M.J. Kane's Blog, page 16

April 26, 2015

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroads…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 1

Happy Sunday, and welcome!


I am very excited to share a brand new short story with you! For the next nine weeks leading up to the release of the fourth novel in The Butterfly Memoirs Series, Nobody’s Business…, there will be a new chapter on my website on Sunday’s for your reading pleasure! So, let me share with you what’s going on…


If you’ve read the first novel in the series, A Heart Not Easily Broken, you have already met Ebony Campbell and had a slight introduction to her twin brother, Trevon Campbell. There wasn’t much information shared about Trevon, and since Nobody’s Business is about him, I figured this short story would be a chance to let readers take a peek into his world before being thrown into the novel. Plus, this will also be a chance to do a little catch up with Ebony. A lot of time has passed since A Heart Not Easily Broken, and her short story, Family for the Holiday.


Enjoy!


CROSSROADS COVER 2


 Chapter 1


Ebony


 


“Brian? Hello, can you hear me?” My hand went to the volume switch on my earpiece before I dug into the bowels of my purse, retrieved my cell phone, and checked how many bars were on the screen. Crap.


“Ebony, baby, I can barely hear you.” My husband sounded as frustrated as I felt.


I moved away from the baggage claim carousel and closer to the enormous glass windows in the airport, praying for a better signal. “How about now?”


“Better. Wherever you are, don’t move. I’ve only got a few minutes left.” Melodic sounds of various instruments being played in a state of chaotic warm-ups warred with Brian’s voice.


I glanced at the time on my phone and calculated the time zone difference between Los Angeles and Atlanta. While it was nine p.m. here, it was just six back home. Brian was just getting ready to record.


“Have you called Trevon yet?” The background noise lowered; he must have left the recording booth and stepped outside.


“No, I wanted to talk to you first. Besides, it’s not like my brother is picking me up. The rental car will have GPS and the hotel is only a few miles from here. I’ll be fine.”


Brian sighed. “I know, it’s just─”


I smiled. “I miss you, too.”


Brian chuckled. “Can’t say worried, I remember. Take care of yourself, baby. Watch your surroundings at all times, and text me the minute you get your rental car.”


“And when I get to the hotel, and when I’m in my room, and the door is locked behind me. Funny, I don’t remember asking you to do this much when you were on the road for three months.”


“That’s because I’m a guy and was with a ton of people. You’re alone in another state for your job and─”


“I like the way you left out female.” I couldn’t hide the hint of annoyance in my voice.


Brian’s chuckle was brief. “I was going to say my wife.”


“Sure.” The annoyed feeling left as I listened to the way the word rolled off his tongue. We’d been married for more than a year, it was still hard to believe I was his wife.


“I never thought I would say this, but I’m jealous of your boss. He’s going to have you to himself for two months.”


My laugh was so loud I had to cover my mouth as people in my vicinity turned to see who was making the noise. “I’m sure his wife feels the same way. Maybe you guys can hook up there, while we hook up here. You can have your cougar fling while I enjoy my sugar daddy.”


Brian’s response was music to my ears. “And that’s why I love you, that crazy sense of humor.” He paused, then sighed. “Damn, they’re calling me. I gotta go, baby. Be careful, text me and let me know what’s going on. I’ll reply when I can and call if it’s not too late when we’re done.”


“I will. Don’t worry, Brian, I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine. I love you.”


“I know. I love you, too.”


****


I pushed a button on the console of my rental car and heard a beep as the Bluetooth feature connected. “Travon, I think I got my phone connected.”


“I’m here. Where are you now?” My twin brother’s voice filled the car.


It was embarrassing having to call my brother because I got lost. Driving down an unfamiliar highway at night and the fact a tractor trailer caused me to miss my exit was frustrating. The GPS had recalculated my route, but I was wary of getting off the highway at any random point and trusting it’s new instructions.


“I think I’m still on I-75. I was supposed to get off at I-20 East. Right now I’m looking at downtown Atlanta.” The lights on the bridge overhead and glare from the lights of the tall buildings lining the side of the highway illuminated the car. “I just passed a building that said ‘Grady’. Was that a hospital?”


“Damn, Eb, you did miss the exit. You should have let me pick you up at the airport.”


I cringed, but had to agree.


“From the sound of it, you’re about five minutes from the exit to my condo. You passed the baseball stadium, right?”


“Yes, I think so. My hotel is supposed to be near there.” My grip on the steering wheel tightened as another eighteen wheeler barreled past me.


“Okay, this is what you need to do. Get off at the nearest exit, and I’ll guide you through the backstreets.”


Before long, I pulled into the parking lot of my hotel. After thanking my brother, we made plans to meet in the hotel lobby for breakfast tomorrow morning. Dr. Tucker wasn’t scheduled to arrive until that evening. Travon and I would have an entire day to hang out before the real reason I was in Atlanta came to fruition.


Safe and sound behind the locked door of my hotel room, I texted Brian, but didn’t expect to hear from him until the wee hours of the morning. I took a shower, dug into my bag of snacks, then turned on the TV.


Since becoming a married woman, this was the first night away from my husband.


I missed him…my home…our bed.


Unable to settle, I gathered the pillows on the bed, piled them in the middle, and snuggled against one, imagining Brian’s arms were wrapped around me. I left the volume of the TV down low to drown out the voices in the hallway and the sound of the ice machine that was a few feet away from my door. The illumination kept me from feeling alone.


My thoughts went to the reason why I was here.


A new job opportunity. A chance to do exactly what Brian had done when he left me. Follow my dream.


While I knew for a fact Brian supported my desire to advance in my career, I also knew that deep down, he wanted me home. His reasoning wasn’t due to feeling insecure about our relationship, nor was he trying to control what I did with my life. He knew just as well as I did that making this change now would delay our life goals as a couple.


As it was, I’d already left him in a position to make a major decision without me. Taking this new job meant we would have to relocate from Los Angeles to San Diego. Once I accepted the new position, everything had moved so fast that neither of us were able to schedule time to do any house hunting together before I had to leave for Atlanta. Now that I would be gone for eight weeks, it was all up to him. When I returned, it would be packing, then moving, then starting a new chapter in our lives.


And if I was reading my husband correctly, it wasn’t the chapter he wanted.


For the hundredth time, I hoped my decision to take this new job would be worth everything I left behind.


After eight weeks of on the job training at Zoo Atlanta, I would be home again.


Hopefully my marriage would still be in tack.


 


#####


Chapter 2…


####


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Published on April 26, 2015 07:15

#FREE READ Sunday! Crossroad…a Butterfly Memoir Mini- Chapter 1

Happy Sunday, and welcome!


I am very excited to share a brand new short story with you! For the next nine weeks leading up to the release of the fourth novel in The Butterfly Memoirs Series, Nobody’s Business…, there will be a new chapter on my website on Sunday’s for your reading pleasure! So, let me share with you what’s going on…


If you’ve read the first novel in the series, A Heart Not Easily Broken, you have already met Ebony Campbell and had a slight introduction to her twin brother, Trevon Campbell. There wasn’t much information shared about Trevon, and since Nobody’s Business is about him, I figured this short story would be a chance to let readers take a peek into his world before being thrown into the novel. Plus, this will also be a chance to do a little catch up with Ebony. A lot of time has passed since A Heart Not Easily Broken, and her short story, Family for the Holiday.


Enjoy!


CROSSROADS COVER 2


 Chapter 1


Ebony


 


“Brian? Hello, can you hear me?” My hand went to the volume switch on my earpiece before I dug into the bowels of my purse, retrieved my cell phone, and checked how many bars were on the screen. Crap.


“Ebony, baby, I can barely hear you.” My husband sounded as frustrated as I felt.


I moved away from the baggage claim carousel and closer to the enormous glass windows in the airport, praying for a better signal. “How about now?”


“Better. Wherever you are, don’t move. I’ve only got a few minutes left.” Melodic sounds of various instruments being played in a state of chaotic warm-ups warred with Brian’s voice.


I glanced at the time on my phone and calculated the time zone difference between Los Angeles and Atlanta. While it was nine p.m. here, it was just six back home. Brian was just getting ready to record.


“Have you called Trevon yet?” The background noise lowered; he must have left the recording booth and stepped outside.


“No, I wanted to talk to you first. Besides, it’s not like my brother is picking me up. The rental car will have GPS and the hotel is only a few miles from here. I’ll be fine.”


Brian sighed. “I know, it’s just─”


I smiled. “I miss you, too.”


Brian chuckled. “Can’t say worried, I remember. Take care of yourself, baby. Watch your surroundings at all times, and text me the minute you get your rental car.”


“And when I get to the hotel, and when I’m in my room, and the door is locked behind me. Funny, I don’t remember asking you to do this much when you were on the road for three months.”


“That’s because I’m a guy and was with a ton of people. You’re alone in another state for your job and─”


“I like the way you left out female.” I couldn’t hide the hint of annoyance in my voice.


Brian’s chuckle was brief. “I was going to say my wife.”


“Sure.” The annoyed feeling left as I listened to the way the word rolled off his tongue. We’d been married for more than a year, it was still hard to believe I was his wife.


“I never thought I would say this, but I’m jealous of your boss. He’s going to have you to himself for two months.”


My laugh was so loud I had to cover my mouth as people in my vicinity turned to see who was making the noise. “I’m sure his wife feels the same way. Maybe you guys can hook up there, while we hook up here. You can have your cougar fling while I enjoy my sugar daddy.”


Brian’s response was music to my ears. “And that’s why I love you, that crazy sense of humor.” He paused, then sighed. “Damn, they’re calling me. I gotta go, baby. Be careful, text me and let me know what’s going on. I’ll reply when I can and call if it’s not too late when we’re done.”


“I will. Don’t worry, Brian, I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine. I love you.”


“I know. I love you, too.”


****


I pushed a button on the console of my rental car and heard a beep as the Bluetooth feature connected. “Travon, I think I got my phone connected.”


“I’m here. Where are you now?” My twin brother’s voice filled the car.


It was embarrassing having to call my brother because I got lost. Driving down an unfamiliar highway at night and the fact a tractor trailor caused me to miss my exit was frustrating. The GPS had recalculated my route, but I was wary of getting off the highway at any random point and trusting it’s new instructions.


“I think I’m still on I-75. I was supposed to get off at I-20 East. Right now I’m looking at downtown Atlanta.” The lights on the bridge overhead and glare from the lights of the tall buildings lining the side of the highway illuminated the car. “I just passed a building that said ‘Grady’. Was that a hospital?”


“Damn, Eb, you did miss the exit. You should have let me pick you up at the airport.”


I cringed, but had to agree.


“From the sound of it, you’re about five minutes from the exit to my condo. You passed the baseball stadium, right?”


“Yes, I think so. My hotel is supposed to be near there.” My grip on the steering wheel tightened as another eighteen wheeler barreled past me.


“Okay, this is what you need to do. Get off at the nearest exit, and I’ll guide you through the backstreets.”


Before long, I pulled into the parking lot of my hotel. After thanking my brother, we made plans to meet in the hotel lobby for breakfast tomorrow morning. Dr. Tucker wasn’t scheduled to arrive until that evening. Travon and I would have an entire day to hang out before the real reason I was in Atlanta came to fruition.


Safe and sound behind the locked door of my hotel room, I texted Brian, but didn’t expect to hear from him until the wee hours of the morning. I took a shower, dug into my bag of snacks, then turned on the TV.


Since becoming a married woman, this was the first night away from my husband.


I missed him…my home…our bed.


Unable to settle, I gathered the pillows on the bed, piled them in the middle, and snuggled against one, imagining Brian’s arms were wrapped around me. I turned the volume of the TV down low to drown out the voices in the hallway and the sound of the ice machine that was a few feet away from my door. The illumination kept me from feeling alone.


My thoughts went to the reason why I was here.


A new job opportunity. A chance to do exactly what Brian had done when he left me. Follow my dream.


While I knew for a fact Brian supported my desire to advance in my career, I also knew that deep down, he wanted me home. His reasoning wasn’t due to feeling insecure about our relationship, nor was he trying to control what I did with my life. He knew just as well as I did that making this change now would delay our life goals as a couple.


As it was, I’d already left him in a position to make a major decision without me. Taking this new job meant we would have to relocate from Los Angeles to San Diego. Once I accepted the new position, everything had moved so fast that neither of us were able to schedule time to do any house hunting together before I had to leave for Atlanta. Now that I would be gone for eight weeks, it was all up to him. When I returned, it would be packing, then moving, then starting a new chapter in our lives.


And if I was reading my husband correctly, it wasn’t the chapter he wanted.


For the hundredth time, I hoped my decision to take this new job would be worth everything I left behind.


After eight weeks of on the job training at Zoo Atlanta, I would be home again.


Hopefully my marriage would still be in tack.


#####


Chapter 2, coming next Sunday!


####


Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!


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Published on April 26, 2015 07:15

April 19, 2015

This Writer Reads…A Heart Not Easily Broken…

Every author has a favorite part of the book…a moment when the characters personalities, motivations, and stories come to life. Very rarely do we get a chance to share them with our readers. Well, today, I did! Here is one of my favorite scenes from the first novel in The Butterfly Memoirs, A Heart Not Easily Broken, which is now on sale for .99 cents…limited time only! Enjoy!



 


####


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Published on April 19, 2015 07:00

April 15, 2015

#Amazon Gift Card Giveaway and eBook #99cent Sale!!!

AHNEB_FINAL_COVER.2I am super excited about the release of my new novel, NOBODY’S BUSINESS…, which will be releasing this summer! It is the fourth installment in THE BUTTERFLY MEMOIRS. To celebrate, the first novel in the series, A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, is on sale for .99 cents! If you haven’t read this book yet, you can’t beat the price! It’s a great way to dive into the series and get to know the characters. While each novel is part of a series, they can be read as standalone, BUT, if you love reading a series and can’t wait to find out what’s happening with the characters, then here’s a few things you’ll want to do….


First, BUY a copy of A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN…it’s available on eBook, paperback and audiobook!


Find out what happens when the story ends with this FREE short story, Family for the Holiday: An Ebony and Brian Mini Memoir


Then, go over to the sidebar and SUBSCRIBE to my website so you don’t miss a chapter of the novella, CROSSROADS, that will be available on THIS BLOG ONLY to find out more about where Ebony’s life is going, and get introduced to her brother, Trevon Campbell, who is the feature character in NOBODY’S BUSINESS…, starting Sunday, April 26th!


To thank each and everyone of you for stopping by, I’d like to give you a chance to win a $10.00 Amazon Gift card, all you have to do is share the news! Good luck, and HAPPY READING!!!


 


Available at:


Amazon     B&N     iTunes


 


 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

    


 


Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!


 


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Published on April 15, 2015 07:00

March 21, 2015

Don’t feel like you need a website to build your brand? Think again!

IMG_1078[1]


 


*Today I had the opportunity to teach a class on How to Build A WordPress Website! The enthusiastic response to the class from the community was way more than I expected! So of course, I had to share of few of the tips taught in class with you, my readers!Enjoy!!*


In order to truly build your brand, it takes work. It’s marketing. It’s promoting. It’s finding your brands identity and being bold enough to share it with the world. Don’t think you can do it? Wrong!


If you have profiles set up on social networking sights such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, you’ve already started building your brand. BUT, it’s not the only place to let people know what you’re doing. When you promote and share your information on a social networking site, your reach is limited. You can only reach people who follow you. So, if you only have 150 followers, only 150 people have access to your information, and if you keep posting the same promotion, eventually it will become the commercial that no one watches.


So, how do you get your brand noticed?


By building a website!


Websites have the potential to reach millions of readers. Of course, this doesn’t just happen when you push the publish button. There is work involved. For starters, connecting your social network sites to you blog posts with share buttons, such as the ones you’ll see when you finish reading this blog, will get your words out to all of your followers without you having to go into each site and posting. Linking up with other likeminded bloggers on sites such as Tribber can assist in spreading the word as well. With just a few clicks of a button, your new posts will be shared to people who are not in your personal network and increase your reach to new subscribers.


So, the number one question is who do you choose to host your website?


It’s all about preferences and what it is you’re looking to do with your site. For the most part, websites such as Blogger.com and WordPress.com are great for first time website hosting. The service is free and with patience and practice, and reading the helpful guides, you can navigate your way into creating a successful website, without spending a dime!


Want to get make your site stand out even more, upgrading to a paid version of your website or using outside services such as GoDaddy.com will allow you to build your site from the ground up. You can also add custom widgets and plugin’s to make your site do things, such as sell your products directly from your website!


What type of content does your website need to have?


Start with the basics:



Home: You can use this as a Welcome/stagnant page


About Me/Us/Etc.: Tell your story


Contact Me: Generic form for people to fill out for quick and easy email contact


Blog: This is where you share your products, talk about yourself/products, share information and encourage reader engagement


Misc. Pages- Add more pages for product content, or anything else you think will draw and keep readers on your site

 


*Don’t worry about filling this all in at one time! You can always add/delete/expand content at your discretion!*


Use Images to make your post have more of an impact. Today’s readers like it short, sweet, and visual. Think of the most popular post and tweets that are viral…they all have a picture or video attached. Remember, a picture says a thousand words, thus the reason why sites such as Instagram are popular. Draw attention to your site with images. Be sure they are royalty free. Also, avoid stock photos that have watermarks. When possible, create your own visual effects by taking pictures, or creating images in Photoshop or Publisher and saving them as JPEG files. When posting, save your images as Featured Images to your post, they will show up when your post is shared and draw attention to your information. Make sure to use hashtags to draw attention to your posts. Using these make it easy for your post to be found on social media sites.


 


Now that you have a game plan, have fun with creating your own home on the world wide web!


 


####


Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!


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Published on March 21, 2015 13:07

March 18, 2015

#MJKaneMedia V-Log- March 17, 2015: Using Life Experiences to Create a Scene

A Day in the Life of M.J. Kane…


When I started my journey to becoming an author, I was a stay-at-home mom and my life consisted of home and family. Since I’ve gone back to work, (I am now a librarian and couldn’t ask for a more perfect job!!!), my stories and characters have been filled with more and more of my daily experiences. Today’s events inspired this impromptu v-log…enjoy!


 



 


 ####


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Published on March 18, 2015 07:15

February 27, 2015

When Characters Start Talking….#MJKaneMedia Update!

Once upon a time, ‘voices’ started popping into my head. No, not the crazy kind that get you sent to the insane asylum, but the ones authors get when an idea about what story to write comes to you in the middle of the night, while in the shower, or sitting in traffic. That voice that comes to you with an incredible one-liner that catches your attention and makes you sit up and take notice…


“I should be happy, but I’m not.” 


I have to say, the character who dropped by my brain to share that comment shocked me. When I last wrote his story, I left him in a happy place, his story had been told. Well, like life, none of our stories come to an end until the day we die. There are times in life when we are content, go through trials that test us, have a moment of euphoria, and of course realization that what we thought we wanted isn’t enough, we want, no, need more.


Writing Reality…


That is my brand of storytelling…stories that reflect the reality of life for the everyday reader. Stories that could be happening to your best friend, a family member, the neighbor next door, or even you.


No fantasy.


No overboard situations.


Just good old fashioned ‘this could be you’ stories.


Inspirational. Thought-provoking. Emotional. 


I won’t tell you which character shared that one-liner with me just yet, but know, I am now listening to him. As much as I’d love to sit down and write his story right now, there are many other things on my plate that need to be attended to first.


I’m working with my editor to fine tune the next story in The Butterfly Memoirs series, NOBODY’S BUSINESS…, and I love the way it’s going! No matter how much you think you know the story and your characters, nothing makes the strength of the words you’ve written stand out more than stepping away from them for weeks and then getting the edits back and ‘seeing’ the story again. I’m falling in love with my characters even more, and can’t wait until it’s ready for publication! Seriously, my fingers are twitching over here with the desire to share an excerpt! But alas….not yet. :)  What I CAN tell you is that this story is about Ebony’s (A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, Book 1) twin brother, Trevon Campbell, a so called player, who finds himself caught between two women…and a son. The Prologue and first Chapter of his story can be found in the back of LONELY HEART (Book 3), Kaitlyn’s story. The book cover is next, along with the blurb and release date announcement, but know it’s coming SUMMER, 2015!!! Can’t wait!


The characters for the fifth installment in the series, to be titled, have also introduced themselves so I’m in the development stages of that story.


There is a novella in the works as well that has nothing at all to do with The Butterfly Memoirs series…


And of course the one character who popped back in to say that he wasn’t happy…we’ll see where that goes.


Until the next time….Happy Writing and Reading!



####


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Published on February 27, 2015 08:15

February 14, 2015

#MJKaneMedia Presents: #FREE Valentine’s Day Read and Gift!

It’s Valentine’s Day!!!


Have you ever wondered what happens to your favorite couples after their story ends? I do. One of my favorite couples to write were Yasmine and Zachariah from a Jaded. So, imagine my joy when they reached out to me to share their first Valentine’s Day story! Check it out, comment, leave your email address, and you could win an copy of any one of The Butterfly Memoirs novels to be sent straight to you Kindle!  ( Winner will be contacted 2/15/2015)


 


 


Click to Read:  Valentine’s Day: A Yasmine and Zack Mini Memoir




AHNEB FINAL COVER  Autumn landscape in foggy wood with a track  Autumn landscape


**Click on the images to learn more about the books!**


Have you read all the books? Well get ready because the next novel in the series, Nobody’s Business…, will be coming Summer 2015!!!


####


Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!


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Published on February 14, 2015 07:02

January 29, 2015

#MJKaneMedia Presents: A New Release for Wordsmith Writer, Chicki Brown!

I love my writer’s group and will support them in everything they do. So, its with great pleasure that I share Chicki Brown’s latest release, the third novel in the Stafford Brothers Series, Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough!


 ***If you live in the Atlanta area and would like to join our group, Wordsmith Writers of Clayton County, follow this link for our next meeting time!***


DONT STOP - Cover Image 232KB


New York TV personality Greg Stafford has been hiding a secret for years. When this secret is exposed to the world, he has to fight to restore his image with the public, his family and his belief in himself.


Therapist Rhani Drake spends her days listening to people’s problems and helping them to overcome their challenges. When Greg Stafford shows up at her office, she isn’t ready for the problems he creates in her life.


He wants to repair his reputation. Is she about to throw her own reputation away to help him?


Amazon


Excerpt:


Greg didn’t know the last person to enter the room and assumed he must be the legal eagle. John pointed to the coffee and waited until the man seated himself. “We all know why we’re here. This situation doesn’t only give The Scoop and the network a black eye, but it’s also a breach of contract on your part,” he said, pinning Greg with a hard stare. Confusion drew Greg’s face into a frown, and John went on to explain further. “A morals clause is a standard inclusion in the contracts of all on-air personalities. Unfortunately, almost no one remembers reading the clause before they signed it.” He slid the papers in front of Greg, and Thad picked them up before he had a chance to take a look.


“This is pretty cut and dried,” Thad said after a few minutes. “To give you the short version, it’s a provision in the contract which curtails, restrains, or forbids certain behavior. The clause is used as a means of holding you to a certain behavioral standard so as not to bring disrepute, contempt or scandal to the network and their interests.”


“Breaking this clause is grounds for disciplinary action or termination,” Ken added.


Always one to think ahead, Thad asked, “Doesn’t he have any recourse?”


John squinted. “What kind of recourse, Mr. Jones?”


“What if Mr. Stafford is willing to submit to counseling for a specified period of time?”


“Therapy would play well with the public,” Jordyn chimed in. “Any kind of rehab does.”


“Rehab?” Greg asked of no one in particular.


“There’s rehab for everything these days—not just the big problems,” she explained. “They have rehab for racism, homophobia, rudeness, stupidity you name it.” A chuckle echoed around the table.


“Would the network be willing to reinstate Mr. Stafford if he completed a mandated course of therapy with a reputable therapist?” Thad asked, directing his question to the station manager who in turn glanced at the corporate legal guy.


“The decision would be up to you, John,” the corporate attorney said.


Greg had held his tongue long enough. “I don’t get any input in all of this?”


John sent him a snide smirk. “Your gift for inputting got you into this mess, Greg. I’m afraid your judgment can’t be trusted.”


Humiliated, Greg averted his gaze and fiddled with his phone.


A tense silence hung over the room while the station manager contemplated his advice. After what seemed like an eternity to Greg, John replied, “Listen, Greg, until now I haven’t been aware of transgressions on your part since you’ve been with The Scoop. I don’t make it a habit of judging another man’s personal life. Who you sleep with is your private business, but since this story broke, the rumors about you and staff members have become the number one topic of discussion in this building.  From what I hear, there are even pools to guess the number of coworkers you’ve screwed. You have a problem, and you need to face it.” He stopped and pushed his glasses up on his nose. “This mandated therapy has nothing to do with the women you’ve been involved with on the job. It’s the result of your arrest only, but I have to warn you. Some of the women on staff will surely talk if TMZ or some other outlet offers them the right price. You’d better be prepared for more fallout. And,” He slid a newspaper in Greg’s direction. “It looks as if you have another complication.”


Greg lifted the paper folded to the headline which read, Senator Price makes an official statement. He quickly read the text of the article then passed it to Thad. The senator accused Greg of pursuing his young wife.


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Published on January 29, 2015 06:00

January 14, 2015

“If you want to be happy…..”

I found this quote on my cousin’s wall at work and today, it fits for a lot of reasons, so of course I had to share! If you can’t see it clearly, this is what it says:


photo


 


“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires you hopes.” – Andrew Carnegie


We’re 14 days into the start of a new year. Many of you may have come up with New Years Resolutions, while others may not. Some have already been broken, while others are staying true to their goal. If your still riding that resolution wagon, congratulations! If you’ve fallen off, no worries! Dust yourself off, climb back on, and try again!


The whole goal with resolutions is to start something you would not normally do, something that will, as the above quote says, make you happy.


It will command your attention because you are determined to reach that goal. It will liberate the negative energy in your life and turn it into a positive outcome. It will inspire your hopes because little by little, each success will compound until you reach that finish line.


Then what do you do? Find another ‘happy’ and start again!


Okay, now go back to your day, decide what you can do to find your happy, and begin!  Good luck, and be sure to share this HAPPY message with your friends!


Need some inspiration? :)


 



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Thank you for stopping by! I love to make new friends. Got questions or comments? Leave a comment, or connect with me online!  If you’ve enjoyed this post, sign up for the monthly newsletter and follow this blog!


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Published on January 14, 2015 08:52