Barrett's Blog, page 12

A new book review “Jericho”

My reading pile grew steadily as I worked through revisions, edits, and hand wringing for my second book. Since my latest baby has taken her first breath, I gratefully sat back in my recliner with Kindle in hand and lost myself in the lush landscape of “Jericho”.

As yet another happy reader, I drank the Kool-Aid. Yup, and what a sweet treat.

It’s always wonderful when a new author peeks out from the wings with a unique new voice.This time, however, Ann McMan burst onto the stage with a rich, unrushed carefully woven tale of fun, friendship, and adventure. The romance emerges in measured steps—one forward,  one back, one halting, and the dance continues as the two protagonists point, thrust, parry, and spar with one another.

Maddie and Syd, along with a cast of unique and quirky characters bring small town Jericho alive with sparkling, witty dialog.  With picture-perfect details, Ms. McMan paints the canvas light and depth that creates the perfect ambiance to suit each scene.

Her slim narrative and rapier dialog wend through a somewhat bucolic beginning seducing the reader with a comfortable pace. Once the bliss sets in, the author amps up the story and the pacing with hellz-a-poppin plot twists.

This was fun, endearing, and pleasurable read. A sequel is promised and I’ll be more than ready. This author possesses a rare and enjoyable gift; I’m guessing we’ll hear a lot more from her.

Find out more about Ann McMan  or Bedazzled Ink

A new book review "Jericho"

My reading pile grew steadily as I worked through revisions, edits, and hand wringing for my second book. Since my latest baby has taken her first breath, I gratefully sat back in my recliner with Kindle in hand and lost myself in the lush landscape of "Jericho".

As yet another happy reader, I drank the Kool-Aid. Yup, and what a sweet treat.

It's always wonderful when a new author peeks out from the wings with a unique new voice.This time, however, Ann McMan burst onto the stage with a rich, unrushed carefully woven tale of fun, friendship, and adventure. The romance emerges in measured steps—one forward,  one back, one halting, and the dance continues as the two protagonists point, thrust, parry, and spar with one another.

Maddie and Syd, along with a cast of unique and quirky characters bring small town Jericho alive with sparkling, witty dialog.  With picture-perfect details, Ms. McMan paints the canvas light and depth that creates the perfect ambiance to suit each scene.

Her slim narrative and rapier dialog wend through a somewhat bucolic beginning seducing the reader with a comfortable pace. Once the bliss sets in, the author amps up the story and the pacing with hellz-a-poppin plot twists.

This was fun, endearing, and pleasurable read. A sequel is promised and I'll be more than ready. This author possesses a rare and enjoyable gift; I'm guessing we'll hear a lot more from her.

Find out more about Ann McMan  or Bedazzled Ink

Tired of hearing about Me,Me,Me?

A break from usual–but necessary–Book Whoring, for something a little more relevant.

With her very kind permission, I am reprinting a beautiful piece written by             Marguerite Quantaine. It is appropriate from time to time to remember a little history.

This comes from "The Marriage Project" on Jill Malone's Blog

Marriage Project, Day 27

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Jill

This essay was written in 2004, but the local presses wouldn't publish it. Moreover, the writer asked me to withhold her city and state. She said bigots where she lives like to take their viewpoint out on your pets. Progress has real costs. The backlash is ugly, as we see repeatedly in a candidate like Rick Santorum. We are given voices to speak. We are given stories to tell. Speak truth to power. Speak it as long as you live. Meet my guest for today's  Marriage Project :

Here's looking at you

by Marguerite Quantaine

Publicly, Thomas Jefferson believed in the principles of freedom. But privately, he grappled over whether the worst white man was still better than the best black man.

Ultimately, Jefferson's failure to champion equality left his own illegitimate child enslaved, opening the wound which has since defined – not the competency of his mind – but the capacity of his heart.

We are once again at a crossroads governing the use of fine print to qualify freedom and equality.

But this time, the Jeffersonian paradox challenges whether we, as a nation, believe the worst heterosexual is still better than the best homosexual.

Because all the worst heterosexuals in America can marry.

But even the best homosexuals cannot.

As the high court strips away all righteous rhetoric and political posturing, it's possible they'll recognize a raw reality, i.e., even when heterosexuals commit the most heinous crimes (murder, rape, child molestation, spousal abuse), their known deviant behaviors are ignored by American marriage laws.

However, even when homosexuals are model citizens, their one identified aberrant activity is prepossessed.

The court must then question whether this speaks to the heart of who we are, regardless of whom we perceive ourselves to be.

On the one hand, we insist the purpose of marriage is a belief in the sanctity of family.

On the other, we ignore the fact that millions of felons sitting in high security prisons nationwide are predominately heterosexual, having marginal moral character at best. Yet each has a right to marry.

In some sit suspects held for complicity in the 9/11 attacks. And even they have the legal right to marry in every state in this nation.

But Lily Tomlin doesn't.

Charles Manson, Sirhan Sirhan, David Berkowitz, and the Menendez brothers can.

But Ellen DeGeneres can't.

The loathsome, imprisoned Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, could.

But the honorable, sitting U.S. Congressman, Barney Frank, cannot.

If the court entertains the position that "sin" is the foundation on which law is defined, will it validate the proponent "hate the sin, not the sinner" premise?

Can it then ignore evidence verifying it isn't "sin" being shunned, profiled, attacked, ridiculed, or denied equal rights? Only American citizens are.

Will the court ask why there are no marches planned, political wars being waged, or state constitutional amendments being drafted against the seven deadly sins? Or, why it's only a singular, Bible referenced, declared abomination being targeted?

And, if this is an inflamed edict, could it set precedence for other inflamed edicts as just cause to alter constitutional law?

The court might recognize the Ten Commandments governing the worship of other Gods, building graven images, working on the Sabbath, cursing, dishonoring parents, murder, adultery, stealing, coveting, and bearing false witness as written in stone. But being gay is not.

Politicians and pundits insist same-sex marriage is un-American, implying we can't remain an "America The Beautiful" if we allow marriage to be maligned. Because, like that best loved song, the institution of marriage has been declared our national heritage and pride.

But only the Supreme Court can decide which American-born citizens qualify as entitled to inalienable rights, and which (regardless of birthright or exemplary character) do not.

Before then, the justices may be compelled to reflect on citizens like Katherine Lee Bates. A woman who spent 25 years in love with another woman, and her entire life as one of America's finest homosexuals. Who felt, authored, and gifted our nation with those cherished words, "And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."

Perhaps it's even possible our Supreme Court will decide it's time we stopped cherishing a broken institution that denies equality to our totality, and in so ruling, bind us by law to cherish each other, instead.

Thank you, ladies.

It's Official!

   March 15th 2012

Bang the gong!

Defying Gravity is NOW available from Affinity, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

"you've met them, you love them, find out how this this develops."

4 days before the release. I need a distraction.

So why not more fun with Zeke?

I recently pulled out the drafts for book 3 and 4 to re-acquaint myself with where the adventure was headed. What I found piqued my curiosity. I've been in the proverbial 'trenches' with Zeke for bout 14 years–off and on. Most of that time has been focused on her current state of being–roughly a year of her life. I got to wondering what my weary, struggling federal agent was like when she graduated from the FBI Academy. What was she like when she had bettered many of her classmates; survived ridicule and rigorous competition; earned honors and accolades?

At one time Zeke was an idealistic you woman filled with patriotism and passion. Where did she channel that passion? Hmmm.

Intrigued, I started a short story that may morph into another book. Who knows?

Here's a bit of the very first rough story idea:

Chapter One

"Hey guys, I'm sorry I'm late traffic was unbelievable." Zeke tossed her raincoat on the back of an empty chair and joined her three former classmates at a high-top table between the bar and the chic art deco lounge. "What's everybody drinking?"

"Glad you made it, Special Agent Cabot. Tonight we're celebrating vodka." Dickinson signaled the waitress with one finger and pointed to Zeke. Ramirez and Schneiderman took turns shaking hands. Hard to believe it had been one year since they were all together at Quantico. Schneiderman was the oldest at 28. Ramirez and Dickinson were both 24 and Zeke was 25.

"It's good to see you guys. And I guess congratulations are in order, Special Agent Ramirez." A round of cheers went up.

"Thanks, Delia is 34 weeks and looks like she could go any day. We're hoping it'll be a girl."

Dickinson jumped to his feet. "Hey! What kinda loyalty is that, amigo?"

"Oh, stow it you cranky misogynist."

Schneiderman threw his arm around Zeke's shoulders. "Hey, if it's a girl, you could always name her… Zarathustra."

Convulsive laughter followed, much to Zeke's discomfort. "Still a bunch of junior high assholes, I thought when you weenies finally graduated you'd grow a pair." Zeke took another swallow of her drink as her three classmates calmed to giggles and wiped their eyes.

"We're sorry and have a wonderful way to make it up to you." Dickinson glanced at the other two guys and said conspiratorially, "don't turn around yet. We're going to give you the supreme honor of inviting that spectacular red-head at the bar to join us."

Zeke shook her head. "Honor?"

"Seriously. See that straw in front of you? We drew before you arrived to see who'd invite her. You lucked out." They each held up a drink straw, all of which were longer than the one in front of her.

Zeke turned to look over her shoulder and knew instantly who their target was. She could hear Dickinson ordering another round but couldn't take her eyes off the stunningly beautiful woman seated alone at the bar. Her dark red shoulder length hair shimmered like an aged cognac. She was posed on the high bar stool as though waiting for a photographer. Zeke couldn't see her face but admired the gentle curves of her shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle.

Her mouth felt dry and she knew her jaw hung open—but she couldn't move.

Schneiderman nudged her with his elbow. "C'mon Cabot, fair is fair. Invite the lovely lady to meet some of Washington's finest—except for Ramirez."

It took a few more minutes of haggling and badgering, but Zeke had learned long ago, to be part of this fraternity meant going along with some of their ludicrous ideas. And besides, she couldn't think of a better excuse to talk to the stunning beauty.

"Mind if I sit here?" Zeke said. Is my voice really that high?

The woman barely acknowledged her. "Not especially." Then she waved to the bartender.

Zeke looked back over her shoulder at the three slavering wolves back at the table.

"I'm really embarrassed to have to do this, but…would you like to join my three adolescent classmates and me for a drink?"

The woman turned her head and Zeke thought she heard her heart flip over in her chest. The Emerald green eyes were the crown jewels in the most beautiful face she'd ever seen. A flawless creamy complexion highlighted with a faint pinkish blush surrounded a pair of elegant soft lips. Zeke swallowed audibly.

"Isn't that a unique and irresistible invitation?" The exquisite lips morphed into a smile. The green eyes twinkled.

Zeke opened her mouth and a squeaky gibberish came out. She coughed. "I'm sorry. That did sound lame didn't it?"

"Is that them over there? The three lads staring and giggling?"

Zeke followed her gaze. "I'm afraid so."

"Please tell your friends that I appreciate the irresistible invitation," she said reaching for a cocktail napkin, "as it happens, I'm waiting for client." With her left hand she reached for a pen and scribbled a number on the napkin. She folded in half and placed it gently in Zeke's palm. "However, I would like to see you again."

Zeke stumbled back to the table and picked up fresh drink. After a healthy swallow, she put it down. "Gentlemen, the lady declined our invitation."

A round of moans and curses followed. "Why?"

The whine stopped, as the beautiful woman in question walked past with a tall, aristocratic man with silver-gray hair and a mustache, who looked vaguely familiar.

Not surprisingly, the conversation fell back into the comfortable banter of former classmates. Zeke relaxed and listened to familiar stories from the guys she competed with for months. She had worked hard for five grueling months to obtain the best scores humanly possible in the four major categories required graduate from Quantico: academics, case studies, firearms training, and operational skills. Women were in the minority, women of color even fewer, and gay women of color—one.

Zeke endured gentle ribbing as well as verbal and physical harassment. In the end, she graduated in the top ten percent surprising nearly everyone. After a year, Dickinson, Schneiderman, and Ramirez had turned out to be loyal friends.

"Cabot, do you remember that FUBAR tactical in Hogan's Alley?" Ramirez actually choked because he was laughing so hard. The

Dickinson puffed up. "I am sure I wasn't the first guy to ruin a pair of perfectly good cargo pants."

All four collapsed in gales of laughter.

Zeke wiped her eyes and glanced into the lounge. The breathtaking redhead was indeed flipping through a portfolio with animated gestures and dazzling smile. Schneiderman was pontificating—as usual. Zeke pushed her chair back and stood up. "Be right back." She glanced around and remembered the ladies room was just off the lobby. As she neared the door, the redhead caught her eye.

To be continued….

Okay, thanks for stopping by, remember–"Defying Gravity" Available Thursday March 15th

10 Days and counting

In just about 10 days, the second book in the Damaged series will be released by Affinity. So in preparation, I'd like you to refresh your memory with a blurb from book one,  "Damaged in Service" 

"At what point does PTSD slowly begin to erode judgment, behavior, or confidence? For special agent Zeke Cabot those questions are still lurking beneath her consciousness. A head injury from a car accident, working months undercover, and the death of a close friend has pushed her to the limits of her resilient best.

Zeke escapes to the southwest and the mountains of New Mexico with the hope of mending the tattered pieces. Haunted by death and failure, she holds tight to the belief that fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of rest will bring her back. What she doesn't anticipate is a freak hiking accident, a brutal attack by a man from the past, and a first chance at love.

Anne Reynolds is a nurse working part time after an ugly divorce. Her chance encounters with a stunning stranger turn her life in a direction she never anticipated, giving her an opportunity to trust again and to pull a damaged woman back from the edge."

And now…"Defying Gravity" scheduled release March 15th 2012, just in time for St. Patrick's Day.

" Special Agent, Zeke Cabot, recently "Damaged in Service", has spent three weeks in New Mexico trying to recover and cope with excruciating bouts of PTSD. Her unexpected attraction to Anne Reynolds, the beautiful divorced nurse who rescued her is restorative and enchanting.

Anne Reynolds is leery and cautiously excited by the captivating stranger and wrestles with her conflicted feelings. Their mutual desire faces sabotage in an attack by nameless thugs surfacing from what Zeke thought was a closed case.

Zeke briefly returns to Chicago in an effort to find answers and close this case from hell, but Anne is never far from her thoughts.

Is she ready to explore a relationship?  Is it safe to trust again? With only four weeks left of her medical leave, Zeke Cabot needs to focus on what she wants and what she is capable of handling. Recurring symptoms and her reluctance to acknowledge them, even to herself, keeps Zeke from functioning with the skill and training of a seasoned federal agent. And the road to romance has more than its fair share of bumps and tough decisions.

Anne is determined, so is Zeke, but is "Defying Gravity" enough?"

Things are all a twitter in New Mexico! For those of you worried that I will now slip into slacker-dom, fear not. Book 3 is on the drawing board, a possible short story of the early Zeke years is percolating, and I'm learning to fuse glass.

Make room on those bookshelves.

The Georgia Beers Book Winner

(Say that fast three times)

is   ALLIE !!!

send me a note with your info.

Thanks for participating and come back soon!

Without further ado, Georgia Beers.

I don't' think I need to provide much more of an introduction. If you are one of the three people unfamiliar with this talented writer, feel free to check out  Georgia Beers site for 'everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask'. Her blog will also feature my responses to questions and a giveaway to a random commentor.

As I have mentioned before, publicly, my very tall friend Georgia has been instrumental in the launch of my fledgling career and I'm very grateful for her advice.

~If you had the chance to do it over with one book, what changes would you make and which book would you choose?

That's a tough one. Though I don't go back and read my older stuff because there would inevitably be things I wish I'd done differently, I think I'd prefer to leave them all alone. Each one is a step in my growth as a writer and if I hadn't written each of them exactly the way I did, I wouldn't have evolved into the writer I am now.

~From the publication of your first manuscript to the recent release of 96 hours, can you pick three of your proudest moments?

Well, the first one is definitely holding my very first book in my hands. There's no bigger thrill for a writer, in my opinion. Number two would be winning the Lambda Literary Award for Fresh Tracks in 2007. Third would be having Starting from Scratch short-listed for a Lammy, something I didn't think would happen because I went a different publishing route than most. That was utter validation of my career.  [ed note: it went on to win 2 Goldies]

~What are you working on now?

My next book is a new venture for me. It's a collection of short stories, each of which is connected to the next in some way. So far, I'm really enjoying it. As a bonus, I will have a dozen or more characters to choose from if I want to expand on any of their stories, so that's a fun aspect as well.

~What inspired you to write your first book?

My soon-to-be wife, Bonnie. I was reading a not-very-good lesbian novel and when I finished it, I said with irritation, "I could have written a better book than that." And Bonnie looked at me and said, "What's the difference between you and that author?" I gave her a sheepish grin and replied, "She actually took the time to write hers?" So I took the challenge and wrote Turning the Page.

~Do you purposely try to some kind of message or lesson with your books?

Purposely? No. I just do my best to make my characters realistic and relatable. If they end up doing or feeling something that projects some sort of message or lesson, that's like icing on the cake. But the only goal I have when I begin is to write a compelling, touching story about two women that any of my readers might know (or be).

~What do you find challenging about writing?

How long do you have? LOL. I find it challenging because I don't always know where things are going. I have an idea, but oftentimes, my idea is a mere suggestion and things go in a completely different direction. That's challenging as well as thrilling. I also find it challenging to do the actual writing because the creative side of my brain doesn't always want to function when I have the time. I have never done a marathon writing session, as so many writers do. I just don't think my brain works that way and I wish it did. I'd be much more prolific, that's for sure.

~Do you have any advice for writers?

My best, simplest advice is to just do it. Keep writing. Always continue to learn. You will never plateau. You will never learn all there is to learn about your craft. Keep writing and keep learning. Always.

Thanks, Georgia! …and my unsolicited advice for you, Keep writing, Please.

As promised, a random commentor will receive a signed copy of Georgia's latest book "96 Hours" or go to Bywater Books

Her other books are listed on her site.

I know!! more excitement

First, my favorite Bloggerites of the entire stratosphere, I am going to have another Brrrrilliant Guest author on Monday, February 27th. Even I can hardly believe how lucky we are.  More news as I get it.

And if that's not enough, I am giggly-happy to have been invited to the                            Lone Star LesFic Festival in Austin, Texas. March 31st.

A celebration of lesbian fiction – meet the the wonderful storytellers in person. Author book signings, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, raffle and much more! Free to the public.

so far, authors include:

Brenda Adcock

Barrett

RE Bradshaw

Melissa Brayden

Nat Burns

Julie Cannon

Carrie Carr

CJ Harte

D. Jackson Leigh

Erin O'Reilly

VK Powell

Stacia Seaman

Kelly Sinclair

Therese (Reese) Szymanski

Carsen Taite

Shelley Thrasher

Ali Vali

Y'all come on Down!

 

And the Winner is…

After a wildly complicated, double-blind, placebo controlled drawing, the Winner of Amy's book is………………………  Margot!! 

Since I don't have your email address, please reply or email me so I can contact you…or contact Amy. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and enjoyed this new endeavor. We'll certainly do it again. And I hope to have more interesting visitors in the future.

Meantime, I'm cleaning off the old desktop for the next project. Book 3 in the series and maybe a little teaser about Zeke.

Stay tuned