Taylor Tryst's Blog, page 3

I am SO getting this done next month or at least in the n...

I am SO getting this done next month or at least in the near future!!!  I'm going to order this ethnicity and genealogical DNA test from Ancestry.com for $99 bucks. I'm going to find out, once and for all, about my genealogical history. I'm so excited and yet terrified that it might not be what I wish for, what I've always thought. You see, my grandmother, Abigail, with her fiery red hair, always said her side of the family was Scotch/Irish. This's always appealed to me. Drawn me to long to visit Ireland. In searching web sites I found pictures of the Cliffs of Moher, and the place, with it's sheer cliffs and crashing waves, calls to me, to every part of my soul.My son always teases me by saying that because I can't down a shot of whiskey, that I couldn't possibly be Irish. But, he says this with hints of red in his beard. But, no matter how the test returns, I plan on visiting Ireland one day. It's definitely on the bucket list.What about you? Would you take this test? Would you like to know or do you already know your genetic make-up?Ancestry.Com
 

Emergency Kit. Do You Have One?

Do you have an emergency kit? I didn't.But, we have power now, captain!Yep, yay and who-hoo!It wasn't on at bedtime last night, but had returned sometime in the wee hours of the morn'.(Thank you, God. I get my coffee, which I need desperately.) I'll have a double whoop with cream and light whip, please.We were hit with a quick, flashing, high powered storm last night and lost our electricity.All I can say is that it was a bit on the eerie side, an entire town home complex blacked out, neighborhoods and gas stations, even McDonald's, all dark.I'm kind of glad it happened, though, because I couldn't find our matches and realized how unprepared we really were for an emergency. I had to drive in the rain to find a gas station/convenience store that had power and happened to be open. So, yep, we need to organize an emergency kit. Flashlight, batteries, matches, more candles, another landline phone with a cord because apparently ours broke in the move.Moving to the damn city for the convenience and realizing you are still vulnerable...well, I'm going with the old cliche here, but in truth it was priceless, as well as a little bit scary.But, I handled it and made a game out of it for my nephew. Charging the phone in the car while we ran out for matches and a lighter, seeing how many neighborhoods around us had also lost their power, lighting candles and trying to shoot hoops on a tiny table-top game in the dark...yeah, he had a good time and didn't seem to be the least bit worried. Whew, I pulled that one off despite my anxiety. Whew is right. lolHave a great day,Taylor

The Germ Of An Idea

  It happened again. Yep, the germ of an idea.Sometimes it's the strangest thing that triggers them.Browsing the Internet, clicking on obscure stories, killing time. Yeah, I have so much of that. Time. Free time, to be more specific. That was dripping with sarcasm, by the way. lol But, I clicked on a story that took me to a page with an audio clip that was...well, disturbing. Not many things scare me. Ahem. Okay, not many things used to scare me. These days, I guess it doesn't take much. I had a visceral reaction to this audio, though. Last year I'd worked on an erotic short story which I'd planned for a Halloween release.Stay with me on this.I caught the germ of an idea then, in the form of my heroine driving a moving truck through a torrential downpour. She was moving. Into a house she'd bought at for a song at on an Internet auction, sight unseen except for a few pics.Not so unbelievable these days.She was vivid. She was driving through this horrendous storm to this house. A house that was literally from one of my nightmares. A house that had a particularly terrifying mailbox. Don't worry; I'll explain that later, hopefully in the book. Just trust me on this. This mailbox was from my nightmare, and it scared me. Will it scare you? I think it might once I elaborated on it in the story. Because, clearly, at that point, I didn't have enough of the story to make it anything but a quick idea that I put down on the page. I didn't know the why of it all. But I digress. This audio recording was so horrendous that it gave me chills. It gave my goosebumps goosebumps. And then, with a little back and forth emailing to and from my BFFFW (Best Friend Forever, Fellow Writer) Barbara Huffert, an idea was born. A shockingly good idea, if I do say so myself. An idea that ties into that story and gives me a solid foundation for the story, that gives me a solid plot. I haven't had one of those for a while. But, can I pull it off? I have to wonder.I'm not going through writer's block, per say.But, it's sort of a block. It's the kind of block that happens when life just gets in the way of writing. I mean, knocking you off the path like a charging elephant that chases you for miles. Miles away from your current WIP. The kind that causes you to lose track of the story you’re working on. It was supposed to only be formatting, which turned into edits, which with me come in the form of REWRITES. I know. I know. Stop that, right? But damn it, I can't help myself. I've been editing Leather and Lace and you know what? My voice has changed. Sure, it was published by Ellora's Cave. Put into print. But, Lord help me, I write differently now. I honestly feel that I can't just cut and paste into a format and upload this book into Amazon without doing a clean sweep through it to make these changes. I'm trying my best not to release anything that has any mistakes, that can be made better by a new perspective, by a more mature author (me), in the sense that I've learned a lot over the last thirteen years.Yeah, thirteen. It's hard to believe it's been that long since I've become interested in writing. Since I first sat down and attempted to write a book. Since I'd gone to my very first writer's conference. That would have been in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I'd won a scholarship to attend the weekend. It was amazing, but taught me that I had a LOT to learn.  Thirteen years later, I feel as though I'm spinning my wheels. I have a laundry list of health problems. I have custody of my twelve and a half year old nephew, who has special needs. I'm moving six hours away in seven days. One week. But, I have plans. I'm planning on attending a meeting for the local writers group, Midwest Fiction Writers. Okay, that's the plan. I haven't been much of a people person for years. I mean, almost agoraphobic. Sure, I go do things I need to do. Things I must do for my nephew. But, socializing...not so much. So, it'll be a huge step for me to attend. To partake. I'm hoping for a major boost. Hoping to get back on track. Back to the stories. To pick up and move forward, to get my back list uploaded, and yes, edited and formatted, and to be able to work on new ideas. Back to those ideas. The good one. I haven't been this excited about something for a long, long time. So, here's hoping. Hoping that despite all of the changes in my life, all of the distractions that constantly take me away, I can find my way back to the stories. Because, isn't that what all this nonsense is about. Telling a story.  Is there anything you stopped doing that you long to do again, that you miss so terribly and yet, just haven't gotten back to doing it for whatever reason or reasons? Good luck and have a great week, Taylor

Summer Rain

A Busy Few Months: July and August

Sunset"Our Last" 4th of July in Baudette, MN2013 If your life has been anything like mine, you've been busy running your Lululemoned ass off.The kids (your kids, grand kids, nieces or nephews, spawn, etc.) are home from school for the summer.And like most "parents" you have multiple activities on the schedule.More so, a distraction for them and a moment of sanity for yourself, than to create spoiled monsters who vomit pea soup out of their noses when throwing a fit at the grocery store.You're probably trying to catch your breath amidst all the running.I know I am. Mom/Aunt/Grandparent's Shuttle ServicePlease keep all body parts inside the moving vehicleNo yelling at the driverKeep your hands to yourselfNo throwing fries in the car(Including actual fries, french or apple, or wet pieces of banana. Don't ask.)Don't make me pull this beat over!(You must check out this video. Still cracks me the hell up! Don't worry, it's a safe link.) I'll pull this beat over! (Parent Rap) Add that to the chores you perform on a daily basis. Possibly even with a part-time or full-time job.Cooking, cleaning, shopping and laundry.Picking up the dry cleaning, or making certain the kids don't run out of milk for their cereal, or cereal for that matter, which would be a frickin' disaster of epic proportions.Yep, it's summertime. Both a joy and a curse.As a writer, it's probably the most difficult time of the year to try to put in a descent day's work.So, at this point, we take it a day at a time.We fit writing into our schedule when we can, where we can.We either wake up a few hours before everyone else in the house does (3 a.m.), or for you late night walking on the edge folks, not hitting the sheets until until one or two a.m., despite having to rise early and dress zombie children for daycare.On a happy note, back to school shopping is just around the corner.This has always been my favorite time of the year. My mother and grandmother would have to layaway our school clothes. So, I wouldn't get to wear my new clothes until my mom managed to make a final payment. Hey, clothes for two young girls weren't exactly cheap, even in the seventies.We wore a lot of hand me downs. This was before buying at the thrift shop or garage sales was chic. As a writer, I have a desperate addiction to Dr. Pepper and chocolate school supplies. Pens, notebooks, every color of sharpie in existence. Oh, and the highlighters! Post it notes. Yeah, I'm a geek like that. My nephew just doesn't quite get the magic of it all. For, back to school, means back to school! lol This year, 7th grade, he'll be attending a new school, a new district. It'll be bigger, but hopefully able to meet his needs.For me, it's having to move back to the "real" world. Trust me, this isn't easy.After living in Minnesota for nearly 10 years now, I've become quite the recluse. Okay, I don't like that word, so how about someone who appreciates and values their alone time? Is desperate for it, actually.So, moving back down to "The Cities" is going to be a shock to my system. But, I know it'll be a pretty damn good one, because I won't have to drive thirty miles round trip to simply go buy milk. Won't have to drive hours for medical treatment for anyone in my family. And hey, we'll be approximately five or so miles from a WalMart. Enough said. lol  Despite the headache of a major move, despite my fear of large masses of humans, I'm also slightly ecstatic about it. I think it's time to face on of my biggest fears.Humanity.We'll only be six hours away and can drive up in the summer to camp, to lose myself in the woods or on the water.Writing/editing/formatting?It... getting done. Much slower than I'd have imagined or liked, but I'm taking baby steps.What about you? How's your summer? Getting any writing done? Any fabulous vacation plans?I'd be envious!  Have a great weekend,Taylor  

Ellora's Cave: Free Ebook?

My dear friend and fellow author, Barbara Huffert, has an ebook that's gone free on the Ellora's Cave website. That's right, free. Get it now, while it's hot!   ;}Enjoy,Taylor  Description Free Read Special Promo for Two Weeks

Cosmic Connection, Book One.

Jordan McKade knows Kiley Fisher is his destiny the second he sees her. She, however, needs a lot more time to accept it. The last thing he wants to do is scare her away before she’s ready and it takes more self-control than he ever thought he possessed not to blurt out how desperately he wants her.

Kiley’s problem isn’t that she doesn’t want him. It’s that she’s intimidated by the super-sexy Jordan, with his overwhelming business success and his voice, which is so sinfully sensual she’s ready to come every time he speaks to her.

When a no-good crook uses Kiley in his nefarious plans to save his own ass, Jordan comes to her rescue, which finally lands them in a setting where they can no longer resist each other. And the chemistry that’s been slowly building between them ignites in an inferno of passion.


An Excerpt From: QUESTINGCopyright © BARBARA HUFFERT, 2009All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc. 
“Can I get you anything?” he asked, hoping the fear he saw wasn’t for him. 
Kiley curled into the corner of the couch as if she were trying to make herself as small as possible. He was looking at her, trying to determine what to do next, waiting for her to answer when all she really wanted was for him not to leave her alone. It took all her determination to stretch out her hand toward him. She was so frustrated at not being able to talk that a tear slid down her cheek.
For an instant Jordan looked furious, like he was about to explode. Then he took a deep breath and his features softened. He sat down beside her and gently gathered her to him. Kiley shifted so she could bury her head against his chest. With him holding her, talking softly, stroking her back and smoothing her hair, Kiley believed it really would be fine. As long as he didn’t let go, she’d be safe. 
Kiley was feeling slightly better. She’d lost track of time so she didn’t know how long they’d been there. “Thank you,” she finally said.
“There’s no need.” Jordan shifted her in his arms so he could look at her. “I would never let anything happen to you if there was any way for me to prevent it.” “You were mad,” she was still having trouble forming words.
“Of course I was. Winslow was up to no good and dragging you into the middle of it.”
“No. Last week.”
“Not at you.” He finally understood why she had been avoiding him. “Oh no, definitely not at you.” He caressed her cheek. 
“But—"
“Sh, listen. I was angry with myself. I meant to give you a little hello peck and I came very close to letting it get away from me. I can’t seem to help myself, sweet Kiley. Every time I get close to you I can’t think straight. I mean to stay calm and non-threatening but as soon as I touch you, I forget. I was mad because if those people hadn’t interrupted us, I would have completely lost track of where we were and devoured you.”
“Oh!” She looked at him with understanding dawning on her face.  “What—”
“You have the most kissable mouth.” Jordan traced his thumb over her lips. “I’ve dreamed of kissing you, really kissing you since the day I met you. I would have if we hadn’t been disturbed. Your lips are so sweet. Once I’d kissed you, I know I would have needed to touch you, to explore you.” He noticed her breathing was becoming labored and her cheeks were flushed. “We were on a public street in broad daylight. I was mad because I came too close to losing control.”
“But you said…”
“I know. I implied it was your fault. It wasn’t, Kiley. All you did was show up. That’s more than enough to make me want you. I had you flustered again and you are so damn feminine when you get that way. Without doing anything beyond saying good morning, I felt like you were seducing me. That’s my mind, Kiley. You didn’t do a thing.”
Kiley hugged him, moving sluggishly. Mm, this man could talk! She sighed. “It’s okay.”
“Thanks but it’s not. You were right. I did grab you just as you said. The only excuse I have is that I spent the night before replaying the fantasies that your green dress inspired.”
“Tell me.”
“Tell you what, my fantasies?” She nodded. Was this a side effect of the drug or had it relaxed her enough to say what was on her mind? “Come on Kiley, you don’t really want to hear them. You can guess most of them anyway.”
“You don’t have any,” she pouted.
“Kiley, you are so wrong.” It was not the right time for this. How could he possibly tell her all the things he wanted them to share and not have it end with both of them naked? There was absolutely no way he’d take advantage of her in the state she was in. She was still looking at him expectantly. “We shouldn’t have this conversation now. I’ve already shown my lack of control around you. Discussing the many ways I’ve imagined us together and not touching you would be more than I can stand. I’m not sure I’m strong enough.” She continued to stare at him. “Kiley, really, you’re asking too much.”
“Then tell me about the kiss,” she urged, snuggling against him.
“All right.” Maybe he could do this. Wait! Not do this, he’d tell her but there was no way he’d actually do it. Not tonight. As long as he pretended to be talking about people other than them, maybe he could say enough to satisfy her curiosity. “It will start gently, soft, like our others have. Instead of ending though, we’ll continue it. When it’s time, I’ll use my tongue to caress your lips. You’ll open your mouth, slightly at first, inviting me to taste you. In return, you’ll explore my mouth too. We’ll both let the kiss deepen, knowing we want more and using our mouths to say that. By now, we’ll be pressed tightly against each other. I’ll feel your nipples through our clothes. You’ll know how much I want you since you’ll be able to feel how hard kissing you has me. But we won’t end it just yet. We’ll be so involved with enjoying it because it’s showing us how much we want each other. We’ll both be senseless with desire but…”  Free Now at Ellora's Cave
or
Free Now at Amazon Kindle

In My Opinion:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/12/edward-snowden-south-china-morning-post-hong-kong-_n_3430082.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-sb-bb%7Cdl36%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D328023

Mr. Snowden is an absolute hero in a world with no absolutes! He took an oath to protect this country from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. The most difficult task for Americans seems to be standing not as a group, but as individuals who fight to protect our own basic rights. We mustn’t allow them to be infringed upon, we must strive for and defend the freedoms and ideals our fathers, grandfathers and other great statesmen and women have lived and died protecting. Every man, every woman, must safeguard and defend the Constitution of the United States of America with unfailing conviction, unyielding ethics and the utmost integrity. Mr. Snowden is a man who has fought for the rights of others (us), and in doing so, must make great personal sacrifice, including his freedom…yes, that’s Goddamned heroic. Thank you.I know not everyone will agree with me, but as I said, there are just some things everyone should be willing to fight for, and this is one of them for me. ~ Taylor Tryst S.L. Williamson~

You: Remember

Have a great weekend, everyone. It's summertime. The kids are home, life is busy and it's easy to forgetto take care of yourself. Take a long bath, condition your hair, get a mani-pedi with a daring spring color or a gorgeous summer rose red. Remember to take care of you, to do something for yourself and not just your loved ones.Have a great weekend,Taylor 

Strands of Love by N.J. Walters of Ellora's Cave

Description

Seventh in the Tapestries series. Samantha Calloway is desperately working to keep her farm from financial ruin. It’s the only thing she has left from her deceased family and she’s determined to make it a success at any cost.Darian and Jace Hunter live in a world where women are in short supply and brothers must share. The magic tapestry has always brought a potential tapestry bride to Javara, but this time it transports the two brothers to a strange land.
When Samantha finds two strangers on her land she doesn’t believe their stories of magic tapestries and other worlds. But when she suddenly finds herself in Javara, she doesn’t know what to believe. And when the tapestry transports them all back to her farm, Sam has a choice. She must decide if she will be true to her family and their legacy or if she will abandon it all for a chance at love.
A Romantica® time travel erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave Blurb:
Strands of Love
N.J. Walters
Seventh in the Tapestries series.

Samantha Calloway is desperately working to keep her farm from financial ruin. It’s the only thing she has left from her deceased family and she’s determined to make it a success at any cost.

Darian and Jace Hunter live in a world where women are in short supply and brothers must share. The magic tapestry has always brought a potential tapestry bride to Javara, but this time it transports the two brothers to a strange land.
When Samantha finds two strangers on her land she doesn’t believe their stories of magic tapestries and other worlds. But when she suddenly finds herself in Javara, she doesn’t know what to believe. And when the tapestry transports them all back to her farm, Sam has a choice. A Romantica® time travel erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Buy Now

Happy Mother's Day

   Happy Mother's Day to all those women who are mothers, to all those who miss their own and to all those who are maternal in so many other ways. Children are guided by you, as we have been our mothers, loved by you, as we ourselves have been loved, and know they can truly count on you when the world is right or wrong. You nurture, you share your lives with young ones to make theirs, yours and this world...a better and safer place. Happy Mother's Day.