Rae Gee's Blog, page 26

Looking Into The Future...

For those who are planning on coming to the book launch, here's a sneak peak of the acts who will be joining us in 2 weeks time.

The Cogkneys

Count Rostov

The Dark Design
The Dark Design
Should you wish to join us (and you're more welcome to!), please feel free to email me at rae (at) glasscompletelyempty.co.uk You will be made very welcome and we would love to see you!

And The Journey Begins...

Brighton Beach 2010 (Photo by Rae Gee)

Yesterday "Mars on the Rise" finally hit the (electronic, for the moment) bookshelves. It was quite strange seeing it, and the effect has yet to wear off. It's odd to sit here with Amazon's page open and see my name and book for sale on the World Wide Web.

It's been a long journey for me, from stopping writing back in the early 2000's due to drug addiction, to finally picking it up again in 2007. Those years of not writing were some of the hardest of my life. Yet no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get brain and hands to co-operate. Thankfully, through letters to friends, and, later on, writing websites, I was finally able to begin again. I didn't want to waste any time and, in early 2009 while sitting on a train at Crewe station, I began "Mars on the Rise". It was inspired by something a friend of mine had said shortly before I boarded the train. Curled up at a table seat (a luxury for those who know Virgin Trains), I jotted down what is now the prologue. It was supposed to remain at that, a short piece for my friend to illustrate. But, a few days later, I had a bit of a "Eureka!" moment while sitting on Brighton beach and, well, they rest, they say, is history.

What I didn't know at the time was that it would become popular among my friends, passed around via emails and my blog. To be truthful, it was the one thing that kept me writing. Without the comments, emails and gentle (sometimes not so gentle!) prodding, "Mars on the Rise" would have gone the same way as some other pieces and lingered in half-written hell.

Now I'm working on editing Book 2 and Book 3 is about 25,000 words so far. I'm sure that, somewhere behind me, my friends have got the prodding sticks out! Better get back to work!!

Mars on the Rise is now available from Torquere Press

Mars on the Rise

Tomorrow will see the end of a long journey. My first novel (and the first in the Veetu Industries series) will finally hit bookshelves and e-readers around the globe.

How do I feel?

Strange. It's a bit like being in a dream, a bit like watching myself from the outside. It's a dream I never thought I'd see come true.

It's odd.

But it's very, very real.

I'm ready for what comes next. Ready to put in the work, talk to people and knock on doors. Ready to tidy up the next books and get them on their way as well.

And ready to thank my wonderful family and friends who've helped me along the way. Without them, it wouldn't have gotten this far.

If you've just joining us, please feel free to settle in. Random ramblings appear here from time to time. Please feel free to come and join us over on Facebook, where you'll be offered a cup of tea and be made very welcome.

Veetu Industries on Facebook

"Mars on the Rise" is released by Torquere Press on April 25th 2012.

An Open Letter To David Ellefson

“One Life – No Fear – Live For Today.” - JC (Blue Juice)
Dear David,
Today was one of those days. I wanted to watch something I haven't seen before so I logged onto my streaming service and selected Eric Steel's “The Bridge”. Every day I work around death, yet it was the film that got me thinking. While it's an awful film to use to begin this letter it shows that life is so fragile, here one moment and gone the next. We don't live forever. One day we'll pass from this life to the next and there's things I want to say before that happens to any of us. There may be no chance you'll ever see this but I wanted to write it anyway. No regrets and all of that.
One of the things I hope for is that there are people not in your immediate circle who tell you how much of an inspiration you are. I hope that there are people who stop you and thank you for something you've said or done (and not just the music. Which is awesome!). There are a lot of haters out there and, every day, I see them taking shots at you for who you are and what you're doing. Yet you don't give up. You don't remain silent. You speak and you encourage others. To stand on the world's stage and speak about your faith takes so much courage. People don't want to hear it yet, because of it, you're touching lives, showing them that there's more to this life than the 9 to 5 grind.
Over the past years, you've inspired me. Your own tale of drug addiction has helped me. It's nice to know that we're not alone, that there are others out there who are just like us. People who've battled with the demons that live within some of us. The battle is tough and long but you've proved that it can be done.
But what touches me the most is that you stepped away from all that is expected of you, all that the music scene thinks you should be, and opened a church. The way you go about it is so loving, so peaceful and embodies everything that Christ taught. It's the fact that you welcome everyone and haven't hidden yourself away which is most amazing. You truly do embody the love that this world needs right now. Love, peace and hope; never have we so desperately needed it and you have shown that it can be done. Never has the world needed what you are offering more than it does now. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for welcoming them in.
The work you're doing is amazing. Never let anyone else tell you otherwise. Don't listen to the negative comments. When the going gets tough, never forget that there are people out here who love you and all that you're doing. Keep going, keep spreading the love and hope because God has blessed you to do this.
Peace, love and blessings to you,Rachael, UKFilm-maker/Author/Photographer/Music Fan

Damnnnnn...

It's been a month since I updated this bad boy. Suppose I'd better say something before they close me down and take away from blogging license.

Hopefully, touch wood, and all of that, the book will be with us on April 25th. The big edits on it arrived about a month ago and I turned it in a week later. My brain has literally only just recovered. For the last couple of weeks it's felt like jelly. Not pleasant at all. Which is why, if you've emailed me, sent snail mail, texted, whatever, I've just looked at it and slid into a puddle of goo. But it's getting better so hopefully all systems will soon be returning to normal. I do appreciate all your patience!

There's still tickets for the book launch so if you want any, just drop me a line. rae (at) glasscompletelyempty.co.uk

I'll keep this short. Really need to get into the habit of actually blogging about useful stuff... Love you loads!

Quiz Answers!

At the beginning of January, a quiz was posted on this very blog. If you'd like another go at it, you can find it here: Veetu Industries New Year Quiz

However, if you were curious of the answers, scroll down...






~~~ Quiz Answers Below ~~~









~~~ Nearly There! ~~~









~~~ Once More, With Feeling! ~~~








Here you go...
AnkleChristmas crackerGeorge ElliotPhotography1837Down At The Old Bull and BushMetropolitan RailwayAdhesive postal stampGilbert and Sullivan

Dear Dave, Let's Sort It Over A Good Cup Of Tea

Following last night's post An Open Letter to Dave Mustaine (thanks for the support, guys! It means a lot to me!), I wanted to write a bit of a follow up.

You see, I was raised in Christian household and my parents brought me up to love and respect my fellow man. They taught me about a God who loves and accepts everyone. About a God who took all the sinners under his wing. Surely this is a God who would want us to all be happy? Surely he doesn't care if you're black, white, pink, green or rainbow coloured? Surely he doesn't care who you're with as long as you're happy and putting good into the world?

Are my parents any less Christian because they taught me about love, peace and tolerance? Are they any less Christian for having friends who are gay?

Yes, the Bible teaches that homosexuality is wrong but it also teaches that you shouldn't have bowl haircuts (Leviticus 19:27: "You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads."); that fortune telling is wrong (Leviticus 19:31: "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them."); that tattoos are a no-no ( Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.") and that those polyester trousers you think make you look like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever are against God's plan for the world (Leviticus 19:19: "You are to keep My statutes. You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together.")

So, you see, the world's changed. Those passages are seen as insignificant in this day and age. So why is there still the hate? Surely Christians are supposed to be loving and caring, welcoming all into their world? Surely they should be drawing these people closer and showing them that yes, someone loves them even when they've been abandoned by their family, friends and, more often than not, society?

You see pictures of Jesus and what do you see? You see someone who's loving and caring. Not someone who's smiting a person just because they love their own sex and, goodness forbid, would like the same rights as everyone else! I'm sure that God would want everyone to have the same rights. Women, children, transsexuals etc. I'm sure he'd want everyone to be happy and feel safe, knowing that if something went wrong their (same sex) loved one would have the same rights as every other couple. I'm sure he'd want someone who was undergoing a sex change to feel safe walking through town at night, to not fear either the residents nor the police. I'm sure he wouldn't want people to have to flee their countries because they were under the threat of death just being a little different.

There's enough hate in this world without people sending out more hate to people who are already under enough stress as it is. And I do wonder how the people who spread this hate would feel if they were a practicing Christian in a country that bans Christianity? Oh yeah, it's still happening. There are places where you can be executed for being Christian, places where your opinions on gay marriage, or transsexuals, or the poor would be insignificant when you're wondering if you'll survive the day. I wonder how they'd feel then.

I'm thankful that I have a family who teaches peace, love and tolerance. A family who'd told me that they couldn't care less about who I date, just as long as I love them. A family who support and love others no matter what their faith, race, sexuality or gender. Surely they are the true definition of what a Christian person should be?

Much love, peace and hope to you all,
The tattooed, denim-mix wearing caffeinate novelist who occasionally looks like her hair has been styled into a bowl cut.  

An Open Letter to Dave Mustaine

~ Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, and, as Dave is entitled to his, so I'm entitled to mine. What I've read has touched me and I wanted to write something about it.~

A lie can be halfway round the world before the truth has got its boots on.
James Callaghan

 
Sources listed at bottom of page.


Dear Dave Mustaine,

I respect that you have a right to an opinion. I also respect that you've always been outspoken and, in the past, you've come out with some real pearls of wisdom.

However, lately you've been taking it too far. Not only have you made homophobic comments, you've also made transphobic comments. As a celebrity and someone people look up to, you're pretty much advocating the abuse of people who don't fall into line with your view of the world. LGBT people are already marginalised. They're already abused and murdered because of who they are. They don't need someone who's supposedly anti-establishment adding fuel to the fire. They don't need impressionable people listening to what you say and thinking it's okay to go and beat up someone because they're gay or because they're going through the horrors of a sex change. Have you even researched what it's like to be a transgender person? They're not cross-dressers, Dave. It's far, far deeper and more complicated than that. Have you thought about sitting down with these people and actually finding out what makes them tick?

How would you feel if it were one of your own kids? How would you feel if one of your kids was a little different to everyone else and someone came out with the comments you've been voicing recently? I'm sure that you would feel your blood running hot and, as someone who is, more often than not, outspoken, I'm sure you'd say something.

How do you think the people you're talking about feel? Do you care that you've probably marginalised some of your fan base?

I know what you've said isn't as bad as what others have said. But you have to look at it this way; you're someone of power. People take what you say seriously. Your words reach millions of people. And, in this day and age of the internet, they spread far faster than even you can imagine. See the James Callaghan quote at the top of this page. Once it's out there, it's very difficult to retract, especially in our age of lightening fast communication.

I'm not going to lie, Dave. Ignoring what you've said and done in the past, you've been an inspiration on how to drag yourself from the gutter and to the stars. You've created some of the greatest metal of my generation. But you also have the power to impress young minds. What would you prefer to impress them with; the power to create great music, or the power to create more hate in a world that already has enough of it?

Take care and may peace, love and hope be with you.


SOURCES:

I’m almost positive they’re trying to have the opposite effect.It’s not just in the schools. There are a lot of people being persecuted for what they believe in. There was that girl who was fired from a Macy’s in Texas because she didn’t let some cross-dressing dude into the woman’s dressing room. Come on! Are you out of your mind, Macy’s?
I think she was transgender, not a cross-dresser.
That’s not my point.
There’s a pretty big difference. And if we want to talk about persecution …
All I know is, if my wife walked in there and some transgender dude in a dress walked out, I would beat his ass.
Her ass.
What?
You mean her ass.
The dude in the dress?
http://read.mtvhive.com/2011/12/19/dave-mustaine-interview/

When asked if he supports gay marriage, Mustaine said, "Well, since I'm not gay, the answer to that would be no." Dave was then questioned if he would support legislation to make marriage between a man and another man legal. He replied, "I'm Christian. The answer to that would be no."
http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=169975

Follow up to this post here: Dear Dave, Let's Sort It Over A Good Cup Of Tea

Month of Letters

February become the month of letters. A great little project which encourages us not just to slow down and enjoy the company of others but utilise the often unappreciated postal system.

I'm already a huge letter writer. I love sending and receiving things through the post so I thought I'd try and keep a log of everything I send in February. You're more than welcome to join in (even though I know we're a few days into February. But who's counting? It's the thought that counts. :) ). You can find the information at:

Month of Letters

Feel free to keep a record of what you send and post it up. Let's make the world a better place, one letter at a time!

February 2012

1st - Letter to a friend in America
2nd - Letter to a friend in the UK
3rd - Card to my sister in London
4th - Package of goodies to a friend in Greece
5th and 6th - Package to a friend in the UK and a letter to a friend in Ireland
7th - Letter to a friend in Australia
8th - Card to a friend in the UK
9th -
10th -
11th -
12th -
13th -
14th -
15th -
16th -
17th -
18th -
19th -
20th -
21st -
22nd -
23rd -
24th -
25th -
26th -
27th -
28th -
29th -

Friendship House; Members Only - NSFW!!

Night clasped the city in her grasp, casting out her demonic mist to further hamper the paths of any travellers. The light of hissing gas lamps cast strange, ethereal orbs in the fog and the sounds of the city were dulled almost to nothing.

Cursing quietly, Billy stumbled over the uneven cobbles of the Darker Quarter, regaining his balance before bones connected with the unforgiving road. In its usual disarray, it was the area the local government had chosen to forget about, instead letting fall into ruin. Not even the City Guard dared to walk its paths, choosing instead to let the local inhabitants deal with any disputes.
Muttering to himself, Cedo could only just make out the shadow of his mate ambling through the misty streets. His fingers grazed a wall, trailing through grime and moss. It almost felt as if it were alive, waiting to slither to life and pull him to his doom.
“Billy!” His voice were muffled by the mist. “Just where in Inferno are you taking me?”
Through the wisps of fog, Billy chuckled, a low and husky sound. “You'll see when we get there. Trust me, you're goin' to love it.”
“Well, how much farther do we have to walk?”
“Not far. Just keep your 'and on the wall an', when you feel an iron 'and twistin' out of it, we're there.”
Shaking his head, Cedo did as he was told, fingers trailing over the slick, mossy bricks. Unlike Billy, he was not accustomed to the Darker Quarter and never felt completely safe. Nothing had ever happened to him, but it was only a matter of time before someone, or something, stole him away. He could almost feel the eyes of his Master boring into him from the roofs above, the demon of death come to claim him once more.
“Nearly there...” Billy's voice tumbled off the brickwork.
Placing his hand flat to the wall, Cedo felt the cool ironwork, dampened by the mist. His fingers slid over a strong wrist and to a clasped hand. It held something in its metallic grip. Peering through the murk, Cedo read the words of the plaque that dangled from its fingers.
Welcome to Friendship House.Members Only.
He arched an eyebrow and glanced to the cloud of fog that wrapped around him. From it, Billy emerged, his face lit by the gas lamp that swung above the door of the tall house. A grin was etched into his face, his eyes darkened by shadows.
“What is this place?”
Billy did not say a word, just took his hand and lead him up the steps.
The door swung inwards as his mate knocked and they stepped into an unlit hallway. A cloaked figure, the hood pulled up over their head, swept towards them, a lamp gracefully held before them. Cedo felt his skin prickle at the unusual atmosphere. Despite its size, the house was strangely quiet. Yet there was a warmth to it that he could not identify.
The figure swung the hood from their head, revealing a tall, ghostly looking woman. Her face was pale, her lips painted a deep red. One corner of her mouth twitched upwards.
“Mr Burton,” her voice was soft and lilting. “It is a long time since you last graced my house with your presence. May I inquire as to your absence.”
“I've been away, fightin' the Dynastians. Took me a while to get back.”
“Ah.” She gave a small nod. “I have heard that they are coming to our shores. And whom, may I ask, is your friend?”
Billy's hand curled around his wrist, drawing him closer. He could not take his eyes from the woman. She was captivating in a strange way, unlike any he had previously met.
“This is Cedo. Nicked 'im for the night from 'is Master. Boy needs to get out more.”
She stepped to one side and gestured towards a closed door. “Well, you know your way around Mr Burton. You enjoy your evening.”
Strong fingers slid from his wrist and to his hand. In the low light, Billy smiled at him before leaning in, lips brushing his ear.
“You'll be fine. Just follow me.”
The hallway was narrow and claustrophobic and Cedo was when they stepped through the door.
Beyond it was a darkened room, a few candles dangling from a chandelier in the high ceiling. As his eyes adjusted, Cedo noticed that the room was devoid of furniture. Instead, it was filled with overstuffed cushions, upon which several couples embraced. A chill ran through him as he watched them writhe, limbs tangled together. Yet none of them turned to see who had stepped through the door, in the same way that they were only interested in their partner.
Grabbing his wrist, Billy gently guided him to a corner, settling them both on the cushions. Cedo could feel his heart racing, thundering against his chest.
Leaning into Billy, he whispered, “What is this place?”
A hand stroked over his hair, twisting it around fingers before tucking it behind his ear. “This is the friendship house,” he softly replied. “Just relax, okay? All will be revealed.”
Gazing into a face he could not read, Cedo allowed himself to be pulled upright. One arm wrapped tightly around his waist while the other brushed hair from his eyes. Trembling beneath the touches, he arched his back and strained to press his lips to Billy's. Softly he sighed as they kissed, lips barely touching, tips of tongues gently exploring. Jolts of pleasure coursed through him, thingling over his skin and lighting passionate fires. Never had he craved the touch of another so much. Never had he wanted them to teach him as much as he did Billy.
The dark room melted away, leaving them to wrap themselves in each other, the cloying scent of incense mixing with the heavy scent of what was to come. Still locked in the passionate embrace, they stretched over the cushions, letting the deep ravines hide them from all who wanted to pry into their private world. Their kisses became eager, lips chapping, each gasping and sighing. Limbs wound around one another, tugging on hair and sliding over the slender lines of their bodies.
Pulling away, Billy relieved himself of his coat and, in the dim light, Cedo could make out the lust that lay over his face. His mate had became serene, movements slow and flowing as he encouraged Cedo from his patched and aging frock coat. Tossing it to one side, Cedo returned to the warmth of the cushions, his clothes becoming a burden. They clung to him with a film of sweat, the heavy wishbone necklace weighing him down. Now he was enslaved to another, eager to please the whims of both his Master and Billy.
Gently his head was tilted and warm lips gently suckled his flesh, fingers creeping over his chest. Sighing, Cedo dropped his hand to Billy's head, stroking over thick waves of hair. Teeth nipped at his throat, marking and bruising him, but he did not care. Billy could mark him all he wanted. His only regret was that, come sunrise, the bruises would barely be visible. Just as Erus had placed the necklace upon him, Cedo longed for a more permanent symbol of Billy's affection.
In the darkness, Billy began to pick at his shirt, carefully undoing the buttons before exposing his chest. Taking deep, ragged breaths, Cedo could only watch as his mate moved lower, lips and tongue tracing the lines of his body. Hair settled over his skin, tongue lapping at his collarbone. Stifling a groan, Cedo arched his back as a nipple was sucked into the warm, welcoming mouth. A hot lust screamed through him and he grasped at Billy, tugging his head up. Baring his teeth, Cedo growled. Billy just chuckled and shook his head.
Lying over Cedo, he kissed the marks on his throat. “Calm down. This ain't a race, you know. Just lie back an' enjoy.”
The rough fabric of his trousers only goaded his arousal, his cock painfully hard. Groaning softly, he allowed Billy to continue his gentle kisses, his flesh tingling beneath his lover's lips. Finally, just as he thought the torture would carry on all night, Billy shifted and lay back beside him, arms pulling Cedo back to him. Wrapping a leg around Billy's waist, he hungrily kissed him, gasping and mewling as he rubbed himself against his mate. In the same way that Billy had, Cedo pushed him back until he was sprawled over the cushions, hair a stark white against the darkness. His lips were parted, eyes staring up at Cedo and he lifted his hands to stroke along his jaw. Closing his eyes, Cedo leaned into the touch, feeling the roughly calloused fingertips scratching at his skin.
“Kiss me,” Billy hissed. “Kiss me like you mean it.”
Cedo felt himself smile and lowered his head to nip at Billy's throat. Beneath his lips, the supple flesh was sheened with a light film of salty sweat. Hungrily he lapped at it, swallowing and savouring the taste of his friend.
Wrapping his tongue around the shell of Billy's ear, he whispered, “I always kiss you like I mean it. Never have I not meant it.”
Trailing his tongue along the strong jaw, he pressed his lips back to Billy's. Beneath him, his mate groaned, hands coming up to hold his head just as Cedo had held his. Straddling his lover's hips, he swayed, drunk on the excitement that coursed through him. Leaning forward, he pressed their still clothed erections together, snarling as Billy bucked beneath him. It was an agony of the greatest kind and, as slow as the coming of winter, he peeled away the thin material of Billy's shirt. With his mouth watering, Cedo attacked the expanse of golden skin, lips and tongue sucking and licking, taking in the swell of muscle and the dip of his stomach. Touching the tip of his tongue to a budded nipples, he gently pulled it into his mouth, sucking as he listened to Billy groan. Teasing Billy's trousers down to his hips, Cedo glanced up to him, his tongue tracing the line of his pelvis.
Above him, Billy was sprawled over the makeshift bed, head back and hands bunched into the satiny fabric. He groaned as Cedo nipped at his flesh, a hand unwinding and guiding him back to lie beside him. One hand cradled the back of his head, forcing Cedo to look into his shadowy eyes. A howl ripped from his throat as the other was pushed into his trousers, fingers wrapping around his cock. For a moment, they just held him, tightening and loosening before slowly, teasingly beginning to stroke.
Carefully he followed, shivering as he wrapped his own fingers around Billy's thick shaft. They stared at each other, hands mercilessly teasing the other, saliva slicked skin sliding together. The pace picked up and slowed down, breath coming in shaking pants as they rocked their hips into the others hand. A rough thumb slid over the head of his cock, smearing warm fluid along his shaft, making Cedo nearly cry. The pleasure was building to a painful level, the need for release threatening to choke him. But each time he felt he would come, Billy cruelly stopped, kissing him as his hand hung limp around Cedo's cock.
Mirroring his lover's movements, he watched as Billy changed, face contorted before relaxing only to spasm a moment later as he slowly began to stroke. Sweeping his thumb over the slick head, he felt Billy buck into his hand, murmuring a quiet plea for release.
Resting his head in the crook of his lover's neck, Cedo whispered, “I shall give you release if you give me the same.”
Beneath his forehead, Cedo felt him nod. Pausing for what felt like an age, he gently began to stroke, Billy's cock throbbing against his fingers. Cedo could feel his own doing the same, Billy's fingers ghosting over veins and warm flesh. Doing his best not to make a noise, he buried his face in Billy's shoulder, quietly muttering and pleading.
It came in a flash, his body shaking and the sticky warm soaking his stomach, just as Billy came in his hand. They lay, hands still wrapped around the other, their hips bucking as they spent themselves. Billy's lips were pressed to his hair, muttering quiet words of thanks.
Regretfully he drew his hand from Billy's clothing, looking at the pearlescent semen that coated his fingers. Grinning, he wriggled from Billy's grip and sat on his stomach, winding his tongue around his fingers. Deftly Cedo cleaned them, delighting in the taste of his lover. Once he was finished, Billy offered him his own soaked hand, letting Cedo taste himself.
When he was done, Billy laid his hands at Cedo's waist and pulled him down. “There are more rooms. You want to go an' sample another?”
In the candlelight, Cedo saw him wink. Glancing over his shoulder, Cedo saw another closed door and smirk twisted his lips. Sliding from Billy's lap, he swept up his coat and walked towards it.
~~~

Cedo and Billy feature in the Veetu Industries series. Book 1, Mars On The Rise, will be available Spring 2012 from Torquere Press. The UK launch of the book is happening on May 12th, in Coalville. For more information, please visit Veetu Industries on Facebook