Stephani Hecht's Blog, page 10

Ah-choo!

*dusts off blog* It’s so dusty around here. I must get back to blogging. I have so many more videos to show, so many stories to share, more Chronicles of Shane to post..

That’s it!

Starting Tomorrow I shall start posting again tomorrow.

Update

I hope everybody had an amazing holidays. I have a ton to share with you, but lets start with some pictures from the RuPaul’s Drag Race cruise that Cody and I went on!

Sorry the pics look a mess I don’t know how to make them look better :-/ I’m still new to WordPress. But, let’s get down to other business. First, I know that all of you have not received your holiday cards. Due to the overwhelming response I got, I had to order more from the printer. Fear not, however, I will get them all out. Secondly, I am sure you all can see how sad and empty my coming soon page looks. I am waiting for some covers until then I can give you a tentative release schedule it is as follows:

January 1st-Braxton’s Salvation-Wayne County Wolves series

January 15-the next Latitude Extreme, co-authored with Jackie Natch

January 15th-No Tea, No Shade-YA Book-Haven Coffee House Boys

February 1st-Ackley’s Savior-Lost Shifter Series

As soon as I get the covers I will post them here. Until then Happy Reading!

Farmer Style (Gangnam Parody)

Submitted without comment:

Sad Candles and Bellyaches

* This was originally posted at The Flirty Author Bitches Blog*

I usually try to keep my blog posts light and cheery, but as a parent I find myself at a loss and emotional. The events were just a few days ago and I find that I’m still having trouble finding why something this terrible can happen. Most of all, I find myself grieving for all the parents who lost their children and for the surviving children who lost their innocence that day.

The day the news broke of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, Joie had a half day of school. As such, she was with me when I first saw the news on CNN. Joie is eleven and it didn’t take long before the questions started:

“Was it kids like me that were hurt?”

“Are they dead?”

“Why would anybody want to hurt them?”

As a mother, I like to think that I have all the answers, but I found myself at a loss. So finally I just told her, “Sometimes there are bad people in the world, who do bad things and we don’t know their reasons.”

That seemed to placate her…or so I thought.

Sunday night she started to complain about a bellyache. Come Monday, it was so bad that she cried a bit. While deep down I knew it wasn’t that bad, the selfish part of me wanted to keep her close to me one day longer, so I let her stay home.

The sensible part of me knew that it probably had to do with the fears and insecurities all of our children are now facing. In a way, all of our children lost a piece of their innocence that day. School is supposed to be a safe place. It’s not supposed to be a place where you have to fear for your life.

Then came the news that there was going to be a candle light vigil at her school. I wondered to myself if I should let her go or not. Not knowing what choice was right, I went with my gut and told her that we would be attending. At first she was reluctant, but I knew that it may be a way of helping her, so I stood firm.

As I walked out of the house to go to the store to buy the candles she had one order, “Mom, buy the saddest candles you can find.”

Cody and I went to the store and debated over what would be best. A jar candle? A paper cup with a tea light? The options were endless.  In the end we went with cheap pillar candles.

By the time we were done with our purchase it was time to go, so we didn’t have time to fashion cups or some other shield to protect us from the dripping wax. As a last resort we told the kids to hold them at an angle so the wax would fall to the ground.

When we went to the ceremony, the time came to light our candles and we all did as planned, tilting them at an angle. Then I noticed something interesting, as the service began the cheap candles burned quickly and the droplets of wax began to fall at a steady beat.

It fell as they read the names of all the victims, it fell during a few of the speeches, it even fell when we sang the most off-keyed version of Amazing Grace ever. By the end of the vigil, the droplets of wax began to look like tears. Almost like the candles were weeping. Much like most of us have been since last Friday.

So, I guess I did end up buying the saddest candles after all.

When we got home, Joie announced that her bellyache was better and that she was ready to go to school tomorrow. I think that going to the memorial service ended up being a good thing for her. It let her know that while bad things happen in the world and there are bad people out there, there are way more good people who care and love each other.

As a mother, I plan to not never take any day for granted and to always remember to give her a hug and kiss before she leaves for school. Most of all, I plan to not let this fear rule our lives, because only then will the good defeat all the bad in the world.

New Release!

The Prodigal Brother-Blue Line Hockey Series-available now at eXtasy Books!

Is there ever a time when you really can’t redeem yourself? And if so, then what’s left to live for?

     At one time, Brock was the dream child of the Canton family. Not only was he the oldest, but he was predicted to be the number one draft pick for the NHL. All those dreams were shattered when Brock suffered a career-ending injury. Depressed over his loss, he became lost in an addiction to drugs. Not only that, but he betrayed his three younger brothers to the point that they never want to see him again.

But that was then, and now Brock is clean and sober. While his brothers still don’t trust him, they give him a job at the rink they own. It’s there that Brock meets Jimmy, the only openly gay player in the NHL.

Sparks instantly fly between the two of them, but will Brock be able to fight his addiction and past long enough to find his HEA? But then again, it is Christmastime, and they do say that is when miracles happen.

 

Excerpt:

Saul lowered the camera and studied Jimmy for several moments. “You and Chad are pretty close, right?”

“Sure we are.”

“If you want it to stay that way, then do yourself a favor, and don’t ever ask him that question. If there’s one thing they hate discussing, it’s their old home life. Just forget about it. It will be better for you and Chad.”

“What if it’s not Chad that I’m worried about?”

“Then who…” Saul trailed off as he glanced over at Brock. “You can’t mean what I think you do. He’s straight.”

As if on cue, Brock chose that moment to send Jimmy a look so smoldering and full of lust that it was a wonder the ice didn’t melt. Jimmy returned it, even going so far as to slowly lick his lips in a suggestive manner.

“Oooooor, maybe not so much so,” Saul drawled out slowly. “Oh my God. Why didn’t Devon tell me that Brock liked men?”

“I don’t think Devon knows. Or at least he didn’t before today. I’m sure he’s beginning to suspect, though.”

Saul grunted. “Yeah, he’d have to be blind not to.”

“How do you think he and Chad will react?”

“They’ll be surprised at first, but it does go a long way toward explaining some things. I’ve always felt that part of Brock’s problems was that he felt guilty for not…” Saul trailed off, then shook his head. “Never mind.”

Then it all dawned on Jimmy with alarming, heartbreaking clarity. Brock felt guilty for not protecting his brothers. It must have been even worse when Devon had come out to take some of the heat off Trey. No doubt, Brock felt that should have been his job, and he’d failed them yet again.

“You don’t have to go on. I get it.” When Saul looked alarmed, Jimmy put up a hand. “You don’t need to worry. My own home life was far from pristine, I won’t go around and blab their secrets. Not when I have so many of my own.”

Saul looked a bit relieved, but most of the tension remained in his body. “You can’t say anything to anybody…I mean it. You have no idea what the ramifications could be if their whole story came out.”

That meant that there was still a bit of the mystery remaining. Instead of turning Jimmy off, it made Brock all the more intriguing.

“You do know that it’s only because of them that you had it so easy when you told the world that you’re gay,” Saul said, not unkindly.

Jimmy nodded, as he’d never been under any other misconceptions. “They may not have been pro, but they were hockey players. It was thanks to them that I even got the courage to do what I did.”

Saul gave him a sideways look. “Yet, you’re really not out are you?”

That question shocked Jimmy enough to make him forget to stare at Brock for a while. “What is that supposed to mean? I was on the cover of the Advocate and Sports Illustrated declaring my homosexuality, or did you miss that?”

“Okay, maybe that’s true, but you’re still hiding in the shadow of the closet.”

Winners! In more ways than one!

First off we have the winners from the Amber Kell Birthday bash. Since it was an extra special event I chose two winners, Clover and Sable  (@sablefryre) contact me at stephani@stephanihecht.com for your prize!

 

Second, we have a group of hockey players who are true winners, The Toronto Marlies who have been the newest team to show their support for gay players!

 

Know Resolve-a grassroots, non-profit collective dedicate...

Know Resolve-a grassroots, non-profit collective dedicated to promoting mental health and reducing suicides.

Amber Kell Bash

Cebrus slid out of bed giving Silvan dirty looks as he dressed. Silvan grinned. Poor wand maker was used to getting things his way. Silvan didn’t see any reason to change that except for the slight addition of inserting himself in Cebrus’s life.

Wand makers were notoriously itchy to travel and Silvan never wanted Cebrus to feel trapped by their relationship. This trip was sort of a honeymoon phase for them to feel each other out.

Now that they were bonded there wasn’t a way out of the connection but you could have a good bond or a miserable one and Silvan was determined that their bond would be the best one ever.

“Are we still heading in the same direction?” Silvan asked Cebrus after he finished buckling his belt.

“For a bit then we’re going to head east,” Cebrus said not looking up from fastening his pants.

Silvan froze. “Cebrus please tell me we’re not going to the Dragon Breath Islands.”

Cebrus stomped into his boots. “Okay I won’t.”

“Cebrus!”

“What? If I told you earlier you would’ve locked me in the dungeon and not let me out. You think I don’t know? The Mallif tree can only grow in volcanic soil and besides the rumors of a dragon living inside the mountain is just a story. No one alive has actually ever seen the beast,” Cebrus argued.

“Exactly! No one alive! That’s why I’m sure there’s a dragon there. We should turn back now before it’s too late.” Silvan’s voice shook with fury.  He was willing to indulge his future husband but not to the point where he got himself killed.

Cebrus’s expression turned mutinous and Silvan’s hopes of his lover agreeing with him took a nosedive.

“I am not going to turn around. If you want to go and take your little friends with you go ahead but I’m going to the island whether you want to come or not. I can meet you back at the castle later if you want,” Cebrus replied.

Silvan stared at his beloved for a minute. The man had completely lost his mind.

“You are not meeting me back at the castle,” Silvan replied through gritted teeth. “I am not leaving you to gallivant to an island with a possible dragon. If I can’t talk some sense into you then I will come along but if this gets either of us killed before our wedding day I will never forgive you. Understand?”

Cebrus’s lips twitched but he wisely didn’t say whatever had crossed his mind. “Yes dear, I understand.”

“Good. Let’s get some food and get started on this fool’s errand.”

 

Birthday Bash and some serious stuff

Recently, I’ve seen more and more authors say that they are going to write “gay” because that genre sells the best. They see it as an easy way to make a buck and to finally make it to the top. While I always welcome new writers to this wonderful genre, it hurts me, and on certain levels insult me, when I see people say these kinds of things.

I know that a lot of this doesn’t come from malice, but rather because most every-day people don’t realize the simple rights that are denied to LGBTQ individuals, so I thought I would list some of them. As a mother of a gay child, I’ve heard some stories that would make you want to cry and then go out to fight for change.

To follow a term by the wonderful Ryan James Yezak—I want to know…

• What it’s like to not have to worry when my son goes out at night.

• To have not of heard about the child who was held down while their family tried to pray the gay away.

• To not have to see all the homeless gay teens whose own family turned them away.

• How to end the ban the Red Cross has on accepting blood from gay men.

• Why in the State of Michigan it’s still perfectly legal to fire my son just because of sexuality.

• The joy of somebody being able to go to my son’s wedding and have the government acknowledge its existence.

• Why so many people hate my son, to the point where some would like to see him dead.

• For people to know that there is a huge difference between a civil union and a marriage. How many you ask? 1138

• To have to never hear the words, fag, homo, deviant and sinner again.

• To not have people treat LGBTQ people like they have a mental condition and that they can be “fixed”.

• For my son to be able to have a rainbow bumper sticker on his car without having people get angry at him.

• To know the joy of being able to hold my grandchild in my arms someday, because my son was able to adopt a baby.

• For my son to be able to love somebody from another country and not have to worry about DOMA tearing them apart.

• For all kids to be able to go to school without the fear of being bullied or beaten.

• For there to be no more tears.

• For there to be more love.

• For there to be more understanding.

• For the world to realize that we all are really just the same inside and out.

• For the end of hate.

Since I didn’t want to end this with a downer, I wanted to add a couple of things. First of all it’s my birthday and no, I won’t tell you how old I am. LOL Since I am taking part of Amber Kell’s birthday bash, I am giving away a free book. All you have to do is comment below about what you would like to see changed for a chance to win. Now enjoy this moving video. As always Ryan says it way better than I ever could.

I’ve made a huge mistake!

When I pushed back the date for Braxton’s Salvation, I forgot I already had three other books coming out in December!!!! So, I had no choice but to move Braxton back again. I am so sorry, guys.  He’s now set to come out January 1st and nothing short of a zombie Apocalypse will stop that from happening. To make it up to you, here is a brief glimpse into the book. It’s unedited, so please forgive all the boo-boos

Chapter One

This had to rank among one of the stupidest things he’d ever done. And since he once wore an Avalanche jersey while attending a Red Wing game, that said a lot.

Clutching his inhaler tight to his chest, Braxton looked behind him. While the sidewalk was as crowded as hell with post-holiday shoppers, he could still make out the unmistakable forms or three Raven tailing him.

Damn it, they were getting closer. He took in a wheezy breath as he glanced around for a way he could make a run for it. Preferably one that didn’t have so many humans around. It was one thing to get his ass kicked, it was another to call even more attention to the shifter world while doing so. As it was, the Ravens already brought too much trouble their way when it came to stuff like that.

He tried to move faster, but his damaged leg began to ache and his limp became more pronounced than normal.  Although, he tried to hide it, the snickers from behind him told him that the Ravens had not only seen in, but they were going to use the life-long injury against him.

He finally spotted an empty parking lot. It was like so many that dotted the city of Detroit, only this one was empty and semi-dark.

What in the hell was he thinking? He should be running toward lights and policemen, not taking them to a prime beat-down spot. If Braxton could have, he would have kicked his own ass.

Then common sense took over his fear and he realized he had no choice. It was either him or the human and any shifter worth their salt would make the same sacrifice. Besides, it’s not like his death would be a huge loss to the shifter community.

Weak, half-human, and with more medical problems than the Giraffe from Madagascar, Braxton was more of a hindrance than anything else. Sure his siblings may miss him, but his new pack would no doubt secretly be grateful. Braxton had no disillusions when it came to them. The only reason they’d taken him in is because his brother, Miles, mated a member of their pack.

Otherwise, they would have culled Braxton a long time ago and tossed his carcass out the back door. He may be young and new when it came to shifter customs, but he wasn’t that dumb.

The Raven followed him in. Despite the fact that the only weapon he had on him was an asthma puffer, Braxton backed up, drawing them in deeper.

His only regret was that he wouldn’t get a chance to say goodbye to his siblings. But, they probably would only miss him for a little bit. Miles was so caught up in his new mate and the younger ones so happy with their new friends. They didn’t have time to care about their loser of a brother who couldn’t even cross the street without sucking wind.

Even as it grew darker, Braxton could still see perfectly well. That was one shifter gift he’d managed to inherit. Now he wasn’t so sure it was a good thing.

He’d only been up close and personal with Ravens and it’d never ended well for him. While this trio looked a bit on the small time, Braxton had no doubt the outcome wouldn’t be any different. Only this time, he wouldn’t be coming out alive.