K.C. Kendricks's Blog, page 97
April 2, 2013
2013 A-Z: Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea
Tuesday, April 2, 2013It's All About the Books
Day 2 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
B is for Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and I hope to once again make it through on time. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
This year, It’s All About the books and today for B we have Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea. The story is set on Ocracoke Island, a fave vacation spot of a cousin of mine. I love the pictures she takes of the island and the stories about the residents. One of these years I plan to accompany her and see Ocracoke. Until then, her pictures, and her stories, will have to suffice.
Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea has been a sort of unofficial fourth story in the Southern Cross series. With Catching Fireflies, it’s “officially” the fourth installment and Catching Fireflies is the fifth. Yes, website updates are definitely in order.
_*_*_*_*_
Between the Moon and the Deep Blue Sea
Contemporary gay romance available now at Amber Allure
Chad Collier’s had enough of providing stud service to rich men. It’s true he’s had more fun than any one man deserves, but now it’s time to make a plan for the rest of his life. At the urging of a mentor, he takes a leap of faith and breaks with his old ways. Yet a job interview lands him smack in the path of Darcy Paulson, the sort of rich man Chad vowed to avoid.
Darcy Paulson came of age as the prodigal son in a wealthy manufacturing dynasty. Every man he’s ever met has been after his money, until Chad Collier shows up on his doorstep. Darcy finds Chad prickly, standoffish, and utterly irresistible. Smitten by Chad’s dark good looks and determination to stand on his own two feet, Darcy is happy to give him an opportunity. It doesn’t take long for them to figure out that some private, no-strings fun is what they both need.
An unexpected event brings them face-to-face with the truth. The magic that happens between the moon and the deep blue sea is something a man can’t own, and it can be fully experienced only in the arms of a lover...
INTRO:
…His low, husky voice rippled over me in the small space. I stood still, unmoving, caught between fight and flight, as his warm palm stroked my side. I looked up into his glittering eyes and fell into his intent. Hot blood pooled in my groin. My cock surged full in a handful of pounding heartbeats. Darcy’s dark pink tongue flicked over his lips, leaving them moist. He meant to kiss me and, against all better judgment, I wanted him to do it. I gripped his hips and pulled him closer.
Darcy’s lips touched mine, soft and clinging, whispering promises. The sweet contact jolted though me with its unexpected tenderness. His tongue teased my lower lip, and all too soon he pulled away and left me wanting more. Darcy’s thumb traced the path across my mouth his tongue had taken. He licked his lips, as though he could still taste me. All the while I stood rooted to the floor, aching for him to kiss me again, and cursing my own cowardice. I knew if I kissed him, he wouldn’t push me away, but I…
“I won’t hurt you, Chad. I swear.”
“Don’t promise me anything, Darcy. You don’t know where my head is these days.”
His hands skimmed my sides. “Fair enough. Just don’t lie to me and tell me you don’t want to be kissed again.”
I let my hands fall from his hips. “What I want and what’s best for me right now are several galaxies apart.”
Darcy studied me for the longest thirty seconds of my life, then nodded. “Okay. I’m backing off.” The corner of his mouth twitched in a quirky smile. “I don’t want to, but I will.”
The tiny spark of hope longing for him to push me past my reluctance died, and only when it faded did I realize what I’d done…
EXCERPT:
If the blowjob was hot, was it still stupid? I knew the answer was ‘yes’, but I kissed him anyway. I didn’t linger at his lips – I needed to catch my breath.
“So. Darcy. You always carry a rubber in your pocket?”
He snorted and rolled me onto my back. “I’m gay. What do you think? Don’t you?”
“I usually do, but this wasn’t in the plan, you know.” I grabbed his hands to stop him from pulling my pants completely off. “Let me up.”
“Oh no. I want you, Chad. I’ve got another rubber, and this was in my plan.”
His intent jolted through me. He meant to fuck me right here on the floor. I held him at arm’s length. “Now, wait a minute. This isn’t going to work for me.”
Darcy froze. His expression darkened as he moved toward anger. “You think it’s acceptable to leave me hanging, all hot and bothered, so long as you get off?”
“Don’t get pissy with me, Darcy. I’ve never let a guy up my ass, and this…”
“Never!”
“For God’s sake, don’t look so shocked. I’ll laugh, and you’ll be all hurt.” I twisted out of his grasp and tried to yank my jeans up. Strong hands closed around my hips to pull me back into the curve of his body. Soft lips nibbled on the back of my neck as his fingers teased my ass.
“I agree. The kitchen floor isn’t the place for auspicious beginnings. My bed is.”
I’d gone all shivery from what he was doing to my butt. The light strokes of his fingertips brought to memory the moans of pleasure I’d drawn from other men. Could he do that to me?
“Let me go, Darcy. I not ready for this.”
I felt the anger snap through him. It was there in the way the length of his lean body stiffened, the sharp intake of his breath. Abruptly, he shoved away from me and rolled to his knees.
“My mistake, Chad. You won’t get the chance to use me again.”
His words cut painfully into the part of me that struggled to break free of the mistakes of the past. I tripped my way to my feet, tossed the used rubber in the trashcan, and zipped up.
“I’m not using you. You started this. Yeah, I was wrong not to stop you, but you bushwhacked me – twice now!”
Darcy got to his feet with more grace than I’d mustered, and glared at me. Even pissed off, he had pretty blue eyes.
“Why the fuck didn’t you stop me? Oh, yeah. Must have been that woody you popped up for me, huh?”
“Pardon me all to hell for being human! I never said I don’t find you attractive.”
Darcy’s eyebrows slid toward his hairline. I refused to blink under his scrutiny.
“Andrew says you’re broke.”
Maybe I was broke in more ways than one, but Darcy referred to my lack of funds. “What if I am? Do you think I’d come all this way looking for work if I had money?”
“Why didn’t the ex, what was his name? Sidney? Why didn’t he set you up?”
“Because I wouldn’t take his money. I didn’t want it. So now what are you going to do, Mr. Paulson? Offer to pay to fuck me?”
Darcy looked me up and down, then shrugged. “I’m going to eat my dinner, unless it’s charred to ash.”
I stood, my mouth hanging open, as he got the bottle of wine out of the freezer and a corkscrew out of the drawer.
I hadn’t even gotten my hands on his dick.
BETWEEN THE MOON AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA
ISBN 978-1-61124-107-5
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/BetweenMoon.html
KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Join my mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Read my personal blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Find me on facebook - KC with the little butterfly
Check out the MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
.
April 1, 2013
2013 A to Z: A Hard Habit to Break
Monday, April 1, 2013
It's All About the Books
Day 1 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
A is for A Hard Habit to Break
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge and participation is A Hard Habit to Break. I hope to once again make it through on time, but it’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
This year, It's All About the Books. In previous years I resisted a major promo blowout -tooting my own horn, as it were, but this year I’m going for it. It could be pure promo or it could be the story behind the story. There might even be an interview with a character or two. Maybe a character has the same hobbies or something like that. I’m not sure just how it will shake out, but I think I’m going to have a lot fun this year.
So come ‘walk’ with me on my winding path to Z in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge.
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
When my publisher put out a call for stories of best friends turned lovers, I was lucky enough to have a story on my plot board I could easily adapt to that theme. I had the characters - Heath and Travis - and all I had to do was write a few more details into their backstory. Halfway through the actual writing, I realized I had the first book of three in the setting of the fictional town of Marionville.
The Men of Marionville series currently numbers six and is on a brief hiatus. It would be too easy to place every story in the world of Marionsville so I won't do that. I'd get bored. You'd get bored. Not a good thing, BUT...I'm set to revisit Marionville later this year and again in mid to late 2014. Until then, you can get a jump on the series with A Hard Habit to Break - a very apropos place to start the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. Enjoy!
A HARD HABIT TO BREAK
Available now at Amber Allure
(book one of the Men of Marionville series)
As the reigning stud of the local gay club scene, every guy in the county knows Travis Templeton, and vies for his attention. Travis wears his crown lightly, careful not to break any hearts. He knows what it’s like to really love someone who doesn’t love you back-at least, not in the way you want.
Heath Kelley made the biggest mistake of his life the night before his best friend Travis left for college. One small action snowballed into years of silent misunderstanding and empty distance. When Heath accepts a transfer that sends him to his hometown, he doesn’t know Travis has moved back home, too. It doesn’t take long for the men to reconnect.
Admitting they never stopped thinking of each other as “best friends” is easy. Forgiveness of past sins is easy, but confessing their secrets comes harder. When Heath discovers the truth about Travis’ private life, the newly repaired bonds of friendship are stretched taut.
It’s time for Travis to choose – the love of his best friend, or a life of being second best.
EXCERPT:
The ghost of his lips slid coolly over mine like they had so many times over the years, a phantom whisper that raised gooseflesh on the back of my thighs and buttocks. Travis fixed me with a stare far colder than my memories. His angry, hurt voice froze my insides.
“You had what I wanted, Heath. You were normal. You dated girls. You fucked girls.” He sucked in a deep, difficult breath. When he spoke again, the anger was gone, but not the hurt.
“Then you kissed me and brought the very thing I hated right to my bed. How could you do that to me? Why didn’t you tell me you were really gay?”
Stunned, my knees wobbled, and I leaned back against his car before they gave out and I ended up on the pavement. Never had I imagined he felt such self-loathing. I hadn’t seen it, but then I’d been just seventeen. Liking some girls muddied the water for me, and I never thought of myself as anything but straight, back then.
What I felt for Travis was special, outside everything, and everyone, else. He was my best friend. I was a senior in college before I dared put a name to my sexuality, and begin to accept what it meant.
My chest ached. Thirteen years lost.
A HARD HABIT TO BREAK
ISBN 978-1-60272-671-0
Available now at
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/HardHabitToBreak.html
KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Join my mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
Read my personal blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Check out the MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
It's All About the Books
Day 1 of the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge
A is for A Hard Habit to Break
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge and participation is A Hard Habit to Break. I hope to once again make it through on time, but it’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
This year, It's All About the Books. In previous years I resisted a major promo blowout -tooting my own horn, as it were, but this year I’m going for it. It could be pure promo or it could be the story behind the story. There might even be an interview with a character or two. Maybe a character has the same hobbies or something like that. I’m not sure just how it will shake out, but I think I’m going to have a lot fun this year.
So come ‘walk’ with me on my winding path to Z in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge.
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
When my publisher put out a call for stories of best friends turned lovers, I was lucky enough to have a story on my plot board I could easily adapt to that theme. I had the characters - Heath and Travis - and all I had to do was write a few more details into their backstory. Halfway through the actual writing, I realized I had the first book of three in the setting of the fictional town of Marionville.
The Men of Marionville series currently numbers six and is on a brief hiatus. It would be too easy to place every story in the world of Marionsville so I won't do that. I'd get bored. You'd get bored. Not a good thing, BUT...I'm set to revisit Marionville later this year and again in mid to late 2014. Until then, you can get a jump on the series with A Hard Habit to Break - a very apropos place to start the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. Enjoy!
A HARD HABIT TO BREAKAvailable now at Amber Allure
(book one of the Men of Marionville series)
As the reigning stud of the local gay club scene, every guy in the county knows Travis Templeton, and vies for his attention. Travis wears his crown lightly, careful not to break any hearts. He knows what it’s like to really love someone who doesn’t love you back-at least, not in the way you want.
Heath Kelley made the biggest mistake of his life the night before his best friend Travis left for college. One small action snowballed into years of silent misunderstanding and empty distance. When Heath accepts a transfer that sends him to his hometown, he doesn’t know Travis has moved back home, too. It doesn’t take long for the men to reconnect.
Admitting they never stopped thinking of each other as “best friends” is easy. Forgiveness of past sins is easy, but confessing their secrets comes harder. When Heath discovers the truth about Travis’ private life, the newly repaired bonds of friendship are stretched taut.
It’s time for Travis to choose – the love of his best friend, or a life of being second best.
EXCERPT:
The ghost of his lips slid coolly over mine like they had so many times over the years, a phantom whisper that raised gooseflesh on the back of my thighs and buttocks. Travis fixed me with a stare far colder than my memories. His angry, hurt voice froze my insides.
“You had what I wanted, Heath. You were normal. You dated girls. You fucked girls.” He sucked in a deep, difficult breath. When he spoke again, the anger was gone, but not the hurt.
“Then you kissed me and brought the very thing I hated right to my bed. How could you do that to me? Why didn’t you tell me you were really gay?”
Stunned, my knees wobbled, and I leaned back against his car before they gave out and I ended up on the pavement. Never had I imagined he felt such self-loathing. I hadn’t seen it, but then I’d been just seventeen. Liking some girls muddied the water for me, and I never thought of myself as anything but straight, back then.
What I felt for Travis was special, outside everything, and everyone, else. He was my best friend. I was a senior in college before I dared put a name to my sexuality, and begin to accept what it meant.
My chest ached. Thirteen years lost.
A HARD HABIT TO BREAK
ISBN 978-1-60272-671-0
Available now at
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/HardHabitToBreak.html
KC Kendricks
Visit my website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
Join my mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
Read my personal blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Check out the MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
March 31, 2013
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and I hope to once again make it through on time. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
In 2011, I flew into the challenge by the seat of my pants. The blogosphere (do they still use that word?) is full of information and it’s impossible to hear about every fun thing that comes down the road. I skated into the challenge at the very last minute, but I’m sure it happened the way it was supposed to happen. I was so stoked to have finished all thirty posts on time, I was ready to dig into the 2012 prep work - and I did.
One of my goals has been to write about my experiences in the industry. I don’t think my path has been either mundane or unique. It simply has been my path. So in 2012 I focused on sharing my experiences and geared the blogs toward those just starting out. If I helped just one new writer, or even someone who’s been at it awhile, I did what I set out to do.
So on to 2013…….
I wasn’t sure how 2013 would shake out as I prepared the calendar, but I’ve settled on what I believe is a good mix of material. This year, It’s All About the Books. I resisted a major promo blowout in past years -tooting my own horn, as they say - but this year I’m going for it. Some days are pure promo and others are more about the story behind the story. There’s even going to be an interview with a character, which I think is a first for me.
So come ‘walk’ with me on my winding path to Z in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. I think you’ll enjoy it.
And of course, this introduction to the Challenge wouldn't be complete without a "thank you" to its creator, Arlee Bird. You can check out his blog Tossing It Out at http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/ .
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
Welcome to the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This is the third year I’ve participated in the challenge, and I hope to once again make it through on time. It’s not easy - it takes a lot of organization - but it’s worth all the effort to reconnect with bloggers from last year’s challenge and to meet new people and make new friends.
In 2011, I flew into the challenge by the seat of my pants. The blogosphere (do they still use that word?) is full of information and it’s impossible to hear about every fun thing that comes down the road. I skated into the challenge at the very last minute, but I’m sure it happened the way it was supposed to happen. I was so stoked to have finished all thirty posts on time, I was ready to dig into the 2012 prep work - and I did.
One of my goals has been to write about my experiences in the industry. I don’t think my path has been either mundane or unique. It simply has been my path. So in 2012 I focused on sharing my experiences and geared the blogs toward those just starting out. If I helped just one new writer, or even someone who’s been at it awhile, I did what I set out to do.
So on to 2013…….
I wasn’t sure how 2013 would shake out as I prepared the calendar, but I’ve settled on what I believe is a good mix of material. This year, It’s All About the Books. I resisted a major promo blowout in past years -tooting my own horn, as they say - but this year I’m going for it. Some days are pure promo and others are more about the story behind the story. There’s even going to be an interview with a character, which I think is a first for me. So come ‘walk’ with me on my winding path to Z in the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge. I think you’ll enjoy it.
And of course, this introduction to the Challenge wouldn't be complete without a "thank you" to its creator, Arlee Bird. You can check out his blog Tossing It Out at http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/ .
KC Kendricks
http://www.kckendricks.com
March 28, 2013
Huzzah!!! Season Five of Justified
March 28, 2013
Happy dance! Happy dance! The word just hit the airwaves that FX has renewed Justified for season five. (As if they'd dare not renew the best show they have on!)
I'm hooked on Justified. Yeah, yeah, Timothy Olyphant is pretty easy on the eyes but that's not the sum total of why I like the show. Sure I could follow in my friend Yvonne's pin-steps and devote a Pinterest board to him but she does an excellent job so I gaze at her pins. And he's not just nice to look at, the man is a fine actor. Raylan is an open enigma. Not just anyone can pull that off the way Tim does.
I like Nick Searcy whose character Art plays perfectly beside Raylan. Let's face it - Art was Raylan when he was younger. He had to be. How else would he understand Raylan so well? And Nick Searcy himself is a hoot. Check out his School of Acting sometime.
Then there is Boyd Crowder. I can't imagine anyone other than Walton Groggins as Boyd. The man owns Boyd. Boyd is the kind of ... what the hell is Boyd? A villain? He's in a classification all his own in tv-land right but I guess we have to call him a "bad guy" even though he's simply BOYD. And yes, I hope Boyd and Ava manage to squirm out of their current situation and keep going.
Speaking of Ava - I like her. She takes up for herself (although not in ways I can recommend). It's the fact she stands up to those who want to bully and hurt her I like. If I had the chance to mentor her I'd work on her techniques. Soften a few edges. Teach her a little Klingon guile. Ava is a fast learner.
This year, season four, was maybe a bit slow building but knowing how the show is written I paid close attention. Bits and pieces of seemingly inconsequential information were doled out across the first episodes. Some characters were ominously absent. Clues were meticulously planted. Then the story lines began to converge in unexpected ways. The writer in me took notes.
Yes, I'm a big fan of Justified. Well done, guys!
KC
Happy dance! Happy dance! The word just hit the airwaves that FX has renewed Justified for season five. (As if they'd dare not renew the best show they have on!)
I'm hooked on Justified. Yeah, yeah, Timothy Olyphant is pretty easy on the eyes but that's not the sum total of why I like the show. Sure I could follow in my friend Yvonne's pin-steps and devote a Pinterest board to him but she does an excellent job so I gaze at her pins. And he's not just nice to look at, the man is a fine actor. Raylan is an open enigma. Not just anyone can pull that off the way Tim does.
I like Nick Searcy whose character Art plays perfectly beside Raylan. Let's face it - Art was Raylan when he was younger. He had to be. How else would he understand Raylan so well? And Nick Searcy himself is a hoot. Check out his School of Acting sometime.
Then there is Boyd Crowder. I can't imagine anyone other than Walton Groggins as Boyd. The man owns Boyd. Boyd is the kind of ... what the hell is Boyd? A villain? He's in a classification all his own in tv-land right but I guess we have to call him a "bad guy" even though he's simply BOYD. And yes, I hope Boyd and Ava manage to squirm out of their current situation and keep going.
Speaking of Ava - I like her. She takes up for herself (although not in ways I can recommend). It's the fact she stands up to those who want to bully and hurt her I like. If I had the chance to mentor her I'd work on her techniques. Soften a few edges. Teach her a little Klingon guile. Ava is a fast learner.
This year, season four, was maybe a bit slow building but knowing how the show is written I paid close attention. Bits and pieces of seemingly inconsequential information were doled out across the first episodes. Some characters were ominously absent. Clues were meticulously planted. Then the story lines began to converge in unexpected ways. The writer in me took notes.
Yes, I'm a big fan of Justified. Well done, guys!
KC
March 24, 2013
In the wee hours
March 24, 2013
Palm Sunday
before daybreak
So I just zipped over to the A to Z Blogging Challenge home page to see how many bloggers have signed up for this year - a whopping 1315! And there's still eight days to go before the sign-up list closes.
Man, there is no way I'll be able to visit 1315+ blogs in one month, so everyone who stops by Between the Keys during the Challenge, please accept my apology now for maybe not making it to your blog.
Just an FYI - I'm #91 on the list in case you go looking. Actually, you should go look and use the sign up list as a portal to find new and interesting blogs. Click here .
Now I must find coffee and caffeine myself awake.
KC
Palm Sunday
before daybreak
So I just zipped over to the A to Z Blogging Challenge home page to see how many bloggers have signed up for this year - a whopping 1315! And there's still eight days to go before the sign-up list closes.
Man, there is no way I'll be able to visit 1315+ blogs in one month, so everyone who stops by Between the Keys during the Challenge, please accept my apology now for maybe not making it to your blog.
Just an FYI - I'm #91 on the list in case you go looking. Actually, you should go look and use the sign up list as a portal to find new and interesting blogs. Click here .
Now I must find coffee and caffeine myself awake.
KC
March 23, 2013
Earth Hour 2013
March 23, 20138:30 PM local time
http://www.earthhour.org
For the past several years I've participated in the annual Earth Hour blackout. If you're not familiar with Earth Hour, it's a worldwide event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. The first Earth Hour took place in 2007 in Sidney, Australia, and spread around the world from there. During Earth Hour, participants "unplug" from the power grid in a symbolic gesture in support of caring for our planet. It's a simple idea that only looks complicated on the Internet.
But as with all things that have political undertones, I think it's sometimes okay to tailor participation to your own needs. While Earth Hour is officially from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, I have a different plan to keep spousal whining from ruining my evening. Probably around 7:00 PM, just about the time dinner is ready, we'll light a candle, open a bottle of wine, and spend an hour at the dining room table having an old-fashioned conversation with our meal. I'm not sure what time zone we'll be joining, but I doubt it matters. Call it multi-tasking if you like.
Will we totally unplug from the power grid? Almost. Flipping the breaker on our sump pump would be stupid and we're not, but other than that, yes, we'll unplug. Will it impact our utility bill? I doubt it. But think about this. If one plus one equals two, and you multiply that by millions, will it have an impact somewhere? I think so, and the greater common good is why I do it.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
http://www.earthhour.org
For the past several years I've participated in the annual Earth Hour blackout. If you're not familiar with Earth Hour, it's a worldwide event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. The first Earth Hour took place in 2007 in Sidney, Australia, and spread around the world from there. During Earth Hour, participants "unplug" from the power grid in a symbolic gesture in support of caring for our planet. It's a simple idea that only looks complicated on the Internet. But as with all things that have political undertones, I think it's sometimes okay to tailor participation to your own needs. While Earth Hour is officially from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, I have a different plan to keep spousal whining from ruining my evening. Probably around 7:00 PM, just about the time dinner is ready, we'll light a candle, open a bottle of wine, and spend an hour at the dining room table having an old-fashioned conversation with our meal. I'm not sure what time zone we'll be joining, but I doubt it matters. Call it multi-tasking if you like.
Will we totally unplug from the power grid? Almost. Flipping the breaker on our sump pump would be stupid and we're not, but other than that, yes, we'll unplug. Will it impact our utility bill? I doubt it. But think about this. If one plus one equals two, and you multiply that by millions, will it have an impact somewhere? I think so, and the greater common good is why I do it.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
March 21, 2013
Some motivation required
March 21, 2013
The calendar says lovely Spring has arrived and as in years past my thoughts have turned to getting outdoors and doing ...anything.
Seriously - I don't care what the activity as long as it gets me out of the house. It's been a long, cold winter and I've been a slug since Christmas. The camel-colored slacks I'm wearing today that fit like they'd been made just for me last fall are a wee bit tight now. Not so much I risk the seams by wearing them, you understand. They're just snug.
So it's time to take action and start the yearly ritual. Again. Every spring I buy a pair of walking shoes and start walking. And every year I tell myself if I just hadn't quit walking in November, I wouldn't have to get back in the groove now. (I'd still need the shoes.)
What can I say except it was COLD in November? Give me a "wimp" button and I'll wear it.
The truth is I think I write better when I get out and walk. The fresh air and sunshine lift my spirits as well as oxygenate my brain cells. My theory is better brain cells, better books. It's win/win.
I found this cartoon a few days ago and I've been laughing over it ever since. I don't need quite this much motivation, but I sure would appreciate the mercury rising above 50F.
KC
The calendar says lovely Spring has arrived and as in years past my thoughts have turned to getting outdoors and doing ...anything.
Seriously - I don't care what the activity as long as it gets me out of the house. It's been a long, cold winter and I've been a slug since Christmas. The camel-colored slacks I'm wearing today that fit like they'd been made just for me last fall are a wee bit tight now. Not so much I risk the seams by wearing them, you understand. They're just snug.
So it's time to take action and start the yearly ritual. Again. Every spring I buy a pair of walking shoes and start walking. And every year I tell myself if I just hadn't quit walking in November, I wouldn't have to get back in the groove now. (I'd still need the shoes.)
What can I say except it was COLD in November? Give me a "wimp" button and I'll wear it.
The truth is I think I write better when I get out and walk. The fresh air and sunshine lift my spirits as well as oxygenate my brain cells. My theory is better brain cells, better books. It's win/win.
I found this cartoon a few days ago and I've been laughing over it ever since. I don't need quite this much motivation, but I sure would appreciate the mercury rising above 50F.
KC
March 3, 2013
Really? Did I have to?
March 3, 2013
It seems I've discovered yet another Internet playground. It wasn't enough to become a blogger. It wasn't enough to tease my brain with Twitter , which I've called blogging on steroids from time-to-time. I thought I'd learned my lesson when I was able to keep the time spent on MySpace, Facebook and Goodreads under control. Boy, was I kidding myself. I've now found PINTEREST!!
This behavior is not conducive to getting some writing done.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
It seems I've discovered yet another Internet playground. It wasn't enough to become a blogger. It wasn't enough to tease my brain with Twitter , which I've called blogging on steroids from time-to-time. I thought I'd learned my lesson when I was able to keep the time spent on MySpace, Facebook and Goodreads under control. Boy, was I kidding myself. I've now found PINTEREST!!
This behavior is not conducive to getting some writing done.
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
February 24, 2013
Catching Fireflies - new today!
February 24, 2013
Daytona 500 Sunday
CATCHING FIREFLIES
Contemporary gay romance
available now at http://www.AmberAllure.com/CatchingFireflies.html
Book five in the Southern Cross series
Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.
Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.
Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.
INTRO:
His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us.
I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey’s palm on my skin, but failed miserably. At least if I got hard, I was sitting down and my T-shirt was loose enough to hide it if I leaned forward. Or maybe crossed my legs. Or sank beneath the glider - or the ground. Thankfully, the thought of how embarrassed I’d be kept an erection at bay. Barely.
“You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don’t you join me?”
I must’ve had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. “No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met.”
No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. “Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?”
“That’s all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don’t know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don’t bite before we get to know each other better.” He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. “And you’re hiding something.”
I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I’d received at the hands of strangers taunted me.
“I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There’s nothing in them to hurt anyone else.”
He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. “Fair enough, Dale.” He sighed. “I do have my own. What?”
“I could stare into your eyes forever.”
Aubrey didn’t blink. “If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I’d be rich…”
EXCERPT:
“That glass had better have the same amount in it when I get back.”
Aubrey swiped his index finger over his heart, specifically his left nipple, up and down then side-to-side. The man was all tease and I liked it. I wasn’t ready for anyone serious.
I carried his glass over to Mark and requested another. I watched as he made Aubrey another drink - virgin. I looked at him, questioningly.
“Apparently Aubrey doesn’t touch anything with alcohol in it. I’ve no clue why. The man’s a mystery to everyone except Chad.”
I thanked him for making the drink as he handed it to me. “A little mystery isn’t a bad thing, is it?”
“No, Dale, it’s not. But don’t expect too much. He’s only here for the commitment ceremony.”
“Thanks. That’s good to know.” I turned and reclaimed my spot beside Aubrey, handing him his drink as I sat. Brett was delivering the first steaks to those who liked to hear it go “moo” when they stuck a fork into it. Aubrey echoed my preference for medium-well to well when Brett asked. I touched my glass to his again.
“Ah, I’ve learned something else about you. Now I’ve got a very important question for you. Sauce, or no sauce?”
“Hon, I’ve been thinking of nothing but sauce since I saw you standing in the driveway.”
I grinned at him, appreciating his wicked sense of humor. “You are so bad. I was talking about steak sauce.”
“If you see me put anything on a steak, you’ll know it was ruined before it got to me, and I’m pretty sure Brett isn’t going to do that.”
“I have a feeling you’re right about that.” I sipped my drink, wondering if I should pry into why he didn’t imbibe. He beat me to it.
“You’re wondering why I don’t drink.”
It was a statement, not a question, and I gave him a nod. “So you’re psychic, too?”
“No, but everyone wonders why a man of my comparative youth isn’t out getting inebriated every night of the week, a behavior best described as gauche.”
“That’s not a word I hear often. Hmm…Brett just motioned for us to get our plates.”
Aubrey batted his eyelashes and smiled at me. I shook my head.
“Nope. You have to go fix your own plate.” I stood and held my hand out to pull him up. He sighed and wrapped his fingers around mine. I was right - his hands were strong.
We fixed our plates with a veritable feast. Steak, grilled mushrooms and peppers, fresh diced tomatoes in light vinaigrette, a cold couscous salad, macaroni salad and fresh fruit. I gathered from the conversation meals at Brett and Mark’s place were somewhat potluck. The hosts simply looked in the larder and presented what appealed to them on the spur of the moment, and whatever leftovers they had in the refrigerator, but it sure worked. I grabbed the last steak knife and squeezed in at the table beside Sam.
Drat that flirty Aubrey for parking his very fine little butt between the two old guys. I’m sure he did it because they fawned over him - and he was just as bad over them. It was honest and genuine, and fun to watch even with so many questions hammering inside my head.
Would he really take a walk with me this evening? The sun was well on its way toward the far horizon, and I loved being along the shore at dusk…crap.
How the hell had this happened? When I crawled out of bed this morning all I had on my mind was a long, peaceful, albeit cold, winter on the island. I was going to rest, relax, rejuvenate - and not get all hot and bothered over any guy that crossed my path. But here I sat doing just what I didn’t want to do.
Funny how life constantly gives a person what they think they don’t want.
Aubrey smiled at me.
Shit. I’d taken his bait and if I wasn’t careful, he’d set the hook.
CATCHING FIREFLIES
ISBN: 978-1-61124-392-5
Contemporary gay romance
available now at http://www.AmberAllure.com/CatchingFireflies.html
Book five in the Southern Cross series
KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kckendricks
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1989106.K_C_Kendricks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
Daytona 500 Sunday
CATCHING FIREFLIES
Contemporary gay romance
available now at http://www.AmberAllure.com/CatchingFireflies.html
Book five in the Southern Cross series
Dale Langley longs for some triple R time - rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He accepts his cousin’s invitation to winter over on Ocracoke Island, far away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland. He’s always loved being a rolling stone, traveling for his job without the worry of a place to call home, but it’s time for something different. Now Dale anticipates several blissful months to learn how to be still with no demands on his time while he prepares for the next phase of his life.
Aubrey Zimmerman came to Ocracoke to attend a friend’s commitment ceremony. Never one to settle down, Aubrey’s had enough of involvements that took him from man to man without a place to call home. He needs a break - and a little solitude. House sitting while his friend is on his honeymoon is the perfect way to clear his head and catch up on his sleep. At least it seemed that way until Dale arrived and Aubrey realized sleep is the last thing he needs.
Fate has changes in store for Dale and Aubrey, the sort neither one knew they wanted. Sometimes the more you wander the closer to home you get.
INTRO:
His hand on my knee snapped me back to the here and now. I looked around to find everyone hovering over the steaks sharing grilling secrets, and paying no attention to us.
I tried not to notice the warmth of Aubrey’s palm on my skin, but failed miserably. At least if I got hard, I was sitting down and my T-shirt was loose enough to hide it if I leaned forward. Or maybe crossed my legs. Or sank beneath the glider - or the ground. Thankfully, the thought of how embarrassed I’d be kept an erection at bay. Barely.
“You know, hon. I like to walk along the water after dinner. Why don’t you join me?”
I must’ve had a stupid expression on my face. He tilted his head. “No hanky-panky, of course, being that we just met.”
No one even glanced in our direction so I leaned toward him. “Um, sure. A walk would be nice. If I try to hold your hand are you going to stop me?”
“That’s all you can hold tonight, sugar. I don’t know anything about you, and I have to make sure you don’t bite before we get to know each other better.” He looked down then slowly lifted his beautiful gaze back to mine. “And you’re hiding something.”
I shivered as the memories of the vicious blows I’d received at the hands of strangers taunted me.
“I only nibble the occasional earlobe, and my secrets are my own, Aubrey. There’s nothing in them to hurt anyone else.”
He studied me for a few moments, his fascinating blue gaze enigmatic. “Fair enough, Dale.” He sighed. “I do have my own. What?”
“I could stare into your eyes forever.”
Aubrey didn’t blink. “If I had a dollar for every time some tomcat said that to me, I’d be rich…”
EXCERPT:
“That glass had better have the same amount in it when I get back.”
Aubrey swiped his index finger over his heart, specifically his left nipple, up and down then side-to-side. The man was all tease and I liked it. I wasn’t ready for anyone serious.
I carried his glass over to Mark and requested another. I watched as he made Aubrey another drink - virgin. I looked at him, questioningly.
“Apparently Aubrey doesn’t touch anything with alcohol in it. I’ve no clue why. The man’s a mystery to everyone except Chad.”
I thanked him for making the drink as he handed it to me. “A little mystery isn’t a bad thing, is it?”
“No, Dale, it’s not. But don’t expect too much. He’s only here for the commitment ceremony.”
“Thanks. That’s good to know.” I turned and reclaimed my spot beside Aubrey, handing him his drink as I sat. Brett was delivering the first steaks to those who liked to hear it go “moo” when they stuck a fork into it. Aubrey echoed my preference for medium-well to well when Brett asked. I touched my glass to his again.
“Ah, I’ve learned something else about you. Now I’ve got a very important question for you. Sauce, or no sauce?”
“Hon, I’ve been thinking of nothing but sauce since I saw you standing in the driveway.”
I grinned at him, appreciating his wicked sense of humor. “You are so bad. I was talking about steak sauce.”
“If you see me put anything on a steak, you’ll know it was ruined before it got to me, and I’m pretty sure Brett isn’t going to do that.”
“I have a feeling you’re right about that.” I sipped my drink, wondering if I should pry into why he didn’t imbibe. He beat me to it.
“You’re wondering why I don’t drink.”
It was a statement, not a question, and I gave him a nod. “So you’re psychic, too?”
“No, but everyone wonders why a man of my comparative youth isn’t out getting inebriated every night of the week, a behavior best described as gauche.”
“That’s not a word I hear often. Hmm…Brett just motioned for us to get our plates.”
Aubrey batted his eyelashes and smiled at me. I shook my head.
“Nope. You have to go fix your own plate.” I stood and held my hand out to pull him up. He sighed and wrapped his fingers around mine. I was right - his hands were strong.
We fixed our plates with a veritable feast. Steak, grilled mushrooms and peppers, fresh diced tomatoes in light vinaigrette, a cold couscous salad, macaroni salad and fresh fruit. I gathered from the conversation meals at Brett and Mark’s place were somewhat potluck. The hosts simply looked in the larder and presented what appealed to them on the spur of the moment, and whatever leftovers they had in the refrigerator, but it sure worked. I grabbed the last steak knife and squeezed in at the table beside Sam.
Drat that flirty Aubrey for parking his very fine little butt between the two old guys. I’m sure he did it because they fawned over him - and he was just as bad over them. It was honest and genuine, and fun to watch even with so many questions hammering inside my head.
Would he really take a walk with me this evening? The sun was well on its way toward the far horizon, and I loved being along the shore at dusk…crap.
How the hell had this happened? When I crawled out of bed this morning all I had on my mind was a long, peaceful, albeit cold, winter on the island. I was going to rest, relax, rejuvenate - and not get all hot and bothered over any guy that crossed my path. But here I sat doing just what I didn’t want to do.
Funny how life constantly gives a person what they think they don’t want.
Aubrey smiled at me.
Shit. I’d taken his bait and if I wasn’t careful, he’d set the hook.
CATCHING FIREFLIES
ISBN: 978-1-61124-392-5
Contemporary gay romance
available now at http://www.AmberAllure.com/CatchingFireflies.html
Book five in the Southern Cross series
KC Kendricks
website at: http://www.kckendricks.com
blog: http://www.kckendricks.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kckendricks
mailing list at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/betweenthekeys
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kckendricks
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1989106.K_C_Kendricks
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Kc-Kendricks/1439574042
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kckendricks
February 16, 2013
Taking stock on a Saturday morning
February 16, 2013
Oh, this dreary, chilly weather. I'm tired of gray skies and damp ground. I crave sunshine and green growing flowers. I want a warm breeze so I can take my coffee to the patio and listen to the birds sing. I know the Saturday is coming where it will happen, but it's not this morning. So I join my cat at gazing out the window and whining.
Whether the weather cooperates with me or not, I've a list of things to accomplish today. It's been a productive writing week and the aftermath is all around me. My desk is a mess, my study is a mess, there are two loads of laundry to do, and the pet fur is making dust bunnies everywhere. I like my world to be neat and tidy and it's not. Friends and family didn't get the usual "check-in" calls this week so I have lots of folks to contact. Being a hermit only works for very short stretches.
In addition to the need to restore my nest to a better state is my writer's list of what I'd like to get done this Saturday. Blogging is on the list although this blog entry was not. I'm gearing up for the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge and I have a bit of prep work to do. Twenty-six blogs in April going A to Z takes some organization.
This past week I completed the manuscript of the second Amethyst Cove story and it needs proofed. I read the galley for Catching Fireflies (due out next weekend) and I need finish that webpage on my site . With a June 1, 2013, deadline for a story in an upcoming PAX, I need to get chapter three underway, too. Finished chapter three would be better than chapter three "underway" but sometimes a person has to settle.
The 2013 NASCAR season has arrived. With my two-monitor setup, I might be able to keep an eye on the festivities while I work. I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but it might be fun here at the beginning of the year.
Oh, and let's not forget it's tax season, too. It's time to deal with all that. 'Nuff said.
I want to share a snapshot with you before I get down to work. A few mornings ago we woke to wet snow clinging to the trees. The cat was sitting in the window making unhappy little noises so I got my phone to snap a picture of him. I got the unexpected. The light caught his eyes just right and you can see the result for yourself. We've joked about this cat being the spawn of the devil because he's got a lot of personality, and this could be the final proof.
Happy Saturday!
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
Oh, this dreary, chilly weather. I'm tired of gray skies and damp ground. I crave sunshine and green growing flowers. I want a warm breeze so I can take my coffee to the patio and listen to the birds sing. I know the Saturday is coming where it will happen, but it's not this morning. So I join my cat at gazing out the window and whining.
Whether the weather cooperates with me or not, I've a list of things to accomplish today. It's been a productive writing week and the aftermath is all around me. My desk is a mess, my study is a mess, there are two loads of laundry to do, and the pet fur is making dust bunnies everywhere. I like my world to be neat and tidy and it's not. Friends and family didn't get the usual "check-in" calls this week so I have lots of folks to contact. Being a hermit only works for very short stretches.
In addition to the need to restore my nest to a better state is my writer's list of what I'd like to get done this Saturday. Blogging is on the list although this blog entry was not. I'm gearing up for the 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge and I have a bit of prep work to do. Twenty-six blogs in April going A to Z takes some organization.
This past week I completed the manuscript of the second Amethyst Cove story and it needs proofed. I read the galley for Catching Fireflies (due out next weekend) and I need finish that webpage on my site . With a June 1, 2013, deadline for a story in an upcoming PAX, I need to get chapter three underway, too. Finished chapter three would be better than chapter three "underway" but sometimes a person has to settle.
The 2013 NASCAR season has arrived. With my two-monitor setup, I might be able to keep an eye on the festivities while I work. I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but it might be fun here at the beginning of the year.
Oh, and let's not forget it's tax season, too. It's time to deal with all that. 'Nuff said.
I want to share a snapshot with you before I get down to work. A few mornings ago we woke to wet snow clinging to the trees. The cat was sitting in the window making unhappy little noises so I got my phone to snap a picture of him. I got the unexpected. The light caught his eyes just right and you can see the result for yourself. We've joked about this cat being the spawn of the devil because he's got a lot of personality, and this could be the final proof. Happy Saturday!
KC
http://www.kckendricks.com
