Kerry Freeman's Blog, page 2
February 3, 2013
Writing Realistically About Chronic Illness
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Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. For those that haven’t heard of it (and many haven’t), it’s an autoimmune disease of the digestive system. It can directly affect any part of the digestive system from your mouth all the way through, and it has quite the resume of extraintestinal complications as well. Let’s just say it ain’t fun.
A few years ago, I was excited to find a novel with a main character with Crohn’s disease. Anything involving frequent frenzied trips to the bathroom is not something that is generally discussed, much less written about. When I finally got the book, I ripped through it.
Writing Realistically About Chronic Illness
Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. For those that haven’t heard of it (and many haven’t), it’s an autoimmune disease of the digestive system. It can directly affect any part of the digestive system from your mouth all the way through, and it has quite the resume of extraintestinal complications as well. Let’s just say it ain’t fun.
A few years ago, I was excited to find a novel with a main character with Crohn’s disease. Anything involving frequent frenzied trips to the ba...
December 14, 2012
Guest Post & Giveaway: Hot Firefighters and the Animals Who Love Them by Shae Connor
Lisa_O/Flickr
(Today I am happy to host fellow Southerner and Braves fan Shae Connor, whose new book En Fuego is now available from Dreamspinner Press. Welcome Shae!)
On Wednesday, Dreamspinner Press released my newest story, En Fuego, is a novella about a firefighter, a veterinarian, and the cat who brings them together. As I said in yesterday’s post over at Eden Winter’s blog, En Fuego was inspired by photographs of Boise firefighter Dana Brown rescuing a cat from a house fire. So since cute photos of an animal being rescued inspired me, I thought, why not make it a whole list!
We’ll start with the original source. I haven’t been able to find a news story about Dana Brown’s cat rescue online, but I did find this blog post by one of Brown’s cousins. With two more pictures!
And here is a story about a firefighter who did what Brad does with Fuego: he adopted the cat he rescued.
More cats rescued by firefighters!
Firefighters save dog from freezing river
From Buzzfeed: 27 Heartwarming Photos of Animals Being Rescued (Number 3 SLAYS me. And the koala!!)
Pets being rescued during Hurricane Sandy
Okay, okay, enough with the cute. Let’s get on to the story—and the giveaway!
Here’s the story blurb:
Marshall Ramirez isn’t looking to fall in love, but from the moment firefighter Brad Flannery walks through the doors of Marsh’s veterinary clinic, he’s smitten. Marsh treats Fuego, the cat Brad rescued from a house fire, and convinces Brad to take her on as a foster—along with the three kittens Marsh helps her deliver. What Marsh really wants, though, is for Brad to keep him too.
Want to win a copy? Cool, I want to give you one! Just comment and I’ll pick a winner to receive an ebook of En Fuego (via the Dreamspinner Press website), as well as some story-related swag by mail. Be sure your email is included so I can contact you if you win!
Buy En Fuego from Dreamspinner Press
November 25, 2012
New this week: Downpour by Bella Leone
Bella Leone will be familiar to readers of this blog. She’s my critique partner, beta reader, and BFF, and on Tuesday her first novel with Loose Id will be released. Here’s more about the book and the author. Congratulations Bella!!!
Blurb
It took weeks before Markus knew his hot coffee boy’s name. It took months of serving him every morning before Markus learned that Clinton was an American History major. It took nearly six months into their senior year at UC Davis before Markus found out that Clinton had no family, few friends, and rather than the dorms, he actually lived in the library. They finally come together with a fierce heat, but it’s over too soon and Markus doesn’t understand why.
Then Clinton’s attacked during a vicious hate crime and he tries to keep Markus at arm’s length, but Clinton can’t help seeking solace in the man who makes his coffee every morning. And Markus must move past what he thinks he knows about love and strength to stand with his boyfriend during the worst downpour of Clinton’s life.
Excerpt
“Good morning. Coffee, please. Black.”
The same request every day, accompanied by a slow grin. My gaze never wavers from his beautiful face as his gray-blue eyes look down to count the correct change. He is meticulous about that. He pushes the right amount outward with his long fingers. Then he presses it into my hand. Whatever is leftover in his handful, he puts into the jar at the end of the counter to donate to the children’s ward at UC Davis where my mom works. Every morning, like clockwork, we do the same dance of shy smiles, brushing fingers, and stolen glances.
“Sure thing, Clinton.” I always try to use his name, now that I know what it is, whenever he comes in. I just like saying it and seeing his smile. “I’ll bring it out. I just put the grounds in.” His grin is lopsided and knee-buckling as he turns to sit at his table.
From fall to spring, we keep the hearth lit open to close because the college kids coming in from the rain and ice seem to gravitate toward it. He always does the same, finding a table off to the side, tucked against the bricks.
As I’m filling the milk containers, I spill and make myself take a deep breath. My fingers are a little shaky this morning. Not from too much caffeine, but I always get jittery around Clinton, and I’m sure my lack of sleep doesn’t help. After a bunch of guys were heckling my friends and me last night as we left a well-known gay bar, I couldn’t get to sleep. We’re in California, so there aren’t a whole lot of un-gay-friendly bars, but apparently these guys weren’t thrilled with anyone who was drinking there, straight or gay. I got no sleep and didn’t even need my alarm this morning to be up at dawn. The only bright spot to my morning was knowing Clinton would be here.
The day I asked his name so I could write it on his cup during a lunch rush, I practically melted into the kitchen floor.
“Clinton,” he stuttered out, and my heart lurched.
“Such a unique, totally Southern name. It fits you perfectly. I’m Markus.”
His eyes sparkled as he glanced down, then back up at me, fighting a smile. Everything about him seemed to fit: the accent, the name, his sandy hair, freckles across his nose, and the way the corner of his mouth drew up into an almost sly grin.
“Thank you for the coffee,” he drawls with the hint of a stutter. I find his saying you as ya adorable, and usually poor grammar drives me insane.
From the moment he first walked into the café, I knew he was every wet dream I had ever had rolled into one sweet man.
As I get the mugs ready, I have to force myself to keep from staring at him. We’re the only ones in the café this drizzly, cold morning, and I can’t help but peek at him as I work. He’s taken off his thick vintage woolen jacket and gloves and is mopping the rain from his hair. He looks tired and a little unkempt, and my mind drifts to thoughts of him with sleepy eyes, sluggishly climbing from my bed. He always looks like he’s just woken up and rolled out of bed in search of caffeine. He must have a girlfriend or boyfriend, or both, at home, curled in his recently vacated sheets. No one that kind and pretty—yes, pretty—is single. And from what I’ve seen since I’ve been out, rarely gay either.
He’s been coming in every morning at the same time all of senior year. I had noticed him before, in a few classes and here at the shop a few times our junior year, but I couldn’t muster the guts to talk to him. He has a very solid routine, which makes me happy since I’m as retentive and OCD as a twenty-two-year-old guy can get without being clinically diagnosed. Staring at Clinton now, I see he looks even more tired than usual, making him seem a little older. My coworker Ella and I started debating his story after he left one morning, and she caught me making “googly eyes” at him. Her words, not mine.
I’ve thought up scenarios about him in my mind; he’s a science nerd like me, taking advanced classes, or maybe a grad student working on his thesis. Ella thinks he’s a spy with a torrid background or a nuclear physicist in hiding from the Russian KGB. I’ve since asked her to stop reading so many Tom Clancy novels.
The heat from the fireplace is inviting and soothing. When we’re not busy, I love hanging out in front of the fire; it’s the best place to study during the cold, rainy days. The weather’s been so cold the last few days, but it will only get worse as winter moves forward. I also enjoy the hearth because Clinton sits there every morning.
As I get closer to his table, he smiles widely. I love his smile with his straight, bright teeth, how his whole face lights up. His warm eyes shine with hints of blue in the dim light of the café, and they make my heart thump a little harder. Every negative thought is erased as I move closer to him. Looking to the door, I pray no one steps foot inside until I can actually talk to him for longer than a sentence. When he speaks, his slight drawl peeks out on occasion, and it never ceases to make me grin like an idiot.
“Man, it’s cold,” I say like the complete moron I am. Blessedly he nods and takes the mug I offer him. His hand is icy as his fingers touch mine, and I’m so glad he’s out of the frigid wind and rain. If I’m honest, I’d love to hold his hand and warm him, but he’s so shy. I’m guessing he wouldn’t exactly appreciate that, especially since I don’t know if he has a boyfriend, or girlfriend, for that matter. I thought his smiles were bigger when I served him rather than on the occasion that Valerie or Ella worked, but maybe it was just wishful thinking.
Moving to the fire with my own mug, I put another log on. “It’s tough to go to class on days like this, eh?” I manage to say without stuttering by keeping my eyes on the fire.
“That it is.” His voice is deep, calming. I wish he’d speak more, but I’m having a hard time finding something to say that won’t make me sound like a complete stalker. I could mention Tennyson, since he was reading a book of his a few weeks ago, or I could mention seeing him at the library last week really late at night, or seeing him walking toward the union on Sunday. All of that sounds like I’m a creeper.
“How’s the coffee?” See? That isn’t so bad. I can be normal.
Buy Downpour at Loose Id on November 27th
About Bella Leone
Bella Leone is an erotic romance author who discriminates against no combination of lovers. M/M, M/F, F/F, and all multiples thereof are fair game. She writes about people in like, in lust, and, ultimately, in love. She’s a sucker for fluffy stories with real happily-ever-afters.
Bella recently relocated to Massachusetts from Arizona with her husband and furry minions. When she’s not writing, she’s usually lending a helping hand to other authors or indulging in her penchant for historical & paranormal fiction, petite brunettes, and athletic gingers.
Website
Goodreads
Twitter: @bellaleone
New this week: Downpour by Bella Leone
Bella Leone will be familiar to readers of this blog. She's my critique partner, beta reader, and BFF, and on Tuesday her first novel with Loose Id will be released. Here's more about the book and the author. Congratulations Bella!!!
Blurb
It took weeks before Markus knew his hot coffee boy's name. It took months of serving him every morning before Markus learned that Clinton was an American History major. It took nearly six months into their senior year at UC Davis before Markus found out that...
October 29, 2012
Tour wrap-up and giveaway winner
It’s been a busy three weeks, but we’ve made it to the end of blog tour. I want to thank all the bloggers that hosted the tour, and I especially want to thank all the people who read and commented on the posts along the way. I blogged about baseball, the South, and baseball in the South. There was a lot about writing and about GRL, and there was even a discussion of Crash Davis as perfect romantic hero. I’ve updated the kickoff post to link to all the guest posts and interviews, so feel free to check out any you missed along the way.
There were lots of entries for the super-duper giveaway, but there could only be one winner. Congratulations to Jenny on winning the giveaway. The package-o-goodness will be on its way to you soon.
Oh, did I say there was only one winner? I asked Jenny to use the scientific method of closing her eyes and pointing at the screen to pick someone to win a copy of Pine Tar & Sweet Tea. The finger landed on Melissa. Congratulations Melissa!
I hope everyone enjoyed the tour as much as I enjoyed doing it. I’m looking forward to doing another tour after the first of the year.
P.S. If you’re going to be at the Southern Magic RWA Readers Luncheon on Saturday, be sure to say hi!
Tour wrap-up and giveaway winner
It's been a busy three weeks, but we've made it to the end of blog tour. I want to thank all the bloggers that hosted the tour, and I especially want to thank all the people who read and commented on the posts along the way. I blogged about baseball, the South, andbaseball in the South. There was a lot about writing and about GRL, and there was even a discussion of Crash Davis as perfect romantic hero. I've updated the kickoff post to link to all the guest posts and interviews, so feel free t...
October 21, 2012
GayRomLit Wrapup: Is it GRL 2013 yet?
s i l v i u/Flickr
This morning I sat in the lobby of the Hard Rock with Mercy Celeste. We were both exhausted, but in a good way. It’s that exhaustion you have when you’ve enjoyed an event but you’re ready to sleep in your own bed. (BTW, that’s obviously not me in the pic, and it’s not Mercy either. She threatened me with bodily harm if I ever post the picture Hubby took of us, and honestly she’s scares me a little.)
There is so much to say about GRL. I don’t think I could condense it into a single post. So here are my highlights:
- It was absolutely surreal to meet people who read my books and wanted to meet me. They were all incredibly nice and a absolute pleasure to meet. When you’re writing, you often wonder if anyone will love your characters as much as you do. They do, and it’s so wonderful to know how much your words have connected with another human being.
- The authors, editors, and publishers of gay romance are the most supportive people you will ever meet. We offered advice to aspiring authors. Experienced authors supported newer and newbie authors like me. Editors and publishers were more than willing to discuss writing and the publishing process with anyone who had questions.
- Finally, you couldn’t leave GRL without feeling a huge shot in the arm of adrenaline for what you do. Whether you were a reader, reviewer, author, or publisher, you walked away from GRL ready to take on your next book. And two weeks before NaNoWriMo? Yep, I’m absolutely raring to go.
The flights back home were packed, and Hubby and I both were battling sinus problems. I don’t know who the hell first said dry air was good for your sinuses, but I want to sneeze on them. My in-laws picked us up at the airport and took us to dinner at one of our favorite BBQ places. We told them all about red vs. green and admitted we probably would never again truly enjoy the Mexican food served at restaurants here.
It was this view that told me I was finally home. I already miss everyone, especially Bella Leone, who I would have hugged harder if not for fear of hurting Ninja Baby. I so hope everyone who is a fan or an author of gay romance considers going next year, ‘cause Atlanta is going to be a PARTY!
October 20, 2012
GayRomLit Day 3: Braving the crowds
Ralph Daily/Flickr
The morning started with the Loose Id French toast breakfast. I sat with a great group of folks, and we discussed all sorts of things from books to regional accents to tea. I also finally met Treva Harte and Christi Lockhart from Loose Id, and they were both really nice. Still recovering from my karaoke triumph from the night before, I totally forgot to take any pictures. Enjoy this picture of French toast.
My next stop was a reading session where Lori Toland read a sexy excerpt from The Long Con. Anel Viz and J. P. Bowie had everyone in the room laughing with their readings. Again, I totally spaced on taking pictures *head hung in shame*
The Loose Id publisher spotlight was next, and it was very well attended, both by readers and authors. There were three full tables of Loose Id authors, and I met several new people just at my table. The discussion was lively and mostly centered on how awesome it is to write for Loose Id [image error]
With my BFF Bella Leone
Afterwards, I met an aspiring author, who I hope to read something from very soon, and a fellow Alabamian and Crimson Tide fan. ROLL TIDE!
My final GRL event was the book signing, or in my case, the cover art signing [image error] When Damon Suede said there would be a rush of people, he wasn’t kidding. It was great to meet people who’d read and enjoyed my books, and after a little bit, I relaxed and had lots of fun. Thanks to Scotty Cade for tossing me chocolate across the aisle! [image error]
My table mate was the awesome Shae Connor. We talked about baseball (we love it), our plans for next year (I’m definitely going to Atlanta Pride), and porn (I mean, who doesn’t love porn, am I right?).
The question I was most asked: will there be a sequel to What We Deserve? Shea, who was a beta for WWD, told everyone she was waiting on it, too. The answer: I’m working on Tyler’s book, which I hope to finish after NaNoWriMo. Then there will be a book for Jamie. Trust me, their story isn’t over.
After the signing, I came back to my room and crashed with Hubby to watch the Alabama-Tennessee game. ROLL TIDE! I got lots of sleep and lots of packing done.
Oh, and did I mention all the awesome swag that will be part of my super-duper giveaway? Check it out:
October 19, 2012
GayRomLit Day 2: Breaking out of my shell
Today was the day I’d been worrying about: the day of my first ever reading. I’d practiced several different readings and decided to attend a reading and see how things worked.
Z. A. Maxfield was the first reader, and she read an excerpt from ePistols at Dawn. She had the crowd in stitches, including me. I realized, however, that the readers were reading for much longer than I thought. So I had to go back to the drawing board to decide what to read.
By the time my reading session started, I’d finally decided what I would read. I read two scenes from the first chapter of Pine Tar & Sweet Tea. My husband recorded a video, and once we get that edited and formatted, I’m planning to post it.
The room for the reading was very nice and had great sound and acoustics. It was a great location. Kate McMurray also read during my session, and she was great.
After the reading, we all headed to the Wool Warehouse for a lunch thrown by Torquere Press. I sat with Bella Leone and B. A. Tortuga, and we talked about books, writing, and the South. The Mexican buffet was very tasty as well.
After lunch, we all boarded buses and headed to Old Town Albuquerque for sightseeing and shopping. The San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church was particularly beautiful. We shopped, spent way too much money, and had a nice dinner before heading back to the hotel.
We ended the evening at karaoke, which was a blast. After my first failed attempt (the guy played the wrong song), I finally managed to get through a song. It was kinda awesome.
P.S. I’ve gathered lots of awesome swag for my super-duper giveaway!
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