Sylvain Reynard's Blog, page 38
March 11, 2012
Reader Supported Listening
A few weeks ago, I asked readers to tell me what songs they would place on the soundtrack to Gabriel's Inferno. I was pleasantly surprised when I received tweets and messages from readers around the world, recommending various music. I've included references to several songs in the novel, but I was interested in hearing what the readers thought would make a good soundtrack.
The song that stood out amongst the recommendations was No Light, No Light by Florence + The Machine. Rebecca C. sent the song to me, which you can listen to here.
The lyrics that caught my attention: "No light, no light in your bright blue eyes. I never knew daylight could be so violent. The revelation in the light of day ..."
I'm still meditating on the violence of daylight.
Readers recommended many different kinds of music and I found myself introduced to several new bands. Here's a list of some of the songs:
"Sinister Kid" by The Black Keys. "That's me, that's me - the boy with the broken halo. The devil won't let me be ..."
"Broken" by Livingstone. "Broken in silence, I adore you ..."
"Fix You" by Coldplay.
"If You Only Knew" by Shinedown.
"Arms" by Christina Perri.
"A Drop in the Ocean," by Ron Pope. *I enjoyed listening to this song very much.
"Sigh No More," by Mumford and Sons.
"Entre tus alas," by Camila.
"In the End," by Snow Patrol.
"For The First Time," by The Script.
"I Love You," by Sarah McLachlan.
"Cloudbusting," by Kate Bush.
"Amazed," by Lonestar.
Thank you to everyone who sent a suggestion. I invite more musical recommendations in the comments below.
In light of the Professor's passion for museums (and their inherent seductive possibilities), I'll be posting a series of entries on the museums of the world, beginning tomorrow.
All the best and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
February 13, 2012
Teaser from the Sequel to "Gabriel's Inferno"
Happy St. Valentine's Day. I hope that you can take a few moments to celebrate love - love of family or of your beloved ... even love of your self.
Everyone needs love. Everyone needs charity. You can make a difference in someone's life by being kind.
(You can read a history of St. Valentine's Day here.)
As part of the 14 Days of Love, I contributed a teaser from the sequel to Gabriel's Inferno. There are four giveaways on offer and you can enter the contest here.
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, ItalyDecember 2009
Gabriel led her into the adjoining tiled corridor that displayed sculptures and began walking toward the end of it, far beyond earshot of the other guests. He positioned her in a dark corner between two large marble statues perched high atop plinths. She was dwarfed by the towering forms.
He grabbed her purse and tossed it aside. The sound of the leather hitting the floor echoed down the corridor.
"What were you doing with him?" Gabriel's eyes flamed and his cheeks were slightly red, which for him was a rare occurrence.
"We were just making small talk before he—"
Gabriel pulled her into a searing embrace, one hand tangling in her hair and the other sliding down her dress to grip her backside.
The force of his kiss pushed her until she felt the cold wall of the Gallery against the naked skin of her upper back. His hard body aligned with hers forcefully.
"I don't want to see another man's hands on you again."
He parted her mouth roughly, penetrating with his tongue, while his hand slid over the curve of her backside, massaging the flesh with his fingers.
Julia realized instantly that he'd been careful with her every other time he'd touched her. He wasn't careful now. Part of her was inflamed, desperate for him. Another part of her was wondering what he would do if she said stop …
He lifted her left leg, pulling her thigh around his hip and grinding against her.
She felt him through the fabric of her dress, hearing the silk taffeta rustle like a breathless woman. The dress clearly wanted more.
"What do I have to do to make you mine?" he groaned, mouth against mouth.
"I am yours."
"Not tonight, it seems." He tugged her lower lip backwards into his mouth, nipping it with his teeth.
"Didn't you understand my lecture? Every word, every painting was for you." His hand slid up her leg, teasing the skin of her thigh until it reached the string that stretched across her hip.
She shuddered and he pulled back to see her face.
"No garters tonight?"
She shook her head.
"Then what's this?" His fingers tugged at the very thin string.
"Panties," she breathed.
His eyes glinted greedily.
"What kind of panties?"
"A thong."
He smiled dangerously before pressing his lips to her ear. "Am I to assume that you wore this for me?"
"There's never been anyone else."
Without warning, his lips found hers again and he lifted her, pressing her against the cold wall. His lips on her neck, he pushed their hips together.
The long, thin heels of Julia's tangerine stilettos caught the curves of Gabriel's ass. He fixed her with wild, blue eyes.
"I want you. Right now."
Suddenly, her panties were gone and she found herself bare.
He began to touch her and her heels shifted, digging into his ass so much that he gasped.
"Do you know how difficult it was for me to control myself during the lecture? How I longed to take you in my arms? Conducting small talk was torture when all I wanted was this.
"I wish you could see how sexy you are with your back against the wall and your legs wrapped around me. I want you like this, except I want you panting my name."
Gabriel leaned forward to dip his tongue in the hollow at the base of her throat and Julia's eyes closed...
-You can see photos of the Uffizi Gallery here.The scene takes place in Corridoio di levante.The sequel should be released before the summer. All the best everyone and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
February 12, 2012
Teaser from Sequel to "Gabriel's Inferno"
As part of the 14 Days of Love festival, I've contributed a teaser from the sequel to "Gabriel's Inferno."
You can read the teaser here:
http://orderofsmutvixens.blogspot.com...
There are 4 different giveaways. Good luck and thank you for reading,
SR
February 5, 2012
What's your Purpose?
What is your purpose in life?
What gives your life meaning?
These are two questions that I've spent quite a bit of time pondering.
I've noticed that a few of the charities I support began as the result of personal tragedy. Alex's Lemonade Stand and the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation were started after the loss of a child. Jen's Thank You Alliance was founded after the loss of a wife. In all three cases, families and individuals found purpose and meaning in trying to help others.
I'm sure everyone will agree that no amount of good works can erase the pain of loss. But I have profound respect for those who honour their loved ones by striving to do good and to help others who are suffering similarly.
As we begin the second month of 2012, I ask you to consider what your purpose is. I ask you to consider what gives your life meaning. Please feel free to share those reflections below.
One of my purposes is to share the message that forgiveness and love provide hope and peace to those who desperately need it. And we all need it. I've been able to find a venue for that message in my novels.
All the best and thanks for reading,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
PS. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the sequel to Gabriel's Inferno. I'm happy to report that the sequel will be released before the summer. I'll be posting a teaser on 12 February. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It's much appreciated.
January 3, 2012
2012 - The Year of Charity
I hope that you're enjoying what proves to be a happy and prosperous 2012.
As the new year begins, I've committed myself to raising awareness about various charities and causes. I've done so mostly on Twitter, so I'd like to to take this opportunity to share a few of these organizations with you.
Organizations that help the Homeless:
Salvation Army USA (A faith-based organization that helps the homeless, the hungry and others in need)@SalvationArmyUS
Salvation Army (Canada)@salvationarmy
Yonge Street Mission (A Toronto faith-based organization that helps the homeless and young people in crisis)@YSM_TO
Covenant House (Providing havens in North and Latin America for homeless youth)@CovenantHouse
Organizations that combat Human Trafficking and Slavery:
ACT (An Australian organization)@AChildTraffickFacebook page
Not For Sale @Not_For_Sale
Organizations that help Children with Cancer:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A paediatric cancer research hospital that doesn't turn families away)@StJude
Alex's Lemonade Stand (Funding research into paediatric cancer/providing financial support to families)@Alexslemonade
Organizations that fund Cancer Research and provide support to Cancer patients:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (Funding research/providing support and resources)@CBCF_
Jen's Thank You Alliance (Providing financial and inspirational support to young adult cancer patients)@jensthankyou
Susan G. Komen Foundation@komenforthecure
An Organization that comforts grieving families through photography:
The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation@nilmdtsHQ
Organizations that promote Literacy:
World Literacy Canada (Supporting women and children's literacy in Canada, India and Nepal)@WorldLit
ProLiteracy (Supporting adult literacy in the USA and around the world)@ProLitWorld
As we look forward to a year filled with possibility, I ask you to join me in supporting charities and in raising awareness. We can make a difference.
All the best for 2012,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
Bookish Temptations Giveaway
There are three prizes - each of which includes an e-book. Bookmarks and a coffee mug are also up for grabs.
You can find the giveaway here:
http://bookishtemptations.wordpress.c...
Good luck!
SR
December 31, 2011
2011 Best Books and Giveaway
Julie and Leisha of A Tale of Many Reviews have chosen "Gabriel's Inferno" as one of their best books of 2011.
To celebrate, they're giving away an e-book and a coffee mug. You can enter through their website:
http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com/ind...
Good luck and Happy New Year,
SR
December 30, 2011
Interview and Giveaway
http://chicklitandwine.com/2011/12/30...
Happy New Year,
SR
December 20, 2011
Happy Holidays
In addition to wishing you the best for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's, I want to invite you and your friends and family to enter one of the current giveaways. There are copies of "Gabriel's Inferno" to be won, along with coffee mugs and book marks.
The first giveway is hosted by the Bakin' Goddesses and you can find it here.
The second giveaway is hosted by JJiReads and you can find it here.
Other contests will be forthcoming.
With thanks for your continued support,
SR
www.sylvainreynard.com
PS. Many thanks to Miss Mingo for designing the lovely holiday card above.
December 15, 2011
Second "Gabriel's Inferno" Giveaway
It's the season of giving. We're giving away copies of "Gabriel's Inferno," along with mugs, bookmarks and trading cards.
In addition to the giveaway contest hosted by Bakin' Goddess, http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
the very charming JJiReads is hosting a contest, too: http://readingwithbakingoddess.blogsp...
Contests are open internationally.
You can enter both of them on the respective websites.
Good luck!
SR
