Da'Kharta Rising's Blog: Thoughts of a Slightly Social Anti-Socialite, page 2

Day 4: Adaptation (#CVBookTour)

What’s happening? The Slightly Antisocial Socialite here, trying to figure out if I like where I moved this piece of furniture. I guess it will take some time to adapt to these changes.

According to the next Concordant Vibrancy author Beem Weeks, adaptation is the main elixir one needs in order to survive. Check out in this post how he breaks it down.

(1) What prompted you to be a part of the Concordant Vibrancy concept?

The thing that prompted me to participate in the Concordant Vibrancy concept was an invitation to do so. That’s the sort of proposal one just doesn’t turn down. To be asked to contribute to such a wonderful project is a high honor. Having my name and my work published alongside this group of skilled writers is an incredibly humbling experience. There’s also a challenge involved: Here’s a theme, now write a short story that encompasses this theme and brings it to life. Challenge accepted!

(2) Which Concordant Vibrancy books are you featured in?

I have been blessed to be part of four of the five anthologies. These include CV 2: Vitality, CV 3: Lustrate, CV 4: Inferno, and this latest edition, CV 5: Extancy. Each volume poses a theme and a question for the author to ponder while crafting a story around that theme.

(3) Why did you choose a certain attribute as your answer to CV5’s theme question?

I chose the attribute of adaptation to answer the theme question—What intangible elixir is paramount to one’s survival?—because those who learn to adapt will be those who survive. And survival doesn’t always equal success or a happy ending. Life isn’t outlined for us. It doesn’t fit into the pages of a well-crafted novel. Humans are often presented with unforeseen events that change our world, ruin our plans, and re-write the roadmap we’ve plotted for ourselves. These various themes postured in each of the Concordant Vibrancy editions speak to the human soul and to the human struggle for life. To adapt is to survive.

About The Author

Beem Weeks is an author, editor, blogger, podcast host, and audio/video producer. He has written many short stories, essays, poems, and the historical fiction/coming of age novel entitled Jazz Baby. Beem has also released Slivers of Life: A Collection of Short Stories and Strange Hwy: Short Stories, as well as the novella The Thing About Kevin. He is a lifelong native of Michigan, USA. Beem is currently working on two novels and several short stories.

Social Media Links: Twitter | Website | Amazon

Great post Beem about adaptation! See who else is stopping by the Cave during the Concordant Vibrancy book tour.

Day 3: Strength (#CVBookTour)

What’s up? The SASS here. As I was moving a piece of furniture around in the cave, I was reminded of how much strength it took to move around someone that’s actually made of real wood. However, there is a strength out there that has more might and measure than physical strength, and that’s emotional strength.

That brings me to the next person that’s part of Concordant Vibrancy, Carol Cassada. She dishes on how strength plays a factor in her theme answer.

What prompted you to be a part of the Concordant Vibrancy concept?

This is the third time I’ve participated in the Concordant Vibrancy series. I’ve known Yasmin, Monica, and the All Authors family for a while.
When they invited me to be part of volume 3 of the anthology, I jumped at the chance. I loved the first two volumes, and to me the concept of Concordant Vibrancy was unique.

Participating in the anthology challenged my mind. I delved into my philosophical side as I contemplated the theme’s question. Then I had to create a story centered around my answer.

It was a fun experience, and Concordant Vibrancy helped break me out of my writing comfort zone. I was able to see what else I could create instead of my usual genre.

Which Concordant Vibrancy books are you featured in?

I’ve been featured in Lustrate, Inferno, and now the last volume Extancy.
It’s been a pleasure to work alongside this wonderful group of authors who I admire. I’m sad to see the Concordant Vibrancy series come to an end, but I hope I’ll be able to continue working with All Authors in the future.

Why did you choose a certain attribute as your answer to CV5’s theme question?

I choose strength as my answer to the theme’s question, and when I say strength I mean emotional strength.
My CV5 story is inspired by my own life. Alzheimer’s runs in my family. My paternal grandmother had it, and my aunt was her caretaker. It was heartbreaking watching my grandmother’s mind slipping, and although my aunt never showed it, I knew it was tough on her.

Now, several years later, I’m in the same situation.

My mother was diagnosed with dementia about two years ago. At first, I didn’t want to believe it, but after confirmation from the doctor, I had to face the sad truth. I also stepped up and became my mother’s caretaker.

Being a caretaker isn’t easy. Aside from the physical stress, it can also exhaust you mentally. Seeing the person you love have their memories and their personality taken away is difficult. I’ve had moments where I broke down, wondering why my mother has to go through this, and worrying about the future.

As I explain to everyone, there are good days and bad days. Although there are challenging times, I manage to pull myself together to be the best daughter and caretaker I can be.

If that doesn’t tug at the heart strings, I don’t know what will. Be on the lookout for who will be next to enter the Cave.

Day 2: Awareness (#CVBookTour)

Hey, what’s up! Are you aware that it’s Day 2 of the Concordant Vibrancy book tour? Any way, to speak more about Awareness and how it applies to her story in “Extancy” is C. Desert Rose.

I know you’re there!

Day 1: Origins (#CVBookTour)

What’s going on? It’s the SASS. I’m sure everyone is glad that 2020 left with the quickness. 2020 left a lot to be desired and perhaps there is a hunger for more Vibrancy.

Speaking of Vibrancy, today is Day One of the “Concordant Vibrancy” book tour. Today, the Bosses are sharing the origins of how Concordant Vibrancy came to be. Who doesn’t like a good origins story?

The birth of Concordant Vibrancy took place many years ago.

During that time, All Authors was focused on the advocacy of all authors with the purpose of reaching all readers. We had expanded into many subsidiaries, two of which were All Authors Magazine and All Authors Publishing House. We had a handful of writers under our belt. Also, there were people who took part in the magazine, providing information, entertainment, and support.

Yes, the aspirations of All Authors were expansive and innovative. However, the funding we possessed was minimal.

With that said, we wanted to find a way to reward the participants of the Magazine and the Publishing House in lieu of monetary compensation.

After much thought, it was decided that those individuals would have the opportunity to be featured in a yearly publication, hosted by All Authors.

The 1st book of the Concordant Vibrancy collection Unity was released in January 2015. The 2nd and 3rd books, Vitality and Lustrate, were released in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

In late 2017, All Authors opted to go on hiatus for the purpose of relaxation, rejuvenation, and re-imagination.

What resulted from these three “R” was the redefinition of our organization’s existentialism, the luminosity of our expansiveness, and the degrees of transcendence that no longer was in alignment with the original credo of everyday inclusiveness.

Although smaller in design, yet more proficient, All Authors still believed that Concordant Vibrancy was adaptable to both our origins and our rebirth. It was only fitting that the 4th book Inferno hit shelves in January 2020.

It is with joy and a heavy heart that Concordant Vibrancy has reached completion with this upcoming release. However, please check out our brand new website with all the details of this fantastic work.

Okay All Authors Head Honchos, thanks for the info. Keep visiting The Cave for details on all the authors and all the stories during the Concordant Vibrancy tour.

New Role (#MagSwag)

Hey what’s up? I know we are only a couple of days in, but is 2021 treating you better than 2020? If so, cool. If not, well, that sucks.

Look … I’m not going to take up too much of your time. I’m that type that pops in, say what I have to say, and then disappear like a puff of smoke.

Remember All Authors Magazine from a while back? Well, for a while, it disappeared, and many people (myself included) thought it was gone for good.

Well, late last year, I was approached by the heads and asked if I would be interested in being a part of the relaunch. I did confess that I didn’t have a mass amount of time on my hands … like there’s Transcendent Choice, When Karma Speaks, and a whole pile of other stuff. I do more than eat popcorn in the Cave, contrary to popular opinion.

But once they broke down the frequency as well as the “Rotating Door” concept, I figured I could throw them an article or two in the between time.

So … peep my debut in the new All Authors Magazine, now titled Quixotic, by clicking the link.

Quixotic: Issue 1 (Vibrancy)

Book Upgrade Plus Book Release (#SimmerShyt)

Hello everyone!

We at All Authors Publishing House have some exciting news to share.

Firstly, the Wordsmith of Whimsical Oases, also known as Adonis Mann, has joined his ink with the liberated pen of Synful Desire to form the simmering duo called …

Speaking of “simmering”, that brings us to the second reason for our enthusiasm.

Today is the fifth anniversary of when these two authors first combined their talents in Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet. To up the ante for this special event, All Authors Publishing House is proud to present a newly remastered edition, not just the interior but the exterior as well.

Blurb

When love simmers sweet and passion simmers smooth, rhapsody is efficacious rapture.

Tommy and Spencer were meant for each other, that is, until a serendipitous encounter proves to be an enormous revelation. Will Luke, Tommy’s childhood friend, serve to change the tide?

Kesha has finally told Teresa about her feelings. The only drawback is Teresa’s engagement to Chris. Will Kesha bask in the bliss that only Teresa can bring, or will Chris get in the way?

Come feel the ardent emotions which steam under a silky surface with Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.

If you are interested in the paperback, it will be coming soon, with a new interior and in a new size. Hand-held 5 X 8, but still with as much heat, intensity, and drama!

Now, for the final and most important reason for exuberance … the unexpected follow-up to Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.

Whimsical Liberation, in conjunction with All Authors Publishing House, proudly present …

Blurb:

Adonis Mann and Synful Desire, the erotic duo now known as Whimsical Liberation, have returned with a steamy follow-up to Simmer: Smooth & Sweet.

Enter Simmer: Sensual & Spicy.

When seduction simmers Sensual and allure simmers Spicy, love is a Sinuous escape.

Adonis Mann (representing Whimsical):
The return of an unexpected lover marks the test to Tommy and Luke’s union. When Tommy is forced to face his greatest fear, Luke is left to hope for the best outcome. Will the overture of serendipity lead to sensuous gratification or love amiss? Find out in “Smoothe and Sensual”.

Synful Desire (representing Liberation):
The fulfillment of simmering desire marked the foundation of Kesha and Teresa’s relationship. When Kesha becomes suspicious of Teresa’s attempts to spice up their sexual trysts, it triggers a hamster wheel of drama. Will Kesha and Teresa’s union stay the course or will the heat incinerate what they’ve built? Find out in “The Simmer of Spicy”.

Grab your Kindle copy today!

Synful Desire Takeover (#SimmerShyt)

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Hello Awesome Visitors! It’s Synful Desire, also known as the other component of Whimsical Liberation. Who knows? Maybe if this is popular enough to trend, Adonis and I can take our act on the road.

Hey, who am I kidding? I can barely carry a tune, and Adonis is only an expert on doing the two-step while sipping his wine.

One thing I know my partner and I do exceedingly well is providing portable, readable heat.

The concept of “Simmer Sweet” developed a few years before putting it into print. The story encompasses three traits: discovery, desire (no pun intended), and declaration.

Have you ever discovered a truth about yourself that may be uncomfortable to those closest to you?

Have you ever had desire for someone but debated whether to express it?

If you choose to express this desire, do you worry about the other person’s reaction, whether the response is acceptance or rejection?

All of these “D” elements simmer when the reader meets Kesha and Teresa.

Kesha and Teresa have a history of platonic friendship, but over the years, Kesha develops an attraction to Teresa. At the start of Simmer Sweet, Kesha has just confessed her sexual attraction to Teresa, and Teresa is sifting through how this revelation makes her feel.

While Teresa is working through her feelings, an unexpected phone call changes something that could have been dismissed by Kesha as wishful thinking into a tangible possibility.

I will not be a spoiler, for those who have not read Simmer Sweet. However, I will provide an excerpt to whet your appetite.

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Confession: Originally, I had not planned on doing a continuation of Simmer Sweet. From an author’s perspective, the tale of Kesha and Teresa was one and done.

However, as preparations were being made for a revamped Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet cover and interior, it gave me an opportunity to re-read Simmer Sweet. While going through the story, the questions which ran through my mind resonated as situations the readers would wonder about. There were enough inquiries raised to toy with the idea of another story that would answer all of those questions. Yet, I didn’t want to do it without my Hunk of Hot Literature Adonis Mann. Luckily, not much was needed to convince him to come aboard.

The extensive architecture produced the twists and turns involved in The Simmer of Spicy. Unlike diving right in the deep end, as I did with Simmer Sweet, I spent more time developing the character and mannerisms of Kesha and Teresa. This involved slowing the pace for the readers, so that they could become fully invested, not only in the two central characters but some new people along the way.

Here’s a small excerpt from The Simmer of Spicy to prepare you for an inkling of the drama to expect.

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Okay Awesome Visitors, that about does it! I am stoked about not only the release of Simmer: Sensual & Spicy but also a special treat as it pertains to the 1st book Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet.

Until next time,

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Adonis Mann Takeover (#SimmerShyt)

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Adonis Mann here.
To be quite candid, at first I had no idea what to write for this post. Then, Synful Desire said, “Well Donny, start at the beginning.”

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So, starting from the beginning ….

It all started with Synful Desire and her desire to produce something desirable.
Whether it was the understanding of each other’s art, or the kinship of writing, or even the genuineness of friendship, I could not tell. But, one day Ms. Desire asked me to co-author an erotic compilation.

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Five years hence, here we are today. Two installments in and one saga complete.
Through bifurcate approaches, Desire and I traverse down an avenue of relationships and eroticism. Two tales that delineate the ups, downs and all arounds of same-sex relationships … or any relationship for that matter.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Today, I’ve come to speak on the birth and growth of my story, “Smoothe & Sensual”.

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Five years ago I wrote the first installment of this story which I titled, “Smoothe & Sweet” and had much to do with the bittersweetness of breakups and the tenderness of a reconnection with someone unexpected.
Before I get any further, allow me to explain that the word “Smoothe” is not spelled incorrectly. In my stories, Smoothe is a surname, thus, much like “Greene” or “Browne”, it is supposed to have an E at the end.
Now, returning to where I left off ….
The story that I bring you today is the saga that picks up where the last left off, but fast-forwarding five years. Here we see that Tommy and Luke have become a very serious item and are even planning on getting married.
Is it fortuitous that the story seems to start in a very similar manner in which the first installment was started?
No, it is not.

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You see, Tommy and Luke have been through a great deal together. They’ve fought hard for the life they now share. And, as is Tommy’s makeup, he is a person of peace and reflection, albeit at times a person of spontaneous mischief.
However, hard times tend to bring out the creatures that lurk in the dark. Thus our story goes. During a time when mankind is licking its wounds and reflecting on its mistakes, Spencer Smoothe reappears. This is when the story takes a wild, and frankly, unexpected turn. But to the detriment of what? To the detriment of the peace that Tommy lived and thrives on.
So begins the whirlwind of mal-decisions and misdeeds that cause Tommy, Luke, Spencer and everyone else included to trip upon their own feet.

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With all of that being said, I truly hope that you enjoy and come to love “Simmer: Sensual & Spicy”.

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Book Tour Takeover (#SimmerShyt)

Yo, what’s good? The Slightly Anti-Social Socialite here.

I was just about to grab me a late night (or early morning – depends on what you call after midnight) snack when I got a ding from Author Synful Desire, asking me if the Cave was available. I told her it was, provided that she didn’t eat up all of my snacks and that she didn’t leave a mess. Then, I found out she wouldn’t be the only one coming. Author Adonis Mann was here for the ride too.

So … for the next four days, don’t be alarmed by the array of colors showing up at the Cave. All will be back to the normal black and red once they’ve gone about their way.

In the meanwhile, enjoy getting the dibs of #AllThingsSimmer.

And with that, I’m going to bed and letting them run the show.

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Hello everyone! Ova Veugh here and welcome to the debut episode of Claret Conversations.

Usually, when you think of December, you envision cold weather. Select holidays. The savoring of good home-cooked meals. The exchange of presents. The gathering of people, singing, laughing and expressing what they are thankful for.

However, people also desire warmth.

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I am excited to introduce two people who I deem Connoisseurs of Sensual Heat. One is known for his Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity. The other is well-known for her contemporary views on relationships and sexuality. Please give a warm welcome to Authors Adonis Mann and Synful Desire.

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Adonis and Desire, it is fantastic to have you as my first guests on Claret Conversations. Before we talk turkey about your latest joint project, I would like to offer you a choice of wine.

Adonis: White, if you please.

Desire: White, please.

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I will have a bit of hot apple cider myself. I never conduct interviews while tipsy.

Okay, now that I have handed out refreshments, let’s get the show on the road.

My first question is for Adonis.

How did you come up with your preliminary catchphrase “Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity”, and why did that same phrase fit your first short story collection?

Adonis: Well, the “Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity” catchphrase was the brainchild of Author Queen of Spades. You see, many months before the birth of S.O.R.I. I was searching for a catchphrase that would encompass my sapient style of writing as well as the flow of my prose. One day, as we had an Author Mentoring Meeting, we brainstormed several variations of a catchphrase that might serve the purpose. A few words thrown around were “Ravishing” and “Intensity” followed by someone saying “But Adonis there is a certain syncopation in your words.” At that very moment Author Queen of Spades said, “That’s it! Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity! That totally describes you, Adonis.” and there you had it.

As it pertains to “Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity”, a.k.a. S.O.R.I., which story is your favorite as it pertains to the following categories:
(a) Readability
(b) Characters
(c) Intensity
(d) Resonance

Adonis: My personal favorite story in S.O.R.I. was “Tyronian Rapture”. Apart from being among the very first stories I wrote for the collection, it somehow took with it a piece of my heart. I find that it has all of the aforementioned variables; readability, characters, intensity and resonance. Although the setting is historical, the way the story is told is very relatable and captivating.

Now, Desire, a question for you.

Since you arrived on the scene, you’ve always touted that “Surrender is Liberation”. What has that meant to you? Is the meaning the same from its conception until now? As your writing evolves, have you ever felt pressured to change it?

Desire: To me, although I apply “Surrender is Liberation” to writing, it is actually a concept that is applicable to all walks of life. In order to function as a physically healthy individual, one must surrender to the process of health, to find liberation in the benefit the process provides. This can also work for the mental, emotional, and spiritual in humanity.

I do not want to digress, so I will stick to speaking about me. I was adamant that I did not want to be constrained by what others defined as my writing style.

Although I burst on the scene writing erotica, I never wanted to be known as the “standard” erotica writer or just to be an author who delved into erotica. Erotica is more than just intensity. It involves sensual intelligence, emotional architecture, anatomical symmetry, along with what to say and when to say it. I swear, to hear someone brag that “anyone can write erotica” makes my skin itch. Sure, one can string obscene words together, but that doesn’t exude erotica or sexiness. It is the other components surrounding the words.

Even though I’ve explored a myriad of genres, “Surrender is Liberation” still applies and means the same. I feel no pressure to change it because it still fits my vision of how I see myself and live my life, both as an author and as a person.

As it pertains to your flash fiction anthology “Amoresels”, which story is your favorite as it pertains to the following categories:
(a) Readability
(b) Characters
(c) Intensity
(d) Resonance

Desire:
(a) In my opinion, readability goes to “Taste on the Move”. I won’t give much away, except food and hunger.
(b) For characters, it would have to be the title story “Amoresels”. The interactions between the hosts Maeve and Dawood along with their invited guests were highly entertaining.
(c) For intensity … this is a tough one … but I have to say “Full Circle”. Primarily because of the emotional backstory that drove the action.
(d) As it pertains to resonance … another difficult decision … I pick “House of Mirrors”. The way the story came together still leaves me in awe.

Now, a question for you both.

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Do you take time to read each other’s stories? If so, which one is your personal favorite and why?

Adonis: I absolutely do read Desire’s works. As a matter of fact, she is one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. There is a fanciful groundedness about her style that appeals to me quite a bit. All of Desire’s stories are charismatic and enthralling in their own rights no matter what she writes. I personally have a soft spot for her newer collections called Amoresels. So much so, in fact, that I wrote the Foreword for that collection of micro-shorts. There is a “fetish” for every personal preference and a savoriness for all taste buds. I highly recommend it. It’s a super fun read.

Desire: I do take time to read Adonis’ stories. There is a unique melody to his story writing that soothes me. One of my personal favorites is one of his newer selections “Twin Flame Duplicity”. Although it is a free offering, there is a level of intensity and intrigue which packs quite a punch.

What made you two decide to collaborate for the first Simmer book?

Adonis: It was Desire that came up with the concept of the first Simmer collaborative based on the original story called “Simmer Sweet” which was a short story she wrote that was initially being given for free to readers. One day she decided that she would make an extended edition of the story and that was when she invited me to be a part of it. I think that her reason to have me collaborate was because I did not have many publications at the time. But, in all actuality, she tells the story much better than I could ever. Thus, I will let her expand now ….

Desire: Donny, I think you actually covered it fully. You were newer than I, and I believed it would give him great exposure.

Okay, back to you Adonis.

How did you segue from your original tagline to your current one? Was the transition gradual or all of a sudden?

Adonis: It was indeed gradual but had more to do with what was going on around me at the time.
You see, the All Authors Authors seemed to all be growing out of their taglines, if you will. The transcendence that had become our collective storytelling styles seemed to beckon a transitioning of taglines—something that explained where we stood now in our writing careers.
It took me longer than most of my brethren to make the transition as I was having difficulty finding something that truly fit.
One day I decided to call a meeting. The focal point was to come up with a tagline that better suited my growth.
We all went back and forth pitching various lines.
Funny enough it took a collective attempt to come up with just the right string of words. Some people felt that “Whimsical” was a great fit for my style, whereas others thought that I was a “Wordsmith”. Others still believed that my writing style took you from earth to something like a Nirvana. Hence the word “Oasis” was selected. The final product was “Wordsmith of Whimsical Oases”.
I find it fitting.

If Death Should Find Me (#NewReleaseIsh)

Yo, what’s going on? The SASS here, peeking my head out after a bit of hibernation to support a very important event.

No, I don’t mean Halloween, although I dig the holiday myself. It’s the only holiday where I manifest as normal when around others.

Nope, today I’m on All Authors Publishing House business, lending the Cave space out to support the release of If Death Should Find Me. Although I probably would have renamed it, Death Finally Showed His Ass Up.

Just kidding, C. Desert Rose. I know you have your process … he he he.

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It’s been a long time in the waiting … almost a decade. The question is, was it worth the wait? Some say yes.

We’ll let you be the judge.

C. Desert Rose, in conjunction with All Authors Publishing House, is proud to present “If Death Should Find Me”, the third book in what has now been dubbed The Fate’s Endeavor Experience.

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To run or not, to live or die …? Destiny is a bitch and here is why ….

Azriel has always been an enigma amongst the Hierarchy of Angels. He was born a duality; human and not. Azriel, for centuries, has been appraised harshly by mankind. Nevertheless, death is of the natural order. All things that live must at some point, die. Azriel is the usher into transcendence.

Such was his purpose and the Higher Sources saw this to be good … yet, things change.

So begins the measure of Travis’ enterprise into the hands of fate. Due to the magnitude of his venture, Travis finds himself caught between life and death. Angels and demons surround him, attempting to influence the paradigm of his fate. The only question in Travis’ mind is, what would happen If Death Should Find Me?

The Fate’s Endeavor Series, surpassing the emotional fabric of angels and demons and delving into the delicate threads which infuse Fate’s tapestry.

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Months Later
Rural Location, Earth

~ Travis ~

Who knows how much time had elapsed. Days, weeks, months, whatever …? I didn’t know. Didn’t much care, either. But honestly, it felt like I’d been running forever.

Shortly after leaving my home, while on the road at some crazed point, I sawed off my cast. I couldn’t deal with the damn thing any longer. And, although the memory is a bit foggy, I can somewhat recall that it was in a grimy motel room in the middle of nowhere. My tool of choice was a rusty old hunting knife that had been sitting in my car for ages.

But that day, in that moment I thought to myself, If I am really a fucking angel, then I can probably fix my own damn leg and rib. Right? Right.

I took a deep breath—instantly my rib hurt. Regardless of that, I focused all of my energy onto healing my leg and rib. I put one hand on my broken leg, the other one on my chest.

I closed my eyes, kept breathing deep.

Suddenly, a strange warmth started exuding from my hands. It seeped into the areas I was trying to heal kind of like they were absorbing the energy or something. Out of nowhere, the rush of heat covered me entirely. I could feel it pulsating like a strobe light. Within seconds, I didn’t feel any more pain. It was all gone.

Opening my eyes, I immediately knew that I was better. I moved my leg. It didn’t hurt. I tapped my rib, that was fine too.

Well fuck, look at that—I guess I am an angel, I thought.

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Before you fly out of here, stay tuned for …

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Azriel is appraised harshly by mankind. Humans do not like to face death, therefore, they conjecture it is an ugly and terrible thing. Death is of the natural order. All things that live, must at some point, die. Azriel is the usher into transcendence.

Such is his purpose and the Higher Sources saw this to be good … yet, things change.

A dull roar, that’s all I could hear. Souls, that’s all I could see… So many people. Some good, some bad. Some breathing, some barely breathing. All souls. It was funny what you could see when you stood in the middle of the Emergency Room. Who survived, who didn’t. All of them, every one, a soul. A soul for the taking.

So begins your introduction to the floating, clustered world of souls that will have such influence on Sophia, the young Puerto Rican-American girl who has just lost her closest ally, her grandmother, “Abuela”. It is just after the funeral, at the cemetery, where Sophia meets the tall, almost angelic man who will play the most unexpected role in her life.

A love story. A fantasy. An adventure. If Death Should Love Me tells a tale of “fate” far beyond the normal meaning of that little four-letter word. How else would you explain why Sophia wonders what would happen If Death Should Love Me?

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Bed two. The doctor, the running, the yelling. The focus on bringing her back, futile. It was incredibly sad to say that she was just a child. A baby. Five years of age. Why did “fate” find it necessary to take her? She had yet to even commence to live. It was not my choice. I merely followed orders.

Her soul was lovely, just like a little girl’s should be. A soft pink. Like a princess, I mused. Beautiful. “Come child.” I extended my hand so that she would take it.

“Where am I going?” She asked. The innocence in her voice was heartbreaking. Or would be, if I had a heart.

“I’m taking you to a safe place. Somewhere where you will never feel pain again. You will be happy there, sweet child.”

“Cindy,” she said. “My name is Cindy.”

“A beautiful name for a beautiful girl,” Her smile seemed as though it could quite literally light up the room. “Well Cindy, do you see that very pretty light just there?” I pointed.

“Yes.” She responded with bright eyes.

“Walk into it. Go on, child … Pretty Cindy.”

“But why? Where’s mommy and daddy? Why do I have to go?” There they were. The questions that always followed once I had collected them.

“Do not worry Cindy, your grandmother is there waiting for you. I promise,” I assured her with a soft grip of the hand, then continued, “before you know it, mommy and daddy will be there also.” What more could I say to such a young and delicate creature?

“Okay.” She replied, not at all convinced that what I was telling her was the truth. She obeyed nonetheless. When she entered she realized that my words were true and secure.

“Nana!” She called with a magnitude of happiness, then ran into her grandmother’s arms.

I turned.

The mother, yelling. The father, failing at his attempt to be strong. The doctor, saddened. The confusion. The horrified faces. All of it, all too familiar, all too real.

Time for my next assignment.

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The new and improved edition of “If Death Should Love Me” will be available very soon.

Although as early as I put up my posts (at the stroke of midnight, Eastern Standard Time, usually), it may not be live. However, as soon as it is, I will update my post and put in the link for your reading pleasure.

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#AllThingsFatesEndeavor aka “The Fate’s Endeavor Experience“

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