lumped into erotica, and other intimate sex scenes generally considered on the tame side, don’t reach the top spot on the hot meter? Side note: Swearing during sex or using non-clinical terms also seems to ratchet up the scene.
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I have a theory. I believe the more taboo something is, the more it is considered erotica or porn (depending on your comfort level with definitions). There is a certain excitement to reading about somebody engaging in a sexual practice I might not consider for myself but am damn curious about. While I may not necessarily participate in some things, I admit that I enjoy reading about them. People are enticed by taboos…by being naughty…doing something against the grain…feeding our baser selves and not getting taunted or having stones thrown at us. Fantasies are all about the things we are hesitant to admit to the outside world lest we are judged. Reading about those things, allows us to enjoy something that might not be accepted in larger society. Talking openly about sex and what we enjoy is sometimes tamped down in polite conversation, which is why we join Facebook groups that allow us all to let our hair down.
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Speaking of erotica is lesfic or WLW, I hope all of you will join Isabella, Virginia Black and myself for a titillating panel on May 9th, 7:30pm Eastern Standard Time (US); May 10th 2020 GMT (United Kingdom) 00:30am -1:30am; May 10th, 2020 (Australia) 9:30am-10:30am AEDT. Registration for the event is required. Attendees will have a chance to win books from Isabella and myself. Click here: To Register
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Wanna read how far I’ve come with my intimate scenes? You know the drill, simply click one of the links below!
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Buy From Amazon US
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Australia
Buy From Amazon Canada
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest – Lesfic Bard Action/Adventure Finalist
On Sale!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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April 24, 2020
Top 5 Essential and Non-Essential Businesses
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As usual, I troll social media because sometimes there are extremely funny posts. One of those asked why a certain business wasn’t considered essential. I had to agree with that popular author’s perspective and decided to weigh in with my list of essential and non-essential businesses. Note: There may be some tongue in cheek humor…
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I don’t want to insult anyone, so I’m only including the essential businesses that don’t meet the criteria of, “well yeah, duh” we have to have that business open (ie hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc). The following lists are in no particular order!
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Essential
Bakeries with cinnamon buns – Definitely part of the 5 essential food groups for me. Comfort food all the way!
Big Box Liquor Stores – They are so much cheaper than alcohol sold in grocery stores and let’s face it, the economy is tanking so we have to save every penny we can for the essential items.
Sex Shops – Yup, I agree with the popular author. I need to touch and feel the sex toys to make sure they are exactly as shown on TV. No, I don’t actually try them out in the store…come on people…stay with me.
Post Office – Duh, for all the purchases I am making. Because what else do I have to do but OCD on the shopping network. Those Ginsu Knives never looked so appealing.
U-pick Em Markets – I am actually serious about this one. Farmers don’t have the staff to harvest, so two birds with one stone…pick your own food instead of going to a grocery store and save the wasted food! Not that I am advocating for any dicknob leader to be more stringent with immigration. I think everyone knows my stance on that by now.
Farmer’s markets – I actually like the idea of getting my food fresh from the farm. We all gotta eat so we might as well eat fresh.
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Non-Essential
Nail salons – Haven’t all of us already bit our nails to the point of no return? What the hell would they attach the fake nails to?
Massage Parlors – Do you really want a masked individual putting their hands all over your body? Oh, wait…maybe I should rethink this one…lovers of BDSM, just ignore this one.
Gun Stores – Sarcasm coming…Sure, I want individuals who have been locked up inside their homes with irritating family members and their rage increasing by the day, to have as many guns as they can get their hands on. Oh, and all the better to bring those guns to their protests because that certainly helps them make their point. Really? Side note: Did you see the news about the nurses standing in silent protest next to the protestors? Those are the true heroes and heroines and the perfect way to protest!
Bookstores – Now don’t throw rotten eggs at me…these went by the wayside the minute Amazon e-books hit the market. As much as I would like them to have a comeback, like vinyl, it ain’t happening in my lifetime.
Bowling Alleys – Let me just say that I don’t even know what to say about bowling alleys opening in Georgia. Really? Those rental shoes are like mansions for the virus. There are probably three generations living in one shoe. What sane person would voluntarily stick their feet in one of those nasty shoes.
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I’m sure if I thought long and hard I could come up with 5 more in each category, but it is nail-biting time. I’m worried one of those protestors will come to my door and I’ll not be able to resist my murderous fantasies and then they’ll haul me off to jail which is quite the Petrie dish for Covid19.
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So with the bookstores closed, feel free to shop on-line with me and check out a few of my books! Keep staying at home and hoping this madness will somehow pass.
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Buy From Amazon US
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Australia
Buy From Amazon Canada
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest – Lesfic Bard Action/Adventure Finalist
On Sale!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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April 17, 2020
An Extended Vacation…
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While some people are going stir crazy with the stay at home orders, I’ve settled in quite nicely to the new routine. Sure, I’m a little disappointed that we weren’t able to make our maiden journey in our RV to visit my father. And…to be honest, a little anxious at not getting to see him because his health is failing and I would definitely feel a lot of guilt if something happened before we get a chance to visit. But, I am viewing this whole stay at home order as a staycation. A really long staycation.
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Here’s the thing…For the past eight years prior to retirement, my wife and I have lived apart for almost the whole time, with the exception of a brief 6 month period after she retired (for a nanosecond-true retirement came 3 years later) and moved to the condo. We had a lot of reconnecting time to make up for. Thus I am not all that upset about being locked away with my wife. I am one of the lucky ones because we finally both retired and the timing has worked out for us.
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So what the heck am I doing with my time? Not writing (with the exception of this weekly blog). Here’s my decadent lazy day:
7:00ish – Wake up and clean out all the litter boxes
8:00ish – Eat breakfast of yogurt or steel cuts oats and if I’m in a crazy mood, I make blueberry pancakes.
8:30ish – Do my OCD thing with news, checking Amazon rankings and any new reviews, then pop onto Facebook.
9:00ish – Turn on CNN for more news because I can’t help myself.
10:00ish – Work out.
11:30ish – Shower cause I stink from all the sweating I did while working out.
Noonish – Lunch and determine if it’s nice enough to sit outside and catch some rays while reading.
2:00ish – More TV and reading at the same time. This is where binge-watching either news, Special Victims Unit, Criminal Intent, or any of the new binge shows pop onto my radar. I also go on Facebook here and there.
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5:00ish – Prepare and eat dinner.
6:00ish – Rinse and repeat what I usually do at 2:00ish.
9:00ish – Fall asleep with my head in my wife’s lap while she does her nightly head rub. Yup, I am spoiled!
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I know, I know, I lead such an exciting life! On occasion, I will shake things up by donning my mask and heading to the grocery store or Post Office. And when I really want to go out on the ledge, I go with my wife on a mini outing (to a special bakery or store that is a few hours away).
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Thank goodness for lesfic/WLW books because I need to break up my incessant watching of TV with something. If y’all need something to break you away from binge-watching all day…you know the drill, click the links below, there are plenty of KU books as well as others. I even have two new books to consider!
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Buy From Amazon US
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Australia
Buy From Amazon Canada
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest
On Sale!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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April 10, 2020
My Fiction Dictionary
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I don’t think I am exactly “famous” for making up words, but it has been noticed on more than one occasion. Several readers have noticed my propensity for making up new words. It’s something I do. I tried to think back to when this started. Sure, when a writer creates make-believe worlds, it is bound to have made-up words. But, I am not really known for complicated world-building, even in my sci-fi or fantasy novels. I suppose since my first novel was a paranormal light novel, there might have been a few made-up words to go with the genre, but since that novel, I’ve included made-up curse words and other words that simply pop into my demented little brain. I enjoy smushing concepts together to create a word.
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So…I thought I would provide a dictionary for y’all, even though for the most part, I believe I weaved in the definitions whenever I created the new word. I am sure there are more words than I can remember off the top of my head, but here are the more memorable words:
Lesbigilo – A Lesbian Gigilo
Misorude – A person who is both misogynist and rude (although admittedly a misogynist is a rude person).
Semash – A mash-up of genres that combine two entirely different sequels into one book. Romantic thriller meets urban fantasy. Compound Interest combined the characters in two different series.
Squieries – A sequel that turns into a series when the writer decides maybe she’ll write just one more at the ninth hour.
Romash – Combining romance with another genre such as sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, etc. Most of my novels fall into the romash category.
Lunner or Dinch – A combination of lunch and dinner.
Titnob – The female equivalent of a dicknob, which essentially is the same as asshat, twatwaffle, or fuckturd.
Smeet or Lirk – A cross between a smeer and a lirk.
Fuckfest – Spending all day or all night in bed having really great sex.
Poopbiscuits – G-rated term for shit.
Scrotumface – Same as dicknob, asshat, twatwaffle, etc. I do enjoy making up derogatory words for assholes.
Donkeyhole – Probably pretty evident…I think you can figure this G-rated swearword.
Fuckhaze – That unique state one finds themself in when they’ve engaged in a fuckfest and can’t string two words together. This particular state is very similar to many people prior to their first cup of coffee.
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Feebie – FBI Agent.
Pandemblock – This is my latest word for what is happening to me and a few other authors…the inability to write due to a depressive state caused by the pandemic.
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While doing research, I found this link to twenty-four new words that should be included in the dictionary. They were hysterical and brilliant: New Words. Clearly, I am not the only one with a propensity for making up new words!
I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few words, but hey, I ain’t getting any younger. So, feel free to let me know which ones and I’ll be sure to give you the definition! If anyone wants to discover my made-up words on their own…you know the drill, feel free to click on the links below. As a reminder…anyone who is truly interested in reading any of my books, but is finding themselves a little short of cash during this unprecedented time, send me a private message and I will make sure to get you a copy.
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Buy From Amazon US
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Australia
Buy From Amazon Canada
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest
On Sale!
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April 3, 2020
Lackluster
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Lately, I’ve felt like everything I’ve done is lackluster, including my blogs. I haven’t written anything besides my blogs in over three months. I have ideas but haven’t been too inspired to write. My blogs of late haven’t been funny or filled with interesting research. I don’t even want to read them to check for errors because they are so boring.
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Thankfully, I don’t have the coronavirus, but I’ve got some virus. I’m calling it the Boring90 because it has been at least 90 days since I’ve written a single inspiring word. I wonder if retirement turns people into cranky old women who are completely blase with nothing more to say to the world or with nothing worth listening to?
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I still joke at home with my wife because she can be very funny sometimes. Every once in a while something random will pop out of her mouth and it will crack me up. I should think to record those times because I want everyone to share in that humor. But, my wife is also very private and hates when I tell stories about her. She is such a serious person most of the time that when she is joking and maintains her serious face, people don’t know how to interpret her jokes. I do. Because after 16 years, I’ve learned when she is joking.
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Maybe I need to rub something to bring back the shine. Kinda like with sex…ya know…rub the right place and bam, sparks! Or should I pull some string to unravel the mystery of my locked inside wit?
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LOL…speaking of strings, one thing I have done right over the last year was partner with the amazing Ali Spooner to write the third book in the Trophy Wives Club series, called Heart Strings Attached. Our styles seem to blend well together and yet remain distinct. It won’t be difficult to know which voice wrote a particular character. The story is told through two distinctly different characters and we went back and forth to tell the story in first person. I love first person, Ali…well, not so much. But she stretched and did a brilliant job! I hope you will check out our combined work and enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it. And…don’t forget my previous book, The Panty Thief. I have a low bar now for success…break even. And that book hasn’t quite gotten there despite those who have read it telling me they loved it!
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Buy From Amazon US
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Australia
Buy From Amazon Canada
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest
On Sale!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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March 27, 2020
Unprecedented
Unprecedented is a word I’ve been hearing more and more in recent history. Flashing red lights have been happening with increasing frequency and it makes me wonder what will finally occur to shake the cult-like following of forty percent of our nation?
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We are now in a dangerous new normal. The talk of putting economics above human life should scare the living shit out of us all, but it doesn’t. Instead, the new normal is to ignore the flashing red lights and hope it all works out. Too many people are continuing to follow a cult leader who is “perfect” and who knows what is best for everyone. He has set himself up as a God and there is a large percentage of people who will follow him to the depths of hell. Unfortunately, that big hell-hole will suck the rest of us down with him if we let him.
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I have to believe that heroes and heroines will rise up to fight this suck into hell. It will not be without sacrifice. It never is. Individual states will take a stance. Others will continue to shout out the facts. And the millions of heroes and heroines who think beyond their own needs will prevail. Make no mistake, this will be the defining moment in history for many of us.
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I am sure that I am just one of the millions who feel out of control and don’t know what to do to make things better for others who are less fortunate. What will be our new normal in the future? Will this crisis mend our nation or create additional catastrophe and division? How will this affect the next generation? Each generation has its own major historical event that colors their view of the world. Those events have a long-lasting impact on those born in that era regarding how they react to work, relationships, family, etc. The experts who study generational dynamics are sure to have a field day with how the current events will affect us for years to come.
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Virtual everything will undoubtedly increase exponentially. Will there be any in-person book clubs or conferences in the future? Or will everything be behind a computer not allowing any face to face interaction? Even though I am an introvert (as most authors are), I’m not sure I want to embrace that new normal. I would very much miss my annual trek to Palm Springs to see my new book and author friends.
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I will send my wishes and hopes to the universe to ensure our new normal is not complete social isolation. I don’t believe that will be the answer long-term. Short-term, yes, we must make those sacrifices for the greater good. In the meantime, I will read, read, read. If the rest of you are coping in the same way, maybe you will check out some of my books!
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest
On Sale!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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March 20, 2020
Unity…
Like everyone else, I have been watching the news (obsessively). With retirement comes ample free time to obsess over the news. It’s grim with the pandemic and economic fallout that will surely affect millions of Americans. And yet, there is a spark of hope.
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For more than three years, there has been a deep divide in our nation, those who support the President no matter what and those that despise him. And nary the two shall meet. Not ever. Most legislation takes an enormous amount of time because the two major parties have not been able to compromise or cross that divide.
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So…here is where the hope comes in. With a national emergency, we are starting to come together as a nation. We now have a common enemy. Sure, there are still those who believe Covid19 is a conspiracy designed by one party, but the vast majority want the government to work together. To compromise. And, apparently, they are. In record time the Congress passed the Covid19 response bill. Hallelujah.
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Although a great deal more needs to be done and my heart goes out to those who are affected by the virus. Not only affected directly by contracting the virus but the economic impact as well. And, let’s not forget those who have loved ones affected by the virus.
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In times like these, unity is the only way forward. We can resume any petty differences after the crisis has abated. And, unfortunately, I suspect we will. Too bad for that. My final question is why does it take a pandemic to unify a nation? Is there a path forward for us when this crisis passes? I hope so. In fact, I hope to see this in my lifetime. To return to decency, compassion, and love of fellow human beings.
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I have posted in Facebook groups my willingness to purchase and send a free e-book to anyone without the financial means or in need. I trust in humanity and trust that people will not take advantage of all the kind offers out there by so many authors who have already put their books up on Amazon for free. Because I need to believe that we are unified and care enough to not take advantage of this crisis.
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest
On Sale!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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March 13, 2020
Humor Me…
For those of you who have ever read any of my books, you already know that I almost always sprinkle humor into the story. And yet, I also usually have a serious subtext embedded within. Sometimes I wonder if that subtext is watered down because of that humor. Hmmm…this is a new conundrum I have to ponder.
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I’ve mentioned previously in various forums that sometimes my books start with a joke and that certainly was what happened with my latest release, The Panty Thief. A reader was talking about their aversion to the word panties and I just had to start Panties Week to desensitize readers to a word I rather like. That evolved, or more accurately devolved, into a book about a Panty Thief. The Thief has a compulsion, an addiction, and that is where the serious subtext comes into play.
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Addiction is a very serious issue and I don’t want to suggest that anyone should make light of it. I would imagine that most people have somehow been touched by addiction and thus can relate. Addiction comes in so many forms: sex, alcohol and/or drugs, theft (panties or other items), hoarding, obsessive cleanliness, etc.
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I like to weave social issues into my stories and I do want readers to take those issues seriously. So why the humor? Because life is full of humor. And, humor can be a healthy coping mechanism. It can also be an avoidance, I get that, but laughter is good medicine.
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I’m the kind of person that likes balance. To me, humor can be combined with a serious subtext to effectively make people take notice. Others may disagree and believe the humor waters down the message. and I respect those different views.
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How about a scene from The Panty Thief…
“Don’t let the label fool you. This stuff is something you need right now. Some soothing tea will make a great side dish.” Joey tossed a box of organic tea to Sabrina who was biting her lip. “Later, we’ll dive into this yummy high-fiber salad full of nutrition. but we can’t afford to have you lose more body mass, thus the Boost.”
“I know I feel like I’m ninety years old, but do I look like a senior citizen? Boost? Who the hell comes up with names like that? It tastes and looks like chalk. They should call it chalkolate shake.” Carolyn emphasized the chalk in her new title.
“I’ll send the company a memo with your suggestion. I’m sure they’ll rush right out and change the name on millions of products on the shelf right now.” Joey grinned.
“Sarcasm. I like her already.”
“Well, it was my minor in college. Or rather, I claim it as my second language. Can I look underneath those bandages of yours?”
“You want to look at my naked wrists? I insist you buy me dinner first.”
Joey grinned. “I did, remember the Boost and yummy salad for later if you’re up to it.”
“Oh, right, yes. This one’s a keeper, Sabrina.”
The bottom line is that I hope my books don’t beat people over the head and come across as heavy-handed lectures. The only way I know to accomplish this is to add humor. After all, books should not only educate, but they should entertain. Hopefully, you find my books entertaining. If you want to check them out, you know the drill, clicks on any of the links below!
Side note: No joke that this week was a real struggle to get this blog out because of my health issues, but I have prevailed!
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Buy From Amazon
Buy From Affinity
Buy From Amazon UK
Buy From Amazon Canada
Buy From Amazon Australia
The Combined Series!
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Love Forever Live Forever
Artist Free Zone
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest
On Sale!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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March 6, 2020
My New Normal
Easing into retirement wasn’t exactly the smoothest transition. I am using that excuse for the reason why I’ve been majorly slacking lately. I haven’t written a single word since retirement and this is my first blog since I retired. Yeah, I know, that’s horrible.
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Here’s the thing, I think developing a new normal takes time. Before retirement, I was living alone and while I didn’t have a lot of extra time on my hands, most of that time was devoted to writing. Now I have tons of time and have devoted zero minutes to writing, until now. So…what the hell have I been doing?
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Asset Management
The Thanksgiving Baby Caper
The Organization
The Book Addict
The Book Witch
Compound Interest
On Kindle Unlimited!
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Locked Inside (Goldie Winner)
Out of This World
Asset Management
The Organization
Join Mailing List
Amazon Author Page
Proud to be an Affinity Rainbow Publications author!
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January 24, 2020
Mob Mentality
We are in a particularly scary moment in history fueled by social media. Facebook and Twitter expand the principles of the mob mentality. Throw in power differentials and we have a powder keg. Recently, my wife showed me a horrific news story about an Iranian lawmaker offering three million to assassinate Trump. I stayed away from Twitter after seeing the story because I knew my horror would only grow exponentially from those posting messages in response to the story.
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Social media allows us to hide behind a computer screen and spew whatever we want, including a continuing message of hate and violence. I see it everywhere, not just from those who have political or social views opposite of my own.
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After the second world war, social psychologists tried to understand how the Nazi regime became so powerful and was not only allowed but encouraged to exterminate millions of people. These psychologists conducted a couple of famous social science experiments.
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The first was Soloman Asch who conducted a simple conformity experiment. Calling the experiment a vision test, he presented three lines of different sizes and asked participants to identify which line was closest to the target line. There was only one participant not in the “know” and after the confederates (those participants in the “know”) gave the obviously wrong answer the naive participant gave that same answer 68% of the time. When not influenced by others, participants gave the wrong answer only 1% of the time, This is mob mentality in action, going along with social pressure to conform to something that is clearly wrong.
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Where it gets interesting is the experiment conducted by the Vital Smarts group. Introducing just one confederate who expressed “polite doubt” and gave the right answer, resulted in only 5% giving the wrong answer. Here’s a link to a fascinating video to watch regarding this experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-U6QTRTZSc
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Now, let’s talk about power. In another famous experiment by Stanley Milgram, the results were even more nefarious. The confederates (those in the “know”) were given the role of Student, the participants not in the “know” were given the role of Teacher. The “Teachers” were instructed to shock the Students every time they gave a wrong answer in increasing voltage, all the way up to 450 volts, including a direction to shock the participant when they refused to answer. Even at 315 volts where the “Students” responded with intense discomfort, including a plea to let them out, hysterical screaming and complaints of damage to their heart, 65% of the participants kept going all the way to 450 volts.
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Power and social conformity make an angry pairing. Sometimes this is fueled by powerlessness. How often in history do we see the downtrodden start a revolution against their oppressors, only to turn into oppressors themselves? A great book to read is Renee Mackenzie’s novel, Kai’s Heart (Karst Book 1) illustrating this phenomenon.
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So what’s the point of this? I’ve been a fan of “polite doubt” for quite some time, versus violence and other reactions to abuses against the downtrodden. I will once again provide a link to a woman giving a Ted Talk about her transformation after growing up in the Westboro Baptist Church. For those of you who don’t know about this church, this is the church that led an anti-gay protest at Mathew Sheppard’s funeral. The rhetoric of the church is abhorrent at best. This is a real-life example of the power of “polite doubt”. Great Ted Talk
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Social media can offer “polite doubt” that perhaps will drown out the vitriol. A gal can dream…I continue to believe our rhetoric should not follow the same path as our oppressors, lest we turn into the new oppressive regime. I don’t know if books can offer “polite doubt”, but if they can, I will continue to try to sneak in my protests and doubt. If you want to see how I’ve done that, you know the drill, click on the links below!
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