Michele E. Gwynn's Blog, page 19

Get Wicked After Dark

Fantastic New Box Set for Paranormal Fans!!!
Wicked After Dark includes my friend and fellow author, Jami Brumfield, along with 17 other authors. That is 18 books in one set! Check it out! If you love vampires, werewolves, and all manner of creatures falling in love...or falling into sexy, steamy situations, then this is the box set for you.

Now on Pre-Order for ONLY $0.99. Get yours today! by Mina Carter (Author), Julia Mills (Author), Stephanie Rowe (Author), PM Briede (Author), Jami Brumfield (Author), Claudy Conn (Author), Eden Ellsworth (Author), Nicole Garcia (Author), Lane Hart (Author), Tracey Jane Jackson (Author), Melanie James (Author), Gena D. Lutz (Author), Michelle Mankin (Author), Marie Mason (Author), A K Michaels (Author), Angela Snyder (Author), Candice Stauffer (Author), Melissa Stevens (Author), Izzy Szyn (Author), C.A. Tibbitts (Author) Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Anthologies #8 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Short Stories & Anthologies > Anthologies #10 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Anthologies & Literature Collections  Would you like to give feedback on images or tell us about a lower price ?

Fall Offers for Subscribers

If you're a Subscriber to my newsletter, the monthly news has gone out! Not a Subscriber? Well, slide on over to the left and sign up! Only Subscribers are privy to these special offers. So sign up and then check out the New Releases below.
FREE ARCs and New Book Contest! View this email in your browser Happy Fall, All!Fall SpecialAutumn is my favorite time of year! I love the cooling temperatures, the rain, the crisp breeze in the trees, and the scents of cinnamon, pumpkin, fall apples, and damp earth. I seem to come alive at this time more so than any other time of the year.

This month, I have TWO great offers for you, my readers.

First, I'm offering FREE ARCs (author review copies) of several of my books to those interested in reading them in return for honest reviews on Amazon.

Those available are: 
Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown (Erotic suspense/crime, Kriminal Erotic Series Book I - novel)
The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss (Kriminal Erotic Series Book II - novel)
Harvest (Harvest Trilogy Book I - novella)
Waiting a Lifetime (Stand-alone Contemporary Romance - novella)

If you would like to read for a review, please respond back with "I'd like to Review.....(add in the title of the book you'd like to review). I will then send you a PDF reviewer's copy. Please respond if you can read and write the review in the month of September. Thanks!

On to the next offer.....

I'm giving away 5 COPIES of book II in the Harvest Trilogy, Celluloss! To ENTER, Reply back with "I want to know the secret!"
Yep, it's that time of year again to start enjoying strange and horrific tales. I'll be publishing the third book in the trilogy this October, so this prompted me to do a giveaway for the second book. I hope those that win will also be so kind as to write a little review on Amazon for it. The trilogy was inspired by a true event that I reported to MUFON in 2009. You can read about that here on my web page. UFO REPORT & THE HARVEST TRILOGY.

Finally, I'd like to congratulate my three winners from August; Donna, Suleika, and Lisa (Lisa, please check your email to claim your prize of the box set of Jami Brumfield's PBI Case Files).
In 1962, Sergeant Trent Wilkins looked forward to finishing out his military contract pulling guard duty on the underground bunker built into a field in the small town of Schertz, Texas. Little did he know, he was about to get sucked into a government cover up of the murder of one of their own top research specialists. Fifty-two years later, the secret they tried so hard to bury escaped seeking revenge on those involved.
Colonel Louis Reed sought to profit from what the Air Force found in that field all those years ago, and it was working. But now, following a massive explosion beneath the Samuel Clemens football field, he and his fellow conspirators find themselves in danger. ‘It’ was out and coming to get them.
Danny Edwards and Jay Hernandez thought high school was hard, but after being gassed by an unknown entity, and seeing shocking blue orbs flying over their hometown, they knew tougher times were ahead. Danny’s grandfather has a secret, and that secret puts him and his best friend, Jay, and the girl he loves in danger. Schertz is under attack, and no one is coming to help them, least of all, the military who’ve surrounded the city cutting off all exits and entries as they advance on the deadly, sulfuric creatures invading the sleepy suburb.
Time is running out fast. Can three teenagers and one old man save the city of Schertz from extinction? Still craving summer and the sand between your toes? Grab this fantastic Box Set from the Crazy Lady Authors just released on Amazon. This set has 9 amazing stories for only $0.99 including my book, Waiting a Lifetime. Get your's today. Click the image to be taken to the Amazon page, and Anywhere the Sun Shines!

UFO report and the Harvest Trilogy

CLICK THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD BOOKS I AND II FROM AMAZONI was searching around my email for something today when I accidentally came across the email I received following my report to MUFON (the Mutual UFO Network) back in 2009. The incident actually happened years earlier, but I had a difficult time reconciling what I witnessed without feeling like a crazy person. Still, it's interesting, and I wanted to share it here since the final story in the Harvest Trilogy, inspired by this very sighting, will publish in October. Census will round out a series of sightings in an epic fashion with a chilling twist.

Have a read through, and if you have a sighting of your own, share below in the comments! I'd love to hear to hear your story.

EMAIL:

Dear Michele,

Thank you for your sighting report submitted November 21, 2009.
Because of you, we are one step closer to solving the greatest
mystery of all time. Thank you for thinking of MUFON.

PS. Would like to join MUFON? Then click here: http://www.mufon.com/joinnow.htm

Sincerely,

James Carrion
International Director
Mutual UFO Network
ASSIGNED TO:
============
Primary Investigator:
Secondary Investigator:

SUBMITTER INFORMATION:
======================
Name: Michele Gwynn
Street Address: XXXXXXXXXXXX
City: Universal City
Zip/Postal Code: 78148
State/Province: Texas
County: Bexar
Country: UNITED STATES

Phone - Home: XXXXXXXXXXX
Phone - Work:
Cellphone:
Email - Primary: XXXXXXXXXXX
Email - Secondary:
Anonymous: N

UFO EVENT INFORMATION:
======================
Date: 1995-01-06 12:00:00
Date Precision:
Time of Event (Local Time):
Timezone GMT Offset: -0600
Time Precision:
Timezone Name: America/Chicago
Duration of Event:
(Nearest) City: Schertz
State: Texas
County: Guadalupe
Country: UNITED STATES
Area/Site: Town
Area/Terrain: Fields
Sky: Clear
Weather Factors: None
Short Description of UFO Event: Two oval, silvery objects, large, and hovering. No lights or identifying marks.
Detailed Description of the UFO Event:
My mother was driving me to pick up my paycheck. We'd just left my apartment on Schertz Parkway in Schertz, Texas and were heading west to I35. I was leaning my head on the passenger window when I noticed the reflection of something in the glass out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look right expecting to see some F-15's flying towards Randolph Air Force Base since it's one town over. Instead, I saw two, huge, hovering silvery things, for lack of a better word. They were oval in shape, grayish-silver, reflective but like a brushed nickel. No identifying marks, windows, or lights were on these craft.

I shouted at my mom to look. She turned and looked and said "What the hell is that?"

I begged her to pull over or turn around. At first, she didn't want to. Then she U-turned and we came back around to the same spot. I looked out the window over the cow fields (there are homes there now) on the corner of Schertz Parkway and Live Oak Road. Their was absolutely no sound coming from these things and they seemed to be hovering very low, not even perceptibly moving. The one on the left suddenly shot straight up and was gone in the blink of an eye. The one on the right, hovered off backwards away from us, slightly behind a treeline, then it too, shot straight up and was gone. It was incredible. I couldn't believe what I'd just seen in broad daylight, at noonish, no less. There were no clouds in the sky that day.

We never reported this to anyone because mom thought people would think we were crazy. I pointed out that we both saw it, not just one of us. The funny thing is, she swears we got out of the car and walked to the fenceline, but I don't remember ever getting out of the car. I would remember something like that since I have a physical handicap that required her help to get out of her low vehicle. That's the only discrepancy in both our stories. I lived far too close to where this occured, nearly across the street! I spent the next year scared every night when I went to bed.

I don't know if the air force base caught anything on radar, but I did notice increased air traffic over Schertz that afternoon. Perhaps they have a file. There were about two to three other vehicles driving by at the time. Maybe someone else reported a sighting, but we were the only ones to pull over and look.

WITNESSES INFORMATION:
======================
Witness Release Agreement: no
Total Number of Witnesses: 2
Location: Grouped
Agreement: All Witnesses Agree
Witness A - Name: Michele Gwynn
Witness A - Street Address: XXXXXXXXXXX
Witness A - City: Universal City
Witness A - County: Guadalupe
Witness A - State/Province: Texas
Witness A - Zip/Postal Code: 78148
Witness A - Country: UNITED STATES
Witness A - Anonymous: No
Witness A - Birth Date: 1968-XXXXXXX
Witness A - Gender: Female
Witness A - Occupation: Other
Witness A - Educational Level: College - AA
Witness A - Educational Degree: Fine Arts
Witness A - Vision: Excellent
Witness A - Colorblind: No
Witness A - Eyeglasses/Contacts: Yes
Witness A - Hearing: Excellent
Witness A - Uses Hearing Aid: No
Witness A - Health (During Sighting): Excellent
Witness A - Health (After Sighting): Excellent
Witness B - Name: Lynda xxxxx
Witness B - Street Address: XXXXXXXXXXX
Witness B - City: Schertz
Witness B - County: Guadalupe
Witness B - State/Province: Texas
Witness B - Zip/Postal Code: 78154
Witness B - Country: UNITED STATES
Witness B - Anonymous: Yes
Witness B - Birth Date: 1940-xxxxxx
Witness B - Gender: Female
Witness B - Occupation: None
Witness B - Educational Level: High School
Witness B - Educational Degree:
Witness B - Vision: Excellent
Witness B - Colorblind: No
Witness B - Eyeglasses/Contacts: No
Witness B - Hearing: Excellent
Witness B - Uses Hearing Aid: No
Witness B - Health (During Sighting): Excellent
Witness B - Health (After Sighting):
Witness C - Name:
Witness C - Street Address:
Witness C - City:
Witness C - County:
Witness C - State/Province:
Witness C - Zip/Postal Code:
Witness C - Country:
Witness C - Anonymous:
Witness C - Birth Date:
Witness C - Gender:
Witness C - Occupation:
Witness C - Educational Level:
Witness C - Educational Degree:
Witness C - Vision:
Witness C - Colorblind:
Witness C - Eyeglasses/Contacts:
Witness C - Hearing:
Witness C - Uses Hearing Aid:
Witness C - Health (During Sighting):
Witness C - Health (After Sighting):
Witness D - Name:
Witness D - Street Address:
Witness D - City:
Witness D - County:
Witness D - State/Province: Texas
Witness D - Zip/Postal Code:
Witness D - Country:
Witness D - Anonymous:
Witness D - Birth Date:
Witness D - Gender:
Witness D - Occupation:
Witness D - Educational Level:
Witness D - Educational Degree:
Witness D - Vision:
Witness D - Colorblind:
Witness D - Eyeglasses/Contacts:
Witness D - Hearing:
Witness D - Uses Hearing Aid:
Witness D - Health (During Sighting):
Witness D - Health (After Sighting):

Witness(es) - Education, profession, experience summary:
At the time of the sighting, witness A worked as an operator at Builder's Square, and witness B was a housewife. Since then, witness A has obtained an AA in Broadcast Technology, and has evolved from medical administration to columnist and freelance photo-journalist. Witness B is still a housewife.

ANOMALOUS LIGHTS OR OBJECTS INFORMATION:
========================================
Observed: Object(s)
Number Observed: 2
Viewed From: Outdoors,Car
Viewed Through: Glasses
Elevation - Degrees above horizon when nearest to witness: 90 Various
Lowest Altitude: Over 500 ft (no cloudcover)
Distance From Witness: 501 ft - 1 Mile
Flight: Hovering then path
Direction First Observed: N
Direction Last Observed: NE
Shape: Oval,Sphere
Surface: Reflective
Structural Features: None
Apparent Size: Larger
Actual Size: Unknown
Prominent Colors: Grey/Lead: Surface

Exterior Light Characteristics: None
Emission: None
Sound: None
Also in Area: Airplane after
Did the Object(s) or Light(s): Turn Abruptly,Reflect Light,Hover,Ascend,Appear Solid
Description:


ELECTRICAL-MAGNETIC EFFECTS INFORMATION:
========================================
Device Affected: Unknown
Type of Effect - Signal: None
Type of Effect - Lights: None
Type of Effect - Engine: None
Type of Effect - Auto: None
Type of Effect - Instrument: None
Type of Effect - Surroundings: None
Description:


ANIMAL REACTION INFORMATION:
============================
Species: Unknown
Reaction Type:
Description:


PSYCHOLOGICAL / PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS INFORMATION:
==================================================
Psychological: None: During Event
Elation/Love: During Event
Insomnia: After Event
Phobia: After Event

Physiological: None: During Event

Description:


LANDING INFORMATION:
====================
Observation:
Site / Material:
Soil/Vegetation Samples:
Description:


ENTITY INFORMATION:
===================
Type:
Height:
Apparel:
Apparel - Color:
Apparel - Features:
Description:


ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE INFORMATION:
================================
Photographic: None
Audio: None
Radar Track: Unknown
Description:

Have you met the angels?

Hi, all! Come on in, kick your shoes off, get comfortable, and have a listen to this live reading of chapter one of Camael's Gift narrated by ME!

Camael's Gift is the first book in the Angelic Hosts Series, a supernatural action/adventure and romance saga. In this series, you'll be introduced to the archangels, Camael, Michael, Zaphkiel, Cassiel, Gabriel, and Raphael. Traditional beliefs will also be challenged, but remember, it's fiction. So sit back and enjoy this introduction to Camael and Hannah Adams.

Download Books I & II, and Pre-Order Book III (Sophie's Wish) on Amazon.

Paranormal Author Jami Brumfield Narrates Rayne's Thunder Chapter

You've probably heard me talk a lot about my friend and fellow author, Jami Brumfield. Jami writes paranormal fiction with great style. She has strong female characters, well-defined male romantic interests, and plot twists that will make you breathless. Well, now she's gone and narrated the first chapter in Book I of her series, Dating a Werewolf -- Rayne's Thunder Part I, Master Chef.

Rayne and her siblings must find mates in the one year following their father's death. The catch is, the mate must be chosen from a list left for each by their controlling father. Ten potential mates for each of his three offspring. It begins with Rayne who, angry at being controlled by her father from beyond the grave, recognizes that if she fails, her brother could lose the alpha seat, and her family would lose everything. Who will she choose? Storm Carter, the egotistical enforcer wolf for her brother, River? The man sets her teeth on edge even if his nearness sets her body on fire. But there are nine more to choose from, and she's determined that one of them will be the one. As long as the one is not Storm Carter!  Check out the start to this epic series narrated by the author herself.  (Jami Brumfield on YouTube)

After you listen, you'll definitely want to check out the rest of the series. Visit Jami's Amazon Page Here.

From the Queen of Divine Erotica R.E. Hargrave

Now that the 2015 Golden Flogger Award Winners have been announced, I can move forward with offering all three novels of The Divine Trilogy as one complete installment! I'm super excited to be able to do this for the readers who have been with me from the beginning and the new ones who've yet to meet Master Jayden and his Irish lass, Catherine.

Enter a world where pleasure and pain are one . . .
when in the hands of a skilled Master.

Cover Designed by J.C. Clarke of The Graphics Shed
Release Date: August 2015Genre: BDSM Erotic Romance Length: Approximately 255k words / 754 pages Trade Paperback
Summary
An erotic read meant for adults, The Divine Trilogy is not your typical romance.  
When you first meet Catherine and Jayden they aren’t looking for love at all. Catherine O’Chancey is a young submissive whose second Dom turned out to be an abusive fake. This is the story of her subsequent recovery and reentry into the BDSM lifestyle with the help of a new Dominant, Jayden Masterson. Come with me, and I’ll take you on the journey alongside Catherine and Jayden while their bond grows and deepens. It’ll be sexy and intense, but never fear, you get to be there to see the tender side of her new Dom as he helps her through her past tragedies. 
The Divine Trilogy offers a different view of the BDSM world. 
One that will enlighten readers and show them that those who live this Lifestyle often do so because it is a deep-seated need within their psyche, something that can't be ignored. And that need is okay because, when practiced properly, BDSM is all about being Safe, Sane, and Consensual. Find within the pages a sampling of the different dynamics which can occur amongst kinksters. Everything from hardcore pain sluts to docile “littles” who want to be pampered and coddled, but the important thing to remember is that everyone has a place of acceptance, without judgement, in this Lifestyle.
Time and again reviewers have said they couldn’t put this book down . . . even when they don’t usually read this genre.
ADD it on GOODREADS

PRAISE FOR THE DIVINE TRILOGY
"Never has a trilogy made me feel like it has come full circle. As much as I didn't want the story to end, when it did, it left me feeling complete and not lacking for anything. It was hard to say goodbye to my new friends but their story will stay with me." ~ Goodreads Reviewer
"How do you put into words the love that has grown as we watched Jayden and Erin start out as broken souls and evolve into the people they become in this book Surreal? The author has proven that with the right person, love and acceptance, you can bloom into the person you were meant to be all along and soar to heights that not even you could dream possible." ~ Tbird, Beyond the Valley of the Books
"Overall this trilogy was amazing and is the perfect trilogy for fans of BDSM romance. The theme was well researched and RE Hargrave absolutely nailed it."~ Kirsty, Sarah and Kirsty's Book Reviews
"Brilliantly written, and with wonderful character development, The Divine Series is simply one of the best I’ve had the privilege of reading. Surreal, the last in the series, is the icing on this most delicious, most decadent of cakes. Not only are the scenes unique as well as sizzling, Hargrave gives us the right balance between heat and passion and an absorbing storyline, one never detracting from the other." ~ L.J. Harris, author of Just Like Pulling Teeth
BUY LINKS
THIS IS YOUR BEST DEAL!!!Separately, these books would total $11.97 on Kindle or $54.49 for all three paperbacks. By condensing them into one volume, I'm able to offer you the full Trilogy at a reduced price.
Amazon Kindle $9.99 Amazon Paperback $24.99 ~ Coming SoonCreatespace Paperback $24.99 Signed Paperback $35.00

Follow R.E. Hargrave on Facebook or Twitter Email her at rehargrave@gmail.com

A Day in the Life of an Author

If you've ever wondered what an author does during the day when most people are punching the clock, I'm here to enlighten. Well, this is what I did today, anyhow.

Generally a night owl (it's the best time for me to write since all is quiet), I had to force myself to go to bed early last night because my mother was scheduled for cataract surgery early in the morning. Of course. So I tried, and failed to get to sleep before 4:00 a.m.. Ugh!

After what can only be labeled a nap, I was up, showered, dressed, and ready to take mom to Doc Berry to get her 'eagle' eye. We arrived to find a few others waiting before her. Her scheduled surgical time was 9:55 a.m., but she didn't get in until around 10:40. I figured once they took her back, I'd go back out to my car where I could open the laptop and get some editing done (for the amazing paranormal author, Jami Brumfield).

Pre-Order with One Click!These types of surgeries really don't take very long, and I saw a few people come out and leave with their families. For a few moments, the waiting room emptied and I thought, oh good, I can just stay here and edit. Then a lady came out who was waiting for her mother, and she started talking.....on her Bluetooth. Honestly! Here's a great piece of etiquette advice....It is incredibly rude to be carrying on a rather loud conversation on the phone in a small waiting room. Take it outside. I think some people have forgotten that once upon a time (about 15-20 years ago), people got by without cell phones just fine. No one was checking their Facebook or Snapchat accounts to see what stranger said what on their timeline, and no one felt the need to over-share (kind of like I'm doing now, but in the comfort of my own home - not the waiting room) every single minute of their lives in a status update.

Well, she finally got off the phone. She then flipped open her laptop, probably with the same idea that I had -- thinking to get some work accomplished.

Then a gentleman came in who sat on the bench behind me - a connected bench. Poor thing sounded like he might die because he was having so much trouble breathing. Since he was sitting right behind me, it sounded like he was heavy-breathing in my ear. A big distraction to editing (a big distraction for anything, yes?), and so was the fact that he kept hitting the seat for some reason like that kid that is always behind your chair on a plane or in a movie theater. I managed to get through several pages, but saw the futility of devoting my entire attention to the project so I pulled out....Candy Crush!

Heavy breather finally reunited with his loved one (and her new Hawk-eye, bless her heart), and they left. It got quiet once again, and I knew my mom should be coming out soon. I met a nice lady who happened to be the same age as myself who was waiting for her mom. It really was 'Bring you mom to surgery' day. She was nice. Both of us grew up, and lived, the military dependent lifestyle, and while I enjoyed the cool, air-conditioned waiting room, she was freezing. I don't think I've ever seen anyone wear long sleeves in 100+ degree temperatures. Heck, I can't get any more naked, and no one wants or needs to see that so air condition is my best friend. You may have guessed that I truly love winter. I'm all about jeans, sweaters, and boots. Good stuff! I feel great when the temperature drops below 60 degrees. All my energy levels come up and I'm peppy. So just seeing her winter wardrobe on a hot summer day in hell..er..Texas made me want to break out into a sweat.

They returned her mom to her, and she left.

Finally, they brought my mom out. She had a big, white, padded patch over her eye. I told her she looked like she got shanked in prison....or signed on to become a pirate! Yeah, always a good time with me. Mom did great and wasn't even woozy. Tough broad, my mom! I picked us up some lunch, and we came back home where food was gobbled, and beds were calling.....(Naps were had by all!)

Mom has to sleep propped up for the next week, but she's doing really well. She feels good, and tomorrow morning (Dangit, what's with these appointments before a chicken even cracks an eye? Grumble, grumble...7:45 a.m. I kid you not!)....well, tomorrow morning is the 'reveal'. Doc Berry will take off her patch, and I'm sure I'll be hearing her holler..."It's a miracle! I can see! I can see!" (She's a real character, too. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.)

We'll be going through this again in about 4 weeks for the other eye. At least then, I'll know what to expect, and will go ahead and wait in the car...with air conditioning...where I can write/edit without heavy breathing in my ear or watching the assembly line of the People of the Patch walking out the exit door. I have to say, though. I'm psyched that mom will have eagle vision, and we can plan a trip to Europe now....because she'll be able to see all the beautiful sights.

#lovemymom #peopleofthepatch #cataractsurgery #humor #blogging #amwriting #amediting

A Final Conclusion! Sneak Peek at Census by Michele E. Gwynn

First came Harvest, a short story inspired by a true event that happened to Michele E. Gwynn in 1995, and finally reported to MUFON in 2011(described in the introduction of book one). A small town in Oklahoma is invaded overnight by beings not of this world, and they have a message for us all - CHANGE! And they mean it! Nearly every resident disappears leaving behind a bloody stain, a horrific shadow of their humanity. Feeling like the lone survivor to the apocalypse, Dave Forrester must solve the mystery, and fight to save the ones he loves.



Next, Celluloss - a more than fifty year old government secret is out, and it's ANGRY! A military experiment gone wrong and covered up comes back to exact its revenge on the sleepy suburb of Schertz, Texas, a small city voted by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 40 places to retire. A city-wide Wellness Program that keeps its citizens healthy might not be exactly what it seems. Everyone who takes the annual free vaccination is lean and healthy, and never gets sick, but the serum is changing them...


DOWNLOAD THE FIRST TWO BOOKS HERE!

COMING IN OCTOBER

Finally, Census - The story continues in the next town over. Marion, Texas, population 3,700, is so small, if you blink driving through, you'll miss it. One area business owner is awarded 'Tastiest Meats in Town' by the Chamber of Commerce. John Hester's family-owned meat market is a staple in the region. Respected by the locals, he is above reproach. When he befriends new resident, retired 9/11 firefighter, Jack Callaghan, things get weird. Stranger still are the disappearing residents, unsolved cold cases Callaghan discovers as he and his wife try to settle in. When they begin receiving veiled threats from the Reverend Harcourt Cane warning them to leave, Jack must find a way to protect himself and his wife, and help the FBI solve the mystery of the fifty-years of Census that never budges...

In Memory of a Beautiful Soul, Designer Kevin James

I had the amazing opportunity of meeting a beautiful soul. Those are rare individuals who shine so brightly from inside out, that you feel their heart, experience their joy, and immediately welcome them as a friend. That was my experience when I got to interview Hollywood designer, Kevin James. One only has to take a gander at his smile to see his spirit. In our interview, we had to pause and acknowledge that we both felt like we had just met up with an old friend, one we hadn't seen in a while, and maybe that was true. Maybe, in another lifetime, we knew each other, loved each other as friends do, and that was why it felt so comfortable. Sadly, on July 19th, the wonderful Kevin James, who touched so many people's lives with his amazing heart, passed away after a prolonged illness. I originally published this fun interview on Yahoo Voices, but Yahoo ended that that publication stream so I am preserving what I will always remember and a great conversation with an old friend here on my website. I imagine Mr James is now designing couture for all the heavenly bodies while making new friends, and reuniting with old ones. You are missed, Kevin James. Rest in Peace.

Kevin James Fashion defined by passion, not materialism
True artists are people who do what they do out of love.  They are driven by passion, inspired by life, and they give their art to the world without thought of monetary gain.  It's about creating something from nothing and sharing that creation with others.  The reward is the creation.  The reward is seeing how that creation affects others in a positive manner.  If material success comes with this passion for creation, then so be it, but for a true artist, that gain is secondary.  Such an artist is California fashion designer Kevin James.

Out of his north Hollywood home, Kevin James conceives and then creates amazing fashion.  He started out in life the son of a lower middle class family in Connecticut.  Long winter days led to a lot of drawing, much of it from his mother's fashion magazines.  He and his brother, Kenny, developed their artistic talents this way.  Kenny went on to become a singer/entertainer, and Kevin designed his clothes.

Kenny's success winning Star Search in 1986, the Gong Show, and appearances on the Redd Foxx Variety Show to name a few all contributed to Kevin being in the right circle of celebrities at the right time.  Word of mouth brought clients and Kevin James began designing for stars like Bette Midler, Randy Jackson of Jackson Five fame, creating fashion for the backup dancers on the Katy Perry tour and his dream gig, designing clothes for the backup dancers and singers on the Michael Jackson This Is It tour that never was after the untimely death of MJ.

All images in collage courtesy of Kevin James including KJF logo.

Although he has rubbed elbows with Ice-T, his wife, Coco, and Public Enemy's own Flava Flave, Kevin James remains grounded, spiritual, and humble.

Any opportunity to give back, he is on it.  On November 9th, he designed an entire line outside his usual ready-to-wear items for Concert 4A Cause to benefit the Miller Children's Hospital for children with cancer.  The line, which he calls Fantasy, are creations specifically made for the red carpet or premier club events.  Whatever couture flies off his sewing machine, the point of it all, he states, is that it "makes you feel the way you want to feel, not the way you think people think you should feel, but makes you find something in yourself where you're really happy within your own skin."

Image courtesy of Photographer: Steven Harvey/makeaperfectimage.com One thing Kevin James really wants to do is organize a runway show for the homeless. “I want to do a fashion show, and I want to use all homeless women from a shelter.  A high-end fashion show using all homeless women, and even men, and give them a real day, and give them all the outfits – something that they could use, you know, a homeless woman doesn’t need a beaded gown, but she could probably use a nice outfit to go on job interviews or wear every day.  That’s what I’m talking about – fashion – doing something with it.”
His philosophy is to "be there for people", and to never judge anyone because you can't know what people are going through until you've walked in their shoes.  
Currently, James is redesigning his website for e-Commerce so that everyone can access and own Kevin James fashions.  Meanwhile he'll continue to be inspired by everyday people, and says he "thanks God for every day."
Read my entire interview with Kevin James on Yahoo Voices.  Keep up with Kevin on Facebook at  facebook.com/KevinJamesFashion.

The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss Making a Splash

Thank you, ReadFreely! Book II in the Kriminal Erotic Series, The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss , listed in the newsletter, TOP 50 BOOKS TO READ FOR 2015! Sweet.

Have you read it yet? Click the link below and crab a copy. It's on sale through the 7th of August for only $0.99! You can't beat that. Kriminal Erotic is your next favorite crime series.