Rowena Dawn's Blog, page 10
September 21, 2016
FREE PROMOTION SEP 21 - 23
Hello Dear Readers,
I am running a free promotion on Amazon:
Double-Edged by Rowena Dawn
www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBTNT2G
Leap of Faith by Rowena Dawn
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IJ6XIHI
Mayhem on Nightingale Street by Roxana Nastase
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018Q1KGTY
English Grammar Practice by Roxana Nastase
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191VX2TY
English Grammar Practice - The Noun by Roxana Nastase
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0193UMO6U
September 11, 2016
THE BIKER - FLASH FICTION
PROMPT: "PLEASE," SHE BEGGED
THE BIKER
“Please,” she begged trying to convince him to let her go.
He just laughed and squeezed her arm harder to make her understand he was the boss.
His laughter died on his lips when he felt her knee goring him in his groin and turned into a whoosh. He bent breathless and she pulled herself out of his reach.
“That would teach you some manners, mister,” she threw sternly over her shoulder and ran to the corner of the building looking for the entrance of the bar.
She was in a strange neighborhood and she cursed the lack of thought when she agreed to go for a ride with Tyler. Mara had told her he wasn’t to be trusted but she’d thought it was her jealousy talking. Tyler was one of the best looking guys on the campus and she’d been trying to make him notice her for a long time. She fancied his blond hair and blue eyes, as well as his built. He was a walking dream. When he finally came to her that afternoon and invited her for a ride in the evening, she thought she’d struck gold. Now she saw that the gold was tarnished.
Tyler brought her in a seedy neighborhood and parked his bike behind a bar that might have seen better times. He persuaded her to go inside for drinks but once they got to the side of the building he simply pushed her to the wall and tore her shirt. Buttons flew everywhere and for a few moments she froze in place. Her brain refused to process what was going on. When she felt his hand on her bra, then her brain started functioning again and she tried to talk to Tyler and make him let her go. He wouldn’t listen. He was very clear that he considered she knew why he invited her out and he was waiting for her to respect her part of the deal.
She rushed to find the door to the bar afraid that Tyler would recover soon and come after her. She wanted to find someone else to protect her although she had her doubts that she’d find someone in that forgotten place. It didn’t seem the place where good guys would go for a good time.
She heard Tyler’s steps crunching on the pebbles of the alley and she rushed to get inside the bar. When she opened the door, a fog of smoke hit her in the face and her stomach protested at the strong smell of stale beer. Only the fear that Tyler would catch up with her made her go in looking around to see if she could see anyone that would side with her. Her hopes dies one by one when she took in the people around. There was a crowd, that was true, but not the crowd she’d usually associate with. For a moment there, she was sure she fell out of the frying pan into the fire. There was a bunch of huge guys sporting tattoos on their thick arms at the bar and all of them were eying her as if she were the entertainment of the evening. She hesitated and tried to find a solution to her predicament.
When she heard the door behind her opening, she jumped and looked back. Tyler was standing in the open door looking at her with mean and red eyes. She was in real trouble now. When he reached out to take her arm she ran to the bar blindly and she bumped into a giant. The giant’s beer spilled everywhere and he stared her down. She felt like she was melting inside. That was the worse night of her life and no one would help her. She whimpered and tears fell on her cheeks. She felt Tyler’s strong fingers on her arm and she tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let go. The giant stood and put the empty glass on the counter and then turned to her and pulled her out of Tyler’s grip.
“Hey, man,” Tyler snapped, “she’s with me.”
She started shaking her head but the giant didn’t seem to pay any attention to her. His icy eyes were trained on Tyler and didn’t show any benevolence.
“I doubt it,” he said with an unnatural calm and pulled her on his side. “You’re with me, sweetheart, aren’t you?”
She didn’t know what to do. She knew what Tyler wanted and she definitely didn’t want to go with him but she didn’t know this guy either. He didn’t seem the gentle type who would listen to her sorry tale and let her go. Nonetheless, she didn’t feel his fingers digging in her flesh as Tyler’s did and she thought that choosing the evil you knew might not be the smartest move.
“Yes, I’m with you,” she said, although her answer wasn’t loud enough to go further than the two guys.
“So, beat it,” the giant pushed Tyler away. He leaned forward and on a low tone he added “Never come to her again or I’ll have to rearrange your pretty face, got it?”
Tyler swallowed hard and nodded and then left the bar banging the door behind him.
She relaxed for a moment but when she looked up to the giant’s eyes she froze. His eyes were cold as a winter night.
“Do you want a drink or do you want to be on our way?” he asked.
She didn’t know what she wanted. She wanted a drink. Actually, she needed a drink. At the same time, she wanted the night to end and put it behind her.
“Okay, let’s go,” he said and put a banknote on the counter.
He took her hand and she followed him meekly to the door. She was at a loss of words.
Outside, he led her to the parking lot and took the only hamlet he had and gave it to her.
“Put it on and tell me where I should drive you.”
She looked at him, the hamlet dangling from her fingers and couldn’t utter a sound.
“You need to go home,” he continued. “You seem to have had a bad night and you need to go home and forget about it.”
As she didn’t seem to be able to do anything, he took the hamlet from her hand and put it on her head fastening it under her chin.
“Where do you live?” he tried again.
“You… you... you mean you’ll drive me home?”
“Yes, of course… You don’t think I’ll take advantage of your situation,” he scoffed at her.
She shook her head fast and told him she was living on the campus. He mounted his bike and waited for her to do the same and then drove his bike to the campus. When he got in front of her dorm, he dismounted, helped her dismount as well and unfastened her hamlet.
“I… I don’t know how to thank you,” she said. “I didn’t expect…”
He looked at her, touched the lock of hair that had fallen on her face, and after a few moments, he leaned towards her and kissed the corner of her mouth.
“Maybe you can go on a date with me. Not at that bar, of course, here in town, where there are lots of people and you could feel safe…”
She nodded. “Tomorrow, at six?”
“Okay, tomorrow at six,” he said and went back to his bike and drove away.
THE BIKER
“Please,” she begged trying to convince him to let her go.
He just laughed and squeezed her arm harder to make her understand he was the boss.
His laughter died on his lips when he felt her knee goring him in his groin and turned into a whoosh. He bent breathless and she pulled herself out of his reach.
“That would teach you some manners, mister,” she threw sternly over her shoulder and ran to the corner of the building looking for the entrance of the bar.
She was in a strange neighborhood and she cursed the lack of thought when she agreed to go for a ride with Tyler. Mara had told her he wasn’t to be trusted but she’d thought it was her jealousy talking. Tyler was one of the best looking guys on the campus and she’d been trying to make him notice her for a long time. She fancied his blond hair and blue eyes, as well as his built. He was a walking dream. When he finally came to her that afternoon and invited her for a ride in the evening, she thought she’d struck gold. Now she saw that the gold was tarnished.
Tyler brought her in a seedy neighborhood and parked his bike behind a bar that might have seen better times. He persuaded her to go inside for drinks but once they got to the side of the building he simply pushed her to the wall and tore her shirt. Buttons flew everywhere and for a few moments she froze in place. Her brain refused to process what was going on. When she felt his hand on her bra, then her brain started functioning again and she tried to talk to Tyler and make him let her go. He wouldn’t listen. He was very clear that he considered she knew why he invited her out and he was waiting for her to respect her part of the deal.
She rushed to find the door to the bar afraid that Tyler would recover soon and come after her. She wanted to find someone else to protect her although she had her doubts that she’d find someone in that forgotten place. It didn’t seem the place where good guys would go for a good time.
She heard Tyler’s steps crunching on the pebbles of the alley and she rushed to get inside the bar. When she opened the door, a fog of smoke hit her in the face and her stomach protested at the strong smell of stale beer. Only the fear that Tyler would catch up with her made her go in looking around to see if she could see anyone that would side with her. Her hopes dies one by one when she took in the people around. There was a crowd, that was true, but not the crowd she’d usually associate with. For a moment there, she was sure she fell out of the frying pan into the fire. There was a bunch of huge guys sporting tattoos on their thick arms at the bar and all of them were eying her as if she were the entertainment of the evening. She hesitated and tried to find a solution to her predicament.
When she heard the door behind her opening, she jumped and looked back. Tyler was standing in the open door looking at her with mean and red eyes. She was in real trouble now. When he reached out to take her arm she ran to the bar blindly and she bumped into a giant. The giant’s beer spilled everywhere and he stared her down. She felt like she was melting inside. That was the worse night of her life and no one would help her. She whimpered and tears fell on her cheeks. She felt Tyler’s strong fingers on her arm and she tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let go. The giant stood and put the empty glass on the counter and then turned to her and pulled her out of Tyler’s grip.
“Hey, man,” Tyler snapped, “she’s with me.”
She started shaking her head but the giant didn’t seem to pay any attention to her. His icy eyes were trained on Tyler and didn’t show any benevolence.
“I doubt it,” he said with an unnatural calm and pulled her on his side. “You’re with me, sweetheart, aren’t you?”
She didn’t know what to do. She knew what Tyler wanted and she definitely didn’t want to go with him but she didn’t know this guy either. He didn’t seem the gentle type who would listen to her sorry tale and let her go. Nonetheless, she didn’t feel his fingers digging in her flesh as Tyler’s did and she thought that choosing the evil you knew might not be the smartest move.
“Yes, I’m with you,” she said, although her answer wasn’t loud enough to go further than the two guys.
“So, beat it,” the giant pushed Tyler away. He leaned forward and on a low tone he added “Never come to her again or I’ll have to rearrange your pretty face, got it?”
Tyler swallowed hard and nodded and then left the bar banging the door behind him.
She relaxed for a moment but when she looked up to the giant’s eyes she froze. His eyes were cold as a winter night.
“Do you want a drink or do you want to be on our way?” he asked.
She didn’t know what she wanted. She wanted a drink. Actually, she needed a drink. At the same time, she wanted the night to end and put it behind her.
“Okay, let’s go,” he said and put a banknote on the counter.
He took her hand and she followed him meekly to the door. She was at a loss of words.
Outside, he led her to the parking lot and took the only hamlet he had and gave it to her.
“Put it on and tell me where I should drive you.”
She looked at him, the hamlet dangling from her fingers and couldn’t utter a sound.
“You need to go home,” he continued. “You seem to have had a bad night and you need to go home and forget about it.”
As she didn’t seem to be able to do anything, he took the hamlet from her hand and put it on her head fastening it under her chin.
“Where do you live?” he tried again.
“You… you... you mean you’ll drive me home?”
“Yes, of course… You don’t think I’ll take advantage of your situation,” he scoffed at her.
She shook her head fast and told him she was living on the campus. He mounted his bike and waited for her to do the same and then drove his bike to the campus. When he got in front of her dorm, he dismounted, helped her dismount as well and unfastened her hamlet.
“I… I don’t know how to thank you,” she said. “I didn’t expect…”
He looked at her, touched the lock of hair that had fallen on her face, and after a few moments, he leaned towards her and kissed the corner of her mouth.
“Maybe you can go on a date with me. Not at that bar, of course, here in town, where there are lots of people and you could feel safe…”
She nodded. “Tomorrow, at six?”
“Okay, tomorrow at six,” he said and went back to his bike and drove away.
INTERVIEW SERIES - ALLISON GRAYHURST
INTERVIEW WITH ALLISON GRAYHURST
BIO: Allison Grayhurst is a member of the League of Canadian Poets. Three times nominated for Sundress Publications “Best of the Net” 2015, she has over 850 poems published in over 380 international journals. She lives in Toronto with her husband, two children, a dog, two cats, two rats and a bird. She is a vegan for the animals. She also sculpts, working with clay;www.allisongrayhurst.com
Link to an old TV interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJtJd7VaS-0
Link to reading a poem and accompanying video by Ava Harness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqqX7e7OlBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqqX7e7OlBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJtJd7VaS-0
Welcome to Roxana's blog!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I grew up mostly in Montreal by the St. Lawrence River. My parents were both journalists, and my father and mother moved my brother and I to Spain when we were young so my father could write a mystery novel. My father read often, his favorite was Shakespeare, who he would read to us over the dinner table. My mother and I would write short stories together. She was the first person I shared my poems with.
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?
In 1995 my book Somewhere Falling was published by Beach Holme Publishers, a Porcepic Book, in Vancouver in 1995. Since then I have published twelve other books of poetry and seven collections with Edge Unlimited Publishing. Before the publication of Somewhere Falling I had a poetry book published, Common Dream, and four chapbooks published by The Plowman. My poetry chapbook The River is Blind was published by Ottawa publisher above/ground press December 2012. In 2014 my chapbook Surrogate Dharma was published by Kind of a Hurricane Press, Barometric Pressures Author Series. Then in 2015, my book No Raft – No Ocean was published by Scars Publications. More recently, my book Make the Wind was published in 2016 by Scars Publications. As well, my book Trial and Witness – selected poems, was published in 2016 by Creative Talents Unleashed (CTU Publishing Group).
Q: Where can we buy or see them?
Most of my books are available to buy in paperback and kindle on amazon:
US Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst
UK Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B001KIWQUS
Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/s?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Allison%20Grayhurst&search-alias=books-ca
People can also read most of them for free on Issuu at: https://issuu.com/allisongrayhurst
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What’s it about?
I am not working on anything right now. I am in a bit of a stasis right now. I am just writing poems or pieces of poems. I write longhand with a pen and tuck the paper in a drawer. I have about six months of writing, which I will eventually type in, and most of it I will throw out. I am not sure if any of it will amount to anything at this point.
Q: When did you decide to become a writer and why? What was the principal reason for taking up a pen (metaphorical speaking) and write that first sentence?
I never decided to be a writer/poet. It was actually one of the last things I wanted to be. For me, it wasn’t a choice, but an acceptance, which at almost 50 years old, I have mostly come to terms with.
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
When and how I write has changed over the years. I use to write in donut shops, then when walking. The early mornings have always been the most sacred and creative times for me. I am a full-time poet, because for me being a poet isn’t a career or job, it is just part of who I am, something I carry with me always.
Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?
My inspiration comes from animals, children, people, trees, love, inner dread, spiritual longing – all of it ultimately, if it is worth anything, comes from God.
Q: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I don’t know, because it seems to always be evolving or changing. There are times when I feel very confident with creating and other times I feel like an amateur with no ability whatsoever. Writing poetry for me is not an intellectual endeavor and it is not purely emotional either. Those aspects are involved, but only secondary. It has always been for me an act of surrender - clearing myself to receive, trusting what I receive, and then recording it.
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I proof read and edit all of my writing many times over. When I feel done, my husband Kyp Harness, singer/songwriter, author, and cartoonist reads it over, whose artist opinion I trust implicitly.
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?
The first nine books I put out in 2012 were very clear visions I had for fifteen years before putting them out. I knew I wanted my sculptures on the covers and I knew which one I wanted on which book. The books I self-published since then were the same. They have all of my work in them that I want to share. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
I like self-publishing books with createspace as it gives me absolutely control over the look and content, as well as any changes I want to make at a later date. I also love that I can do it at my own pace, which is usually very quick. I have been published by publishers and often (not always) I have been at the mercy of their time-frame. The first book I got published took two years from when I started sending it out – a year to be accepted and another year before it was in print. The main drawback with self-publishing is that a larger publisher has the machinery in place to promote the book, get reviews and interviews which is lacking when self-publishing. As well, having a book published by an established publisher gives the author respect and credibility.
Q: Which famous persons, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Jesus, first, although he is alive now and I have met him.
Dostoyevsky, second, because he is my mentor.
Jane Goodall, third, because she is my hero.
Q: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.allisongrayhurst.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.grayhurst
Twitter: https://twitter.com/agrayhurst
Lnkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/allison-grayhurst-39b1b67b
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Allison-Grayhurst/e/B001KIWQUS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1343255960&sr=8-1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1937690.Allison_Grayhurst
Issuu: https://issuu.com/allisongrayhurst
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9WZmOvTHbw
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
BIO: Allison Grayhurst is a member of the League of Canadian Poets. Three times nominated for Sundress Publications “Best of the Net” 2015, she has over 850 poems published in over 380 international journals. She lives in Toronto with her husband, two children, a dog, two cats, two rats and a bird. She is a vegan for the animals. She also sculpts, working with clay;www.allisongrayhurst.com
Link to an old TV interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJtJd7VaS-0
Link to reading a poem and accompanying video by Ava Harness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqqX7e7OlBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqqX7e7OlBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJtJd7VaS-0
Welcome to Roxana's blog!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I grew up mostly in Montreal by the St. Lawrence River. My parents were both journalists, and my father and mother moved my brother and I to Spain when we were young so my father could write a mystery novel. My father read often, his favorite was Shakespeare, who he would read to us over the dinner table. My mother and I would write short stories together. She was the first person I shared my poems with.
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?
In 1995 my book Somewhere Falling was published by Beach Holme Publishers, a Porcepic Book, in Vancouver in 1995. Since then I have published twelve other books of poetry and seven collections with Edge Unlimited Publishing. Before the publication of Somewhere Falling I had a poetry book published, Common Dream, and four chapbooks published by The Plowman. My poetry chapbook The River is Blind was published by Ottawa publisher above/ground press December 2012. In 2014 my chapbook Surrogate Dharma was published by Kind of a Hurricane Press, Barometric Pressures Author Series. Then in 2015, my book No Raft – No Ocean was published by Scars Publications. More recently, my book Make the Wind was published in 2016 by Scars Publications. As well, my book Trial and Witness – selected poems, was published in 2016 by Creative Talents Unleashed (CTU Publishing Group).
Q: Where can we buy or see them?
Most of my books are available to buy in paperback and kindle on amazon:
US Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/allisongrayhurst
UK Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B001KIWQUS
Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/s?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Allison%20Grayhurst&search-alias=books-ca
People can also read most of them for free on Issuu at: https://issuu.com/allisongrayhurst
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What’s it about?
I am not working on anything right now. I am in a bit of a stasis right now. I am just writing poems or pieces of poems. I write longhand with a pen and tuck the paper in a drawer. I have about six months of writing, which I will eventually type in, and most of it I will throw out. I am not sure if any of it will amount to anything at this point.
Q: When did you decide to become a writer and why? What was the principal reason for taking up a pen (metaphorical speaking) and write that first sentence?
I never decided to be a writer/poet. It was actually one of the last things I wanted to be. For me, it wasn’t a choice, but an acceptance, which at almost 50 years old, I have mostly come to terms with.
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
When and how I write has changed over the years. I use to write in donut shops, then when walking. The early mornings have always been the most sacred and creative times for me. I am a full-time poet, because for me being a poet isn’t a career or job, it is just part of who I am, something I carry with me always.
Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?
My inspiration comes from animals, children, people, trees, love, inner dread, spiritual longing – all of it ultimately, if it is worth anything, comes from God.
Q: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I don’t know, because it seems to always be evolving or changing. There are times when I feel very confident with creating and other times I feel like an amateur with no ability whatsoever. Writing poetry for me is not an intellectual endeavor and it is not purely emotional either. Those aspects are involved, but only secondary. It has always been for me an act of surrender - clearing myself to receive, trusting what I receive, and then recording it.
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I proof read and edit all of my writing many times over. When I feel done, my husband Kyp Harness, singer/songwriter, author, and cartoonist reads it over, whose artist opinion I trust implicitly.
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?
The first nine books I put out in 2012 were very clear visions I had for fifteen years before putting them out. I knew I wanted my sculptures on the covers and I knew which one I wanted on which book. The books I self-published since then were the same. They have all of my work in them that I want to share. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
I like self-publishing books with createspace as it gives me absolutely control over the look and content, as well as any changes I want to make at a later date. I also love that I can do it at my own pace, which is usually very quick. I have been published by publishers and often (not always) I have been at the mercy of their time-frame. The first book I got published took two years from when I started sending it out – a year to be accepted and another year before it was in print. The main drawback with self-publishing is that a larger publisher has the machinery in place to promote the book, get reviews and interviews which is lacking when self-publishing. As well, having a book published by an established publisher gives the author respect and credibility.
Q: Which famous persons, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Jesus, first, although he is alive now and I have met him.
Dostoyevsky, second, because he is my mentor.
Jane Goodall, third, because she is my hero.
Q: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.allisongrayhurst.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.grayhurst
Twitter: https://twitter.com/agrayhurst
Lnkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/allison-grayhurst-39b1b67b
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Allison-Grayhurst/e/B001KIWQUS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1343255960&sr=8-1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1937690.Allison_Grayhurst
Issuu: https://issuu.com/allisongrayhurst
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9WZmOvTHbw
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
September 3, 2016
PROLOGUE - BECKA'S AWAKENING
I've decided to post the prologue of the novel that will be published of the end of September. I hope I will get your feed-back. PROLOGUE
“Come on, man, this is so not right!” Josh exploded throwing his fork back on the plate, which made his aunt, Marjorie, frown.
“You’re complaining, huh?” Maggie mocked him waving her fork at him, and rolled her eyes. “You’re still fairly young and you have enough time ahead of you, so you shouldn’t be the one complaining!” she retorted angrily.
“He has the right to complain, Maggie, as well as any one of you!” Becka replied in support of her cousin. “So what if we are younger? We’re all in the same boat!” she continued punching the table with her little fist. “Auntie, can’t we do something about this?”
“I know you want to do, pumpkin, but you can’t,” Aunt Marjorie replied gently stroking her arm. “What has to be done, has to be done!”
“So, we have to pay for something that happened a hundred years before? How does that make any sense at all?” Alex snapped and joined the others in voicing his outrage, and then forked another piece of pie.
“It’s been less than a hundred, nitwit!” Lily replied with disdain and punched his arm.
“Who the hell cares?” Alex retorted with his mouth full. He’d never learned not to talk with his mouth full, try as his parents might, and, anyway, he wouldn’t give a rat’s ass on such things, especially at home. “One hundred, two hundred, same shit, pardon my French. You know what? I don’t feel like paying for some jackass’s mistakes!” he ended his heated speech by pointing his finger at Lily.
“So, what do you propose to do, then?” Matt, who’d kept his mouth shut until then, asked with nonchalance. He had been sipping from his whiskey glass quietly, with a detached expression on his face suggesting that nothing they discussed would affect him.
“Don’t tell me you’re okay with this!” Alex answered back showing him his disbelief. “Come on, Matt! You’re the oldest, man and you’ve only got one year left. You’ve got to be as angry as I am, if not more! Don’t pretend it doesn’t bother you because that’s not possible!”
Matt took a few moments, sipped more from his glass and then looked at Alex and shook his head.
“Angry? Maybe. Can I do something about it? I don’t think so,” he replied to his cousin with his usual coolness, his eyes gazing steadily at Alex. “So why should I bother?”
No one had anything to say to that. All of them were aware that there was one stipulation that they had to fulfill and only then they could get their trust funds and also reach their full potential. The worst part was that they had to do that before turning thirty-five because once one of them turned thirty-five without fulfilling that condition, their fund was divided among the remaining younger ones who still had time ahead of them.
“You know what? … I don’t really care about unlocking my powers,” Ariel said pensively, without addressing anyone in particular, “although, it would be nice to see what you can do if you use your full potential…” she continued, lost in her thoughts as always and her cousins gave her the time to get to the point. They knew she had the bad habit of rambling, getting lost in her own thoughts and leaving everyone hanging, but sometimes, if not most of the time, she could come up with very interesting solutions if they had the patience to listen to her. “But I do care about making something for myself. I’d like to open a little business…” Ariel finally said longingly.
“Keep dreaming, girl,” Maggie snapped already bored with the way Ariel always liked to drag things out. She wasn’t one for patience and, unfortunately, that trait had some unpleasant results in her daily life. “Till you take care of your part of business, Ariel, girl, you won’t be able to open a shed.”
“Why are you always so mean to her?” Alex snapped at Maggie. “If she wants to dream, let her dream away. What else can she do? What else is there for any of us, huh?” he asked looking at each of them pointedly, as he wanted to see each one’s reactions.
“Beat the curse?” Marjorie said softly trying to defuse a potentially explosive situation.
“Not so easy, auntie,” Ariel said sorrowfully. “I tried, you know… Do you remember? I thought that guy, Eric, the one I met two years ago, would be the one. It wasn’t meant to be, you know… It’s not so easy, and you know it very well. You see how things are. There’s no real romance left in this world, I’m afraid, and if there’s no romance left, where can one find love?”
Marjorie nodded. She did know it. Finding true love wasn’t easy-peasy. She’d been in the same situation when it was her turn and she’d almost lost everything because of stubbornness and the family’s meddling.
“It’s never easy, dear, I know,” she answered Ariel and stroked her arm with love again. “But, Ariel, sweetheart, you have to keep trying. You can’t simply give up. Think about it! You will be able to use your powers and get your money, only once you find your true love and commit to it. You’ll be happy then!”
Ariel turned her eyes to her plate on the table. She knew that her eyes would show everyone that she’d already resigned herself to never doing that and she was sick of hearing platitudes and encouragements.
Everyone kept silent for a few moments. Jay helped himself to some more of his mother’s amazing. Marjorie was the best cook in their family and that’s why they’d always choose to meet at her house. Everything was easier to swallow if there was a good pie or cake on the table. At least, that’s what Jay thought.
“I think we should see if there’s any legal way to get out of this, guys! We need the money now, don’t we? It’s not like we can wait around forever!” Alex interrupted the silence, as the idea came to him suddenly, looking at each one of them and they nodded their assent. “Look here!” he continued. “I’m already thirty-two. I don’t have time for stupid things and games and all sorts of idiotic tries! I want to do something for myself as Ariel said. Now, when I still can.”
Almost everybody nodded in agreement with him and then looked to Matt. He was known to be the smartest guy in the family and they knew that any kind of solution should have come from him. Matt looked around as well feeling their expecting gazes on him and shook his head.
“There’s no way out of that, buddy,” Matt finally replied, at the same time putting his glass on the wooden table and standing up from the bench. “If you called this meeting only for this, then I’m out of here. I’ve got real things to do, places to see…”
“You don’t even want to try,” Becka cried out jumping out her seat. “You’ve just given up because you have a little over a year left and you don’t care anymore.”
“I tried, sweetie,” Matt replied to her with a sad smile.
Becka was his favorite cousin. Maybe because she was the youngest or maybe because she was unspoilt and funny and had a very big heart. He stroked the side of her face with the tips of his fingers and then kissed her forehead.
“Becka, I tried hard to find any kind of loophole in the wording of the trust funds papers. Believe me, there’s none. If I couldn’t find one, sweetie, then no one can, and you know it. There’s a reason I’m one of the best attorneys in the country, and all of you know that this isn’t just my vanity talking. Anyway, honey, these days, I content myself with making my money the hard way and enjoying as much as possible of the little spare time I have left. I’ve stopped chasing such dreams. It’s not in the cards for me and that’s it.”
All of his cousins looked at him in shock. Only his sister, Maggie, understood him very well. She didn’t have any patience, especially with fools, but Matt was something special. She’d always looked up to him and she knew he wasn’t the kind of guy to give up on anything. Hearing him saying that he’d resigned himself made her understand the depth of his anger, even though he wouldn’t let his anger be seen. She felt like she wanted to take him in her arms and never let go. Nonetheless, she knew that he wouldn’t like that – not very big on affection displays, her brother - so she just petted his hand and left it at that.
“Matt, you should try to use that spare time you have to find a girl,” his mother said reproachfully and all eyes turned to Marjorie, who continued: “You still have a chance, son, and I’m not talking about the money here, you know it. I know that sad affair with Velma’s left you afraid to commit again and I don’t like that in the least. That’s not Matty I know. That wasn’t love, son, and you know it very well. Had it been true love, you’d have had your full powers by now even if you hadn’t gotten the money.”
“Mother, Velma’s been out of the picture for a decade already. She’s in the past. What’s the point in bringing her back into the conversation?” Matt retorted curtly, shaking his head as if he couldn’t understand his mother’s reasons.
“Because she was the reason you stopped looking at women with hope,” Marjorie pointed out waving her finger to her first born. “You’re thinking that all women are like her and that’s why you just take everything you can take from them and then you move on. Another woman on the list! It’s like you’re keeping a score: how many women can Matt score?” she said acidly, which wasn’t something that they’d witnessed before. Everyone’s eyes were riveted on her. “It’s not good for you, Matt! Even if you’ve already given up on the trust money, which is stupid, by the way, you’re still alive and you still need a reliable woman in your life, as I’ve already said. You’ll grow old and alone and bitter!” Marjorie ended her unusual tirade by hitting her son in his chest with her finger.
“Thanks for the heads up, mom. It’s always good to know how your future will look like!” Matt replied sarcastically and removed himself from the path of her pointy finger.
Marjorie shook her head bitterly but chose not to continue that line of discussion. She knew her son quite well and she knew that when he was like that, there was no way to make him change his mind. It was like talking to a stone.
The silence stretched for a few minutes. Everyone was busy eating their pie or with their drinks. But mostly they were busy avoiding each other’s eyes for fear that someone might say something hurtful.
In the end, Alex, the most outspoken of all, couldn’t stand the awkward silence anymore and looked around, shrugged his shoulders and decided to try a new thread of conversation.
“You know, you are the old lady’s favorite great-grandson, Matt. Can’t you persuade her to finish with this foolishness? She can change the papers if she wants to. It’s not like the words are carved in stone!” Alex asked Matt, anxiously waiting for his answer.
“Tried that too, Alex!” Matt replied shaking his head. “She said she did it for our own good, whatever she means by that. So… I can say I’ve tried everything and it’s time to limit my losses.”
Again no one said anything for a few moments and again they couldn’t bring themselves to look each other in the eye and the silence stretched. Encouraged by the unusual silence, as such meetings were normally a very chatty and loud affair, Matt took his leave with a simple wave of his hand and started down the path to the kitchen door, whistling softly to himself.
Ariel, pensive as always, looked after him until he got inside the house to take his car keys and leave, and then she said dolefully:
“It’s sad… It’s really sad. He’s the oldest and he’s already given up.”
For a few moments, everyone stared at her without reply. It was like she’d grown a second head during the last hour.
“Well, we’re close to that too, Ariel,” her brother Alex retorted angrily after a moment of disbelief. “It’s not like we have too much time left, is it? Just about three years, dimwit! When we turn thirty-five, everything will be gone: the money, the powers, everything. And we can’t do a single thing to stop this!”
“And we can’t even cheat,” Jay intervened bitterly for the first time and the others burst into laughter.
“Oh, yeah, I remember,” Lily said. “When you tried to pose as a fool in love and came with that simpleton. Camilla, I think her name was.”
Jay nodded smiling. He had already forgotten the ridicule he’d suffered at the time. His easy-going nature didn’t allow him to keep a grudge for long.
“Yep, but it didn’t work, did it?” Josh said very matter of fact. “Those two fossils sniffed you out.”
“Well, they can read minds, so it was a piece of cake to sniff him out,” Aunt Marjorie pointed out with an enigmatic smile on her lips. “That’s why they’ve been appointed trustees, you know. No one can fool them. You shouldn’t have tried to cheat, Jay. The old lady hasn’t forgiven you for that yet.”
Jay nodded that he knew very well where he stood with his grandma. He didn’t think that she’d ever forgive him. The old bat was a real piece of work: resentful and bitter. Just a few of them could steal a smile from her and lately he hadn’t been part of that group. After the stunt he pulled with that woman, grandma didn’t even acknowledge him at the family dinners anymore.
He looked around and noticed that all the others had gone quiet, each of them thinking about the implications of what had happened to him. He truly hoped that he wouldn’t go through a new period of veiled mean jokes or even innocent teasing. At which Becka was a master. He even flinched when she started speaking.
“So, we only have to wait for them to pass away…,” Becka tentatively began to say, her gaze passing from one to the other.
“Not so fast,” Marjorie interrupted her hastily. “The rule says that if they pass away, two others will take their place. Same type of power, pumpkin, so no way to fool them either. You have to understand that there is no way around this. You have to play by the rules.”
“Damn it!” Alex swore. “All this drama only because great-grandpa had the nerve to abandon great-grandma for another woman and then another idiot left aunt Evelyn to stand alone at the altar and she killed herself!” he shook his head as if everything was unconceivable for him. “So, now, generation after generation has to pay for those two idiots! Where the hell is the fairness in that?”
“Well, I think that it was a radical conclusion from my grandmother, as well,” Marjorie replied conciliatorily, “but there’s never been a way to change grandma’s mind, unfortunately. I know my father tried hard at the time, but she wouldn’t listen to him. He tried again when my happiness was at stake and still nothing. He didn’t have any success. She wouldn’t give in. Since the money was still hers, she had the right to decide what she wanted to do with it.”
“But why the curse about our powers? I really don’t understand that,” Becka wondered.
“The same reason. Great-grandpa was a witch himself and he used those powers to entice a very young woman and leave grandma. And the man who left Evelyn at the altar was also enticed by a witch. She didn’t want any other witch to misuse their powers.”
“I wouldn’t!” Becka cried out.
“I know that you wouldn’t pumpkin,” Marjorie patted her hand tenderly. “Not all apples are rotten, I know that much. However, grandma didn’t want to hear a thing, so… Here we are: now, everyone in my generation paid for that and yours has to pay, as well. However, if you succeed to find your true love and get your trust funds, then at least the money problem will end and the next generations will have only the curse to defeat,” Marjorie tried to lift their moods but with little success.
“Oh,” Lily sighed and put her chin in her right hand, and fixed her dreamy gaze somewhere in the distance.
“I really wanted to open that nursery,” Ariel whispered inconsolably and her brother stroked her fingers, his eyes shining with deep concern for his sister’s dreams.
“Nothing is lost, sweetheart,” Marjorie said and stroke Ariel’s hand again. “You’ll see, you’ll find your soul mate. Everything will be fine.”
“Where? Where could I find my soul mate, auntie? The people that I deal with every day are not even lover material, believe me. I wouldn’t let them touch me with a ten-foot pole so finding a soul mate is quite out of question. There’s no chance for me out there! I’ve looked around for years and nothing!” she said this time with tears in her eyes.
“Wait and see, things have a way of finding their way,” Marjorie whispered to her and then she started picking up the plates and forks to show that the conversation ended.
There wasn’t anything more to add and whining wouldn’t help. She knew that well: whining never helped. You had to roll up your sleeves and do something.
Although the others jumped out of their seats to help her, they were all still thinking of what they’d discussed and a none-too-rosy future that looked pretty hopeless for them that very moment.
“Come on, man, this is so not right!” Josh exploded throwing his fork back on the plate, which made his aunt, Marjorie, frown.
“You’re complaining, huh?” Maggie mocked him waving her fork at him, and rolled her eyes. “You’re still fairly young and you have enough time ahead of you, so you shouldn’t be the one complaining!” she retorted angrily.
“He has the right to complain, Maggie, as well as any one of you!” Becka replied in support of her cousin. “So what if we are younger? We’re all in the same boat!” she continued punching the table with her little fist. “Auntie, can’t we do something about this?”
“I know you want to do, pumpkin, but you can’t,” Aunt Marjorie replied gently stroking her arm. “What has to be done, has to be done!”
“So, we have to pay for something that happened a hundred years before? How does that make any sense at all?” Alex snapped and joined the others in voicing his outrage, and then forked another piece of pie.
“It’s been less than a hundred, nitwit!” Lily replied with disdain and punched his arm.
“Who the hell cares?” Alex retorted with his mouth full. He’d never learned not to talk with his mouth full, try as his parents might, and, anyway, he wouldn’t give a rat’s ass on such things, especially at home. “One hundred, two hundred, same shit, pardon my French. You know what? I don’t feel like paying for some jackass’s mistakes!” he ended his heated speech by pointing his finger at Lily.
“So, what do you propose to do, then?” Matt, who’d kept his mouth shut until then, asked with nonchalance. He had been sipping from his whiskey glass quietly, with a detached expression on his face suggesting that nothing they discussed would affect him.
“Don’t tell me you’re okay with this!” Alex answered back showing him his disbelief. “Come on, Matt! You’re the oldest, man and you’ve only got one year left. You’ve got to be as angry as I am, if not more! Don’t pretend it doesn’t bother you because that’s not possible!”
Matt took a few moments, sipped more from his glass and then looked at Alex and shook his head.
“Angry? Maybe. Can I do something about it? I don’t think so,” he replied to his cousin with his usual coolness, his eyes gazing steadily at Alex. “So why should I bother?”
No one had anything to say to that. All of them were aware that there was one stipulation that they had to fulfill and only then they could get their trust funds and also reach their full potential. The worst part was that they had to do that before turning thirty-five because once one of them turned thirty-five without fulfilling that condition, their fund was divided among the remaining younger ones who still had time ahead of them.
“You know what? … I don’t really care about unlocking my powers,” Ariel said pensively, without addressing anyone in particular, “although, it would be nice to see what you can do if you use your full potential…” she continued, lost in her thoughts as always and her cousins gave her the time to get to the point. They knew she had the bad habit of rambling, getting lost in her own thoughts and leaving everyone hanging, but sometimes, if not most of the time, she could come up with very interesting solutions if they had the patience to listen to her. “But I do care about making something for myself. I’d like to open a little business…” Ariel finally said longingly.
“Keep dreaming, girl,” Maggie snapped already bored with the way Ariel always liked to drag things out. She wasn’t one for patience and, unfortunately, that trait had some unpleasant results in her daily life. “Till you take care of your part of business, Ariel, girl, you won’t be able to open a shed.”
“Why are you always so mean to her?” Alex snapped at Maggie. “If she wants to dream, let her dream away. What else can she do? What else is there for any of us, huh?” he asked looking at each of them pointedly, as he wanted to see each one’s reactions.
“Beat the curse?” Marjorie said softly trying to defuse a potentially explosive situation.
“Not so easy, auntie,” Ariel said sorrowfully. “I tried, you know… Do you remember? I thought that guy, Eric, the one I met two years ago, would be the one. It wasn’t meant to be, you know… It’s not so easy, and you know it very well. You see how things are. There’s no real romance left in this world, I’m afraid, and if there’s no romance left, where can one find love?”
Marjorie nodded. She did know it. Finding true love wasn’t easy-peasy. She’d been in the same situation when it was her turn and she’d almost lost everything because of stubbornness and the family’s meddling.
“It’s never easy, dear, I know,” she answered Ariel and stroked her arm with love again. “But, Ariel, sweetheart, you have to keep trying. You can’t simply give up. Think about it! You will be able to use your powers and get your money, only once you find your true love and commit to it. You’ll be happy then!”
Ariel turned her eyes to her plate on the table. She knew that her eyes would show everyone that she’d already resigned herself to never doing that and she was sick of hearing platitudes and encouragements.
Everyone kept silent for a few moments. Jay helped himself to some more of his mother’s amazing. Marjorie was the best cook in their family and that’s why they’d always choose to meet at her house. Everything was easier to swallow if there was a good pie or cake on the table. At least, that’s what Jay thought.
“I think we should see if there’s any legal way to get out of this, guys! We need the money now, don’t we? It’s not like we can wait around forever!” Alex interrupted the silence, as the idea came to him suddenly, looking at each one of them and they nodded their assent. “Look here!” he continued. “I’m already thirty-two. I don’t have time for stupid things and games and all sorts of idiotic tries! I want to do something for myself as Ariel said. Now, when I still can.”
Almost everybody nodded in agreement with him and then looked to Matt. He was known to be the smartest guy in the family and they knew that any kind of solution should have come from him. Matt looked around as well feeling their expecting gazes on him and shook his head.
“There’s no way out of that, buddy,” Matt finally replied, at the same time putting his glass on the wooden table and standing up from the bench. “If you called this meeting only for this, then I’m out of here. I’ve got real things to do, places to see…”
“You don’t even want to try,” Becka cried out jumping out her seat. “You’ve just given up because you have a little over a year left and you don’t care anymore.”
“I tried, sweetie,” Matt replied to her with a sad smile.
Becka was his favorite cousin. Maybe because she was the youngest or maybe because she was unspoilt and funny and had a very big heart. He stroked the side of her face with the tips of his fingers and then kissed her forehead.
“Becka, I tried hard to find any kind of loophole in the wording of the trust funds papers. Believe me, there’s none. If I couldn’t find one, sweetie, then no one can, and you know it. There’s a reason I’m one of the best attorneys in the country, and all of you know that this isn’t just my vanity talking. Anyway, honey, these days, I content myself with making my money the hard way and enjoying as much as possible of the little spare time I have left. I’ve stopped chasing such dreams. It’s not in the cards for me and that’s it.”
All of his cousins looked at him in shock. Only his sister, Maggie, understood him very well. She didn’t have any patience, especially with fools, but Matt was something special. She’d always looked up to him and she knew he wasn’t the kind of guy to give up on anything. Hearing him saying that he’d resigned himself made her understand the depth of his anger, even though he wouldn’t let his anger be seen. She felt like she wanted to take him in her arms and never let go. Nonetheless, she knew that he wouldn’t like that – not very big on affection displays, her brother - so she just petted his hand and left it at that.
“Matt, you should try to use that spare time you have to find a girl,” his mother said reproachfully and all eyes turned to Marjorie, who continued: “You still have a chance, son, and I’m not talking about the money here, you know it. I know that sad affair with Velma’s left you afraid to commit again and I don’t like that in the least. That’s not Matty I know. That wasn’t love, son, and you know it very well. Had it been true love, you’d have had your full powers by now even if you hadn’t gotten the money.”
“Mother, Velma’s been out of the picture for a decade already. She’s in the past. What’s the point in bringing her back into the conversation?” Matt retorted curtly, shaking his head as if he couldn’t understand his mother’s reasons.
“Because she was the reason you stopped looking at women with hope,” Marjorie pointed out waving her finger to her first born. “You’re thinking that all women are like her and that’s why you just take everything you can take from them and then you move on. Another woman on the list! It’s like you’re keeping a score: how many women can Matt score?” she said acidly, which wasn’t something that they’d witnessed before. Everyone’s eyes were riveted on her. “It’s not good for you, Matt! Even if you’ve already given up on the trust money, which is stupid, by the way, you’re still alive and you still need a reliable woman in your life, as I’ve already said. You’ll grow old and alone and bitter!” Marjorie ended her unusual tirade by hitting her son in his chest with her finger.
“Thanks for the heads up, mom. It’s always good to know how your future will look like!” Matt replied sarcastically and removed himself from the path of her pointy finger.
Marjorie shook her head bitterly but chose not to continue that line of discussion. She knew her son quite well and she knew that when he was like that, there was no way to make him change his mind. It was like talking to a stone.
The silence stretched for a few minutes. Everyone was busy eating their pie or with their drinks. But mostly they were busy avoiding each other’s eyes for fear that someone might say something hurtful.
In the end, Alex, the most outspoken of all, couldn’t stand the awkward silence anymore and looked around, shrugged his shoulders and decided to try a new thread of conversation.
“You know, you are the old lady’s favorite great-grandson, Matt. Can’t you persuade her to finish with this foolishness? She can change the papers if she wants to. It’s not like the words are carved in stone!” Alex asked Matt, anxiously waiting for his answer.
“Tried that too, Alex!” Matt replied shaking his head. “She said she did it for our own good, whatever she means by that. So… I can say I’ve tried everything and it’s time to limit my losses.”
Again no one said anything for a few moments and again they couldn’t bring themselves to look each other in the eye and the silence stretched. Encouraged by the unusual silence, as such meetings were normally a very chatty and loud affair, Matt took his leave with a simple wave of his hand and started down the path to the kitchen door, whistling softly to himself.
Ariel, pensive as always, looked after him until he got inside the house to take his car keys and leave, and then she said dolefully:
“It’s sad… It’s really sad. He’s the oldest and he’s already given up.”
For a few moments, everyone stared at her without reply. It was like she’d grown a second head during the last hour.
“Well, we’re close to that too, Ariel,” her brother Alex retorted angrily after a moment of disbelief. “It’s not like we have too much time left, is it? Just about three years, dimwit! When we turn thirty-five, everything will be gone: the money, the powers, everything. And we can’t do a single thing to stop this!”
“And we can’t even cheat,” Jay intervened bitterly for the first time and the others burst into laughter.
“Oh, yeah, I remember,” Lily said. “When you tried to pose as a fool in love and came with that simpleton. Camilla, I think her name was.”
Jay nodded smiling. He had already forgotten the ridicule he’d suffered at the time. His easy-going nature didn’t allow him to keep a grudge for long.
“Yep, but it didn’t work, did it?” Josh said very matter of fact. “Those two fossils sniffed you out.”
“Well, they can read minds, so it was a piece of cake to sniff him out,” Aunt Marjorie pointed out with an enigmatic smile on her lips. “That’s why they’ve been appointed trustees, you know. No one can fool them. You shouldn’t have tried to cheat, Jay. The old lady hasn’t forgiven you for that yet.”
Jay nodded that he knew very well where he stood with his grandma. He didn’t think that she’d ever forgive him. The old bat was a real piece of work: resentful and bitter. Just a few of them could steal a smile from her and lately he hadn’t been part of that group. After the stunt he pulled with that woman, grandma didn’t even acknowledge him at the family dinners anymore.
He looked around and noticed that all the others had gone quiet, each of them thinking about the implications of what had happened to him. He truly hoped that he wouldn’t go through a new period of veiled mean jokes or even innocent teasing. At which Becka was a master. He even flinched when she started speaking.
“So, we only have to wait for them to pass away…,” Becka tentatively began to say, her gaze passing from one to the other.
“Not so fast,” Marjorie interrupted her hastily. “The rule says that if they pass away, two others will take their place. Same type of power, pumpkin, so no way to fool them either. You have to understand that there is no way around this. You have to play by the rules.”
“Damn it!” Alex swore. “All this drama only because great-grandpa had the nerve to abandon great-grandma for another woman and then another idiot left aunt Evelyn to stand alone at the altar and she killed herself!” he shook his head as if everything was unconceivable for him. “So, now, generation after generation has to pay for those two idiots! Where the hell is the fairness in that?”
“Well, I think that it was a radical conclusion from my grandmother, as well,” Marjorie replied conciliatorily, “but there’s never been a way to change grandma’s mind, unfortunately. I know my father tried hard at the time, but she wouldn’t listen to him. He tried again when my happiness was at stake and still nothing. He didn’t have any success. She wouldn’t give in. Since the money was still hers, she had the right to decide what she wanted to do with it.”
“But why the curse about our powers? I really don’t understand that,” Becka wondered.
“The same reason. Great-grandpa was a witch himself and he used those powers to entice a very young woman and leave grandma. And the man who left Evelyn at the altar was also enticed by a witch. She didn’t want any other witch to misuse their powers.”
“I wouldn’t!” Becka cried out.
“I know that you wouldn’t pumpkin,” Marjorie patted her hand tenderly. “Not all apples are rotten, I know that much. However, grandma didn’t want to hear a thing, so… Here we are: now, everyone in my generation paid for that and yours has to pay, as well. However, if you succeed to find your true love and get your trust funds, then at least the money problem will end and the next generations will have only the curse to defeat,” Marjorie tried to lift their moods but with little success.
“Oh,” Lily sighed and put her chin in her right hand, and fixed her dreamy gaze somewhere in the distance.
“I really wanted to open that nursery,” Ariel whispered inconsolably and her brother stroked her fingers, his eyes shining with deep concern for his sister’s dreams.
“Nothing is lost, sweetheart,” Marjorie said and stroke Ariel’s hand again. “You’ll see, you’ll find your soul mate. Everything will be fine.”
“Where? Where could I find my soul mate, auntie? The people that I deal with every day are not even lover material, believe me. I wouldn’t let them touch me with a ten-foot pole so finding a soul mate is quite out of question. There’s no chance for me out there! I’ve looked around for years and nothing!” she said this time with tears in her eyes.
“Wait and see, things have a way of finding their way,” Marjorie whispered to her and then she started picking up the plates and forks to show that the conversation ended.
There wasn’t anything more to add and whining wouldn’t help. She knew that well: whining never helped. You had to roll up your sleeves and do something.
Although the others jumped out of their seats to help her, they were all still thinking of what they’d discussed and a none-too-rosy future that looked pretty hopeless for them that very moment.
August 30, 2016
INTERVIEW SERIES - TED GARVIN
INTERVIEW WITH TED GARVIN BIO: Ted Garvin, a middle-aged, disabled writer of mixed Native American/European descent, lives in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, with his wife and menagerie. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor's degree, but that and $2.00 (adjusted for inflation) will buy you a coffee. His favorite authors, in no particular order, are Patrick O'Brian, J.R.R. Tolkien, Roger Zelazny, and Homer. 
Welcome to Scarlet Leaf Review!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I am a jack of all trades, but master of none. I have done (almost) every job under the sun—remodeling in its various aspects, debt collection, customer service, tech support, and parenting a special needs child. I have a psychiatric disability, which probably is actually of help in my writing, as obsessive/compulsive behaviors are useful in the arts and may be part of the artistic temperament.
I live in the benighted state of Oklahoma. I vote Democratic in elections, but Oklahoma is a “red” state—always Republicans get elected to Congress, etc.
Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?
That's where I learned to write, although I have perfected/improved upon my craft in the ensuing years. Unfortunately, I talk like I write.
Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?
Better at English than Engineering.
Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?
I'd like to be published, make lots of money, and be famous. In my dreams, perhaps. Actually, I'd prefer critical success to commercial. It's always after your death that you're famous, after all. I really want what everyone else wants, to be read and appreciated.
Q: Which poets have inspired you and how? What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?
The anonymous author of Beowulf, the Pearl Poet (who wrote Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, among others), and the author of the Cloud of Unknowing. As you can see, I'm big on medieval literature.
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?
Doggerland—a novelette
Q: Where can we buy or see them?
https://www.amazon.com/Doggerland-nov...
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What’s it about?
I'm working on a sequel to Doggerland, tentatively titled the Futility of Vengeance (I'm trying for sexier titles).
Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?
Young Adult Historical Fiction (aimed at the older teen—perhaps even the post-teen). My favorite authors are YA authors, like Rosemary Sutcliff and Robert Heinlein's juvenals.
Q: What was the name of your last book? Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special? What’s it about?
See above. Deccan (the main character of Doggerland), is your typical late Stone Age teen, who wants everything every other teen has ever wanted, but he has a few special concerns—given that he grew up without a father. He wants to know the circumstances surrounding his death? The novel is about what happens when he finds out and then the down-stream consequences (life goes on, you know?).
Q: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
I've never really thought about it. Someone unknown, probably.
Q: How much research do you do for your books?
I am fairly well-read. I check out books on my time period from the library and use them as background, but the gist of the novel really comes out of thin air. Fiction is about making things up and too much data put in the book makes it seem a textbook and not a novel.
Q: Have you written any other novels/novellas in collaboration with other writers? Why did you do decide to collaborate and did that affect your sales?
No.
Q: When did you decide to become a writer and why? What was the principal reason for taking up a pen (metaphorical speaking) and write that first sentence?
When I was sixteen, but never really pursued it because of parental influence. I took courses on writing in college and have always practiced developing my writing skills. It wasn't until I was in my mid-fifties that I decided I wasn't getting any younger.
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
Depends on what you mean by full time. I don't spend eight hours a day at it, but it's always percolating in my subconscious because I write every day, even Sunday's and holidays. It's an addiction. I spend about an hour or two in the mornings, and then at spare moments, but I have a life. Currently, that involves mowing my yard, tending the garden, and otherwise keeping house.
Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?
Out of thin air. I make it up.
Q: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
There is a fine line between creativity and madness—one I cross regularly.
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I have a hybrid approach. I like to think a few chapters ahead, but I'm pretty much a pantser, then I edit the hell out of it.
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?
Thinking stuff up.
Q: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?
Editing.
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
Writer's block, in my view, is a phobia. As we say in this part of the world, you have to get back up on the horse that threw you. There are times when no words will come. I suppose “writer's fatigue” might be a good term, a better term, perhaps, for writer's block.
A problem I have is the “this is shit” voice of the critic. The only way to deal with him/her/it is to ignore it. Be kind to yourself. I also don't worry about what kind of weird things come out onto the page. I can always edit it out, after all.
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I read all the time. One author I am hysterical about is Nicola Griffith, who wrote (most recently) a historical fiction work called Hild, about St Hilda of Whitby. Our source for this historical personage is the Venerable Bede, who didn't have much to say about her, leaving quite a bit of room for speculation.
Another author I like is Steven Pressfield, most famous for Gates of Fire, which is about the Battle of Thermopylae. I find I get more reading done if it's on my Kindle, because I can read a little at a time, thus filling in those little empty spaces in the day.
Q: What book/s are you reading at present?
On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner, Last of the Amazons by Steven Pressfield, the Poetics by Aristotle, and Gotham Writers Workshop: Writing Fiction.
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
Yes. I'm too poor to hire someone, but I'm somewhat anal retentive, so it's a little easier for me than it might be for some “normal” person.
Q: Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
I know I should.
Q: Who edited your last book and how did you select him/her?
Me. See the paragraph above about money.
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?
The cover for the last one, I took a picture I had taken and incorporated it into Amazon's cover designer.
Q: Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes.
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
With self-publishing, you have to do it all. With doing it the traditional way, you have some professional help.
Q: How do you market your books, if you do the marketing yourself?
Word of mouth and Amazon's keyword search feature.
Q: Would you or do you use a PR agency?
Can't afford it.
Q: Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
There is a lot of competition out there. My best advice, such as it is, is to write the best damn book you can and let the book sell itself, but you still need to get the word out.
Q: What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
Not very much, alas.
Q: What do you do to get book reviews?
I'm not sure they are all that important. I tried everything I knew to get reviews—give away copies, etc.
Q: How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
I have two reviews which just showed up out of the blue.
Q: Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?
No.
Q: What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Paying for reviews is a bad idea. I try not to cry too much over a bad review, but I really don't worry about them.
Q: Any amusing story about marketing books that happened to you?
No.
Q: What are your views on social media for marketing? Which social network worked best for you? Any tips on what to do and what not to do?
I'm on Facebook and Twitter, but I don't do much marketing.
Q: Did you do a press release, Goodreads book launch or anything else to promote your work and did it work?
No. I'm really shy about blowing my own horn.
Q: Did you get interviewed by local press/radio for your book launch?
No, but I haven't solicited it. .
Q: Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?
Not that I know of.
Q: Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
Talking about my book overmuch to friends and family, other than to mention that it's out there.
Q: Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?
There is a lot of competition. I blame the education system in this country for it, assuming that they don't.
Q: What do you think of “trailers” for books?
Whiggish innovation.
Q: Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book/s?
No.
Q: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
No. Although we live online in a “culture of free”, I think people associate the price with the value of what they're getting. If they're getting it for free, they don't appreciate it.
Q: How do you relax?
I write. This is effectively a hobby for me, which takes a lot of pressure off.
Q: What is your favorite motivational phrase? What is your favorite positive saying?
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”This shall pass.
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
I don't really have a favorite book, but I like the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
“Badgers? We don't need no stinking badgers!” (movie VHS with Weird Al Yankovich, in case you missed the literary reference)
Q: Where can you see yourself in 5 years-time?
Hopefully with more published books under my belt. More money would be OK too, but your expenses rise to meet your income, but my income is pretty marginal—tight, not comfortable, but my needs are simple.
In a way, the more money you get, the more you want.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Q: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Socrates, but I don't speak classical Greek, so we'd have a short conversation.
Q: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
I don't envy others.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep at it and damn the critics.
Q: Where do you see publishing going in the future?
My crystal ball has gotten a little fuzzy, but I'd say that the changes that happened in '07 (or so) when Amazon came out with the Kindle will only accelerate. It's a gold rush.
I will say that the people who made the money in the California gold rush of '89 were NOT the miners, but the people who sold stuff to them, like Levi-Strauss.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
No, this was pretty comprehensive.
Q: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://tedgarvin.com (until it goes down because I can't see that it is anything other than a time sink)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ted.garvin.3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/for_all_love
Amazon Author Page:
https://amazon.com/author/tedgarvin
Smashwords:
Book Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Doggerland-novelette-Ted-Garvin-ebook/dp/B01AMOZ9DQ
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14807753.Ted_Garvin?from_search=true
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
Welcome to Scarlet Leaf Review!Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I am a jack of all trades, but master of none. I have done (almost) every job under the sun—remodeling in its various aspects, debt collection, customer service, tech support, and parenting a special needs child. I have a psychiatric disability, which probably is actually of help in my writing, as obsessive/compulsive behaviors are useful in the arts and may be part of the artistic temperament.
I live in the benighted state of Oklahoma. I vote Democratic in elections, but Oklahoma is a “red” state—always Republicans get elected to Congress, etc.
Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?
That's where I learned to write, although I have perfected/improved upon my craft in the ensuing years. Unfortunately, I talk like I write.
Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?
Better at English than Engineering.
Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?
I'd like to be published, make lots of money, and be famous. In my dreams, perhaps. Actually, I'd prefer critical success to commercial. It's always after your death that you're famous, after all. I really want what everyone else wants, to be read and appreciated.
Q: Which poets have inspired you and how? What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?
The anonymous author of Beowulf, the Pearl Poet (who wrote Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, among others), and the author of the Cloud of Unknowing. As you can see, I'm big on medieval literature.
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?
Doggerland—a novelette
Q: Where can we buy or see them?
https://www.amazon.com/Doggerland-nov...
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What’s it about?
I'm working on a sequel to Doggerland, tentatively titled the Futility of Vengeance (I'm trying for sexier titles).
Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?
Young Adult Historical Fiction (aimed at the older teen—perhaps even the post-teen). My favorite authors are YA authors, like Rosemary Sutcliff and Robert Heinlein's juvenals.
Q: What was the name of your last book? Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special? What’s it about?
See above. Deccan (the main character of Doggerland), is your typical late Stone Age teen, who wants everything every other teen has ever wanted, but he has a few special concerns—given that he grew up without a father. He wants to know the circumstances surrounding his death? The novel is about what happens when he finds out and then the down-stream consequences (life goes on, you know?).
Q: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
I've never really thought about it. Someone unknown, probably.
Q: How much research do you do for your books?
I am fairly well-read. I check out books on my time period from the library and use them as background, but the gist of the novel really comes out of thin air. Fiction is about making things up and too much data put in the book makes it seem a textbook and not a novel.
Q: Have you written any other novels/novellas in collaboration with other writers? Why did you do decide to collaborate and did that affect your sales?
No.
Q: When did you decide to become a writer and why? What was the principal reason for taking up a pen (metaphorical speaking) and write that first sentence?
When I was sixteen, but never really pursued it because of parental influence. I took courses on writing in college and have always practiced developing my writing skills. It wasn't until I was in my mid-fifties that I decided I wasn't getting any younger.
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
Depends on what you mean by full time. I don't spend eight hours a day at it, but it's always percolating in my subconscious because I write every day, even Sunday's and holidays. It's an addiction. I spend about an hour or two in the mornings, and then at spare moments, but I have a life. Currently, that involves mowing my yard, tending the garden, and otherwise keeping house.
Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?
Out of thin air. I make it up.
Q: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
There is a fine line between creativity and madness—one I cross regularly.
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I have a hybrid approach. I like to think a few chapters ahead, but I'm pretty much a pantser, then I edit the hell out of it.
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?
Thinking stuff up.
Q: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?
Editing.
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
Writer's block, in my view, is a phobia. As we say in this part of the world, you have to get back up on the horse that threw you. There are times when no words will come. I suppose “writer's fatigue” might be a good term, a better term, perhaps, for writer's block.
A problem I have is the “this is shit” voice of the critic. The only way to deal with him/her/it is to ignore it. Be kind to yourself. I also don't worry about what kind of weird things come out onto the page. I can always edit it out, after all.
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I read all the time. One author I am hysterical about is Nicola Griffith, who wrote (most recently) a historical fiction work called Hild, about St Hilda of Whitby. Our source for this historical personage is the Venerable Bede, who didn't have much to say about her, leaving quite a bit of room for speculation.
Another author I like is Steven Pressfield, most famous for Gates of Fire, which is about the Battle of Thermopylae. I find I get more reading done if it's on my Kindle, because I can read a little at a time, thus filling in those little empty spaces in the day.
Q: What book/s are you reading at present?
On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner, Last of the Amazons by Steven Pressfield, the Poetics by Aristotle, and Gotham Writers Workshop: Writing Fiction.
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
Yes. I'm too poor to hire someone, but I'm somewhat anal retentive, so it's a little easier for me than it might be for some “normal” person.
Q: Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
I know I should.
Q: Who edited your last book and how did you select him/her?
Me. See the paragraph above about money.
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?
The cover for the last one, I took a picture I had taken and incorporated it into Amazon's cover designer.
Q: Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes.
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
With self-publishing, you have to do it all. With doing it the traditional way, you have some professional help.
Q: How do you market your books, if you do the marketing yourself?
Word of mouth and Amazon's keyword search feature.
Q: Would you or do you use a PR agency?
Can't afford it.
Q: Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
There is a lot of competition out there. My best advice, such as it is, is to write the best damn book you can and let the book sell itself, but you still need to get the word out.
Q: What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
Not very much, alas.
Q: What do you do to get book reviews?
I'm not sure they are all that important. I tried everything I knew to get reviews—give away copies, etc.
Q: How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
I have two reviews which just showed up out of the blue.
Q: Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?
No.
Q: What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
Paying for reviews is a bad idea. I try not to cry too much over a bad review, but I really don't worry about them.
Q: Any amusing story about marketing books that happened to you?
No.
Q: What are your views on social media for marketing? Which social network worked best for you? Any tips on what to do and what not to do?
I'm on Facebook and Twitter, but I don't do much marketing.
Q: Did you do a press release, Goodreads book launch or anything else to promote your work and did it work?
No. I'm really shy about blowing my own horn.
Q: Did you get interviewed by local press/radio for your book launch?
No, but I haven't solicited it. .
Q: Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?
Not that I know of.
Q: Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
Talking about my book overmuch to friends and family, other than to mention that it's out there.
Q: Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?
There is a lot of competition. I blame the education system in this country for it, assuming that they don't.
Q: What do you think of “trailers” for books?
Whiggish innovation.
Q: Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book/s?
No.
Q: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
No. Although we live online in a “culture of free”, I think people associate the price with the value of what they're getting. If they're getting it for free, they don't appreciate it.
Q: How do you relax?
I write. This is effectively a hobby for me, which takes a lot of pressure off.
Q: What is your favorite motivational phrase? What is your favorite positive saying?
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”This shall pass.
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
I don't really have a favorite book, but I like the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
“Badgers? We don't need no stinking badgers!” (movie VHS with Weird Al Yankovich, in case you missed the literary reference)
Q: Where can you see yourself in 5 years-time?
Hopefully with more published books under my belt. More money would be OK too, but your expenses rise to meet your income, but my income is pretty marginal—tight, not comfortable, but my needs are simple.
In a way, the more money you get, the more you want.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Q: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Socrates, but I don't speak classical Greek, so we'd have a short conversation.
Q: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
I don't envy others.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep at it and damn the critics.
Q: Where do you see publishing going in the future?
My crystal ball has gotten a little fuzzy, but I'd say that the changes that happened in '07 (or so) when Amazon came out with the Kindle will only accelerate. It's a gold rush.
I will say that the people who made the money in the California gold rush of '89 were NOT the miners, but the people who sold stuff to them, like Levi-Strauss.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
No, this was pretty comprehensive.
Q: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: http://tedgarvin.com (until it goes down because I can't see that it is anything other than a time sink)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ted.garvin.3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/for_all_love
Amazon Author Page:
https://amazon.com/author/tedgarvin
Smashwords:
Book Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Doggerland-novelette-Ted-Garvin-ebook/dp/B01AMOZ9DQ
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14807753.Ted_Garvin?from_search=true
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
August 27, 2016
FLASH FICTION
Hey there,
Some friends dared me to write flash fiction using the prompt: "'Ugh!' she groaned."
Well, here's the result: enjoy!
"Ugh," she groaned and threw a plate in his general direction.
Ella wasn’t a good shot, even though she practiced quite often. It wasn’t like she hadn’t broken enough plates throwing them to him. One of these days, she hoped she wouldn’t miss.
“Come on, baby! You have to understand!” Colin pleaded with his puppy eyes and an imploring gesture.
He’d always do that. He’d let her waiting there like that and taking off to be with one of his friends.
Her sister was right: she had to lose him and find something better or she’d be left with no more dishes in the cupboard. Last week she’d finished that beautiful set with those little flowers painted on the rim of the plates. Huh! Enough was enough. Colin could hang!
“You know what?” Ella put her fists on her hips and confronted him. “I’ve had enough! Go play with the boys, Colin, and forget you’ve known me, jerk!”
She saw him cringing when her voice reached the highest note. Eh, so what? She was sick of him and his lame excuses. She’d fallen for them too much in the past. That was the day when she’d reclaim her future and her love life back.
It wasn’t like she’d get any younger. Past her prime, that was what her grandma said. She had to consider the larger picture here. And the larger picture was her life which right now was there, stuck in that old-news relationship.
“You can’t be serious, baby, come on! You don’t really want me to leave. You love me!” he smiled at her with that lopsided smile that would make her shiver.
Well, not anymore, she realized. She didn’t feel anything for Colin anymore. After a year of missed dates and lonely evenings spent in her apartment waiting for Prince Charming to come on his white horse, she had nothing left for him.
Yep, Prince Charming was tarnished. Maybe she needed a regular guy… Nah.. She needed the sparks and the excitement… But not with Colin. With him she had the colic and the migraines and the tears… Buckets of tears. Like the last Christmas. When she spent the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day alone because he couldn’t make it. He’d went ice fishing…
Calm, very calm, as nothing mattered anymore, Ella replied to him:
“Yes, I’m serious, Colin. I want you to leave now and I don’t want you to come back. Ever again. If you do, I’ll accuse you of stalking.”
Colin’s eyes grew wide as understanding downed. Ella noticed that he was in deep shock. She calmly went to the front door and opened it:
“Adios, muchacho!”
He stared at her incredulously still stuck on his spot. Her right brow went up and she pointed towards the hall to make him move.
“You know that you’ll regret this, baby. I’ll wait for your call,” Colin said resignedly and went out.
“Don’t glue yourself to the phone, Colin,” Ella replied after him. “I won’t call. When I close this door behind you, I’ll forget that you exist in this world.”
“Your loss,” he shrugged.
“Maybe. But definitely yours, baby!”
After that parting shot, Ella locked the door and for good measure, also latched the chain. She didn’t fear he’d come back but she needed a final gesture, symbolic, something like a burial for their relationship. Then she started picking up the shivers scattered all over her living-room carpet. Oh, God, how many times she’d done that! Stupid, stupid cow!
She could feel something in her throat and she feared that if she tried to clear it she would start crying. They’d been together for over three years now. Three years that went down the drain now. She didn’t regret that she’d shown him the door but she regretted that she’d wasted three years of her life with that jackass.
And the clock was ticking. Almost thirty-seven, childless, husbandless… Ugh.
Ella threw the shivers in the garbage bin and hesitated for a moment. Then she anxiously ran towards the phone and started dialing Joan’s number.
“Hi, Jo, it’s me! What are you doing tonight?”
“Hi,” Jo said hesitantly and then a long pause ensued.
Ella didn’t blame Jo. She couldn’t be so unfair. Her call was like a thunderbolt. It had been years since she called Jo to ask about her evening.
“I … don’t know…,” the reply came.
“No plans?” Ella asked.
Another pause. Jo was a bit slow, Ella remembered now. So, she patiently waited.
“Why are you asking?” finally Jo asked.
“Well, I was thinking we could go out… to a bar or something…”
Yep, another pause. She felt a sharp pain in her arm. Not too funny to hold the phone for so long.
“And Colin?” Jo asked hesitantly.
Ella understood that too. Jo wasn’t one of Colin’s fans. Actually, no one among Ella’s family or friends rooted for Colin. The piece of… Okay, not now! She had to assure Jo that Colin wouldn’t bother them.
“No worries, Colin got his ticket,” she said.
“What ticket?” a stunned Jo asked.
“I mean that I broke up with him. I want to go on a hunt!” Ella shouted joyfully.
Pause, of course, what else. Come on, Jo, live it up, girl!
“What… do you want to… hunt?”
Jo needed to go out more often. That was clear. Crystal clear.
“A man, Jo, what the hell else? I want to hunt a man. A regular man to have children with…” Ella effectively yelled her reply. She spoke so fast that she had to stop and breathe.
Now, Jo decided to chime in:
“Now, you want to make children now?”
“No, you … you… Jo!” Ella spluttered. “Not now, like in right now. But I want to find a man with whom I could have children, let’s say sometime next year!”
“I see… I see…. And what can I do?”
“I don’t know!” Ella shouted and thought: stupid, stupid, stupid. “Come with me at a single bar, I think!”
Pause, of course. That pain in the arm got sharper and Ella mentally sent an arrow in Jo’s direction. She saw Jo pierced through the heart. No, through the brain. Her heart was all right, the brain was the damn problem!
“All right, Ella. When?” “All right, Ella. When?”
“Next century, you dummy!” she thought but replied:
“Tonight! I’ll come and get you at eight, okay?”
“I suppose…”
“Damn, she’s slow!”
“Okay, eight it is. See you, girl. Bye!”
Ella hurried to disconnect the call. She was exhausted. Throwing plates was not easy work! Throwing your boyfriend – all right, ex-boyfriend, out, not easy either, and to talk to Jo – well, that would try a saint!
August 27, 2016
Hey there!
Is everything fine in your world? At least, I hope so!
I really admire people who have enough self-confidence and don't care about what others might think or how they might label them.
Yesterday, on the train, I had the chance to see such a person. A guy, over six feet tall, sporting the muscles that usually you see on the cover of a hot romance novel, was riding the subway with his little fluffy Shih Tzu. The pair was out of ordinary, I can assure you. The little dog seemed to get lost somewhere there.
The guy appeared to take great care of his little companion. The small dog was freshly bathed and brushed and the big guy had used a beautifully designed clip to bind the little guy's forelock. At a certain moment, he noticed that it was not just right and he decided to do it again. Of course, the dog didn't like the fuss but the giant patiently explained to it that it was necessary and that it must look good. Everyone was laughing. Why? Anyway, the giant didn't care.
I like a very self-confident man who doesn't think that a small dog would put a spot on his masculinity. Not like one of the guys living here around. He hardly reaches my shoulder (and I am on the small size - as height of course, because otherwise... o la la!). He has two dogs. Big ones. It is a show to see him walking them. Or I should better say it is a show to see how the dogs drag him around? It gets really funny when one of the dogs zigs and the other zags. I have to give him one, though. He sticks with it.
Well, I suppose each of us has their own problems with self-confidence. That's why I admire people who don't give a damn and feel good in their own skin.
What do you think?
LONDON GRIP POETRY REVIEW
Hey there,
See my review published in London Grip Poetry Review:
http://londongrip.co.uk/2016/08/london-grip-poetry-review-dunn/
See my review published in London Grip Poetry Review:
http://londongrip.co.uk/2016/08/london-grip-poetry-review-dunn/
August 25, 2016
INTERVIEW SERIES: INTERVIEW WITH ALEXA WHITEWOLF
INTERVIEW WITH ALEXA WHITEWOLF 
Author name: Alexa Whitewolf
Author bio: I was born in Romania (yep, Dracula's country!) in 1992. As a curious kid, I devoured every book I could on Greek, Roman, Ancient Egyptian mythology. I studied university in political science and languages. I speak five of them: French, English, Romanian, Italian, Spanish (feel free to correspond to me in whichever language!).
My current hobbies outside of writing are Starbucks, training dogs, running and reading.
Book title: Avalon Dreams
Book blurb:
It was impossible they had met before – of that she was certain. Yet his hold on her was undisputable, an irrational pull to the utmost recesses of her soul.
Vivienne du Lac has everything she could wish for – a normal, peaceful life, a good job, cushy nest egg, and a semi-social nightlife. The only problem? She’s clueless to being the reincarnation of the Lady of the Lake, mythical sorceress from King Arthur's time, and Merlin's apprentice.
Sébastien Dubois is the guy you wouldn’t take home to mom and dad. He’s the one you jump off on a motorcycle with, to ride into the sunset. He’s also Vivienne’s guardian, and only hope at survival when a magical past tumbles into her orderly reality.
Caught between darkness and light, a battle she has no intention to fight – let alone the knowledge to win – Vivienne quickly finds out not even closest allies can be trusted.
Can she look within and access powers from long past, become the enchantress Merlin meant her to be… Or will she lose it all over love, to save Sébastien’s soul? This is a battle between good and evil you don’t want to miss.
AUTHOR CHARACTER INTERVIEW
1. Tell me a bit about your character. Who are they, how old are they? What do they look like? Vivienne du Lac is 23 years old. She has long, raven black hair that goes past her waist, a toned body, and emerald eyes. She has lived her entire life not remembering she is, in fact, the reincarnation of the Lady of the Lake.
2. Do they have any strange or unique physical traits?
3. Does the character have any quirks? It’s debatable if you can call it a quirk J but Vivienne gets deja-vus, and very often. A sight, smell, or phrase can trigger them, and she falls into a sleep/trance/vision for the duration, usually a few minutes.
4. Where do they live? What’s it like there? Vivienne lives in Avignon, France, the city of Popes. Avignon is a beautify city, located in the southeastern Provence region of France, on the Rhone River. It has retained some of its medieval roots. Cobblestone paths and ruins of monasteries fit in well with tourist cafes and romantic restaurants. You can still find there the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes) and the ruins of the Saint-Bénezet bridge, or the Pont d’Avignon. Rich in history, this city was perfect for the setting of the book.
5. What is their role in the story? Are they the protagonist/antagonist, a supporting character? Vivienne is the protagonist of the story, the centre around which everything revolves. Her romance, history, struggles with darkness and light, and friendships are at the core of the plot.
6. What do they do for a living? Vivienne is a historical researcher. She takes contracts from different people – teachers, authors, etc. – who need research done, and travels and does it for them. Though she does not have to work – her parents ensured she has inheritance aside – she loved being able to do something.
7. What do they do for fun? Vivienne loves spending time with Alistair, her Caucasian Shepherd dog. Whenever she’s not working, her idea of fun is long walks in the city, with him by her side.
8. What is their greatest weakness, their greatest strength? Vivienne’s greatest weakness is Sébastien. She will do anything for him, even though at times it is detrimental to her. Her love for him is his ultimate salvation. Her greatest strength is her ability to pull through and adapt through any situation, without losing her cool. Be it warlocks attacking, Sébastien being hurt, or memories assailing memories, she ultimately survives and becomes stronger.
9. What is the best that ever happened to them? The worst? Sébastien is the best thing that happened to Vivienne, despite their struggles. The worst thing was becoming Lady of the Lake – because of the events that led to it, and the pain she endured.
10. What do they want from life? What are their goals? At the beginning of the novel, Vivienne does not want a lot from life – she already has it all. By the end, once she is aware of her history and memories, she wants to protect the world from evil, in her role as guardian of good. Of course, a much-needed vacation with Sébastien is also in the works!
11. And to wrap things up, does this character of a “theme” song (or several)? Roar – by Katy Perry – because Vivienne embodies the lion, strong and protective at once
AUTHOR'S INTERVIEW
Welcome to Roxana’s blog!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I was born in Romania (yep, Dracula's country!) in 1992. As a curious kid, I devoured every book I could on Greek, Roman, Ancient Egyptian mythology. I studied university in political science and languages. I speak five of them: French, English, Romanian, Italian, Spanish (feel free to correspond to me in whichever language!). My current hobbies outside of writing are Starbucks, training dogs, running and reading.
Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?
Definitely! When I moved to Canada at 11, the school system was very different, and I had a lot of free time on my hands. As a result, I devoured everything in the school library – and my city library! Reading all those books so young and falling in love with the characters, has contributed to my own love for writing. I wanted to be able to give young readers what I had: a story you could get sucked into, an escape from reality, and likable though imperfect characters.
As for what I was like in school… a terror! No, I’m kidding, I was a model student, for better or worse. My parents never had anything to complain, though I did! High school was not quite what I expected, maybe on account of being too mature for my own age, and I breezed through it, eager for the end.
Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?
English and History were my favorite subjects! I drove my history teachers up the wall with my questions, and much too long presentations. As for English, my issue was always sticking to a word count. They’d ask for a 500 word essay, and I’d write 1000 words. A 4 line poem, turned into 12. And a short story, became the beginning of my novel.
Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?
I would love to get my book for sale in Chapters/Indigo. Also, I would like to have my name on Chapters’ wall of Canadian authors, I feel it would be an important milestone.
More closer to now, I’m working on a few other books, and I would like to get those up and ready by next summer.
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?
I’ve written quite a few short stories while in high school, one notably for my final exam in French called My Ghost Love – Mon amour fantome. My first book was The Sage’s Legacy – book 1. I wrote book 2 but never published it, soon to come though! And now, Avalon Dreams is my pride and joy – the first in a trilogy.
Q: Where can we buy or see them?
Until Sept 1, Avalon Dreams can be purchased at ½ price through Smashwords using coupon code PP83P
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/656960
It is also available via Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01JTLWT2W or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JTLWT2W
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What’s it about?
I’m currently editing The Sage’s Legacy – Book 1. It’s a young adult novel, about a young girl, Delia, who has to fight the supernatural in order to save the world. Book 2 of the trilogy is also in the editing process, soon to be released.
I’m also currently writing Avalon Wishes – the second book in the Avalon trilogy. It’s the prequel to Vivienne and Sebastien’s story, where their entire history (as well as Merlin’s, Alistair’s, Arthur’s) are covered.
Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?
Mainly fantasy with a healthy dose of romance. I’ve always loved fantasy, the supernatural, I find a fantastic world makes it easier to escape reality. If I read a book about the modern world, it doesn’t always grab my imagination – though some do. With magic/fae/warlocks/etc, it’s a given conclusion. As for the romance, I love sizzling chemistry between well-developed characters, and I’ve tried to give some of the same with mine.
Q: How much research do you do for your books?
A few weeks, usually. For Avalon Dreams, I spent weeks getting immersed in Camelot folklore, reading on Merlin’s background, Nimue’s, as well as watching movies with Avignon. I usually try to have a good idea of my setting and characters before I dig into writing.
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
I write part-time; unfortunately I have to maintain a regularly boring 9-5 job. I usually write in the evening, sometimes staying up until the wee hours of the morning, unable to detach from the story. It’s a very bad habit, but not one I’m looking to get out of J I would say when I’m into a story, I write 7 days a week. I try to take time off it, but that usually happens after I have a rough draft of the story. Then I take time off, and go back after a week or two to re-read and finish. I also write while at work (though I’m really not supposed to – but what can you do.. when the need strikes!)
Q: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
When I look back at the stories that I used to write, I’m always amazed they came from me! I do find I evolved a lot with my writing style. Not just grammar-wise, but with descriptions, the settings, the relationships. They all have more substance now than when I was writing at 14.
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I hate plans, personally. I always write for a bit with the idea, to see where it takes me. At some point, I’ll take a break and think things through, and come up with an outline namely in terms of how many chapters I want, and how long they should be. Then I divide the story over the chapters, so I have a rough idea of where it’s going. Mind you, by the time this is all written, I’ve already completed the first rough of the story.
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?
Disengaging from the story. For myself, I find when I write and it’s a really good story, the characters are with me 24/7. When I’m at work, at home, walking my dogs. When I’m in the mood to write, anything and everything inspires me, and it’s hard to disengage until the story is written.
Q: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?
Getting past writer’s block! All I need to do is find a new song playlist, and I’m back in business J
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
It’s happened a few times. When I write, I usually create a playlist of songs to match the mood of the actions. If it’s romantic, I’ll have some romance songs; for action, I’ll have some rap; for nostalgic, I’ll have some sad songs. Etc. When I get writer’s block, and the music doesn’t do it, I usually take a few hours away from writing. I’d normally recommend taking 24hrs, but I simply can’t – I’m stubborn when it comes to finishing something. So I walk/run with the dogs, then come back and switch my playlist. And I’ll listen to some songs, all the while thinking of my characters, and eventually something gives. A lot of times, I go through 30+ songs by the time this happens… but it happens!
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I read a LOT. Some of my favorite authors are Christian Jacq – his Ancient Egypt series; J.K.Rowling – Harry Potter; Kristen Ashley – Rock Chick series; James Patterson – everything.
I’m not a big fan of eBooks, I usually got for paper/hard books. Nothing quite compares with the smell of old/new paper when you open the book.
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
It’s a mix. For Avalon Dreams, I had a friend of mine, who’s incredibly good at editing, have a look. He pointed out some plot holes and things that would do with changing. Then I took the reins and did the editing – two months’ work!
Q: Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
Yes, definitely. I find it gives a new, fresh perspective on the story and characters. And things you liked before, you might like or not like quite as much.
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?
Rocking Book Covers can be credited for that. I ran into Adrijus Guscia’s covers on a website, and fell in love. When I contacted him for questions, he was quick to answer, and I appreciated the professionalism. The cover I’d seen originally, I couldn’t get out of my mind. So the minute I could, I purchased it. Adrijus further helped me with some suggestions on tweaking, created a full wrap-around cover, and I was blown away at the full result!
Q: Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes, definitely. The way I see it, covers are what attract the reader. The back blurbs clinch the deal.
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
Doing everything myself. The editing, marketing, formatting… It’s hard, I won’t deny it, but the euphoric feeling when you’re all done and it’s launched, can’t be bested by anything!
Q: How do you market your books, if you do the marketing yourself?
Social media, Goodreads ads and Facebook ads. I’m still learning, that part is a work in progress.
Q: Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
I’m very wary with putting money down for “we can promote you” scams. I feel a lot of those, are things the author can do themselves. Yes, it’s a lot harder, but in the end, you get to keep your hard-earned money. For myself, I’ve held back on major promotions (such as through ENT) until I get a few reviews for my book. I feel like with no reviews, any promo I pay for, won’t have the impact I would like it to.
Q: Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?
Could be a lot of reasons, but I think what turns off readers a lot are: bad covers, bad blurbs, bad grammar.
Q: What do you think of “trailers” for books?
I’m not a fan. I feel trailers are for movies, and I don’t see Youtube as being a good place to market a book. I’ve been reading since I was super young, and not once did I check a trailer for a book. I’ve asked a few friends, and they say the same. It might work for some authors, but I personally am not a fan.
Q: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
I think it does, to some extent. It can garner reviews, and raise talk of your book. Word of mouth is important to us indie authors, and free books does tend to get a lot of downloads, from what research I’ve done online.
Q: How do you relax?
I read, walk with my dogs, listen to music. I love being away from big cities, in rural areas, and breathing in fresh air.
Q: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.alexawhitewolf.com
Blog: www.alexawhitewolf.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexawhitewolf
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexa_whitewolf
Lnkedin:
Pinterest:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Whitewolf/e/B01JZH0HK6
Smashwords author: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/alexaw92
Smashwords book: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/656960
Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JTLWT2W
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01JTLWT2W
https://www.createspace.com/6481791
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781370416967
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/660987.Alexa_Whitewolf
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
Author name: Alexa Whitewolf
Author bio: I was born in Romania (yep, Dracula's country!) in 1992. As a curious kid, I devoured every book I could on Greek, Roman, Ancient Egyptian mythology. I studied university in political science and languages. I speak five of them: French, English, Romanian, Italian, Spanish (feel free to correspond to me in whichever language!).
My current hobbies outside of writing are Starbucks, training dogs, running and reading.
Book title: Avalon Dreams
Book blurb:
It was impossible they had met before – of that she was certain. Yet his hold on her was undisputable, an irrational pull to the utmost recesses of her soul.
Vivienne du Lac has everything she could wish for – a normal, peaceful life, a good job, cushy nest egg, and a semi-social nightlife. The only problem? She’s clueless to being the reincarnation of the Lady of the Lake, mythical sorceress from King Arthur's time, and Merlin's apprentice.
Sébastien Dubois is the guy you wouldn’t take home to mom and dad. He’s the one you jump off on a motorcycle with, to ride into the sunset. He’s also Vivienne’s guardian, and only hope at survival when a magical past tumbles into her orderly reality.
Caught between darkness and light, a battle she has no intention to fight – let alone the knowledge to win – Vivienne quickly finds out not even closest allies can be trusted.
Can she look within and access powers from long past, become the enchantress Merlin meant her to be… Or will she lose it all over love, to save Sébastien’s soul? This is a battle between good and evil you don’t want to miss.
AUTHOR CHARACTER INTERVIEW
1. Tell me a bit about your character. Who are they, how old are they? What do they look like? Vivienne du Lac is 23 years old. She has long, raven black hair that goes past her waist, a toned body, and emerald eyes. She has lived her entire life not remembering she is, in fact, the reincarnation of the Lady of the Lake.
2. Do they have any strange or unique physical traits?
3. Does the character have any quirks? It’s debatable if you can call it a quirk J but Vivienne gets deja-vus, and very often. A sight, smell, or phrase can trigger them, and she falls into a sleep/trance/vision for the duration, usually a few minutes.
4. Where do they live? What’s it like there? Vivienne lives in Avignon, France, the city of Popes. Avignon is a beautify city, located in the southeastern Provence region of France, on the Rhone River. It has retained some of its medieval roots. Cobblestone paths and ruins of monasteries fit in well with tourist cafes and romantic restaurants. You can still find there the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes) and the ruins of the Saint-Bénezet bridge, or the Pont d’Avignon. Rich in history, this city was perfect for the setting of the book.
5. What is their role in the story? Are they the protagonist/antagonist, a supporting character? Vivienne is the protagonist of the story, the centre around which everything revolves. Her romance, history, struggles with darkness and light, and friendships are at the core of the plot.
6. What do they do for a living? Vivienne is a historical researcher. She takes contracts from different people – teachers, authors, etc. – who need research done, and travels and does it for them. Though she does not have to work – her parents ensured she has inheritance aside – she loved being able to do something.
7. What do they do for fun? Vivienne loves spending time with Alistair, her Caucasian Shepherd dog. Whenever she’s not working, her idea of fun is long walks in the city, with him by her side.
8. What is their greatest weakness, their greatest strength? Vivienne’s greatest weakness is Sébastien. She will do anything for him, even though at times it is detrimental to her. Her love for him is his ultimate salvation. Her greatest strength is her ability to pull through and adapt through any situation, without losing her cool. Be it warlocks attacking, Sébastien being hurt, or memories assailing memories, she ultimately survives and becomes stronger.
9. What is the best that ever happened to them? The worst? Sébastien is the best thing that happened to Vivienne, despite their struggles. The worst thing was becoming Lady of the Lake – because of the events that led to it, and the pain she endured.
10. What do they want from life? What are their goals? At the beginning of the novel, Vivienne does not want a lot from life – she already has it all. By the end, once she is aware of her history and memories, she wants to protect the world from evil, in her role as guardian of good. Of course, a much-needed vacation with Sébastien is also in the works!
11. And to wrap things up, does this character of a “theme” song (or several)? Roar – by Katy Perry – because Vivienne embodies the lion, strong and protective at once
AUTHOR'S INTERVIEW
Welcome to Roxana’s blog!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I was born in Romania (yep, Dracula's country!) in 1992. As a curious kid, I devoured every book I could on Greek, Roman, Ancient Egyptian mythology. I studied university in political science and languages. I speak five of them: French, English, Romanian, Italian, Spanish (feel free to correspond to me in whichever language!). My current hobbies outside of writing are Starbucks, training dogs, running and reading.
Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?
Definitely! When I moved to Canada at 11, the school system was very different, and I had a lot of free time on my hands. As a result, I devoured everything in the school library – and my city library! Reading all those books so young and falling in love with the characters, has contributed to my own love for writing. I wanted to be able to give young readers what I had: a story you could get sucked into, an escape from reality, and likable though imperfect characters.
As for what I was like in school… a terror! No, I’m kidding, I was a model student, for better or worse. My parents never had anything to complain, though I did! High school was not quite what I expected, maybe on account of being too mature for my own age, and I breezed through it, eager for the end.
Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?
English and History were my favorite subjects! I drove my history teachers up the wall with my questions, and much too long presentations. As for English, my issue was always sticking to a word count. They’d ask for a 500 word essay, and I’d write 1000 words. A 4 line poem, turned into 12. And a short story, became the beginning of my novel.
Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?
I would love to get my book for sale in Chapters/Indigo. Also, I would like to have my name on Chapters’ wall of Canadian authors, I feel it would be an important milestone.
More closer to now, I’m working on a few other books, and I would like to get those up and ready by next summer.
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?
I’ve written quite a few short stories while in high school, one notably for my final exam in French called My Ghost Love – Mon amour fantome. My first book was The Sage’s Legacy – book 1. I wrote book 2 but never published it, soon to come though! And now, Avalon Dreams is my pride and joy – the first in a trilogy.
Q: Where can we buy or see them?
Until Sept 1, Avalon Dreams can be purchased at ½ price through Smashwords using coupon code PP83P
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/656960
It is also available via Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01JTLWT2W or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JTLWT2W
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What’s it about?
I’m currently editing The Sage’s Legacy – Book 1. It’s a young adult novel, about a young girl, Delia, who has to fight the supernatural in order to save the world. Book 2 of the trilogy is also in the editing process, soon to be released.
I’m also currently writing Avalon Wishes – the second book in the Avalon trilogy. It’s the prequel to Vivienne and Sebastien’s story, where their entire history (as well as Merlin’s, Alistair’s, Arthur’s) are covered.
Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?
Mainly fantasy with a healthy dose of romance. I’ve always loved fantasy, the supernatural, I find a fantastic world makes it easier to escape reality. If I read a book about the modern world, it doesn’t always grab my imagination – though some do. With magic/fae/warlocks/etc, it’s a given conclusion. As for the romance, I love sizzling chemistry between well-developed characters, and I’ve tried to give some of the same with mine.
Q: How much research do you do for your books?
A few weeks, usually. For Avalon Dreams, I spent weeks getting immersed in Camelot folklore, reading on Merlin’s background, Nimue’s, as well as watching movies with Avignon. I usually try to have a good idea of my setting and characters before I dig into writing.
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
I write part-time; unfortunately I have to maintain a regularly boring 9-5 job. I usually write in the evening, sometimes staying up until the wee hours of the morning, unable to detach from the story. It’s a very bad habit, but not one I’m looking to get out of J I would say when I’m into a story, I write 7 days a week. I try to take time off it, but that usually happens after I have a rough draft of the story. Then I take time off, and go back after a week or two to re-read and finish. I also write while at work (though I’m really not supposed to – but what can you do.. when the need strikes!)
Q: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
When I look back at the stories that I used to write, I’m always amazed they came from me! I do find I evolved a lot with my writing style. Not just grammar-wise, but with descriptions, the settings, the relationships. They all have more substance now than when I was writing at 14.
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I hate plans, personally. I always write for a bit with the idea, to see where it takes me. At some point, I’ll take a break and think things through, and come up with an outline namely in terms of how many chapters I want, and how long they should be. Then I divide the story over the chapters, so I have a rough idea of where it’s going. Mind you, by the time this is all written, I’ve already completed the first rough of the story.
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?
Disengaging from the story. For myself, I find when I write and it’s a really good story, the characters are with me 24/7. When I’m at work, at home, walking my dogs. When I’m in the mood to write, anything and everything inspires me, and it’s hard to disengage until the story is written.
Q: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?
Getting past writer’s block! All I need to do is find a new song playlist, and I’m back in business J
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
It’s happened a few times. When I write, I usually create a playlist of songs to match the mood of the actions. If it’s romantic, I’ll have some romance songs; for action, I’ll have some rap; for nostalgic, I’ll have some sad songs. Etc. When I get writer’s block, and the music doesn’t do it, I usually take a few hours away from writing. I’d normally recommend taking 24hrs, but I simply can’t – I’m stubborn when it comes to finishing something. So I walk/run with the dogs, then come back and switch my playlist. And I’ll listen to some songs, all the while thinking of my characters, and eventually something gives. A lot of times, I go through 30+ songs by the time this happens… but it happens!
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I read a LOT. Some of my favorite authors are Christian Jacq – his Ancient Egypt series; J.K.Rowling – Harry Potter; Kristen Ashley – Rock Chick series; James Patterson – everything.
I’m not a big fan of eBooks, I usually got for paper/hard books. Nothing quite compares with the smell of old/new paper when you open the book.
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
It’s a mix. For Avalon Dreams, I had a friend of mine, who’s incredibly good at editing, have a look. He pointed out some plot holes and things that would do with changing. Then I took the reins and did the editing – two months’ work!
Q: Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
Yes, definitely. I find it gives a new, fresh perspective on the story and characters. And things you liked before, you might like or not like quite as much.
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?
Rocking Book Covers can be credited for that. I ran into Adrijus Guscia’s covers on a website, and fell in love. When I contacted him for questions, he was quick to answer, and I appreciated the professionalism. The cover I’d seen originally, I couldn’t get out of my mind. So the minute I could, I purchased it. Adrijus further helped me with some suggestions on tweaking, created a full wrap-around cover, and I was blown away at the full result!
Q: Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
Yes, definitely. The way I see it, covers are what attract the reader. The back blurbs clinch the deal.
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
Doing everything myself. The editing, marketing, formatting… It’s hard, I won’t deny it, but the euphoric feeling when you’re all done and it’s launched, can’t be bested by anything!
Q: How do you market your books, if you do the marketing yourself?
Social media, Goodreads ads and Facebook ads. I’m still learning, that part is a work in progress.
Q: Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?
I’m very wary with putting money down for “we can promote you” scams. I feel a lot of those, are things the author can do themselves. Yes, it’s a lot harder, but in the end, you get to keep your hard-earned money. For myself, I’ve held back on major promotions (such as through ENT) until I get a few reviews for my book. I feel like with no reviews, any promo I pay for, won’t have the impact I would like it to.
Q: Why do you think that other well written books just don’t sell?
Could be a lot of reasons, but I think what turns off readers a lot are: bad covers, bad blurbs, bad grammar.
Q: What do you think of “trailers” for books?
I’m not a fan. I feel trailers are for movies, and I don’t see Youtube as being a good place to market a book. I’ve been reading since I was super young, and not once did I check a trailer for a book. I’ve asked a few friends, and they say the same. It might work for some authors, but I personally am not a fan.
Q: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
I think it does, to some extent. It can garner reviews, and raise talk of your book. Word of mouth is important to us indie authors, and free books does tend to get a lot of downloads, from what research I’ve done online.
Q: How do you relax?
I read, walk with my dogs, listen to music. I love being away from big cities, in rural areas, and breathing in fresh air.
Q: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Website: www.alexawhitewolf.com
Blog: www.alexawhitewolf.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexawhitewolf
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexa_whitewolf
Lnkedin:
Pinterest:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Whitewolf/e/B01JZH0HK6
Smashwords author: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/alexaw92
Smashwords book: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/656960
Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JTLWT2W
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01JTLWT2W
https://www.createspace.com/6481791
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9781370416967
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/660987.Alexa_Whitewolf
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
August 22, 2016
ANNIE ARCANE - ROMANCE WRITER
Mini Author Bio:
Annie doesn’t like long walks on the beach, getting dolled up, or HEA endings with a boringly perfect hero. She’d much rather be rock climbing, shooting guns, or ending on cliffhangers with a deliciously imperfect hero. And hugs. She likes hugs.
HART BROKEN EXCERPT
An Excerpt from Hart Broken (The Hart Series, Book One):
Cale grinned crookedly as she swung a leg over and straddled his hips.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Hello, handsome,” Mickey purred seductively and let her eyes roam leisurely across his entire upper body. Her hands followed suit soon after, examining every inch of solid muscle on this gorgeous man until…
She noticed something of particular interest and paused with a tiny frown.
“Cale?”
“Yeah?”
Mickey glanced up to see that his eyes were closed. She traced a finger delicately over the scar that ran along the entire length of Cale’s left clavicle. “What’s this from?”
“Broke my collarbone. They had to put a metal plate and seven screws in there.” He chuckled slightly before adding, “And a few loose wires, I think.”
Don’t ask…
“What happened?”
Instantly, she felt Cale stiffen as he muttered tersely, “I fell.”
Oh. Must have happened in the same accident…
Mickey drew her finger down the center of his chest and slowly down the length of his washboard abs.
Don’t…
She paused to draw a line across his navel and whispered, “Can you feel this?”
“Yeah.”
Continuing along his tiger line, Mickey heard Cale draw in a sharp breath as she approached the invisible partition. It was halfway between his navel and the waistband of his pants. It was where she could see his taut muscles suddenly vanish.
Don’t do it…
She traced her finger from hipbone to hipbone, right along the unseen line.
“How about this?”
He swallowed hard. “Yeah…”
Hesitantly, Mickey trailed her finger even lower, crossing over to the other side of that fence, feeling the lax muscles yield under her timid touch. She’d seen enough to know that Cale couldn’t move his legs voluntarily.
But can he feel them?
She dragged a horizontal line across his skin, breathing, “And this?”
Cale immediately seized her wrist and in a blur, Mickey found herself flipped onto her back, staring into the sparkling emerald abyss only inches away. The weight of his chest pressed her into the mattress.
“We have better things to do,” he murmured huskily, a provocative smile tugging at his lips, “than talk.”
♥♥♥
This girl…
With a soft gasp, she grabbed a fistful of my hair as I tilted my head and burrowed kisses into her neck.
I couldn’t believe it.
How she responded to my touch. Eagerly. Impatiently. As if she wanted nothing else.
It blew my mind.
How her tight little body arched up to meet mine. Instinctively. Desperately.
As if she couldn’t possibly get close enough.
It blew my fucking mind.
How her ankles locked together at the base of my spine. Securely. Possessively. As if she would never let me go.
“Mickey,” I breathed urgently, attempting to pry one of her perfectly toned limbs from around my waist.
She made a disapproving sound and brushed my efforts away.
Chuckling slightly, I gave her thigh a gentle pat. “I need some room to work here.”
As she reluctantly loosened her hold, I slipped a hand between her legs and nearly unraveled on the fucking spot.
“Jesus Christ, Mickey,” I growled hoarsely, the words barely managing to scrape past my throat. She was so damn wet that I muttered another curse aloud before pulling back to look down at her.
Shit.
Obsidian eyes stared back at me. Glowing with unmistakable desire. Burning with nothing but lust.
Holy shit.
“I want you…”
I was in trouble.
“I want you so bad…”
Okay, I wasn’t really in trouble.
“Cale…”
Because when she whispered my name in that low, sexy purr…
Something inside of me broke. Hell, it didn’t even break. It crumbled. Into dust.
As she trembled beneath me, fingernails clawing painfully into my back, I groaned and captured her mouth with mine.
I was fucking doomed.
You can find Annie at:
Website: https://www.anniearcane.com/book/hart-broken
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/anniearcane
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anniearcane
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/annietheauthor
Purchase Links for Hart Broken.
Amazon: http://viewBook.at/HartBroken
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/hart-broken
Direct: https://www.anniearcane.com/book/hart-broken
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