M.A. Church's Blog, page 197

TGI Friday

Hey everyone! Hope ya'll had great week. Yay, Friday's here... time for the weekend. :) Here's a little something to start it off right:

Background on Shadows

Hey everyone! I thought I'd share what I see in my head while I'm working on Shadows in the Night!  






















This is my idea of Jason Sky. I had him nailed down almost from the beginning for some reason. I guess he just spoke to me, lol.

This guy kinda reminds me of Chip. The hair is supposed to be a deep auburn- not sure it shows that way on here. The eyes are the wrong color though; Chips are green. But you get the idea: boyish and sweet-looking.  ;)


 

 Here's what the house and land reminds me of:







Hope ya'll enjoyed quick trip through my head when I try to set up a place for a story, LOL! Hehe, you may never be the same again!!!!
See you guys Friday. ;)
~M


Wednesday Briefs

Happy Wednesday, guys! Time for another episode of Wednesday Briefs! Just want to remind ya’ll there’s a thousand word limit for the writing group.  
This week's prompts are: use a safe word in your story.  
The alternate prompts are: cherry, innocence, scarf or

"I thought you were .... but you really aren't, you're.... "

or use any Beatle title in your story or

use: independence, master, control  

or make a 50 Shades of Grey reference


I’m using: I thought you were… but you really aren’t, you’re…



Shadows in the Night Ch 8
“Oh… my… God.” Chips stood frozen. “No fucking way! He couldn’t… He couldn’t have…”

He examined the door knob for scratches—for anything showing how the cougar open the front door.
“This isn’t possible,” Chip stared at the door. “No way could an animal…”
Legs trembling, Chip sat down on the floor as memories rushed him. Ever since he arrived the damn animal had… Chip gulped. It had been stalking him. Not only that, the cougar had marked everything around as its territory.
Chip ran a hand through his messy hair. “Including me, in a sense.”
The way the cougar acted last night was unusual—its responses had been almost…
Human.
Chip dropped his head in his head. “I’ve gone over the edge, no doubt about it. There’s no other way to explain my sitting here even thinking this cougar’s something more than what it appeared. It can’t be some sort of … what? Shifting were-type thing? Give me a break.”
An insidious voice in his head gleefully pointed out the unlocked door.
“Dammit, all I need is a vampire to pop up and say boo. Shit, that’s a ghost. Oh my Jesus.”
Chip raised his head again and stared at the unlocked door. No arguing what was before him; didn’t matter this didn’t make sense.
“Enough with black-assed cougar’s who don’t exist in the first place, then show up and act entirely too human and-and then… Christ! Open damn doors and just fucking disappear! Fuck this, I’m outta here.”
This pretty little town had turned into Freaksville. He jumped to his feet and practically ran to the kitchen. First thing he planned to do was empty out the main bank account, then get the hell out of dodge. Give him surly cab drivers and muggers any time—those made sense, none of this did.
He grabbed the old-timey phone that hung on the wall and called the bank. Several minutes later, his mouth hanging open, he called the lawyer in charge of his granny’s will. After a one-sided conversation he slammed the phone up, pissed and stunned.
“Oh dear Lord, now what?”
He had plenty of money, enough to last his life-time—if he used the money for the upkeep on the acreage and the needs of the house. In a nutshell he only had access to the money if he lived in his granny’s house. He couldn’t withdraw the money and run. Period.
How the hell had he missed this when he looked at the will? And why hadn’t someone bothered to tell him? Seems to be something he might need to know. Full-fledge panic closed in on him. Another quick call to his bank revealed he only had a thousand dollars in his personnel checking account. He was broke, even though he had plenty of money.
“Okay, no way to pretty this up—I’m well and truly fucked.”
Standing in the kitchen he glanced out the window where he first saw those greenish eyes looking back at him, and he shivered. What did that animal want? Abruptly his stomach growled, reminding him hours had passed and he hadn’t eaten. That, at least, he could solve.
He turned on the radio and the old Beetles song “Michelle” blared out. He fixed a sandwich and fell into a kitchen chair, his mind turning over possibilities. No matter which way he spun it, he was screwed.
He ate the sandwich, not tasting it, and washed everything down with tap water. He rinsed the plate and placed everything in the dishwasher when a knock on the front door startled him. He glanced at the bedroom, debating grabbing his shotgun. By God, if a cougar could open a locked door, then it could damn sure knock. Couldn’t it?
“Would you listen to me?” Chip rolled his eyes as he walked out of the kitchen. Another knock sounded. “I’m coming!”
Chip opened the door and stopped breathing. The man standing in front of him was a wet dream special.
“Can I help you?”
“Hey, my name is Jason Sky. I’m your closest neighbor.”
Chip’s mouth hung open slightly. The man was tall, dark and the sexist thing he’d seen on two legs in a long while. Long black hair with a thin braid by his face hung straight down his back, and gleamed in the sunlight. Jason’s green eyes smiled at him. He had a small dimple in his chin, high cheekbones and an olive completion that spoke of his American Indian heritage. A white tee shirt clung tightly to a well-formed chest and muscular arms that were covered in black hair. Well-fitting jeans clung to powerful thighs.
Chip’s mouth snapped closed. Oh God, was there drool on his chin? “Um, hello, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s Chip.”
“Yeah, I know. Your granny spoke highly of you.”
“You knew her?” Chip clung to the front door. That voice, that deep voice, sent chills through his body.
“Very well, actually.” Jason tucked the braid behind his ear.
“Oh wow, really?” Chip moved out of the door, finally remembering his manners. “Um, would you like to come in?”
“I’d like that, yes.” Jason followed Chip inside. “I walked over, and the day is warming up already. Could I bother you for a drink?”
“Oh sure, sorry!” Chip hurried to the kitchen with his guest behind him. The man made his head spin. “I’ve got beer, Coke, Sprite and sweet tea.”
“Sweet tea, please, if you don’t mind.”
“Okay.” Chip grabbed a glass and the tea pitcher. His hand shook. “I have some apple pie if you’re hungry.”
“Well, that’s better than the raw steak you offered me last night,” Jase said.
Chip jerked around. “What?”
Jason smiled, allowing Chip to see the tip of his canines.
“And by the way, boy,” Jason stressed the nickname Chip had used, “It’s really not a good idea to wonder the woods alone at night. It’s dangerous.”

~To be continued.
Until next week y’all. Remember to drop by the other Bloggers!
~M
AJ Jarrett m/mMA Church m/mSara York m/mMichael Mandrake m/mNephylimm/mTali m/mJulie Lynn Hayes m/m

Tuesday and Tattoos

TAKE NOTE: THESE STATEMENTS ARE NOT MINE!!!

http://www.dba-oracle.com/dress_code_tattoos.htm
With today's young people going into "Body Art", the question arises about how these people can advance within American professional careers. Some corporations maintain a strict policy against visible tattoos, especially companies that must make a good impression of the general public.  
Tattoos have a curious history1850 - 1900 - Tattoos used to be the bastion of carnival freak shows, with people flocking to the circus to see the amazing tattooed Lady.
1900 - 1950 - Tattoos in the early 20th century indicated a Sailor or Marine. In these cases, they did not have any social stigma, except that tattoos were generally indicative of enlisted men. Few Navy or Marine officers dared to draw on their body.
1950 - 1960 - In the early 1950's, tattoos became popular with the criminal element, mostly outlaw bikers, social outcasts and the mentally ill. It was during this time tattoos took on a more ominous reputation.
1960 - 1990 - This was the age of "prison tats" where having a tattoo indicated to some people that you were a tough, ignorant, convicted felon.
1990-2008 - Today we see hordes of low-class young people drawing on themselves with free abandon, (almost 30% of people in the 1980's). These people do not understand that a tattoo may effectively prohibit them from pursuing a professional career, regardless of their other qualifications.
Today, a prejudice still exists within corporate America about tattoos, especially since there is a clear and direct correlation between income, education and the percentage of those populations who have tattoos. It's no surprise that tattoos are more popular among the poor and under educated.

Don't kid yourself about the importance of hiding or removing tattoos. If you look at middle management and above in any of the Fortune 50 companies, you will hard pressed to find any managers that have tattoos, hidden or otherwise.

* * * *

Okay, I just couldn't go any farther with that article, but there's enough there to get the general idea of what dude was saying. For every example of 'poor and under educated' I bet there are ten people who have high paying job who hold plenty of power.


Comments are welcomed... just rememeber I did NOT say all that, lol, and don't agree! So to calm myself here are some sexy picutes of guys who hae tattoos and dont' look too poor or dumb to me!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY~M

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY



~M

TGI Friday

School is officially out—I survived all the end of school insanity—and the kiddo is now on summer break for the next nine weeks. My God, the child will be a senior next year. *shudder* Where the hell did the time go?

So far I haven't heard the famous words 'I'm bored' but they're coming, thrust me. Just give it a couple of weeks! But hey, I'm ready. ;) I got all sorts of things she can do when she starts in about being bored, and none of them she'll like.

Hehehehe.





So yay, the weekend is here! Just let me be the first to say thank God, thank God. And a special weekend, too. Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone! The weather is supposed to be nice down here, if a little on the warm side. :)


While looking for things to post on Monday for Memorial Day I ran across this picture. It really got to me and I wanted to share this. None of my remaining family is in the Armed Services... now. For those with family involved in the on-going war I wished you a speedy and safe return of your loved one. That message really sums it up, doesn't it?  

   



So lets not end this post on a sad note, okay. Here's a little taste of what I have planned for Monday. Guys, y'all have a great and safe weekend! I know several of you are heading out of town—my own son left this morning for a canoeing trip with some friends. So yes, lol, safety is on my mind! :) Take care.

~M

Wednesday Briefs

Happy Wednesday, guys! This week's prompts are: "Love means never having to...." 

or the alternate prompts of: use: peanuts, consideration, candelabra or 

"I would have gone to .... except that I...." or 

"Penny for your thoughts" or 

"Frankly, my dear, I don't...."


I’m using “Frankly, my dear, I don’t…”

Shadows in the Night Ch 7 
“So, now what, boy?”
The cougar sniffed the steak then glanced up at Chip, as if to say this the best you got? Daintily the big cat licked the raw steak, and then bit off a piece.
“What? You wanted it cooked?” Chip shook his head as he watched the steak being devoured. “Jesus, I’m talking to a wild animal like it understands me.”
The cougar’s ears twitched. There had been times when he would have sworn the animal did understand him—and how crazy was that? But there was something about this animal; its behavior didn’t match that of other wild beasts. Its actions spoke of an intelligence that was… almost human. Very human, in fact. But that was nuts.
Wasn’t it?
Chip smirked then yawned; the warm shower and the slight sunburn he sported had finally caught up with him. That had to be the reason for entertaining such outlandish thoughts. So the animal was smarter than normal. Didn’t mean he should let his imagination run wild.
Finally the black cougar finished its meal and returned to the living area. Once again it roamed the room, checking the windows and door. Chip yawned again, his eyes watering. Man, he was tired.
“Okay, I don’t suppose you’re ready to leave, huh boy?”
The cougar cocked his head, stretched, and lay down by the couch.
“I’ll take that as a no.”
He sat on the couch, the animal within arm’s reach. The yawns were coming steadily now. He thought about turning the TV on, but vetoed the idea. The volume might suddenly spike during a commercial and startle the big cat.
That was the last thing he wanted. Getting comfortable on the couch, he tried to see the cougar’s back leg, but couldn’t. It was almost like the animal purposely kept the wound away from him. Which, again, was crazy. But he had noticed the limp was gone. And that didn’t make sense either.
Exhausted and unable to keep his eyes open, Chips went to sleep. As he dropped off, he swore he felt a blanket cover him.
* * * *
The black cougar pulled the blanket to mid hip. Chip’s chest was still bare, but hey, he had to get his kicks somehow.
Ugh, raw steak. Stereotypic response; see what looks like a wild animal and offer it raw, bloody meat. I prefer mine medium well, Chip. He made another loop around the living area. As best he could tell, things had calmed down outside and the other was gone. He glanced back at Chip… his human was snoring. All the excitement must have worn him out.
And what the hell is up with the ‘boy’ nickname all of a sudden? Do I look like a boy? We’ll see who the ‘boy’ is when I get your ass in bed and you’re under me screaming my name. Frankly, my dear boy, I don’t think I can wait much longer. Of course, you need to know my name. First thing tomorrow, I plan to remedy that.
Hours pass, and the night sky lightened as day break approached. He decided it was safe for him to leave.
Should I wake him? Ah well, where’s the fun in that? Time to make a point, I think. One that he can’t ignore.
Bright greenish-yellow eyes narrowed as he moved away from the couch and into the kitchen. Preparing himself for the pain to come, he cleared his mind as he chanted silently. His body warmed—a flush of ancient power surged through him. In his mind he heard his ancestors, chanting around a fire, as the change roared through him.
He shuddered, struggling to hold the grunts of pain inside as power flowed through his body from the tip of his muzzle to the end of his tail. His sleek, black coat that covered his body retreated as beast gave way to man. His muzzle that held sharp, deadly teeth shortened and re-formed. Nails retreated and his long tail shrunk.
Then he heard it—bones snapped and popped, rearranging to support his human frame. Within minutes a tall, dark-headed man with long, straight hair and piercing green eyes knelt where the huge black cougar once stood. Rising gracefully, he stretched to loosen stiff muscles. Naked, he twisted slightly to examine the wound on the back part of his leg. Satisfied with the healing process, he walked back to the living area. Chip was still sound asleep and snoring.
“By the Great Spirit, I believe you’d sleep through a tornado.”
He lightly brushed his hand through Chip’s hair. All things considered, it was probably good Chip hadn’t awakened to see what was happening in his kitchen.
“Sleep well, my chosen. I’ll be seeing you before the sun sets.”
Silently he unlocked the door, let himself out, and closed it behind him. Moving quickly, he raced toward the woods, and his home. The breeze carried no scent of danger—the other had long since left. Even in human form he had a keen sense of smell. Once home, he showered and collapsed on the bed. He needed to rest; there was much to accomplish by day’s end.
* * * *
A throbbing woke Chip. That, and the sunlight that filled the room.
“Aw God, my arm. Dammit, must’ve slept funny last night… Hey! Wait just a damn minute.” Chip glanced around, but the black cougar was nowhere to be found. “Here, boy! Where are you?”
After a quick check of the house he was ready to scream. He knew he hadn’t imagined last night, and the plate on the floor proved that. So where the hell was that animal? Chip stomped back to the living area, then froze. Unable to believe what his eyes showed him, he walked to the front door…
The unlocked front door.
“Oh… my… God.” 
~To be continued.
Until next week y’all. Remember to drop by the other Bloggers!
~M
Michael Mandrake m/mNephylim m/mSara York m/mLily Sawyer m/m MC Houle m/mJulie Lynn Hayes m/m

Getting a tattoo can hurt, but the level of pain var...

Getting a tattoo can hurt, but the level of pain varies from person to person. Because getting a tattoo involves being stuck multiple times with a needle, it can feel like getting a bunch of shots or being stung by a hornet multiple times. I've seen people scream bloody murder and others act like it's nothing big.






Just fyi, I'd be the one screaming bloody murder like I was being axed murdered, lol. I hate needles. But I sure love to admire them on other peoples bodies! I think there's nothing sexier.

Some people describe the tattoo sensation as "tingling." It really depends on your pain threshold, how good the person wielding the tattoo machine is, and where exactly on your body you're getting the tattoo. 



 


Keep in mind that you'll probably bleed a little and there are risks. Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink. Tattooing can also lead to keloids — raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.






See ya tomorrow for Wednesday Briefs!

~M

And the winner is...

Okay wow, just let me say thank you for the comments! Being a fairly new author I never dreamed I'd recieve so many! Which, *head/desk* makes me wish I'd offer more than one copy! This was my first blog hop so next time I'll know better. And lol, I may have more ebooks to offer.

This was an important hop and I'm glad so many readers and authors' took part. There were stories that moved me to tears and made me wonder how we, as a people, can treat others so harshly. No matter the color of your skin, your religious beliefs, your age, OR your sexual orientation... We all are human and bleed red. We all feel and have needs, dreams and desires. And we all hurt.

I'll never understand why this is even an issue to begin with. It shouldn't be. Let me say that again...



IT SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE.








It shouldn't matter wha the sex if the couple is... They love each other! Period.

If you're lucky enough to find love-true, mind blowing, want to send every minute with you, the world is a better place with you in my life-love, then why should any adult be denided that?

Okay, end of rant. LOL







AND THE WINNER IS: Cyn

Congrats Cyn! I'll be emailing you shortly!

~M

Under contract!

Good morning all! I have wonderful news- Storm Moon Press took my short story Faded Love for their anthology Carved in Flesh. The projected release date is in September.
Here is what the Open Call said:
Scars are visceral reminders of a person's past, a sign of an event that can never fade. Whether it was gained in combat, a traumatic experience, or part of a ritual with a lover, scars are the ultimate labels. In Storm Moon Press' Carved in Flesh anthology, we're looking for short stories in which at least one character sports physical scars. These scars can be injury/trauma scars or decorative scars, but they must be noticeable: visible to the naked eye, and prominent enough to spark a conversation. Emotional scarring doesn't count. That's cheating.


The scars must also be the erotic focal point of the story. We want red-hot scenes between men, be it a contemporary sub's first scarification session or the survivor of an intergalactic war enjoying some scar-worship after his homecoming. Are your character's scars a mark of possession? Shame? A part of their life they would rather forget? An HEA or HFN ending is required. No leaving your scarred character battered and broken, please. Whatever they have been through, we want to see them have at
least a little respite with a partner who adores their scars.

* * * *

My story focuses on one of the top male models in the world who's in a car wreck, and from that-scarred. Can you imagine what that would do to someone who depends on his face to make a living?
I'm really happy with this one, it covers a lot of emotions.
Granted, it is a short shory, but I think it packs a lot of punch! Here is the pic that got the ball rolling for this story. I found that pic while searching and immediately knew I had just found my main character. Those eyes alone had my Muse shaking and going 'hell yeah!"


Faded Love will be released as its own ebook in a year after the September release date for the anthology.



Hope everyone is still checking out the blogs in the Hope Against Homophobia . I've ran across several that made me cry, made me think and a few that made me giggle. Monday I'll post who won the contest here and email the winner!
Have a good Sunday everyone!

~M