Mia Kerick's Blog, page 12
April 28, 2014
MIA KERICK’s INTERVIEW with LANCE SEPULVEDA, MC of Children of the Knight and COMMENTS on the series
(sitting in the rented grey Chevy Malibu, parked on the street perpendicular to Eucalyptus Park, palms sweating slightly while clutching the steering wheel)
Mia: (says aloud to self) I never get nervous before a character interview… maybe it’s just that I’m across the country from home. And I’m waiting here alone—in a neighborhood I don’t know—for a boy I’ve never met. Yeah…that’s got to be it. At least I have his picture, so I know who I’m looking for.
Mia: (pulling phone from pocket of jeans, finds text message in three separate long sections sent around dinner time from Lance Sepulveda, the boy to be interviewed) I’ll just brush up on Lance’s story. That should make this whole process a bit easier.
Hi, Lady Mia. Here’s my sorry-ass story:
I’m Lance Sepulveda. Least that’s what they called me in Children’s Services when I was a baby. On the streets today they call me “Pretty Boy” ’cuz I’m Mexican with long-ass hair and wicked green eyes. Basically, my life sucks and it’s always sucked. Never met my dad – that jerk split before I’s born. My mom, well let’s not even go there. I grew up in foster homes or the streets my whole life. How I made it to fourteen I’ll never know. Especially after . . . well, after what happened. Anyway, I don’t trust no one. I got no friends and I don’t want none, either.
School sucks big time. Not that I’m not smart – I’m hella smart. All my teachers said so since first grade. It’s just that everybody gots to do the same thing and the stupid schools act like everybody wants to go to college. Hell, everybody don’t wanna go to college and everybody don’t need it, either. What if a kid wants to be a mechanic or something? There aren’t no classes like that. I figured out long ago that the system isn’t about us kids, it’s just about the grownups and what they want and what they can get for themselves. I got one cool teacher at Mark Twain High named Ms. McMullen. She’s real pretty and seems like somebody I could trust if I needed to. But then, I don’t usually need to ’cuz I run my own, and I miss a lot of school, anyway.
Why? Cuz I skate. That’s what I do. That’s who I am. Right now I’m on the run from Children’s Services ’cuz I’m sick and tired of people using me or . . . , well, doing worse stuff, too. Much worse. That’s another system s’posed to be for kids and it’s the grownups who get everything out of it. Us kids don’t get jack! In fact, the whole city, no the whole country, is all about what grownups want and not what kids need. That’s why everything’s so messed up. So me, I just skate. I’m the best street skater around, and I’m goin’ to the X-Games one day and I’m gonna win a gold medal. Hell, a bunch ’a gold medals! At least, those were my plans. Until I met Arthur.
When I first met him, it was like, the baddest thing I ever seen. Here was this crazy knight on a horse. A horse! In ghetto Lennox! And an armored-up dude carrying the biggest-ass sword I ever saw! That caught my eye for sure. Like I said, I don’t trust no one, and didn’t trust him at first, neither. But something about the guy made me listen to his crazy-ass ideas. And yeah, they were the craziest I ever heard in my sorry life, but the most exciting, too. Something about a crusade, a children’s crusade, here in Los Angeles, a crusade to help all the throwaway kids like me. Hell, my so-called life wasn’t going nowhere at the moment anyway, so I figured, why not? Might be fun. So I joined up. And man, did everything change after that, and now I know sure that nothing will ever be the same.
Mia: (gets out of car) Well, that is really quite the bio…and he’s only fourteen years old.
Mia: (crosses street and walks to back side of skate park) This is where I’m supposed to meet him. But it’s ten at night and dark and…well, shoot, I’m talking aloud to myself again. If he hears, he’s going to wonder about me.)
Mia: (walks right up to fence and places hands on bars, looks in at what resembles an empty shallow swimming pool, by the light of the stars… watches the only boy, clad in a white tunic with long dark hair flying behind him in the breeze, skate around the empty park)
Mia: Uhh!! (gasps as the boy kicks and powers his board up a fairly steep ramp and sails into the air like a bird)
Mia: Oh, jeez! Please be careful!! (actually shouts this as he flies through mid-air)
Oh…um, hello. (sees she has caught his attention, watches as he lands clean and screeches to a stop, glancing in her direction warily)
Mia: “Um…Hi, there, Lance. I’m Mia Kerick…you know, the author friend of Helen’s. We texted each other earlier today? (points to her phone)
Lance: (walks slowly toward the fence, still extremely wary) Hello, ma’am.
Mia: I watched you on your skateboard for a while. You’re pretty awesome.
Lance: (his voice tinged with pride) Thank you, Lady Mia.
Mia: So, where would you feel comfortable talking? (very concerned that Lance might just bolt away into the night)
Lance: (pointing through the fence at a swing set nearby) Over there.
Mia: (wondering if this entire interview is going to be like pulling teeth, wipes moist palms on jeans) Sounds perfect.
Lance: (sticks skateboard though fence, then steps back and easily scales the high fence, dropping to his feet with the agility of a cat)
Mia: Well, I must say, I’m once again quite impressed. (is tempted to pick up Lance’s skateboard from the ground, but suspecting it would not be appreciated)
Lance: (grabs board and steps in front of her, but not so that his back is ever completely presented) This way.
Mia: (stays a few feet to his side, as Lance refuses to allow her any closer)
Thanks for agreeing to meet me here tonight, Lance. (breathing heavily, trying to keep up)
Lance: (stopping in front of a swing set and nodding toward the middle seat) You can sit here, Lady Mia. (steps over to swing to the right—on the edge, Mia suspects so he could make an easy getaway, if need be) I’ll sit here.
Mia: (glancing over at Lance, who is sitting still on the swing, one hand on the chain, one hand draped over the skateboard on his lap) So, I’m curious…why did you pick this place to talk?
Lance: (in a quiet voice) I love this place at night. It’s peaceful.
Mia: Arthur told me that you taught him to ride the swings here.
Lance: (breaks into the first smile I have seen yet, and it is so captivating that I gasp a bit) That was the most amazing time I ever had here. I always loved these swings at night cuz there be nobody around and I could just fly high in the sky and feel free. But with Arthur that time, it just felt . . . I dunno. Better. Not lonely no more, you know?
Mia: (nods and smiles) He said he loved it.
Lance: (still smiling) It was perfect.
Mia: (pulling a small pad of paper and a pencil out of her tote bag, along with her glasses that she puts on) Well, let’s start with this: Could you tell me about your earliest memory?
Lance: (looks over at me for clarification) You mean before I met Arthur?
Mia: (recalling his bio, she realizes that meeting Arthur was when Lance must consider his life having really begun) Yes, Lance. Tell me about your first memory in life.
Lance: (stares in front of him into the night) I ’member asking my foster mom for seconds at dinner and she slapped my hand and told me not to be so greedy. I didn’t even know what that word meant. Just knew I was still hungry. I was, like, three or four.
Mia: (frowning a bit, but jotting down the answer) Wow. I’m sorry. (pauses) How about a fun question—if you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Lance: (without hesitation) I would be invisible fer sure. I always, like, felt like that anyway, and when one of my moods hits me, it’d be so dope to just disappear, you know, till I got myself together. (looks somber and thoughtful for a moment) ’Course, if I had that power no one wouldda ever hurt me like they done, cuz I couldda just got away easy. Too bad there ain’t no such thing, huh?
Mia: It sounds like you’d really prefer being invisible even now—but now you’re in the spotlight all the time, aren’t you? Like a celebrity… Is there anything you like about being in the spotlight? Or anything you really hate about it?
Lance: Um, dunno. I never wanted to be noticed much ’cept for my skating, so being in the spotlight, like you said, is mostly weird and makes me nervous. I believe in what we be tryin’ to do out here, and it’s cool being First Knight cuz that means Arthur believes in me, but seeing my face all over the Internet and stuff is kinda creepy. I guess the worst thing is that everybody’s looking at me all the time and I feel like they can see my secrets, you know, all the stuff I never want anyone to find out. (glances over in an attempt to establish eye contact)
Mia: (knowing Lance is still wary, but trying hard to stay engaged in conversation, smiles and returns his gaze) So, it seems that you are really dedicating yourself to this “crusade” with Arthur. Can you tell me about your current goals as First Knight?
Lance: We’re gonna make things better for kids, Lady Mia, kids like me who been treated like shit, my bad, like crap, kids like Mark and Jack who got kicked out by their folks just cuz they’re gay. (glances down, looking slightly embarrassed, and then back up) That kinda stuff, Lady Mia, it’s pura paja and I’m gonna help change it.
Mia: (looks confused) Pura paja? What does that mean?
Lance: (eyes her sheepishly) Spanish for ‘pure bullshit’. Sorry, Lady Mia, for cussing, but what grownups do to kids in this country is pure bullshit and Arthur and me and the others, we’re gonna stop it.
Mia: (nods admiringly and smiles to assure him his cussing isn’t a problem) Don’t worry about swearing, Lance. If you check out my books, you’ll see that my characters swear all the time… And, besides, I agree with you. Ready for another question?
Lance: (nods)
Mia: Friends are usually very important to kids. You said in your bio you didn’t have any. Is that really true?
Lance: (kicking at the dirt with his beaten up black and white skate shoes) Yup. I’m a loner.
Mia: (surprised) No friends at all?
Lance: (shakes his head, his gaze focused on the silent skate park in front of him)
Mia: Well, how about this: if you could be any animal, what would it be?
Lance: (without hesitation) I’d be a wolf cuz then nobody would mess with me. I’d rip out their throats if they tried.
Mia: (coughing a bit from surprise) Kind of like a lone wolf? That’s how you grew up?
Lance: (nods, but doesn’t turn to look at her. He seems lost in memories of his dark childhood)
Mia: (clears throat and he finally looks over; the sadness on his face touches her) But you aren’t a lone wolf anymore, right? Now you have a group of other knights that are close to you.
Lance: (nods silently, biting his lower lip thoughtfully)
Mia: (smiles warmly) Let’s play a game. I will say someone’s name, and you say the first thing that comes to mind, okay?
Lance: (nods again)
Mia: Arthur
Lance: Dad
Mia: Reyna
Lance: badass
Mia: Jack
Lance: buff as hell
Mia: Mark
Lance: first friend
Mia: Chris
Lance: brother
Mia: Lady Jenny
Lance: teacher
Mia: Esteban
Lance: scary
Mia: (slightly out of breath) That certainly was rapid fire!! You’re very good at this game. You’re Arthur’s number one knight. So, of all the kids in this crusade, who would you say is your biggest supporter?
Lance: Chris is my biggest supporter cuz he, like, really loves me. Thinks I’m some kinda superhero or something. (laughs self-consciously) But so does Mark. I never had friends before and it’s hard for me. But Mark lets me in, you know, shares stuff with me, and makes me feel special cuz he does that. And he has my back. Jack does too. At first, Jack made me nervous, but now that I got to know him, he’s pretty amazing. But Mark is the first friend I ever really had, so I guess he’s my biggest supporter right now. But all three are there for me 24/7.
Mia: Chris is the youngest, right? Do you have any particular hopes for Chris’s life?
Lance: (faraway eyes) I wanna protect him, ya know, so he don’t gotta go through what I did. I wanna give him everything, an’ I just wanna hug him a lot cuz I never got any. But mostly I wanna see him stay innocent, ya know? I know I can’t do that forever, but it’d be cool to keep him that way for a long minute, wouldn’t it?
Mia: Yes, it certainly would be nice to be able to let children be children for as long as possible. I think maybe you will be his biggest role model in life. Who is your role model?
Lance: (looks back at me intently; I know he is serious about what he is going to say)
Arthur. He’s everything I wanna be when I grow up. He’s strong and real confident, but gentle, too, when he’s gotta be. Most of the men I been meeting my whole life are, like, whatever when it comes to kids. But Arthur listens to me. Most ’a the time, anyways. He’s been super busy these days with the crusade and all. But he’s a good man and I hope I can be like that too.
Mia: Thank you, Lance. Great answer! (frantically scribbling notes in notepad) Here are a couple of different kinds of questions, and they involve everything we have talked about so far. What does the word “family” mean to you?
Lance: (still staring into my eyes) Arthur and Chris and Mark and, well, the whole Round Table. Only family I ever had. Blood don’t make family, Lady Mia, love does.
Mia: (nods in agreement) And home? What does the word “home” mean to you?
Lance: It used to mean anywhere I could lay down my head. But now it means anywhere Arthur is.
Mia: (reaching in her bag for tissues) Well, that was a very sweet answer to a very sensitive question. And I think I’d like to ask you some more…well, personal, types of questions, at this point. Would you be willing to answer them?
Lance: (leans back on swing, his tone instantly cautious) Depends on the question.
Mia: (dabbing at eyes with tissue) Can I try?
Lance: (nods and swings just a little bit, as if he needs to distract himself) Okay.
Mia: (suddenly gets up off of swing, needs a break before personal questions…sees Lance jump back defensively) Oh, I’m sorry! Lance, I didn’t mean to startle you.
Lance: (eyes her cautiously before slowly sinking back down on the swing)
Mia: Would you care for a drink? (reaches in bag and pulls out two bottles of water, hands one to Lance)
Lance: (takes one and examines bottle cap carefully for evidence of tampering) Thanks.
Mia: Now for the personal questions. Let’s start with things you hate.
Lance: I hate school cuz it’s boring and never seems to be about real life, ya know? I hate crowded places like malls. I hate Children’s Services. I hate all my foster parents, especially . . . (stops then, refuses to go on.) Can we go to the next question, please?
Mia: (uncertain, but still hopeful he won’t shut down) What has been the most satisfying thing to have ever happened to you?
Lance: (speaking clearly, confident in this answer) Meeting Arthur. ’Fore him, my life was shitty. Sorry, crappy. When I told him the truth about me one night and he didn’t push me away like I thought he would, that was, like, the most amazing thing. I started to think I might really be worth something and not just trash like everybody always said.
Mia: (jots down a few notes and then places pencil behind ear) This one might be harder, so get ready. Do you believe in God?
Lance: (looks thoughtful a moment as he considers his answer) I never thought much about God till I met my, I mean, Arthur. He believes, so I guess I’m trying to. Some of my foster parents talked about believing in God when they were stealing my money and locking me in closets ‘for my own good’. That didn’t seem like something God would want and I figured if that was what believing in God meant, then I wouldn’t. But Arthur’s different. He says God is good and wants us to be good. And Arthur’s good, so maybe God is up there, after all.
Mia: This “personal” part is going very well, I think.
Lance: Uh, yeah, I guess, sure. (tries for that disarming smile he’s become known for)
Mia: Can you tell me about your biggest disappointment?
Lance: That I had no life till now. I never even got to be a kid, Lady Mia. Does that suck balls or what? (looks embarrassed) Oh, sorry.
Mia: Don’t worry, it is quite all right. I know just what you mean. I’m really very interested in how you see yourself. Can you tell me what you LIKE about yourself?
Lance: (fidgets uncomfortably) I’m a kick-ass skater. No BS, Lady Mia, that’s just truth. I like my hair. I guess that’s it.
Mia: And on the flipside, what do you NOT LIKE about yourself?
Lance: (sighs and looks out at the skate park again) Everything else.
Mia: (surprised) Really?
Lance: (nods silently, refuses to look at her)
Mia: (sensing that Lance is avoiding something very personal) Do you think that a person can hide from himself, Lance?
Lance: (squirms nervously and still refuses to make eye contact at all) Not sure I like that question, Lady Mia. If you be meaning stuff I hate about myself, then yeah, I do. Cuz I want to. I have to. Can we go to another question, please?
Mia: (certain now that she has overstepped Lance’s comfort zone, thus, the interview is, for all intents and purposes, over, studies the stricken look on Lance’s face and the way he is looking toward the ground) Well, then, on a positive note, let’s end our interview with this question: If everything went just right, where do you want to be one year from now?
Lance: (takes a deep breath, clearly relieved that the interview is almost over) Still with Arthur, running the crusade, helping kids like me and the others against the grownups who don’t care. All I used to want was to win the X Games cuz that’s all I ever thought I was, a skater. But now I know I can do somethin’ for real out here an’ I jus wanna keeping going, you know, see how far we can get. So Chris and other little kids can have a real life, you know?
Mia: I think it is only fair, since you answered my questions with such honesty, that you have a chance to ask one of me.
Lance: (looks over at her with a steady gaze) You been reading about me on the news and seeing me on TV, I know, cuz everybody has. So now that you got to meet me for real, whadda you think?
Mia: (wiping her eyes one more time with a crumpled tissue and smiling) I think that you are everything a boy should be. You are brave—or you would not have shown up to answer my questions—and smart—seeing as you answered them so completely. But you are kind and sensitive, too. You’ve opened up your heart to love a family you have chosen, and you act every day as a generous brother to the others, as well as a courageous knight. But what I am most impressed with is that you are able to care about the kids you cannot even see—just random kids you know are out there, suffering, and you are willing to sacrifice to give them a better life. That, Lance, is what I think.
Lance: (standing up, facing Mia) Thank you, Lady Mia. (pauses a moment, looking like he might tear up) That was the coolest thing anyone ever said to me. (bows to her in a courtly way)
Mia: (blushing, never having been bowed to so chivalrously) And I meant every word. Well, I suppose I should get back to the hotel now… I have an interview to write up.
Lance: It’s not real safe out here at night. I’ll walk you to your car.
Mia: (blushing again, impressed by the excellent manners of this 14-year-old boy) That is very sweet of you.
Lance: (walks to the rental car, this time close beside Mia, watches as she gets in) You’re a nice lady and I’m glad I met you.
Mia: (rolls window down) Thank you, Lance for your openness and honesty. I really hope that someday we will meet again.
Lance: (smiles again) That would be way cool. Drive careful, Lady Mia. The people out here be crazy-ass drivers. (laughs and holds up a hand in farewell)
Mia: (returns the smile) I’ll be careful. ‘Night, Lance.
Lance: (watches as Mia Kerick drives away… turns and ambles off down the dark city street clutching his board in one hand and the bottle of water in the other)
************************************************* ******************************************** ******************************************
What an amazing interview, but I cannot take the credit for it. The character Lance is created by Michael Bowler, a very talented YA author, who knows what he writes about, as he works with kids from challenging backgrounds every day of his life.
Before I post more about Children of the Knight, which is only book I in a series of action/adventure/romance/coming-of-age novels written by Michael Bowler, I will encourage you to begin your own personal journey NOW, before Book II, Running Through a Dark Place, is released. This is a series that is epic in every sense–NOT TO BE MISSED by those who love classics! Take it from me, an author, yes, but also beta reader for the remainder of the Children of the Knight series, this series is utterly captivating. Here is a direct quotation from a PRIVATE conversation between Michael Bowler and me.
My words describing my reaction to the conclusion of Book III in the series:
“I would say that my eyes were full of tears…
my heart beat differently…
and I forgot to swallow…
That is how I get when I am captivated…
and I was on a high…
I had to message you…
had to.”
The time is NOW to read Children of the Knight so that you will be ready to read Running Through a Dark Place when it is released!!
Now THIS NEXT PART IS BIG NEWS!!! Leave a comment or a question for auth
BUY LINKS:
http://www.amazon.com/Children-Knight-Library-Edition-Michael/dp/1623809258/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_d_7
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3900&cPath=816_817
Now THIS NEXT PART IS BIG NEWS!!! Leave a comment or a question for author Michael Bowler and you will be entered into a raffle to win the prize pack below, along with an ebook of Children of the Knight:
SECRET HINT FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO STUCK BY TILL THE BITTER END!!!
Go to Michael Bowler’s http://www.sirlancesays.wordpress.com
to enter for another chance at winning a very similar (AWESOME) prize pack!!!!
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We Have Winners…
Hi, y’all it’s Beckey…
I am dropping by to say Thank you to you all that have supported and visited Mia during the Us Three Blog Tour and those who stopped during the Is It Summer, yet? Blog Hop…
I know some are chomping at the perverbal bit to see who are the winners …
The Us Three Blanket goes to Laurie
The two Us Three Tee-Shirt winners are Brin and Shadow
The Mia Kerick Teddy Bear goes to Tracey
The Mia Kerick Coffee Mug goes to Jennifer
And the winner of the
The winner of the ebook and the Mia Kerick Towel is Lisa
to the all winners who have been emailed this morning.
Be on the look out in the coming month on here (and maybe in a Facebook for an upcoming event) that is will have another chance at win some great prizes from Mia. The details are works at the moment.
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April 22, 2014
Is It Summer Yet? Blog Hop
Hi, followers and guests!! I am involved in a getting-ready-for-summer themed blog hop and so in honor of that, I will share with you my favorite beach memory!!
A Beach Memory “Caleb the Lifeguard”
The movie 10 with Bo Derek came out in 1979 when I was an impressionable 15 years old. As a fifteen-year-old living in a strict Catholic Italian home, I was not allowed to actually go to the movie theatre and see 10, as it was rated R, and that was for 17 year olds. However, the 1-10 rating system, directed mainly at women in swimsuits, at least in my personal life experience, did not pass me by. 
We (the group of teenage girls from nearby towns, who spent our days at Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts) all longed to be a 10; it was a singular life goal for many of us. Being a 10, however, was not an easy status to achieve. You had to be pretty and you had to be fit. You also had to be tanned. Malibu Barbie meets real life, to give you a proper visual image. 
And so during the day I pedaled my older sister’s hand-me-down ten-speed bike the forty-five minute trip to the beach, rotated repetitively from belly to back on my beach towel in an effort to roast my skin to a golden brown evenly on both sides, skipped lunch to eat a Snickers bar from the snack bar (250 calories and it gave me a chocolatey boost in energy), and strutted on the sand. The sand-strutting was a very important part of my days spent on the beach, for reasons to be detailed later. 
Every afternoon I rode that rickety bike home, and headed off to the ice cream parlor to scoop hard homemade ice cream that I refused to let myself eat (but I consoled myself with the fact that the act of scooping provided an excellent bicep workout.) Now, the lifeguards at Crane Beach were given great responsibility. Please understand that in my teenage eyes, these were the ultimate men (most of them rising college freshman, maybe a rising sophomore or two)—and they were in full control of the beach, sporting orange shorts that proclaimed them potential life-saving heroes, and wearing deep brown tans to die for. These young men were also endowed with the lofty task of being the “raters” of all female teenagers who roamed the beach. And let me tell you, being rated a 10 by a lifeguard was the stuff dreams were made of. Hence, the sand-strutting. 
My girlfriends and I dedicated a good portion of our day to sauntering past the tall lifeguard chairs, pretending not to notice that the occupants were staring us down and/or sizing us up. We were oblivious to their ogling analysis. (Uh huh…right.) 
There was one lifeguard in particular, whose number ranking meant the world to us. He was called by the female teenage masses, “Caleb the lifeguard.” (I know, how very creative of us.) Caleb, a rising U Mass freshman, was every bit a man to a rising high school sophomore like me. He was tall (probably to the tune of 5’8”, but he seemed towering at the time), dark (Malibu Ken-like tanned skin), and handsome (although I can’t recall his face.) He was also the strong (he had a trace of definition in his biceps), silent (didn’t have too much to say) type. And he was “Caleb the lifeguard”, which made all of the difference in the world. 
On my day of reckoning, otherwise known as the day of my number rating, I was all kinds of nervous. I must have sand-strutted past Caleb the lifeguard twenty-five times, as I knew he needed to see my bikini-clad form from all angles in order to make the most sound judgment on my number, whether it be a lowly 1 or a soaring 10. At the end of this exhausting day—I must have sand-strutted five miles at a minimum—he approached me by the bike rack, and saying absolutely nothing, handed me a curled up scrap of a napkin from the snack bar. After he scurried silently away, I unrolled it.
Move over Bo Derek, Mia is an official ten.
And then, from twenty feet away, another minor miracle occurred. Caleb the lifeguard turned around, removed his super-cool aviator sunglasses and shouted, “My friend told me where you live—I’ll stop by your house tonight!” Not only was I a 10, but my dreamy beach life was going to make a move into my real life. Here’s a bit of info for you: mothers of fifteen-year-old girls are not super-thrilled when rising college freshman lifeguards visit their daughters at night after a day at the beach. When Caleb the lifeguard arrived, we were stiffly shown to the “fancy living room” where I could “entertain.” And I meant “entertain” with nothing but lively conversation and longing smiles. After half an hour of awkward silence, during which my patrolwoman of a mother paced loudly back and forth past the entrance to the living room, Caleb the lifeguard rose from the “fancy” velvet couch and I walked him to the door. 
Naturally, Mom hovered, ensuring that her sweet fifteen-year-old daughter would make it to sweet sixteen and never been kissed, but little did she know that the ship had already sailed on that several years before. And once Caleb the lifeguard had closed our back door, she spoke the words that until today ring in my memory. First, she pulled me back to the fancy living room where we had so awkwardly sat, ran her hand over the surface of the couch where Caleb the lifeguard’s blessed butt had resided, and hissed, “That boy’s bathing suit better not have been wet.” 
Sometimes fantasies are better left in the fantasy realm, and clearly my “day of rating” by “Caleb the lifeguard” was better left to the wistful beach, because at the moment of truth, it really didn’t matter if I was a ten or he was a celebrated lifeguard, what really mattered was whether or not Caleb the lifeguard left a damp butt print on my Italian mother’s favorite velvet couch. 
I am giving away a prize pack of a beach towel and a copy of an eBook of one of my backlist books. Enter by clicking on the image of the prize pack. 
There is are prizes that Queer Town Abbey is giving away enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Click on the Is It Summer Yet? image above to find other blogs that are participating in the hop as well.
Hop around and get to meet other authors and their best summer time memories.
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April 21, 2014
BOO!! MIA’S HAUNTED GUEST ROOM- visit with author FE Feeley, JR
(standing in the pitch black hallway, struggling to hold onto a heavy tray piled high with food)
Since my guest last night, F.E. Feeley, Jr. -but he said I could call him Freddie and I feel rather privileged about that- wrote a novel called Objects in the Rearview Mirror, a gay romance with a haunted house theme, I decided to have a little fun and decorate Mia’s Guest Room with a haunted theme.
I’m not certain as to whether Freddie was afraid to be alone in the guest room, or whether he was just afraid to be alone with me, but he elected to bring along his husband, John. That was a smart move, on Freddie’s part. You see, to go along with my haunted theme, I thought I might sneak in on these guys a bit early (or late if you look at it that way). It’s three a.m. and my early arrival is totally unexpected!!
Well, get ready, boys, ’cause I’m here to do a “dark-room” guest post with Freddie.
(places heavy tray of food on hallway tray and moves very close to door)
When I have a married couple stay in Mia’s guest room, I make it a habit to “check” to make sure my guests are occupied with, um, strictly sleeping when I barge in, or rather, when I politely enter the guest room. I’m going to make a blanket statement here- I feel justified in using any measures necessary to ensure the couple’s…um, complete and total privacy.
(closes eyes and listens, pressing ear to door)
Nothing… not even any snoring. Either these guys are heavy sleepers or they are “heavily” caught up in the throes of passion. I will choose to believe the first.
(peeks into darkened bedroom)
(pushes door open quite suddenly)
(stands there staring into bedroom and speaks in loud whisper)
I modeled the room after a haunted Bed and Breakfast in Seattle. Here’s a quotation from its actual B&B listing:
“1. You will hear footsteps walking upstairs over the living room almost every night when there is no one else in the house.
2. Clocks and pictures have leaped off walls.
3. The kitchen has had the items on the counters jump around as if they have a life of their own. The mischief is harmless and nonthreatening, those of you who don’t like things that go bump in the night may want to stay somewhere else.”
(shakes her head in wonder)
And yes, supernatural events have occurred in the bedroom I used as a model for John and Freddie’s little love nest.
It’s like Halloween in April, hmm? hehehe…
(lifts tray, grunts a bit, and enters room, places tray on night table, picks up Ouija board from shelf and bangs on it with a spoon)
(bellows loudly in deep monster-like voice)
Rise and shine, my dear boys! Hahaha!!! HAHAHAHA!!!!
(bangs on board a bit more)
Boys, boys–now don’t be alarmed!! Lie back down- it is only me and the gang…
(gestures to the audience)
I thought I’d have a bit of fun with you guys, seeing as Freddie, dear, wrote a novel with a haunted house theme.
No, Freddie–don’t turn on the light—I thought we could conduct this post by flashlight… 
Now, are both of you handsome devils decent, as in, decent for all of my guests to see? Freddie, I’ve heard some disturbing, but rather exciting, rumors about you—that sometimes you sleep in your birthday suit.
(peers at Freddie, distracted and hopeful)
And speaking of birthday suits, it was your birthday last week wasn’t it, Freddie?
(shines flashlight on Freddie’s mid-section)
Oh, shoot…you’re wearing sweatpants!! I thought you slept in your birthday suit!! What did you say? Oh, Freddie, you thought it was a bit chilly in here so you decided to pull on those…those things? Yes, I’m referring to the sweatpants.
(frowns at Freddie, and then shines flash light at John’s torso)
At least John isn’t all covered up like he’s exploring the Polar Ice Cap. John is a dedicated “undies sleeper”, gang, can you all see that?
(looks to audience in far corner of room and winks)
I brought you a creepy cupcake for after breakfast. Yes, yes… there’s one for you too, John. Don’t go getting all grabby. 
Now, how about if you guys eat your breakfast while I introduce Freddie to “the gang” (that’s how I’m referring to my AMAZING group of followers and the wonderful guests who I am sure will soon be followers).
What did you say, John? You only like to eat Freddie’s home cooking? He’s the cook of your house? Well, look around, Mister—you ain’t exactly home sweet home, are you?
(posing haughtily with hands on hips staring accusingly at John)
Freddie told me exactly what you like—omelettes with cheese and veggies, biscuits and gravy and friend potatoes, even served with salsa—and I broke my ass– I mean, my backside, putting this together.
(drops tray on bed with a bit of an attitude)
Now eat, men!! I mean, go ahead… give my home-cooking a try! 
Yes, yes, I KNOW, John…you want your salsa. Cuz Freddie always gives you salsa with your eggs. Blah blah blah…
(rolls eyes and pushes salsa across tray) 
(shines flashlight at them again)
They certainly are a handsome couple, don’t you all agree? Hello!! I don’t remember saying that you should stop eating…
(watches like a hawk as Freddie and John start to shovel in food a bit nervously)
Now, as you gentlemen eat breakfast, I will fill in our guests on Freddie, AKA F.E. Feeley’s, author’s bio.
“F.E. Feeley Jr was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and lived there for twenty years before joining the military. He is a veteran of the US Armed Services; having done a tour in support of Operation Iraq Freedom in 2002-2003, he turned college student, pursuing a degree in political science. He now lives in Southeast Texas where he is married to the love of his life, John, and where they raise their 1½ year old German shepherd, Kaiser.” 
“As a young man, reading took center stage in his life, especially those novels about ghosts, witches, goblins, and all the other things that went bump in the night. His favorite authors include such writers as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Anne Rice, whose work allowed him to travel to far off places and meet fascinating and scary characters. As a gay man, he wishes to be able to write good fictional literature for those who love the genre and to write characters that readers can relate to. All in all, he is a cigarette smokin’, whiskey drinkin’, rock and roll lovin’, tattoo wearin’ dreamer of a man with a wonderful husband who puts up with his crap and lets him write his stories.”
That is a great bio, Freddie.
(shines flashlight on the breakfast tray)
But…um…I think you young men can do better than that on your eggs… I said EAT!!
Here’s a picture of the cover of Freddie’s new book Objects in the Rearview Mirror.
(shines flashlight on book cover)
What a wonderful cover, Freddie!!
I will now read the blurb to the book aloud AS Freddie and John FINISH EATING EVERY LAST BITE ON YOUR PLATES!!
(picks up some papers off the foot of the bed)
“Their new home on Frederick Street in Clay Center, Kansas, was supposed to give writer Jonathan David and his husband, clinical psychologist Dr. Eddie Dorman, an opportunity to enjoy married life. Jonathan has just released his first major bestseller, and he hopes to finally escape his traumatic past and find the quiet existence he has always craved. Eddie has taken a job at the Kansas State University psychology department, and they intend to begin anew. They have barely settled in when the nightmare begins. Noises, disembodied voices, and mysterious apparitions make Jonathan’s life hell. Part of the house has decided to bare its teeth, show its jagged edges, and bring back the worst of Jonathan’s past. At first, Eddie cannot perceive the spectral events and fears for his husband’s sanity. When he’s also affected by the haunting, he’s unsure of what to do but refuses to be beaten. Together, they seek a way to fight the forces trying to tear them apart. The world is a frightening place, but confronting their fears plunges Jonathan and Eddie into absolute horror.”
(glares expectantly at the men on the bed)
I’m waiting for a couple of loud burps- it is the ultimate compliment to the chef.
(tilts head and listens for burps- shakes head in disappointment)
You call those burps loud? You should hear Mr. Mia burp after eating my homemade salsa! It is rather impressive, I must say…
(shrugs, then turns to audience)
Now, I think it’s time that we all sit down and listen to Mr. F.E. Feeley, Jr. as he delivers his guest blog post. Here’s the flashlight. You are going to need it… it’s darn shadowy in here.
(plops down on bed beside John- as in RIGHT beside John, throwing one leg casually across his thighs)
Don’t mind me, John. Oh, stop looking so danged uncomfortable… Men these days…
You don’t need to move over, you are fine right here next to me. Let’s listen as Freddie tells us about why he takes his job seriously.
(watches as Freddie rises and moves to the center of the room)
“Why I take my job, seriously.
I really want to change the world. I want to reach up to the heavens and touch the stars and bring them down for someone else to have. That’s my nature. I love people. I love talking with and making friends and as the world has shrunk so much, and put people closer into contact with each other with the advent of the internet, my life has been immeasurably blessed. With Timber Manor, suddenly I had this massive connection with fellow authors through Dreamspinner Press, people who suddenly were so …here let me help you…in their approach to me and to that, I’m grateful for. People like Cate Ashwood, Jamie Fessenden, Skylar Cates, Kimberly Saunders, J.P Barnaby, just so many to name really.
I am a vet, grew up poor in a rough home, a member of the LGBT community, so I feel a connection to such a wide array of people, I feel like it’s my responsibility to speak truths. We have literature for every walk of life imaginable, and I want my work to be literature for our generation and for future generations to look back and say, ‘okay, so that’s what they were talking about, that is the issues they faced when the world was a little less free.’ I know this sounds a little preachy, and some people may think I can be a little over opinionated, but I really feel strongly about presenting the gay community in the best light possible. I sort of see our jobs as ambassadors to the future and ambassadors to our own with messages of ‘it gets better’.
There are two things in life that have pushed me as I’ve made my wandering way through. One is books, from Stephen King to Dean Koontz, R.L Stein, Christopher Pike, Anne Rice, Rowling, from novels to Biographies, I just ate it up and disappeared within the pages. I love a great story. And number two, is music. I am a music freak. Heavy metal, old rock and roll, rap, r and b, country, gospel, classical, Opera, and of course, show tunes are constantly being played in my head by people like Meatloaf, whose song inspired my latest novel, to Heart, Led Zeppelin, Journey, Boston, Bad Company, Metallica, Reba Macintyre, Trisha Yearwood, the Gaithers gospel singers, and so forth and so many more that I couldn’t even list as it would take up a full page if not more. Anyone, essentially who can bring a story to music and make me believe what it is their singing is not only an influence on my life as far as a soundtrack goes but also inspires my writing and their lyrics make you sit back and wonder about life from the perspective of each individual song. Growing up poor, these singers really took my mind to places just as much as the writers did and they brought me a curiosity for the world that they existed in. These artists bring their best, they bring their passion, hard work, triumphs and tragedies center stage and as someone who is emerging in our little corner of the literary world, they really set a standard for me.
Things are rough out there these days, and I know people are working harder than ever to earn their money. So when they spend it on my books, it really does something for me. And I want to bring them my very best in not only writing characters they enjoy, but characters they can relate to. Especially gay men, I love that women love our genre, but with gay men and as crazy as things are, I really want to reach out and be there for them in a really inclusive way. I want the political climate to change, the landscape of marriage equality to be level, and in the meantime I want to bring to them a happy ever after, a story that sets their sights forward, and encourages them to be more than what society says they are. I want to talk about our issues, our commonalities, and I want them to be comfortable enough to shake the stereotypes that have not only been placed on us by people who don’t know what the fuck their talking about, but also the ones we’ve placed on ourselves because we’ve been hidden in the shadows for so long. Albert Einstein said that, “Everyone is brilliant, but if you judge a fish on its inability to climb a tree, it will go it’s whole life thinking it’s stupid.” This rings true for gay people, if you go your whole life thinking you’re damned, you’ll do things to guarantee your own demise. I refuse to be silent and watch good men and women self destruct because some asshat with a cable church program like the 700 hundred club, engages in demagoguery.
I just want to let you know you’re loved, appreciated, and you have people who are out there, men and women in this genre, who are looking to be there for you when you need us. So please, contact me. Meet me on Facebook, Twitter, through my blog, I really want to get to know you AND your stories.
You’re biggest Fan,
F.E. Feeley Jr”
(starts clapping slowly and then faster and faster, elbows John in the ribs until he starts clapping too)
Wow. That was something. Truly inspiring… That’s quite a husband you have there, John. So glad to have gotten to know him.
(moves over to make room for Freddie, on her other side)
Hey!!! Are you two drifting off to sleep? You don’t go to sleep till Momma Mia says you go to sleep. And we haven’t posted your buy links yet, silly.
BUY LINKS:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/188-2544243-6838940?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=f.e.feeley+jr http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=738
So, if you are interested in the newest release of this committed author, now you know where to go!!
Now, I have a little piece of good news for you guys—CUPCAKE TIME!!
(leans over to listen to something John is mumbling in her ear)
Yes, John… after you devour your cupcakes I will let you sleep. (rolls eyes) Please don’t get crumbs in the bed. 
(turns around, as if to head out the door and then runs back to the bed and tackles Freddie and John)
BOO!!! Hahaha!! HAHAHA!! Gotcha, didn’t I?
(shines flashlight on faces for the last time)
Good night, my two lovely guests!! Sleep well!!
Filed under: Uncategorized
April 13, 2014
I AM CLEANING MY HOUSE…time to explain what’s been keeping Mia too busy to keep house!!!
Time for Housekeeping
I’ve been busy. In fact, I’ve been so busy I haven’t taken the time to CLEAN MY HOUSE, or in other words, I’ve neglected the maintenance of my website, and have left it in the capable hands of Super Beckey, my awesome assistant.
In fact, while I was away, frantically busy doing the things you will read about below, BECKEY gave my website a makeover- yes, a new look!!
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
MY BLOG BEFORE
MY BLOG AFTER
However, today, I will reconnect with you, my awesome followers and guests!!
What has been keeping Mia so busy? An excellent question.
THE ANSWER IN A LARGE NUTSHELL:
1. Promotions: I have had 6 books come out in the span of about 6 months. Writing and editing, creating synopses and book cover production pages, all take a great amount of time. But add to that, promoting each of those books—writing guest posts for blogs and review sites, responding to interviews, creating musical playlists and more—is the major consumer of my time.
* Intervention *A Package Deal *Not Broken, Just Bent *Out of Hiding *The Red Sheet *Us Three
2. Writing New Novels: Um…I haven’t done as much of this as I would have liked, but I have managed to submit one novel, Random Acts, and am currently working on One Voice, the New Adult sequel to Us Three.
My resolution for the remainder of 2014: I will write more books. There. I said it. Now, I must do it.
3. My dear friend, Michael Bowler- yes, he gets a number in my list of “what’s been keeping Mia so busy” all to himself. To be brief, I have invested a lot of time in promoting Michael’s novel, Children of the Knight, and his second book in the series, Running Through a Dark Place. You may wonder why I am so compelled to promote the works of this man, and I will honestly say that I am inspired by his message—his struggle to achieve human rights for children. But it is not only his message that impresses me; it is the man, himself. To quote myself (you’ll find out where this quotation comes from soon enough), my passion is for Michael Bowler, the man- “the selfless volunteer, the man of faith, the committed friend, the unquestionable humanitarian.” So, I have been busy reading his works, reviewing them, creating and participating in live Facebook events to promote his novels, writing blog posts and more. It had been fun and fulfilling and….
it is where I will start today!!
My friend Michael
Cover Reveal Party for Michael Bowler’s Running Through a Dark Place
Here is what you did with us Saturday afternoon at the Cover Reveal Party, or sadly, what you missed:
Before the event was even set into motion, the lovely hostesses, Mia and Beckey, served cake and sang to the man of the hour, as not only was Saturday the date of his latest’s novel’s cover reveal but it was also his BIRTHDAY!!! You heard me right- SATURDAY was Michael Bowler’s BIRTHDAY!!. So, as I said, we fed him cake and entertained him with our incredible musicality.
When we all sang to Michael, I sang the loudest… (just wanted to mention that)
Michael was incredibly impressed.
The party games were kicked off by putting together a challenging puzzle of the gorgeous cover of Running Through a Dark Place.
When assembled, the stunning cover of Running Through a Dark Place looks like this:
Yeah…I know. It’s stunning.
The winners of the puzzle contest were Bryan, George, and Kimberly.
We then watched the compelling video book trailer to Running Through a Dark Place.
If you haven’t checked it out, well, there is no time like the present!!
Our guests went on to play a memory matching game with Children of the Knight-themed cards.
Our winners for the matching game were:
George and Tame Anna- congrats!!!
(I could have won this one, if I had concentrated more- just saying.)
Winners received AWESOME Running Through a Dark Place prizes:
(Nothing but the best will do for Michael Bowler’s readers.)
I mentioned it was Michael’s birthday, right? Here’s my card to him:
In addition to all of the above, Beckey and Mia offered a door prize for all who registered for the party— a $20.00 gift card to Amazon!!
This raffle was won by:
Betsy D YAY!!!!
And Michael offered participation gifts for all who took part.
Authors are generous, hmm?
It was an awesome afternoon, and there’s nothing like a Saturday afternoon party to get you ready for your big Saturday night on the town!!
Finally, Michael thanked all for coming to the Cover Reveal Party- it was a raging success!!
I think you all have an idea of what has been keeping Mia Kerick out of trouble.
But I have promised I am going to write MORE STORIES and so I will!!
Love ya,
Mia
Filed under: Uncategorized
April 3, 2014
Us Three has been released….
Morning everyone. It’s Beckey, again, visiting y’all… This time to announce that around midnight, Mia’s eighth book, Us Three was released.
Description:A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title
In his junior year at a public high school, sweet, bright Casey Minton’s biggest worry isn’t being gay. Keeping from being too badly bullied by his so-called friends, a group of girls called the Queen Bees, is more pressing. Nate De Marco has no friends, his tough home life having taken its toll on his reputation, but he’s determined to get through high school. Zander Zane’s story is different: he’s popular, a jock. Zander knows he’s gay, but fellow students don’t, and he’d like to keep it that way.
No one expects much when these three are grouped together for a class project, yet in the process the boys discover each other’s talents and traits, and a new bond forms. But what if Nate, Zander, and Casey fall in love—each with the other and all three together? Not only gay but also a threesome, for them high school becomes infinitely more complicated and maybe even dangerous. To survive and keep their love alive, they must find their individual strengths and courage and stand together, honest and united. If they can do that, they might prevail against the Queen Bees and a student body frightened into silence—and even against their own crippling fears.
A Few Excerpt Images:
Here are a few early release reviews:
Sandra says:
I’ll need to collect my thoughts about this book and the message it contains, but while I do that, y’all go buy this, m’kay? And then make sure every high schooler reads this too.
T.M. Smith from TTC Books says:
I just fell in love with this story and with these three guys. It took me a couple chapters to get with the flow of writing as being told from three distinctly different POV with emails, diaries and in real time. But once I figured out how the book was going to read, I was completely engrossed in the story. The storyline was engaging and thought provoking and the three ML were so endearing. While there were a couple rough patches with some deep seeding hate, there was a lot of love in between. This is a must read guys, especially if you’re looking for a story about finding true love in the oddest of places and not only standing up for yourself, but what is right and the the people you love.
Tina says:
Mia Kerick isn’t a new author to me, I’ve read her novel ‘Out of Hiding’ not too long ago but after reading the premise of ‘Us Three’I had my doubts. A Young Adult ménage? How should that work? Frankly I wasn’t too keen on starting this one but my curiosity finally got the best of me and after reading only a few pages I couldn’t put the book down anymore. Point taken! Better trust your instincts, Tina!
…
Mia Kerick describes the relationship development between these guys just wonderful. All three of them are so cute… and the way they come together and figure themselves out is so beautiful written. Their way through hell together is a real tearjerker, so brace yourself for a bumpy ride to high school hell and back. No graphic sex btw… but lots of touching, intimate scenes. Wonderful done. :)
I totally lost myself in this book. It’s sad since one of the loveliest characters is the target of the most vicious bullying I’ve ever read about but I liked how Mia shows us Casey’s struggle with his head and his emotions, how he grows, how he opens up to friendship and love. I loved how amazing Nate and Zander are for Casey even though they have their own personal issues. Casey, Nate and Zander are incredibly sweet and I just loved them so much. I was so hopeful for them in the end and trusted they would be alright.
Overall, Us Three is powerful, moving, thought provoking and flawlessly told, and these boys will now and for always have a special place in my heart. Parents, love your children, cherish them, listen to them! Teachers, give bullying no chance… and add this book to your reading list!
I, Beckey, also had to a chance to read it and it was one I was shocked by what happens in the book and at how well it was written. There was times I wanted to go into the book and dish my own kinda karma to the Queens and the one psychopathic chick in particular (really like how Zander stepped up as well as Nate…) and I wanted hug Casey…
Bullying is real, we can either stand by idly or we can take a stand and make changes… (I always tell my girls, daughters, that bullying happens only because someone is unhappy with themselves, they are jealous and lastly they want attention. It is all just negatives.)
(Click on their names and it will take you their Goodreads reviews.)
Book Links:
Starting tomorrow Mia will be on tour…
There is a tour wide giveaway:
Giveaway
(Click the Giveaway Link)
These are the AWESOME Prize that someone could win:
(50 by 60 inch) Us Three Book Cover Blanket
(XL) Us Three Tee Shirt
(XL) Us Three Tee Shirt
Coffee Mug with Mia’s Logo and books images on it
A Mia Kerick Teddy Bear
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you find yourself reading this great book too…
Filed under: Uncategorized
April 2, 2014
An Overview of the Fireside Chat…(Beckey is Back…)
This is Beckey (Mia’s Assistant)
First, I want to say
For everyone who came.
Michael came dressed and ready for the chat.
He shared his dream cast for the book.
Below is comments that were made when this was shown:
Raine O’Tierney Love this–who cast the roles?
Michael Bowler I did!
Raine O’Tierney When you are writing your stories, do you use photos/actors to “cast” the characters in your head or do you write them based on your imagination?
Tame Anna Love the cast you chose Michael Bowler :-)
Johanna Parkhurst Oooh, great Lance.
Michael Bowler Most were based on kids I know or knew, I cast it just recently for a blog tour I’m doing. They wanted a cast
Kari Higa I can really see these actors as the characters. It will be great to read the next book picturing them in my mind
J.g. Murphy Interesting. But it gives me faces to associate with the characters…and with a “cast of thousands”, it makes it easier to keep track!
Johanna Parkhurst That’s definitely how I picture Lance. (Plus long hair, of course.) No offense to the amazing designer of the cover (it’s a great cover), but I never really connected that boy on the cover to Lance. He felt too young or something? I’m not sure.
Johanna Parkhurst And I just loved Lance so much. Speaking of which, Michael, you owe me some tear ducts for that ending. :( (Spoilers are allowed in here, right?)
We had an enthusiastic group of people discussing the different elements in the book, Children of the Knight.
Family:
Mia Kerick
Here’s a question about family in Children- how necessary is blood to a family- as in being blood relations?
Michael Bowler I have so large a family of kids who’ve become part of my life over the years who call me “Dad” and we have no blood connection.
Kari Higa I think both. I would never abandon a blood relative, even if they aren’t the best people. But you can create a family of your choice.
Mia Kerick I have an adopted son and he is EVERY BIT MY SON!!!
Betsy Ryan Dalpino Blood is important but you can have family members not related by blood
Kari Higa I think every child needs someone to look up to.. doesn’t matter male or female for me. but boys seem to need a strong male figure they respect
J.g. Murphy Oh yeah, Michael Bowler, it’s the same with me. I saw a 32yo MAJ in the army the other day whom I’ve known since he was about 13…he still reminds me that I was more of a dad to him than his own…reminds me all the time of how being a good friend to someone can make them family to you!
J.g. Murphy I think Kari Higa’s comment is dead on. And study after study show that so many issues can be solved by boys having that role model in place from an early age.
(There were more but you can see it was very active chat…)
Educational System:
Michael Bowler It would allow the kids to excel in areas they are good at from the get go. It would expose them to all facets of life that engage their mind, body and spirit so they can become complete people. Having rigid dogma in education is not better than rigid dogma anywhere
Kari Higa it would require teachers to be more of a facilitator than what we consider to be teachers
Johanna Parkhurst This is why, despite all the politics around it, I’ve become a big believer in school choice. If every part of the country had many different types of schools that focused on different types of learners and learning, then every kid could really find an educational path that worked for them. The problem is that running a school choice system has millions of flaws of it’s own…the bureaucracy is a total nightmare sometimes.
(This is just a few comments…There is more …)
Everyone have shared their ideas and opinions about what they thought and felt about them as they saw them in the book and in general. Everyone was pretty vocal (if you call fast typing being vocal).
There were giveaways…
The door prize of The Red Sheet blanket was won by JG Murphy.
With the help of names in a hat and my husband being a good sport waving a fairy wand over the hat J.G. Murphy name was magically pulled.
J.G. Murphy OMG! That’s like the only thing I’ve ever won!
Tee shirts/tank tops were won by Tame, Johanna but she gave it to Giovanni, Kari, and me, Beckey with a random lucky guess for the trivia question.
The first question was: After the standoff at Round Table Pizza, how did the Internet tag the video of that standoff? What was it called on YouTube, etc?
Answered by Kari Higa… battle of the round table. And Tame Anna Battle for the Round Table?
The next question was: Lance’s “street” name was Pretty Boy. What was Jack’s “street” name?
Answered by Johanna Parkhurst with Great Guns.
Which we discover was a nickname for Michael Bowler…
But Johanna Parkhurst said SWEET! (I really love Jack. And winning, to be honest.) But Giovanni Ezquivel can have the shirt, because he really wanted one. I just wanted to get a trivia question about the book right.
(Great bunch of people :) )
The last question was: Which Arthurian character is mentioned a lot in Book I, but doesn’t seem make an appearance, but is, in fact, in the story twice?
I jumped in and randomly guessed Merlin…
Chat members were included in secret author sharing which helped Michael choose the direction he is going with him and his…
(Ha I sparked your interest but it’s no longer there… The info in this section just disappeared…Tampered by the cyber gremlin…See below I have my proof that he tampered with that thread…)
Everyone left stuffed with Soule cakes, Ale, and wild boar jerky.
I am going to end this post by simply saying thank you once again… For those who attended and those that are reading this.
Hugs to you all…
Filed under: Uncategorized
March 26, 2014
OMG- THERE IS A MARRIED COUPLE IN MIA’S GUEST ROOM!! Raine and Sion O’Tierney visit!!
Dear, Lord, this tray is heavy as lead… but my bosom buddy, Raine O’Tierney, confided in me that her hubby, Sion, has a huge appetite.
(hesitates by the bedroom door)
I wonder if she was talking about her husband’s huge appetite being for breakfast…or for something else… In any case I’d better knock.
(places tray filled with huge “brekkie” as Raine calls it—eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and gravy on hall table with a loud grunt)
A heart attack on a plate, but nobody asked for Momma Mia’s opinion.
(places ear to door)
Somebody in there snores like a freaking buzz saw… In fact, I think I hear snoring in stereo. I never would have guessed it of sweet Raine O’tierney
(tilts head to think)
But at least I’m not interrupting Mr. O’Tierney feeding his HUGE appetite…hehe
(giggles and pushes open the guestroom door)
What a romantic boudoir, hmm? I decorated it with the young lovers in mind…
(stares at bed)
Why, they let their dog, Klaus, sleep right in between them!! Hehe… look, my tremendously fabulous followers and guests (who I am sure will soon be followers) that little dachshund sleeps on his back with his cute little legs in the air…
(glances over at Sion’s side of the bed)
Just like his Daddy does. And I must say that cute little Klaus is certainly NO WATCHDOG!!
(smirks)
That third lump on the right side of the bed must be Raine.
(approaches the bed and sees Klaus stirring)
I wonder if he’s gonna bark at me? If he does, he’ll disturb Mr. Mia who is sleeping down the hall.
(pulls doggy bone out of robe pocket)
Maybe this will keep him quiet…
(feeds Klaus the bone and smiles)
Um…excuse me….uh, Raine, sweetie….
(watches in horror as Raine sits up suddenly)
HELLO BOOBIES!! Raine, did you sleep in the nude, young lady? Oh, don’t answer that—TMI—you know!!
(quickly passes Raine a fluffy lime green robe)
Remember, Rainey, this is a YA friendly blog—clothing is NOT optional!!
So do me a favor, and put this on….I mean, not that you aren’t a beautiful full-figured woman, but if I want to see a full-figured woman, all I have to do is look in the mirror!!
(shakes Sion to rouse him)
Uh…that thirty-pound breakfast you requested is on a tray in the hallway, dear…would you mind helping me out?
(sees Sion groggily climb from the bed)
Oh, you like the X-men, Sion? Your T-shirt is to die for!! And see his abs?
(stares at Sion’s “T-shirt abs” for probably thirty seconds too long)
Oh, sorry…I forgot myself momentarily. And wait…I brought this hat. Could you bend over please? Thanks… there.
(places knit hat with lovely flower on Sion’s head)
I saw you on FB in this hat and I just couldn’t get it out of my mind—don’t look at me that way, young man!!
(watches as Sion, wearing pretty flower hat, retrieves the heavy tray)
You can just put it on the velvet chair… and does Klaus need to ….um…do his business?
(steps closer to Raine who is now, thankfully, wearing the fuzzy lime green robe)
What’s that dear? You think Klaus can wait till after the guest post? Well, if he has an accident, honey, it’s got YOUR name written all over it!!
(hands Raine and Sion their plates)
Now you two go ahead and eat and I’ll do some introductions. Today the guest in Mia’s Guest Room is Raine O’Tierney, accompanied by her husband Sion, and their cunning dog, Klaus.
(again examines dog)
Can you tell Klaus to stop staring at your breakfasts and licking his lips? It is making me nervous.
(observes as Raine places Klaus on her open laptop, telling him softly he will eat after their morning walk)
He’s still looking at me like I’m breakfast, but at least he isn’t begging now.
(pulls a few notecards out of bathrobe pocket)
Bio
Raine O’Tierney is an always-writing, boundlessly enthusiastic, exclamation point addict! (!!!) She is known for declaring every day “the best day EVER!” and every thing her “all-time FAVORITE!” Despite this (obnoxious?) exuberance, she still somehow manages to have a wonderfully encouraging husband and writing partner, Siôn, and an amazing group of friends and colleagues who continue to support (read: put up with) her. Raine spends her days working as a library lady, fighting the good fight for intellectual freedom.
Well, Raine, that tiny hat is a perfect addition to your…bathrobe. Yeah…
So Raine, you are on your blog tour for Sweet Giordan, Please Remember?
Could I share the book’s blurb?
Blurb
Sweet Giordan, Please Remember by Raine O’Tierney
Giordan Stone is lucky, all things considered. Sure, he spent five years in a coma only to wake with a right leg that’s practically useless and no memories other than his name. But now he’s under the care of sassy southern surrogate mother, Chloe Devereaux, spending his days painting and healing. Giordan wants for nothing at all… until he looks out the window one morning and sees Chloe’s gorgeous son, Shane, standing there. Something very familiar stirs in Giordan.
When he sketches, Giordan is able to go into an “art trance” where pieces of disjointed memory come back to him without time or place. More and more of these flashes are of Shane Devereaux and the intense, intimate experiences they shared together. Even though Shane keeps his distance now, Giordan is convinced his flashes are real. But he doesn’t have the whole story. Giordan is determined to fill in his memory blanks and convince Shane his feelings are genuine.
And I think my guests would appreciate a short excerpt.
Excerpt
Self-consciously, he glanced up, but Chloe was walking away from the truck, giving him privacy to do what he loved. With no eyes on him or his paper, Giordan laid the sketchbook down and carefully took an eraser to the light age lines on Shane’s face. He softened the look in his eyes, trimmed and then erased entirely his beard, and made him smile—just a little. The effect was so utterly charming that Giordan sank lower into the bed of the truck, more a boy with his first crush than a grown man.
Another clean page. He drew Shane’s face again. This time with more detail, taking special care to get the shape of his ears, his nose, his mouth—a wicked grin on his face—just right. He looked like Chloe in some ways—same green eyes but lighter skin—a blending of Chloe’s coffee and Mr. Devereaux’s cream. Shane’s jaw and brow were his father’s, but his well-defined cheekbones, full beautiful lips, and deep dimple came from some unknown ancestor. To say he was merely attractive was to do him a disservice.
“It’s going to rain.” A voice purred in Giordan’s brain, a deep, seductive, slightly familiar voice.
“We should go back in,” Giordan whispered down at the paper. He sketched Shane’s nostrils, his eyelashes, the intricate lines of his ears, all those hidden, beautiful things.
“Not a chance. I finally get you out here. You think I’m going to let a little rain stop me?”
“We’re going to get caught,” Giordan insisted. He was speaking out loud as if reading a script, and he could barely see the paper anymore. Was he making this all up? He could hear the voice so clearly in his head. “Your parents are—”
“In France. Be with me.”
“Okay.”
It started with silliness. They were supposed to have a picnic. Sandwiches and wine in the shade of the new green leaves. But then Shane hoisted him up into his arms and carried Giordan to the grove, a wicked grin on his face.
“I’m not a princess,” Giordan, much younger then, reminded him with a fake look of disapproval. He kicked two good legs. “I don’t need to be carried!”
Shane had put out a blanket and laid Giordan down on it. “Maybe I just want to carry you. Whether you need it or not.”
Wind rustled the leaves of the trees, and a sweet smell filled the air. It was definitely going to rain.
“I can’t believe I agreed to this,” he murmured.
“I don’t know why. We’ve done it a hundred times before.”
“Not outside we haven’t!” Giordan protested.
“No one’s going to see,” Shane promised.
“Someone might.”
“Well, then maybe I don’t care whether or not anyone sees.”
***************************
Well, I will say, I immensely enjoyed Sweet Giordan, Please Remember. I’ll share my FIVE STAR review after Raine speaks about her experiences with writing as a couple.
(passes Raine a napkin)
Now wipe your mouth, dear, and speak to my friends:
GUEST POST
To understand the way Siôn and I collaborate, you have to understand Siôn and I as a couple.
I met Siôn in high school. He was a quiet cowboy. Smart. Sexy. He wore hot pink shirts and was quietly confident. Siôn didn’t care what people thought. He loved me and I loved him and we got married a week after we graduated.
We’ve been married for twelve years this June.
I started writing M/M in 2004 after I became a yaoi fangirl. Siôn watched me with a raised eyebrow and his trademark chill, “Sounds good.” The M/M thing was new to the both of us, but he supported me. He listened to me create elaborate love stories about gentlemen and he tossed in ideas when I would get stuck.
That’s the important part.
I got REALLY stuck. And by that I mean, cripplingly depressed. I couldn’t write anymore. And Siôn cuddled up to me and he made up stories for me. Sweet stories about men finding love. When I couldn’t create, he created for me. He started writing. If Siôn was on his own, would he write rom? Doubtful. His truest passions are in epic fantasy and science fiction…but for me he creates. And what he creates blows my mind.
When I could finally write again, Siôn was still there. We decided to continue to write together. Twelve years of marriage does something special for collaboration. Sometimes he’ll start on about an idea, and before I’ve heard it, I’m saying, “Yes. Absolutely.” I know his heart and he knows mine. We write in the same colors. It’s awesome.
We just subbed our first collaboration together last week and this week, my solo novella, Sweet Giordan, Please Remember came out. He’s been walking with me during promo and touring and chats. I can’t wait to do the same for him when it’s our names together on the cover. Hope!
(Thank you, Mia, for hosting me!)
****************
(pointing)
Raine, the young man, over there in the corner has a question- oh, he want to know if you will share your buy links
Buy links
DSP: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_1024
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sweetgiordanpleaseremember-1453078-149.html
(pointing to woman in front row)
Oh, and you ma’am. You would like to hear my Mia Kerick’s five star review of Sweet Giordan, Please Remember. Well, your wish is my command.
MIA KERICK’S FIVE STAR REVIEW OF SWEET GIORDAN, PLEASE REMEMBER
Raine O’Tierney is an artist, or maybe, I would better brand her as a craftsperson. I compare O’Tierney’s novella, Sweet Giordan, Please Remember, to a finely honed work of literary sculpture, one that fuses charming and genteel Southern society, the frustrating mystery of unanswered questions, and an undeniable shadow of fiercely treasured past love, into a soft-edged, silky, and sinuous work of art.
In the way that a skilled craftsperson judiciously chooses her tools, each word in O’Tierney’s novella has been carefully selected. Every image artfully depicted, each character meticulously constructed, every line of dialogue perfectly fitting and cleverly fashioned.
If you will allow me to mix metaphors, I will suggest that in this same gentle manner, the story’s pace is never rushed, but instead is given freedom to flow like a lazy river to its eventual conclusion. I loved the wandering twists and turns of Sweet Giordan’s plot, along with the wondering, the hopefulness, and the gentle foiling of deep desires experienced by the main character, Giordan Stone as I floated along with the clever storyline.
As a final piece of commentary I will say that at the conclusion of Sweet Giordan, Please Remember, I am left with a sense of satisfied completion, unlike the way I often feel when I finish a reading a novella. My typical reaction is to wonder why this novella wasn’t a novel—why was it so brief? But Sweet Giordan is a true novella. It is meant to be a novella. It is at its intended length, and it shows.
I so appreciate literary works that remind me of this truth: writing in itself is an act of creativity, a making of art. Sweet Giordan, Please Remember is one of these sorts of novels, where you experience a cleverly crafted story as you tread water in a river of artistic ingenuity.
**********************
In any case, it looks like Klaus is going to need a little trip to the great outdoors- yes nature seems to be calling the poor puppy.
(watches as Sion and Raine head out the guest room door with Klaus trailing behind)
Um, Raine, I have neighbors with very BIG eyes…be sure to keep your robe closed… Let me wrap things up here with blog tour and prize information
Website and social media links
Website: http://raineotierney.com/
E-mail: Raineotierney@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaineOTierneyAuthor
The Hat Party (LGBT Author Interviews) http://raineotierneyhatparty.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @RaineOTierney
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/RaineOTierney
Blog Tour and Prizes!
Sweet Giordan, Please Remember Blog Tour
March 17th–March 29th
Prizes:
*** Set of Sweet Giordan, Please Remember and Under the Table and Into His Heart ebooks
*** I Believe in the Sweetness Notebook
*** I Believe in the Sweetness Tote
*** 2x I Believe in the Sweetness Bumper Stickers
*** 2x Sweetness! Bumper Stickers
Please visit Home of the Sweetness to enter:
http://raineotierney.blogspot.com/2014/03/sweet-giordan-please-remember-blog-tour.html
(running for door looking quite unladylike)
Thank you all for coming…I might just go outside and make certain Raine’s robe stays tightly tied!
Filed under: Uncategorized
March 3, 2014
You aren’t gonna believe who’s in Mia’s Guest Room today! Leighton Rose and she ain’t alone!!
“Look here, everybody!! See my sexy new slippers? I think the boys in Mia’s Guest Room are REALLY gonna appreciate them!! Super hot—and useful—at the same time, huh? NO!! Not Alex and Tyler- MY SLIPPERS!!”
(slides down the hall)
“I call these killing-two-birds-with-one-stone slippers.”
(accidentally skids into the wall beside the guest room door, and once back on feet re-adjusts robe so all vital parts are covered)
“Well, anyways, this morning, in MIA’s GUEST ROOM, I am hosting Alex and Tyler from the M/M romance novel Back to You, in addition to their creator, the lovely Ms. Leighton Rose. And let me tell you, last night was quite an evening with these three—popcorn and M & M’s and a movie! I must admit that I didn’t know how…um, how creative… two men could get with a pile of M& M’s…. just sayin’.”
(giddy smile and girlish blush, remembering last night)
“And those boys certainly know how to cuddle… I accidentally got ‘caught in the middle of them’ a couple of times. I have NO IDEA how it happened, but I’m certainly not complaining…”
(clears throat to regain composure)
“As the hostess of a loving couple, I feel it is my duty to avoid walking in on anything that might be…you know, unseemly for your innocent eyes, my genteel blog-following, M/M romance-appreciating audience.”
(approaches guest room… places juice glass sideways against guest room door)
“As I said, this is my duty—after all, one of us has to do it! Eavesdropping through this door will NOT be any fun for me, but it is my duty to you all. And I take my responsibilities quite seriously.”
(presses ear to bottom of glass)
“Shhhh!! Can you people please keep the volume down? I can’t hear a thing with all of you jabbering like that. Hmmm….no morning friskiness seems to be occurring behind this closed door…”
(frowns slightly, clearly disappointed, and removes ear from glass)
“You know what? It sounded to me a bit like they might be bickering in there. I really should check this situation out. I can’t have unhappy guests, now, can I? Mia’s Guest Room is supposed to be a happy place.”
(pushes the door wide open and enters room)
“Good morning, happy fictional couple, Alex and Tyler… oh, and…Leighton… So Leighton, I’m truly quite surprised to see you still in here. Still in your sweatpants and Pioneers basketball T-shirt. Still on the VERY SAME BED—with the boys!! Didn’t you notice the chaise longue I placed at the foot of the big bed—which has your name on it, Leighton!! Jeez!!”
(examines Leighton in her loose T-shirt and baggy sweats)
“Why, yes, guests…and thank you for noticing. I did redecorate!! Quite tastefully, wouldn’t you agree?”
(shakes head, once again frustrated)
“But, really, Leighton, don’t you think we should afford the boys a small measure of privacy before the interview begins? We wouldn’t want to stifle their creative energy now, would we?? Come on, Leighton, we can wait for them to be, uh, finished with whatever needs to be taken care of out in the hall…”
(glances hopefully at juice glass in hand)
“So, go right on ahead, gentlemen, and …and feel free to, uh, to take care of business…yeah. Leighton and I will be right outside the door.”
(takes a backward step toward the doorway)
“What’s that, ‘Ms. Rose’? You want to start the interview RIGHT NOW? What’s your big hurry? The boys clearly need some ALONE TIME… hehehe…”
(upon seeing Leighton shaking her head sternly with refusal, sighs audibly)
“Whatever!! Some people are no fun at all! Can you say ‘ALL BUSINESS’, and not the fun kind?”
(slides delicately to the bed, retying bathrobe while skating right past the untouched chaise longue)
“Boys, you don’t mind squishing over a bit, do you? Oh, yeah…that’s right… just like that… Well, this is nice and cozy, isn’t it?”
(snuggles deeper under quilt in the now-crowded bed)
“Leighton, is that your foot? Could you kindly remove it from my armpit? Thank you very much!”
(reaches over and places juice glass on side table)
“Leighton, did you just say that you’re almost ready to start the interview of your characters? You’re gonna stay dressed in those baggy sweats and that athletic T-shirt? Hmph!! Not to be snide, but I figured you’d want to go put on a business suit—seeing as your mind is so fixated on the task at hand!”
“Stop mumbling, Tyler, and speak up–I mean, I don’t bite! (unless you want me to- LOL!!) What’s that, you want to move in with me? I know the bed is comfy… I’m rather enjoying it too! Oh, and you liked your breakfast? Well, I must say I broke my ass—uh, rather I slaved over a hot stove all morning whipping up those ham and egg burritos. After all, Alex is a chef and I must not let him think he can outdo me in the kitchen!”
(gasps and pulls comforter up to chin defensively)
“Calm down, Alex—and I’m talking about every single tall, dark, and handsome six feet of you!! Get back on the bed this instant!! Please!! I don’t think Tyler meant that he literally wanted to move into Mia’s Guest Room… Leighton, could you please control your characters?”
(watches as Leighton sends a warning glare at Alex, sticks her pencil behind her ear, and removes her notes from beneath her pillow)
“And without further ado, here is my guest, the fabulous Leighton Rose, conducting an interview of her fictional—and I must say, quite hot—characters, Alex and Tyler. Try to keep it clean, people. Young Adults are paying attention.”
Leighton: *yawns and stretches* Good morning, everyone! I’m here with a couple of special guests today in Mia’s guest bedroom. Tyler and Alex, from my debut novel Back to You, have graciously agreed to let me interview them. We all spent the night here and had a fabulous time with Mia last night at our slumber party. Thanks for inviting us, Mia!
Tyler: Morning guys! Can I just say how amazing this bed is? I really want to get one just like it for the house. Can we do that, Alex? I need this bed! *looks at Alex and gives him a puffy lipped, pouty face*
Alex: Suck that lip back in, you big baby. *leans over and gently kisses Tyler’s pouty lips* We’ll talk about the bed later. I’ve never had so much fun at a slumber party! Mia is the best host! She fed us dinner, popped some popcorn and mixed in M&M’s to eat while we all snuggled and watched Magic Mike. Then she brought us coffee and breakfast this morning. Seriously, I’m thinking of moving in here.
T: *looks at Alex sternly* I don’t’ think so, mister; you live with me.
A: Okay, but I’m coming back to visit. *grins*
L: Alright, boys. That’s enough bickering for now. You’ve agreed to answer some questions for our lovely readers and have promised to answer the questions honestly. Isn’t that right, boys?
T: Yes, of course!
A: Honesty is so important! We’ve both learned that lesson the hard way. Thanks for having us!
L: Well, I’m so glad to hear that you guys have learned your lesson! Shall we get right into it, then? The first question is for Tyler. How are you and Donny getting along now? Is there any animosity between you two anymore?
T: That’s a great question. When Alex and I first got back together, Donny was sort of hot and cold toward me. I can’t blame him, I mean, Alex is a great guy and it was clear that Donny loved him. Then we went to Texas to pack up their things and I think that’s when Donny and I started to get along. We all three talked in detail about the situation on the way back. It was a long and awkward conversation but we worked out a lot of hurt and anger and really got to know each other. I think, well I hope, he finally sees how much Alex means to me and how much I love him. We work really well together, though, and I think it was one of the smartest moves I ever made. So, while everything isn’t perfect, we’re getting there.
L: Well, I’m certainly glad to hear that you boys are working things out. Next question is for you, Alex. Our readers want to know if Andrew has let up on his attitude toward you at all?
A: *laughs heartily* Andrew without an attitude? I don’t think Andrew will ever not have an attitude with me, but now I think it’s more out fun than animosity.
T: *snickers*
A: He’s a really good friend to Tyler and I’m so grateful to him for being there for Ty when I was off being a selfish prick. As much as I didn’t like Andrew to begin with, he’s growing on me like mold and I think I’m getting under his skin. We still bicker but when things start to go to a not-so-fun-place, Robyn smacks him and Tyler smacks me and we re-direct. He still doesn’t think I’m good enough for Tyler, and quite frankly I agree, but Tyler wants me and I’m not giving that up again. *squeezes Tyler’s thigh* Plus, I’m afraid that no one would ever find all the pieces if I hurt Tyler again, Andrew would make sure of that.
L: I’m pretty fond of Andrew myself. He’s just doing what a good friend does to protect his friends. Here’s a question directed at the both of you. Your readers want to know if you have been able to put the two years of separation firmly in the past, or does it still affect your relationship sometimes?
A: I think I can field this one. For the most part, it’s firmly behind us. We talked about it so much when we first got together that eventually we agreed it was done and there was nothing we could do to change it. The thing we have to do is change ourselves and our actions so it doesn’t happen again. We did decide to go to counselling so we could learn how to talk things out.
T: Sometimes Alex still gets to feeling really, really guilty about leaving and brings it up, so we have to go through the whole talking process again, but yeah, for the most part we’re just focusing on our relationship now. *grabs Alex’s hand* We’re good now, though.
L: I’m so glad you guys are good now. It makes me so happy. Another question for the both of you, have you set a wedding date yet?
A: Nope, not yet. We’re still building our relationship and settling in. We’ll have a commitment ceremony and a major party someday but right now, as long as I’m with Ty, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
T: Same-sex marriage isn’t legal in Nebraska but it is legal in Iowa which is only an hour away. We could always get married in Iowa and then come back to Lincoln for a party. It’s an idea but I’m with Alex on this one, as long as we’re together, we’re happy.
L: You boys make me smile. This question is for Alex. How has your relationship with Ashton improved?
A: *sighs* Ashton is one of the best people I know. Seriously, besides missing Tyler like crazy while I was in Texas, being away from my brother was the hardest part. Since I’ve been back, Ashton and I have quality brother time every week and I go to every game that I can make it to. My family and I are closer than ever and they all love Tyler, so that makes it even better.
L: Here’s another burning question from our readers for both of you. What is it about the other that attracts you to him?
T: *gazes starry-eyed* For me, I was attracted to him immediately upon seeing him at his grandparents’ house. I mean, look at him, but really, one I got to know him, it’s his heart. Alex has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met and he’s this big guy, right. His size can make him intimidating but I know he’s a big cuddlebug. Oh… and then there’s his…
A: *leans over to cover Tyler’s mouth with his hand* TYLER! This is a young adult blog! Stop! *Tyler laughs* Okay, for me, it’s everything about him. His personality and what a sweet, caring person he is. He loves to laugh and he teases me relentlessly about things. He is stubborn and the most loving person I could ever ask for, and he choose me. Which means he has questionable standards but I’m reaping the benefits so… *waggles eyebrows*
L: *laughs* Okay, boys, that’s enough. I think we get it. You two love everything about each other! Here’s a fun question, if you had to compare the other to a famous person or movie star, who would you say the other reminds you of?
T: For me, Alex reminds me of Matthew McConaughey, you know, when he was young and blond and not so creepy. I mean, we watched Magic Mike last night here with Mia, and he’s just old and creepy in that movie. Give me the Matthew from How to Lose a Guy. Yeah, that’s my Alex.
A: *laughs* I’m so glad you don’t think I’m old and creepy! I love you. *kisses Tyler* I’d say for me, Tyler is my version of Zac Efron. Youngish, toned, dark brown hair, and just sexy. I mean, have you seen this man? Gah, sometimes I just can’t keep my hands to myself.
L: Alright boys, so we’ve got ourselves a Matthew McConaughey and a Zac Efron. Sexy… I can totally dig it! Now, another lovely reader wants to know why you two think your relationship works this time around?
T: Communication is key, honestly. Before, we were young and naïve and not very good at communicating. It was more about the sex and carnal feelings than building something long-term, I think. Now, we talk about our day together before we go to sleep, because some days that’s the only time we see each other. Between Alex’s night shifts at the restaurant and my day job, but we make time for each other.
A: Yeah, talking to each other is a big part of it. The other thing is we make sure that we get quality time together every week. Date night, either going out or staying in, is important to us. We never want to stop dating each other. Even when we get married. We also make sure to spend time apart. That was part of the problem before, I think, we were obsessive about spending time together and that always ended in bed. This time around, sex is important for bonding but it’s not everything to us. I’ve always loved him but when I left, I was lost. I didn’t know any other option.
T: We grew up. I think that’s the biggest part. We were basically still kids when Alex left, now we’re more mature and can think things through rationally. We’re not as impulsive and that’s huge.
L: I think that’s a great answer. I know that it was hard for you two to be apart, but can you tell me what about your separation made you better people?
T: I learned that Alex is the only man I ever want to be with. Riley is an amazing person, a great friend, and sexy as hell, and if he couldn’t make me forget about Alex then no one was going to be able to. It was a hard two years but I made it through and came out stronger on the other side.
A: As hard as it is to admit this with Tyler sitting right here, I can’t say I would change it. Donny is important to me and I never would have met him if I’d never have gone to Texas. *hangs his head*
T: *lifts Alex’s chin* Hey, stop. We’ve talked about this. Everything that happened, happened for a reason. Stop beating yourself up over it. *kisses Alex* I love you.
L: Aww… so sweet. One of the readers wanted to know what caused your fights before but I think you may have covered that.
A: Immaturity and basic lack of respect for each other. Sometimes love doesn’t conquer everything. You have to work at it and we weren’t working hard enough. If love is worth having, it’s worth fighting for. I realized that too late but we fixed it.
T: Pretty much!
L: Good to know. What is a typical date night for you two?
T: We do all kinds of things. Sometimes we go out to eat and either see a movie or go bowling or just walk around a park and talk. If it’s a weekend then we will sometimes go to the club and dance.
A: Or sometimes we just stay in. Order pizza or I cook, watch a movie and just cuddle on the couch. It’s nice as long as we are together.
L: Can you guys give us a little insight on what’s going on with Riley and Donny? There seems to be a little tension going on there.
A: *looks a Tyler questioningly*
T: I… I really don’t think that’s our story to tell. They will tell it when it’s the right time for them. If there’s anything to tell, we aren’t totally sure. They haven’t been around much lately.
L: Ah, well there you have it. We’ll find out when it’s time to find out, we’ll know! Okay boys, this is the final question of the day, but it’s the one that I was asked the most. Our readers want to know what you think Grammy Bea would say to you both now if she were here?
T: Oh, I can tell you easily. She’d say, “It’s about time you got your heads out of your asses and worked it out. Took you long enough. Now, don’t ever let it happen again. You love each other and you fight for each other.” That’d be it. She was never one to beat around the bush.
A: I think she’d tell me she forgives me for hurting her Tyler, but if I ever did it again she’d beat some sense into me. We are meant to be together and nothing can keep two hearts that belong together apart for long. She was a wise one, that Grammy Bea.
L: Yes she was. She was the force that brought you two back together. I love it. Well, that’s all the questions we have for you two today. Is there anything you want to say before we leave?
A: First of all, thanks again to Mia for letting us crash in her awesome guest bedroom. Seriously, this place is awesome. Second of all, thanks to our lovely readers for reading our story and being interested enough in our lives to ask us these questions. We really appreciate all of you!
T: And lastly, we need to thank Leighton for telling our story. She had an idea of how our story was going to go, but she let us tell it the way it needed to be told, even though it wrecked her plans. Sorry about that! *Shit eating grin* And one last time, Mia, can I take this bed home? Please??
L: Yeah, boys, I’m sure you’re really sorry about that and Tyler, seriously, stop trying to steal the bed.
T: *Whines* But it’s HUGE! *sighs* Okay, Mia can keep the bed but Alex needs to buy me one exactly like it.
L/A: *laughing hysterically*
Okay everyone! Thanks for joining us for a look into Tyler and Alex’s life now. We appreciate all the support you’ve given us.
(wrinkles nose when Leighton removes her reading glasses)
“How sweet…not to mention informative. I feel that I know these young men better already. And Leighton, do you happen to have ways for our lovely audience to contact you, should the need arise?”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighton.rose.71
Twitter: @LeightonRose83
E-mail: leightonrose83@gmail.com
Blog: http://leightonrose.wordpress.com/
“Oh, dear, Tyler, did you just spill your coffee, young man? Why, thank you for volunteering to get a dish towel from the kitchen, Leighton…and no, please don’t worry your pretty face about the spill, Tyler. I redecorate so often I’ll hardly miss this quilt at all.”
(hops up out of bed and slides around, functional new slippers easily absorbing the puddle of coffee on the floor)
“My new slippers can mop up this mess—no problemo!”
(slides over to edge of bed and leans into Tyler’s personal space)
“Now, let Momma Mia take a look… Poor guy, did you burn yourself? You splashed hot coffee all over your bare chest—it’s a good thing you’re wearing those plaid pajama pants, if you catch my drift.”
(reaches out to wipe off Tyler’s six pack, or rather, his belly, with sleeve of robe)
“Well, of course I’ll unhand him—I just forgot myself for a split second. You go ahead and wipe off his belly, Alex… Um, someone’s a little bit possessive!”
(blushes very slightly and then lifts papers off Leighton’s pillow)
“Alex, I have an idea—while you wipe off Tyler’s tummy, I’ll read this blurb about your book Back to You by Leighton Rose. Sound like a plan, big fella? And don’t miss Tyler’s belly button. It’s an innie… and it looks like some coffee is pooled up in there.”
(licks lips)
Blurb for Back to You:
When two stubborn boys fall in love there are bound to be fights, but when those fights become the norm and there are more bad times than good, is love enough of a reason to stay?
Alex Parker thinks the best way to save himself and his boyfriend, Tyler Matthews, from any more pain is to leave him and his hometown behind. He finally settles down in Texas and as they both try to move on, it seems like a lost cause.
A tragic turn of events causes Alex to drop everything and head back to Nebraska where he winds up face-to-face with Tyler for the first time since he left two years ago. The spark of attraction is still there, but will these two now grown men be able to overcome the years of guilt, hurt, and broken trust without breaking the bonds of friendship they’ve formed during their time apart in order to get their second chance at love? Only time will tell if their hearts can find their way back to each other.
“Oh, lookie here!! Leighton certainly is organized. She has her buy links all set up…she even wrote you a sweet little note.”
You can buy Back to You if you want to read more about Tyler and Alex at these places:
“Can I interest my wonderful 41 followers, yes, I checked this morning, along with this morning’s dear guests, in hearing an excerpt of Back to You? Wonderful— I had a feeling you’d say yes.”
Excerpt:
From Tyler’s POV
When we got back to the house, we showered quickly (which was always such a test of my own restraint when I had a wet, naked Riley in front of me) and decided to take a nap. I had settled into the most perfectly comfortable position with Riley in my arms and was almost asleep when my damn doorbell rang.
“Fuck,” I muttered as I reluctantly got back out of bed and went to answer the door wondering who in the hell it could be and incredibly irritated at having my nap interrupted.
“Can I help…” I started to snap at the intruder as I opened the door but stopped dead in my tracks when I locked eyes with the person standing on my porch. “Alex,” I whispered, stunned out of my goddamned mind.
I stood there and stared at him staring back at me. I was dreaming; I had to be dreaming. There was no way Alex was standing on my porch in the middle of the day. He lived in Texas.
“Hi, Tyler,” he said softly, breaking the trance I was in and surprising me by pulling me to him and hugging me so tightly that it took me a second to respond. As soon as my brain started functioning again, I latched on to him, grasping desperately at his shirt, trying to get as close to him as possible. It was so surreal to feel his hands on my skin again, and since I’d thought I’d never have the opportunity to touch him again, I decided I was going to revel in that hug for as long as I could, consequences be damned. I inhaled deeply. He smelled exactly like I remembered him and my heart began beating so fast I thought I might pass out.
Oh. My. God. He was really there.
After a couple too-short moments he let me go and I stepped back into the doorway again. “W-w-what are you doing here?” I asked stumbling over my words, still in complete disbelief at the sight in front of me.
“Austin called and told me about Grammy. I’m so sorry, Tyler. I know how close you two were,” he said gently.
Had I just heard that correctly? “Wait… my brother called you?”
“Yeah, yesterday afternoon. We drove straight through to get here.”
“Well, I guess that sheds a little light on why he’s been acting so fucking peculiar around Riley and me since yesterday.” I couldn’t decide if I wanted to kill my brother for doing that or thank him for making the call. “So, I guess that explains why you’re in Lincoln, but it doesn’t explain why you’re standing on my porch right now.”
“I didn’t want to ambush you at the funeral home tomorrow night, Ty. I wanted you to know that I was here so that I didn’t cause you more stress than you’re already going through, and I doubted that calling you was going to do any good.” Alex shifted his weight from one foot to the other, leaning up against the door jamb.
“No, probably not.”
I sighed and rubbed my temples. For as long as I could remember, I’d made a wish while blowing out my birthday candles but none of those wishes ever came true, but when I’d said I didn’t wish to see Alex again, I was lying. That was totally my wish and with him standing in front of me, within reach for the first time in two years, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to hug him again or punch him in the face. And I wasn’t a violent person at all.
The next words out of his mouth blew me away and then pissed me off at the same time. “And to be completely honest with you, there was no way that I could wait one minute more to see you again, Tyler. I had no idea if you still lived here or not, but we’ve been in Lincoln for nearly twelve hours and it’s taken every ounce of willpower I have not to try to find you sooner. I’ve missed you so much.”
Wow, he missed me that much? That’s so sweet. I started to smile at him before a thought hit me. Wait a minute. Did he just say we? He said we, right? “Did you say we?”
He looked unbelievably sheepish, which just irked me even more. “Yeah, I guess I did.”
“So, what? Did you bring your boyfriend with you to go to my grandmother’s funeral? How incredibly classy, Alex.” Seriously, why did people have to be so fucking dumb, and by people, I meant Alex.
He stepped forward like he wanted to touch me but I moved out of his way. “He’s not my boyfriend, Tyler.”
His denial about the subject just pissed me off more. “I think it’s time for you to go, Alex. I don’t have the time or energy to deal with this right now,” I told him.
“I’m sorry if you aren’t happy about that Tyler, but I just found out about Grammy yesterday and dropped everything to be here. He came with me for support because I had no one else to be there; he’s my best friend,” Alex explained to me.
I started to feel a bit sorry for being rude to him but, because I have the worst luck ever, two arms slid around my waist from behind and I felt Riley’s bare chest press warmly against my naked back. He made me shiver when he rested his chin on my shoulder so I could feel his breath on my neck. “What’s taking so long, babe? I’m exhausted,” he purred seductively.
I looked up at Alex, who seemed to be immediately seething in anger at seeing Riley wrapped around me. I couldn’t say I blamed him. If I’d seen anyone half as gorgeous as Riley wrapped around him, no matter what the circumstances were, I’d probably have gone out of my mind with anger and jealousy. Alex was glaring at Riley who seemed to be completely oblivious to the amount of tension in the air.
“And who is this?” Alex’s voice boomed loudly and deeply, something that happened when he got really mad. “Are you seriously giving me shit about bringing my best friend with me when you’ve got someone here hanging all over you?”
It startled Riley, who immediately shrank behind me in fear and began wheezing out short, fast breaths. I was sure he didn’t want to have an anxiety attack in front of a stranger, especially when he found out who that stranger was.
“It’s okay, Ri,” I assured him, wrapping my arm around him comfortingly and ignoring Alex’s question. “Just breathe, hun. There’s nothing to be scared of here because Alex was just leaving, weren’t you, Alex?”
Alex looked puzzled at Riley’s reaction, but then again, I still had no idea why Riley reacted the way he did to things except that I was sure something bad had happened to him back in Kansas. “Uh, yeah, I guess I am,” Alex conceded. He wasn’t a bad guy and he could see his presence was upsetting Riley in a way that wasn’t normal. “Can we talk later, Tyler? Alone, please? I have so much that needs to be said.”
I looked at Riley, who was trying to calm down but still breathing abnormally, and I was torn, but in the end, the greedy, selfish side of me won out and I agreed. “Tomorrow night, after the viewing, we can find somewhere and talk, but you need to go now. I’ve got to take care of him.”
Alex reached out and took my hand briefly, squeezing it gently and it was ridiculous how that one little touch erupted a thousand butterflies in my stomach. “I’m sorry for scaring him,” he told me then turned to leave.
“Well, Leighton is back now, and I can tell that she is more than ready to pack up the very adorable figments of her vivid imagination, Alex and Tyler, and get back home. Thank you all for spending the night in Mia’s Guest Room. And here, Tyler, I put the rest of the M & M’s in a ziploc bag—you seemed to enjoy then so much last night. I picked out all the green ones for you, not that you’ll need them..hehehe.”
(winks at Alex and giggles, then turns and slides to the door)
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March 1, 2014
A Cover Reveal via a Blog Takeover…
Welcome Mia is away but a cover reveal ye shall see…
Away where ye ask … Well with Demi in the Big Apple of course ye see…
Alas have no worries you have me, Beckey, to entertain ye on Mia’s blog today.
A friendly a forewarning ye…
A Leprechaun had bitten me earlier you see (tis thee month for them to make da appearance be known…) and old English may make an appearance throughout thee post ye see…
(Hold on a sec while I give thee more coins to he … Away he goes not to bother thee…)
Without further ado let thee cover reveal takeover shall begin…
As some of you may know Mia and I have been busy with The Red Sheet… But recently we discovered that her next book will be coming out in early April…
How will we announce it before anyone else may know? That was the question that has been our minds for the last week? Both of us agreed that we will announce it today, here and only on Mia’s blog but the trick of it was how since this was Demi’s BIG week…
This was how it went down…
For the last couple of days we have been cover sharing images of three and some of you may have been curious on why?
Tis the answer is simple you see… It’s about the book…
Ye want to see thee cover ye say, thee answer is simple put thee puzzle together ye shall see…
Where to Play
But what fun is it in solving something that is a wee bit of fun without a giveaway of loot ye see?
Alas my post thru, I bid thee ado with a wee bit of Irish luck in the form of a kiss from me to you.
Mia’s Assistant and Blogger at In The Pages
Filed under: Uncategorized
