Eden Winters's Blog, page 95
May 3, 2010
Author Extra....Very Loosely Based on Boy Under the Bridge
Joe raised his glass in a silent toast to the young couple on the dance floor, so wrapped up in each other that the rest of the world didn’t seem to exist. He downed the whisky, reveling in the burn that would dull, if not deaden, his own private pain.
A comradely slap on the back made him turn toward his friend, Danny, who was also watching the couple with interest. Joe’s voice was as bitter as the lime his friend bit into after downing a tequila shot. “If only I’d thought for a moment before engaging my mouth that might be me and Rick out there.” He pointed his empty glass at couple, who were now locked together, swaying to the tempo of a slow, sultry tune.
Danny made a face as he tasted the sour fruit, then patted Joe’s arm. “Don’t worry, someone will come along.”
“Hey, y’all!” They both looked up at a handsome man in cowboy boots and hat, coming around from behind the bar. The vision of western masculinity wrapped an arm around Danny.
“Hey, Barry. You’re off?” Danny asked his lover.
“You betcha, and I’m so ready to go home.” He paused, then nodded toward Joe. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah.” Far be it from him to spoil someone else’s plans with his sulking. “You kids go have fun.”
Both young men looked back as they walked away and, not for the first time, Joe regretted the fall that took him from being envied to being an object of pity. Looking around the crowded club, he saw many admiring glances turned his way, but no one dared approach. He had it on good faith that he pulsed “Fuck off” vibes like sonar.
A glass hit the bar behind him, and he turned to find another shot of whisky. “I didn’t order that,” he told the bartender who’d replaced Barry.
Mischief danced in the barman’s eyes. “The gentleman at the back table sent it over.”
Joe snorted. “Now you know good and well I don’t accept drinks from strangers.”
“This one you will.”
Joe’s eyes ran from the bartender to the drink and back again. “Just go,” the man urged, lips twitching like he might be fighting a grin.
Though puzzled, Joe picked up the drink and pushed his way through the crowd to the back of the club, fully expecting to set someone straight. Four steps from the back table his heart slammed against his ribs, at three steps it did a massive summersault, at two it fell to the floor at the feet of a handsome, dark haired man, sitting alone in the shadows.
Joe saw a tremulous smile, and a year’s worth of hurt and worry poised to either reignite or disappear. Did he dare to believe it meant what he hoped? Joe raised the glass with a trembling hand, while the man at the table did the same. “What do we toast to?” Joe asked. His entire future hung in the balance of the answer.
“To new beginnings.” They both downed their drinks, and before the burning stopped Joe found himself wrapped in arms he never thought to ever feel again.
“I’ve waited nearly a year to tell you I’m sorry,” he choked out, one lone tear trickling down his cheek. He held on for dear life, afraid this was just a whisky-induced hallucination that would vanish if he let go.
“And I’ve been waiting that long to calm down enough to realize I was a fool.”
When the music faded and the world narrowed down to just the two of them, Joe believed he knew how the dancers had felt. When their shared tears finally ebbed, Joe looked up at the one who’d gotten away and asked, “Can I have this dance, Rick?”
“And every one thereafter, if you want it.”
For the first time in a year, Joe’s smile was genuine. “Oh, I want it, all right.”
A comradely slap on the back made him turn toward his friend, Danny, who was also watching the couple with interest. Joe’s voice was as bitter as the lime his friend bit into after downing a tequila shot. “If only I’d thought for a moment before engaging my mouth that might be me and Rick out there.” He pointed his empty glass at couple, who were now locked together, swaying to the tempo of a slow, sultry tune.
Danny made a face as he tasted the sour fruit, then patted Joe’s arm. “Don’t worry, someone will come along.”
“Hey, y’all!” They both looked up at a handsome man in cowboy boots and hat, coming around from behind the bar. The vision of western masculinity wrapped an arm around Danny.
“Hey, Barry. You’re off?” Danny asked his lover.
“You betcha, and I’m so ready to go home.” He paused, then nodded toward Joe. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah.” Far be it from him to spoil someone else’s plans with his sulking. “You kids go have fun.”
Both young men looked back as they walked away and, not for the first time, Joe regretted the fall that took him from being envied to being an object of pity. Looking around the crowded club, he saw many admiring glances turned his way, but no one dared approach. He had it on good faith that he pulsed “Fuck off” vibes like sonar.
A glass hit the bar behind him, and he turned to find another shot of whisky. “I didn’t order that,” he told the bartender who’d replaced Barry.
Mischief danced in the barman’s eyes. “The gentleman at the back table sent it over.”
Joe snorted. “Now you know good and well I don’t accept drinks from strangers.”
“This one you will.”
Joe’s eyes ran from the bartender to the drink and back again. “Just go,” the man urged, lips twitching like he might be fighting a grin.
Though puzzled, Joe picked up the drink and pushed his way through the crowd to the back of the club, fully expecting to set someone straight. Four steps from the back table his heart slammed against his ribs, at three steps it did a massive summersault, at two it fell to the floor at the feet of a handsome, dark haired man, sitting alone in the shadows.
Joe saw a tremulous smile, and a year’s worth of hurt and worry poised to either reignite or disappear. Did he dare to believe it meant what he hoped? Joe raised the glass with a trembling hand, while the man at the table did the same. “What do we toast to?” Joe asked. His entire future hung in the balance of the answer.
“To new beginnings.” They both downed their drinks, and before the burning stopped Joe found himself wrapped in arms he never thought to ever feel again.
“I’ve waited nearly a year to tell you I’m sorry,” he choked out, one lone tear trickling down his cheek. He held on for dear life, afraid this was just a whisky-induced hallucination that would vanish if he let go.
“And I’ve been waiting that long to calm down enough to realize I was a fool.”
When the music faded and the world narrowed down to just the two of them, Joe believed he knew how the dancers had felt. When their shared tears finally ebbed, Joe looked up at the one who’d gotten away and asked, “Can I have this dance, Rick?”
“And every one thereafter, if you want it.”
For the first time in a year, Joe’s smile was genuine. “Oh, I want it, all right.”
May 1, 2010
The Telling (among others) Free Ebook
Several readers have listed The Telling as a 'To Be Bought' or 'Wishlist" item. While I'm flattered, it's quite unnecessary. The Telling is free gift to readers (of legal age and who won't be offended) at reveiwsbyjessewave. Have a look around while you're there at thought provoking articles, amazing reviews, and daily contests for free reads.
For a limited time, it's also available on the GLBT Bookshelf, on their Free Reads page, along with a very nice selection by some big names, as well as works by relative new comers to the genre. Check it out:
http://bookworld.editme.com/Free-Gay-...
For a limited time, it's also available on the GLBT Bookshelf, on their Free Reads page, along with a very nice selection by some big names, as well as works by relative new comers to the genre. Check it out:
http://bookworld.editme.com/Free-Gay-...
April 24, 2010
It's Out! Boy Under the Bridge
Boy Under the Bridge has just been published at Torquere Books!
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.ph...
Here's the blurb:
James left his job, family, and home for Travis, the man he’s loved for years, but a betrayal on the night of their big celebration drives him to seek revenge. While James spends a wild night with a stranger, seven messages are left on his cell phone by his angry lover. In the cold light of dawn, can James bear to hear Travis’ words? James and Travis make their first appearance in the novel The Wish.
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.ph...
Here's the blurb:
James left his job, family, and home for Travis, the man he’s loved for years, but a betrayal on the night of their big celebration drives him to seek revenge. While James spends a wild night with a stranger, seven messages are left on his cell phone by his angry lover. In the cold light of dawn, can James bear to hear Travis’ words? James and Travis make their first appearance in the novel The Wish.
April 22, 2010
And Now for Something Different...
Although m/m is my first love when it comes to writing, several months ago I wrote something a bit different as part of a challenge. Sadly, it didn't seem to be what the challenger was looking for. It's the one and only het piece I've written, and it's a futuristic BDSM spoof, featuring a BBW. It's also meant to be funny.
I've had it awhile, shown it to friends, but wasn't quite sure what to do with it. For some reason Betty and Marco are just too special to me to leave trapped on a hard drive. Then along came a Changeling Press Casting Call, and Betty's Arrival was submitted.
Their contest runs until May 15, so it will be next month before I know anything. Wish me luck!
Oh, and did I mention that there's a cat? A really, really big one...
I've had it awhile, shown it to friends, but wasn't quite sure what to do with it. For some reason Betty and Marco are just too special to me to leave trapped on a hard drive. Then along came a Changeling Press Casting Call, and Betty's Arrival was submitted.
Their contest runs until May 15, so it will be next month before I know anything. Wish me luck!
Oh, and did I mention that there's a cat? A really, really big one...
April 15, 2010
Why I changed my profile...
Some of you may have noticed that I changed my profile. The first line is now a statement for anti-piracy. There's a reason for that. If you do a search for my name, my Good Reads profile, for now, usually appears near the top of the listing. So if I only get one potential chance to reach someone, I want the statement loud and clear. It may take a few days before the cached page is updated.
Oh, warning, ya'll. My McAfee screams, "Danger, Will Robinson!" at pirate sites. Remember the old adage, "Nothing's free?" It's true, especially of those sites. They are loaded with adware and viruses. Yeah they may have goten a 'free' book, too bad they can't read it because their hard drive fried. They must have thought 'cause the site was pretty it was legit.
Strangely enough, The Telling, a book I wanted to give, free of charge, as a gift to readers, in honor of those in the armed forces and those who are right now making decisions to be who they really are, has shown up on those sites. And get this: folks have downloaded it! Hello! Ummm... why are you doing that? It was a gift! No stealing necessary! Just go to the site, click the link... And no ugly viruses to worry about. Sigh. What can you do? It lays waste to the argument that "If you give them something free, they'll leave your other stuff alone" though. That is so not true, I've learned to my great horror.
What really twisted the knife for me, though, was some of the comments at one such site. One commenter told the poster, "You rock! X is one of my favorite writers, and I've wanted this book for awhile." Okay, if X is one of their favorites, why are they stealing from her? Taking food off her table? Making it so that she may have to give up writing for a nine to five job? Also, why does the poster "rock"? They are a thief, who has distributed stolen goods. The commenter also promised to keep the file going, like destroying the author's livelihood was some kind of sacred trust. Note to said poster, "I hope you hate my work."
Another commenter pouted because no one would post the book they wanted. Oh how my heart bleeds...
Oh, warning, ya'll. My McAfee screams, "Danger, Will Robinson!" at pirate sites. Remember the old adage, "Nothing's free?" It's true, especially of those sites. They are loaded with adware and viruses. Yeah they may have goten a 'free' book, too bad they can't read it because their hard drive fried. They must have thought 'cause the site was pretty it was legit.
Strangely enough, The Telling, a book I wanted to give, free of charge, as a gift to readers, in honor of those in the armed forces and those who are right now making decisions to be who they really are, has shown up on those sites. And get this: folks have downloaded it! Hello! Ummm... why are you doing that? It was a gift! No stealing necessary! Just go to the site, click the link... And no ugly viruses to worry about. Sigh. What can you do? It lays waste to the argument that "If you give them something free, they'll leave your other stuff alone" though. That is so not true, I've learned to my great horror.
What really twisted the knife for me, though, was some of the comments at one such site. One commenter told the poster, "You rock! X is one of my favorite writers, and I've wanted this book for awhile." Okay, if X is one of their favorites, why are they stealing from her? Taking food off her table? Making it so that she may have to give up writing for a nine to five job? Also, why does the poster "rock"? They are a thief, who has distributed stolen goods. The commenter also promised to keep the file going, like destroying the author's livelihood was some kind of sacred trust. Note to said poster, "I hope you hate my work."
Another commenter pouted because no one would post the book they wanted. Oh how my heart bleeds...
April 9, 2010
Publish Date for Boy Under the Bridge
A short story, Boy Under the Bridge, will be released by Torquere on April 24. For those of you who worried about James, the young man Alex picks up in the opening scenes of The Wish and later dumps, you'll get your answer. It's written to be a stand alone, so if you haven't read The Wish, don't worry; it's not a prerequisite.
March 30, 2010
Coming Soon...
Someone asked what happened to the young man Alex stole and later dumped in the opening scenes of The Wish, going so far as to imagine the poor young man cold and starving under a bridge. Well, folks, a blot bunny was born.
No publication date has been given, but Torquere Books has contracted Boy Under the Bridge. Those of you who didn't read The Wish, don't worry, for James is barely mentioned there, and this short story picks up the morning after, when he's faced with the consequences of his actions. It is merely a tale of regret and owning up to what you've done, reading The Wish first won't be a requirement.
For those of you who did read it, you'll be able to see Alex and his hurtful behavior through someone else's eyes. Don't be too upset for James, though. I'm a firm believer in happy endings.
No publication date has been given, but Torquere Books has contracted Boy Under the Bridge. Those of you who didn't read The Wish, don't worry, for James is barely mentioned there, and this short story picks up the morning after, when he's faced with the consequences of his actions. It is merely a tale of regret and owning up to what you've done, reading The Wish first won't be a requirement.
For those of you who did read it, you'll be able to see Alex and his hurtful behavior through someone else's eyes. Don't be too upset for James, though. I'm a firm believer in happy endings.
March 29, 2010
The Telling, New and Improved
The typos in the original version of The Telling have (hopefully) been taken care of and the uploadable file has been updated. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Eden
Eden
March 27, 2010
Coming Soon - The Angel of Thirteenth Street
Noah Everett is a semi-successful business owner with a mission: to help young male prostitutes give up the life and make something more of themselves. His secret to success? He used to be one of them. Unfortunately, he doesn’t take his own advice of “Don’t let this ruin your life,” allowing his less-than-legal past to keep prospective lovers at bay.
Living on his own, determined to finish school and make something of himself, street kid Jeremy Kincaid knows all about doing the best you can with what you have, and self reliance. When he’s targeted for recruitment by a local pimp, however, Noah comes to his rescue.
To save Jeremy from the horrors of the life he once knew, Noah retraces his footsteps to his old stomping grounds to ask a favor of Willie Carnell, the pimp who wants Jeremy. Noah risks more than just his body in that den of iniquity—he risks his soul, as well, because long before his nemesis was known as Willie Carnell, the ruthless pimp, he was Billy Cordell, the man Noah had promised to love forever.
Coming May 12, 2010 from Torquere Press!
Living on his own, determined to finish school and make something of himself, street kid Jeremy Kincaid knows all about doing the best you can with what you have, and self reliance. When he’s targeted for recruitment by a local pimp, however, Noah comes to his rescue.
To save Jeremy from the horrors of the life he once knew, Noah retraces his footsteps to his old stomping grounds to ask a favor of Willie Carnell, the pimp who wants Jeremy. Noah risks more than just his body in that den of iniquity—he risks his soul, as well, because long before his nemesis was known as Willie Carnell, the ruthless pimp, he was Billy Cordell, the man Noah had promised to love forever.
Coming May 12, 2010 from Torquere Press!
March 26, 2010
Author Extra for Flame
The night was still and quiet, filled with winter’s chill. A bonfire’s glow reflected off the snow-crowned mountains that ringed the encampment. The snow that fell in Kai’s former village was considered a menace and a curse. Here, it was celebrated for blanketing the sleeping world that would awaken in spring. During the past week, despite having recently come of age, he’d played in the soft, cold flakes along with the young ones for the very first time. His lover had laughed and called him a hatchling.
The mountains were beautiful, the snow was beautiful, and even the ice he melted for drink was beautiful, because here was where his heart lived. Here was his Rayken.
As if bidden by Kai’s thoughts, his lover appeared as a silhouette from within the flames that danced in time with the drum and the flute. The music flared as did the fire, and Rayken stepped from the fiery depths that could not harm him, quickly followed by his warriors. The battle-hardened, scarred men were oddly light and graceful as they wove an intricate web of footprints upon the fresh-fallen snow. Blue flames caressed their skin like a lover’s touch.
All around the people sat, eyes glittering in the firelight as the dance became more heated, the steps more frantic. Finally, Rayken broke away from the other dancers to land on his knees at Kai’s feet, hand outstretched. Kai counted to ten, giving the other men time to bow to their mates before he placed his hand upon his lover’s massive palm. As one the couples rose, continuing the dance to a more sultry tempo.
The young ones all stared at their elders in envious amazement, possibly dreaming of the day when they, too, would celebrate their joining at winter’s solstice.
Sitting off to the side where they probably thought no one could see, two young men, who’d officially pass from childhood in the next summer, sat far closer together than any of the others. Kai smiled, sure that they would share this dance the next time winter visited the world. At their age Kai had despaired of ever finding a mate, for in his village men were forbidden to love other men. How wonderful that here a man wasn’t judged by who he loved.
Warm lips found his neck and all thoughts of the youths disappeared, chased away by Rayken and the anticipation of what the night would bring. Wrapped in his mate’s arms, Kai couldn’t remember ever being so happy. When at last his lover led him away from the fire, the flames within his heart still burned.
The mountains were beautiful, the snow was beautiful, and even the ice he melted for drink was beautiful, because here was where his heart lived. Here was his Rayken.
As if bidden by Kai’s thoughts, his lover appeared as a silhouette from within the flames that danced in time with the drum and the flute. The music flared as did the fire, and Rayken stepped from the fiery depths that could not harm him, quickly followed by his warriors. The battle-hardened, scarred men were oddly light and graceful as they wove an intricate web of footprints upon the fresh-fallen snow. Blue flames caressed their skin like a lover’s touch.
All around the people sat, eyes glittering in the firelight as the dance became more heated, the steps more frantic. Finally, Rayken broke away from the other dancers to land on his knees at Kai’s feet, hand outstretched. Kai counted to ten, giving the other men time to bow to their mates before he placed his hand upon his lover’s massive palm. As one the couples rose, continuing the dance to a more sultry tempo.
The young ones all stared at their elders in envious amazement, possibly dreaming of the day when they, too, would celebrate their joining at winter’s solstice.
Sitting off to the side where they probably thought no one could see, two young men, who’d officially pass from childhood in the next summer, sat far closer together than any of the others. Kai smiled, sure that they would share this dance the next time winter visited the world. At their age Kai had despaired of ever finding a mate, for in his village men were forbidden to love other men. How wonderful that here a man wasn’t judged by who he loved.
Warm lips found his neck and all thoughts of the youths disappeared, chased away by Rayken and the anticipation of what the night would bring. Wrapped in his mate’s arms, Kai couldn’t remember ever being so happy. When at last his lover led him away from the fire, the flames within his heart still burned.
