Share your writing with the group!

[Hannah]

Hi,
I have just published my first book. It's on kindle only and I would love it if you could give it a read and let me know what you think. Who better to ask than people that love romance as much as me. Becoming Maddie
Thanks everybody!

[Renee]

I post snippests here.

https://www.facebook.com/reneeroccoau...

I'm going to dig in and read as many of your samples as I can!

[Alexandra]

Hello everyone! Last year I posted a fanfiction story of mine here. But when I saw no comments I decided to post it on Wattpad. I have written many other since then and I would love to hear your opinion. Find me here: http://www.wattpad.com/user/Alexandra_92

[Preeti]

Hey everyone! This is my first shot at creative writing...Please feel free to post your comments & feedback.

https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...

[Michael]

My new book Tears of Joy has Quotes from Rapper HorseBlock Pimp, so we decided to make a soundtrack for the book. These songs go along with the book. The characters often talk about and or listens to this soundtrack throughout the book. So for everyone who signs up below, they will get a FREE Copy of Tears of Joy the soundtrack!
For more information please message me if you are interested. My plan is to give away as many copies of Tears of Joy the book and with each book will come The Soundtrack Tears of Joy! If you do not have your copy of Tears of Joy and would like one, please message me after you sign up and I will get you your copy.

Help me Help you understand this Urban Fiction! READ THE REVIEWS!

Also take a pic with your book, Tears of Joy and earn yourself a FREE Copy of Tears of Joy 2!

The best part about reading is sharing, so please tell your friends about this book if you love it. Word of Mouth is so Powerful, and with me being a new Author starting off with no fans or anyone to help spread the word, I could use the help.

ONLY IF YOU FEEL THE BOOK IS WORTHY!

if you are willing to help me spread the word then sign up below and let's make something happen from nothing!



http://forms.aweber.com/form/84/86152...

[Monica]

I have an ebook published, which is the first in a trilogy I'm still working on.

Meet Emma West, a beautiful, smart, and organized girl, who knows what she wants in life.
Once she's met Matt, she feels like she's headed in the right direction. He's the perfect guy, handsome, funny, and caring, all she could want in a guy.
So why does she become so disoriented about their relationship?

Meet Matt Nichols, a gorgeous, careless player, who doesn't have a care in the world. But all of that changes once he meets Emma, the most beautiful girl he's ever laid eyes on.
He feel he has to be perfect for her, and he must do everything right.
In his mind he HAS, so why doesn't their relationship work?

Are these two better off friends? Or are they really the perfect match?

* This story follows Emma and Matt's eventful friendship through the years, full with humor, love, disappointment, hurt and betrayal. *

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Preeti]

Hey everyone! This is my first shot at creative writing...Please feel free to post your comments & feedback.

https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...

[Devi]

Hi everyone

Check out my Blog at the link below

Thoughts

I write on any random things that come to my mind - be it politics, relationships, mind-set, thinking, psychology - anything at all

Do come and visit. Would love to hear your thoughts

[Yona]

Hey peeps !!!

I just wrote a poem here. Below is the link. Do check if u like & feel free to comment n say what you think about it. :) hope you guys like my work ...

https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...


Thank you .

YONA★

[Som]

^^Nice one Yona, Thanks for sharing. :)

some of my poems



https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Michael]

Hey everyone!

I'm in between novels right now, and am having an impossible time deciding which of three partially finished novels I should finish and release first.

So, I'm setting up a poll for the next two weeks, giving the power totally to the audience. If you have a little bit of time today, would you all read the beginnings of each of my potential novels, then vote for which novel you'd most like to see released? (You can also just look at the concepts, if you don't have time to read the samples). Two are mysteries, one is magical realism.

If you're up to it, you can read and vote here: http://michaeljwoodwriting.com.

Thanks so much, y'all!

Michael

[[deleted user]]

The only thing i made so far is this.

Prolouge

The she-wolf was holding her pups in her jaws. She ran from what frightened her and her cubs. A mighty bear roared a roar that could be heard throughout the forest.

[T.J.]

Hi Everyone,
My first book is young adult. If you're interested, it's free on:
my website https://www.shivercove.com
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/..., on Barnes and Noble and on itunes.
The book is called Shiver Cove, Part 1: Tamyra.

Thanks all,
TJ Shortt

[Michael]

Hi everyone,

I had recently published my debut YA Paranormal Urban Fantasy novel, IN THE EYES OF MADNESS. It tells the story of a 17 year old boy who struggles between accepting the possiblity that extraordinary things can happen in the world we live in or the possiblity of impending insanity inherited through his mother. The novel is volume one of the Declan Peters Chronicles series; the beginning of a new epic adventure.



Here's the Synopsis
A near tragic incident at the hands of his psychotic mother left Declan Peters alone and with so many questions.

Years later, Declan is determined to find a way to be closer to his mother and takes a job at the institution where she's being held. That fateful decision will be the impetus for a chain of events so terrifying that Declan will question his own grasp on reality.

What he finds will be more horrifying than anything he's ever experienced and more dangerous than anything he's yet known. In a place, rife with demonic possession and sadistic beings, will Declan finally be able to find the answers he's longed for before its too late or will he succumb to the evil forces that inhabit the institution and all who live there?

Check out the giveaway here: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
If you want to know more about me, check out my interview here:
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2015/05/Mic...
If you want to know more about the book, go here:
http://www.InTheEyesOfMadness.com

[Melinda]

Hala can summon animals—accidentally, and at inconvenient times—but what good is such a power against the man trapping her village under deadly mage fire?

My YA fantasy short story, "Chaos Rises" is finally FREE on Amazon (and everywhere else):



Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Chaos-Rises-Far...

[Paul]

I've written a book titled NORTH, which can be found on amazon as an ebook.
http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Sportel/e/...

NORTH: Allow yourself to be become immersed and drawn into a story of ambition and value that takes you on a journey through some rough and spectacularly beautiful places along the West Australian coast including the magnificent Kimberly region where the places including its people are described in some detail.

[Bruben]

Hi, I want to introduce my novel "The ride back home", which is available in amazon.
The ride back home

BLURB
An unkempt young man looked on, clutching his cigarette and whiskey, as they laid the man to rest in a church cemetery in a nondescript village in Kerala, the somber silence broken only by the solitary wails and condescending stares...
For young Matt, all the answers lay in the trusted thump of his silver Royal Enfield Bullet and the open, untamed tarmac. Matt's journey takes him from the winding chills of Ooty, the liberating lure of Manali, the scintillating sands of Goa, to the majestic mirage of Rajasthan. Armed with a worn-out diary from his grandfather and his own haunting self, Matt throttles out into the unknown, to trace a journey braved years ago, on the very same ; a ride through unfulfilled love, pain and danger, dotted with indelible experiences and characters... a journey into the past, a ride back home. With every thump of the motorcycle, Matt becomes one with his grandfather's legacy as he navigates the adventures along the way, woven into his own demons back home and in his mind.

[Christy]

YA Paranormal Romance Free June 10 & 11
June 10 & 11 the best seller YA paranormal romance Wicka: The Chronicles of Elizabeth Blake‪ will be available free on Amazon! www.amazon.com/dp/B00KN9P43Q I hope you enjoy Wicka. I would appreciate any reviews of Wicka on Amazon and Goodreads. I would also like reviews I can post on my website. Thank you.

While mourning the loss of a mother figure, Elizabeth Blake, a smart but socially introverted seventeen-year-old girl from Ann Arbor, Michigan, enrolls in an international school in the south of France to finish her final year of high school. Here she meets her true love, finds out that she is a witch from an ancient family, and discovers that her life is in danger.

Meanwhile, the Elders—the most powerful coven of witches in the world—have been tracking Elizabeth since her birth. According to an ancient legend, a battle led by “One barely born existing to lead” will cause the downfall of the Elders. Fearing that Elizabeth is the heir to this legend, the Elders try to destroy her before she can fulfill the prophecy.

With the help of her new friends, Elizabeth must travel to Greece to try and prove to the Elders that she is not a threat and to ask for their permission to exist in peace.

With the prospect of having to leave each other once the school year ends and return to their homes on opposite sides of the world, Elizabeth and her new love have to find a way to stay together. However, a rival love interest discovers their plan and causes the Elders to act against Elizabeth. As time runs out, Elizabeth must learn to use the powers she possesses to protect herself and the people she loves most.
Please help me get the word out about my free book promotion for my first book, WICKA. Please help me by re-tweeting, sharing, liking and following.

FREE DAYS: June 10 & 11
FIND IT: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KN9P43Q (ASIN: B00KN9P43Q)
RATING: 42 reviews at a 4.5 start rating!
CONNECT with me online: http://christydeveaux.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christ...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/christydeveaux
Thank you so much for your support!!

[Gary]

If you're in the mood for a short story (~50 pages) centered around a ghost town in the mountains of Colorado, I just released 'Etchings' on GR and Amazon.
http://amzn.to/1IqM9bG

I released 'Genome' a few years ago, also on GR and Amazon. It's a novel that centers around the spiritual and the possibility that changing our DNA could allow us to experience that shadowy world.
http://amzn.to/Qxi0vk

I would appreciate any reviews/comments. I'm a newbie author and always looking for ways to get better!

[Christy]

Last day that best seller paranormal romance for young adults ‪Wicka is free on Amazon Kindle! www.amazon.com/dp/B00KN9P43Q Wicka is also part of Kindle Unlimited and is available to read every day.

[Srdjan]

I have 3 erotica books and 1 poetry book here https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...
You can download it for free :D
If you read them please review them

[Ajay]

Hi, I am Dr. Ajay yadav- consultant Anesthetist, Intensivist and pain specialist. I have recently written a novel “FROM WHERE I SEE” in genre of Religion/fiction.
It’s an exploration of intrapersonal, interpersonal, inter-social and inter-religious conflicts and hundreds of pertinent questions like “why in one religion it becomes so easy to get volunteers to blow themselves and others for the sake of religion? Does the religion divides or unites? What precipitates extramarital affairs? Does the immature and wrong interpretation of female emancipation the reason for 13 times rise in divorce rates in last 5 years? Can we consider Gandhi as Mahatma even if he didn't mind sharing bed with his 19 year old grand niece to check her control over sexual desires?The issues are on the backdrop of very interesting murder mystery.
It’s not only a book; it’s the path to revolution, it’s a journey towards utopian world.
For more details visit- www.fromwhereisee.com
Good read link: From Where I See
facebook link- https://www.facebook.com/fromwhereisee
From Where I See
If any one from the group is interested in reviewing the book, pl let me know
Regards

[Bruben]

Hi all,
My novel 'The ride back home' is available for $0.99 in amazon.com for the next two days. It is about a young man Matt and his journey across India on his deceased grandfather's old royal enfield motorcycle, in search of his grandfather's lost lover. You can click the below link to go to the amazon page. Thank you.
http://www.amazon.com/ride-back-home-...

[Rakesh]

You may read the first chapter of my book here: http://gurushuru.com/books/requiem-wi...
This is also for other writers to reach more people. Check out http://gurushuru.com/submissions.

[James]

The exciting historical action/adventure novel Celtic Blood is currently 0.98 on Amazon Kindle, link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Blood-Ja...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggy-p...

Celtic Blood
All who dare come ye hither into the dark woods where danger lies. The theme of dangers lurking in the greenery is ancestral, and species long, it scares us and fascinates us both. Come with me and enter the woods. A boy once his father is murdered seeks escape amongst the wilds riding deeper and deeper into the emerald green forest. He is the son of a noble Earl, the great-grandson of a king furthermore marked for death. He is the last of his line and alone in the trees bar for one retainer who has forsaken him not. A forest has haunting power. You need God's power and protection in the shadows. And in the deep dark mysterious forest shadows nothing, nothing, protects you. All who dare enter Celtic Blood: A world of mythology and witchcraft.

[Bill]

For those who enjoy off-beat fiction, unfiltered humor, and ridiculous limericks.
Confederate Chipmunks & Carny Cooter

Free on Amazon for a limited time.

[Kanika]

Hiii :D
My name is Kanika Dhameja. I’m an avid reader and also a writer :)
I've been on goodreads for quite some time now. I love the site.
I’ve written a lot of blogs. Lately I’ve written a novel for young adults titled “You are my Wonderwall” which is going to hit the stores pretty soon. It’s a story about unrequited love and I’m sure people will be able to relate to it.
I really hope to find the right audience here :)
Please watch the book trailer for my debut novel “You are my Wonderwall” here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_WNL...
Thanks :)

[Diamante]

Hi! I'm an author of two books...both quite different. One is a YA fantasy adventure entitled The Secrets Of Yashire and the other is a women's mainstream fiction book entitled Breaking The Silence. I love writing fiction although Breaking The Silence is based on my life story. I'm looking forward to getting to know other authors and readers here! Just to give you a little bit of info about what I've written, here are links to my books on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

I'm in the process of writing another fiction story at the moment...set it medieval times. It's a bit of romance, inspiration, fantasy and a touch of mystery as well. I'm expecting to have it published in the beginning of next year.

I also have an inspirational blog on my website at http://www.diamantelavendar.com. Check it out! It's free and written to bring some positive energy into your world! I also have a newsletter you can sign up for there as well. Also free! You can find me on google, facebook, twitter and myspace as well!

I look forward to getting to know you!

[R.J.]

Recently I joined a gym (I live in Cambridge, England). I'm not 100% sure why actually, running outdoors is more enjoyable, but English winters can be off-putting. The gym has two sorts of members - except me, of course! First, there are the maniacs who are attempting to become superwoman or superman. Then there are those who see it as a social gathering/dating agency. I write humorous fiction and after a visit wrote this short story. I hope you like it.
http://www.rjgould.info/#!short-stori...

[Mareta]

Hi,
My name is Mareta L Miller and I'm a new indie author. My first book, "Telling Me With Roses" went live on Amazon in paperback and Kindle last month. It's a tragic / second chance romance. Everyone those read it liked it, I'd be so appreciative to anyone that would give it a try. Here's the Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Telling-Me-Rose...

[Lauren ❤︎]

I just started to wright a book:

my book is about a 12 yr old named rubertta Robber and her dad owns a jewelry shop. when one of the rare rubies' got stolen, rubertta and her friend Annie-May were on the case of the crime, they are all shocked when secrets are un-covered and the shocking criminal was identified but maybe not caught.

[Katarina]

Hey everyone! Here is my blog, I just started it and would love for everyone to check it out! :)

http://literarydestinations.blogspot....

[Bijaya]

Hi all. You fall in love - Not a big deal. But, to rise in love, you need much more than just love. Witness the journey of such a couple that rises in love.

http://bijayfictions.blogspot.in/2015...

[Diamante]

I'm the author of two books. One is a YA fantasy adventure...however it is different from the average fantasy adventure...it is an introspective fantasy(a more philosophical fantasy) with virtues to understanding relationships more fully woven within its pages. If you're up for something different, please check it out!
http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Yashire...

I also wrote a women's mainstream fiction book based on my true life story...written within a fictional memoir type of format.

http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Silenc...

Both books were given 5 star ratings from Midwest Book Review. I'd love to hear what some of you think about them! Cheers!

[Beth]

My husband and I recently published our first book. It is about the loss of our two children and the journey to find healing and understanding.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

We are doing GR giveaway right now as well.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...

Happy reading!

[Stephanie]

Hello, just officially listed my very first YA Fantasy novel on Amazon. I am interested in exchanging some free copies for honest reviews. Please pm me or email Sfloresbook@gmail.com if you are interested!

"To Enter the Path" By Stephanie Flores

Book Description:
A prophesy has been strummed by a drunken minstrel about a Vendrix finally controlling their greatest power called the Victus Lameit. If someone actually learned to tame this sentient magic that craves carnage, and kills families and strangers alike, it could be used to annihilate the sorcerer that’s been wreaking havoc everywhere.

There’s three things wrong with this notion, though:
1. No one knows who the Vendrix is.
2. To get to the sorcerer you must survive his path which is just one murderous obstacle after another.
3. No one is entirely sure they heard the minstrel’s slurred sayings correctly.

Zendra, a young woman raised by an assassin and anything but dainty, refuses to admit she’s the Vendrix they’re talking about. Despite the fact that she just massacred a horde of wizards with no more exertion of energy than a yawn. Regardless of her denial, she’s enlisted by three men wanting to attempt the Path, for fame, adventure, or vengeance.

Now, Valen, an arrogant yet charming wizard prodigy, Brevle, a wise-cracking warrior, Wulard, owns a map (sorry, that’s all he contributes), and Zendra, still unsure if she’s more of a threat to them than the obstacles, must band together, quiet their pessimism, and will their legs to forge through the Path of Fatality.

225 pages in total.

[Mangalam]

MANGALAM SHIVA has recently published EMPTY FISTS a book of short stories. The press release report is attached---Notion Press presents author Mangalam Shiva with his meaningful short-story book 'Empty fists'


PRLog - July 21, 2015 - Notion Press is delighted to have unearthed a sensational short story writer in Mangalam Shiva! His book – Empty fists is now available to readers all over the world!

Notion press has been the backbone of many authors’ growth by providing them with its unique Author Incubation Program which provides the right platform to get published and sell a number of copies in the market. It has been acknowledged by many as a very helpful tool to showcase their talent in this very challenging field of books and publishing.

Empty fists is a ravishing anthology of 17 breath-taking short stories. Each story has its own unique, socially relevant message that is bound to leave the reader in a state of self-reflection. Each story has been extensively researched and derives its essence from real life instances, which affect the Indian society. The author discusses sensitive issues like the country’s attitude towards the fairer sex. He believes that India is not a good country for girls. They are hounded right from conception, until their death. The book explains how rapists have more respect, while the rape victims are shamed.

The book contains great moral values, in an age where the meaning of the word is too often misconstrued. The book brings to light many problems affecting the nation such as corruption, rape, women’s rights, to name a few, and attempts to handle each issue with a delicate touch.

After working as a marketing professional in Mumbai for forty years, author Mangalam Shiva finally took up the pen. A keen observer of life, the author has been following the myriad incidences of social injustice, inequality, corruption and abuse of power that our country has been beset with, and its impact on the common man. Unable to initiate direct action in rectifying these social evils, he hopes however, to create awareness, through these short stories. By touching a chord with the readers, somewhere, a life may change for the better.

Empty Fists the anthology, is a reflection of our very own lives that we lead with such blissful ignorance without realizing what is happening around us or how we affect the lives of others. The author attempts to change this mindset as he makes us stand up, take notice and create some much needed change. The book serves itself as a must read to every segment of our society. I invite readers to post reviews. The book is available in Amazon.com/Kindle.
Thanks.

[Mangalam]

Empty Fists

[Angel]

To read a sneak peek sample of the first 36 chapters of my upcoming novel "Weeping Well," an intensely dark noir thriller/mystery/suspense/literary fiction go to:


https://www.wattpad.com/story/5251838...

It will be published in it's entirety on Amazon in mid-November 2015. Feedback/ and or comments are appreciated.

[Stephanie]

YA FANTASY novel

It is free on Kindle unlimited or just $2.99!

I am also interested in exchanging some free copies for honest reviews. Please pm me or email Sfloresbook@gmail.com if you are interested!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Enter-Path-Vend...

"To Enter the Path" By Stephanie Flores

Book Description:
A prophesy has been strummed by a drunken minstrel about a Vendrix finally controlling their greatest power called the Victus Lameit. If someone actually learned to tame this sentient magic that craves carnage, and kills families and strangers alike, it could be used to annihilate the sorcerer that’s been wreaking havoc everywhere.

There’s three things wrong with this notion, though:
1. No one knows who the Vendrix is.
2. To get to the sorcerer you must survive his path which is just one murderous obstacle after another.
3. No one is entirely sure they heard the minstrel’s slurred sayings correctly.

Zendra, a young woman raised by an assassin and anything but dainty, refuses to admit she’s the Vendrix they’re talking about. Despite the fact that she just massacred a horde of wizards with no more exertion of energy than a yawn. Regardless of her denial, she’s enlisted by three men wanting to attempt the Path, for fame, adventure, or vengeance.

Now, Valen, an arrogant yet charming wizard prodigy, Brevle, a wise-cracking warrior, Wulard, owns a map (sorry, that’s all he contributes), and Zendra, still unsure if she’s more of a threat to them than the obstacles, must band together, quiet their pessimism, and will their legs to forge through the Path of Fatality.

225 pages in total.

[Gerry]

Hello, everyone. I'm a writer of cross-genre fiction, categorized literary. My first novel is #1 of a trilogy that explores relationships, sexuality, and assumptions. It's been well received but difficult to market due to its cross-genre nature. I've also written some novella e-books, also cross-genre. The shortest one of them I recently tried to fit into romance category (specifically MM) but not romance-formulaic enough, I think.

My goals are 1) to illustrate unhealthy relationships, so people see red flags sooner in this own, 2) help readers find ways to recreate themselves and their relationships when they're not happy, and 3) to increase mindful living and self-awareness. I like having magical realism and spirituality play roles in the books. Mostly, I want the stories to be unpredictable and thought-provoking. I should mention that I often write about damaged people, so they have additional obstacles to overcome.

If you read, I'd love to hear what you think. The Search for Intelligent Life on Earth: A Story of Love

[Cara]

Hi all - wow, this is a long thread. Lots of writers in this group. Throwing mine into the ring - I'm Not Her was published this past August. It's womens fiction (although Amazon listed it in magical realism, too, which is cool). Would love for you to take a look - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

excited to be part of this group and hoping to do the A-Z challenge for 2016 (if I can figure out how you sign up for these things!)

[Sherryl]

Hi.. Looking to get any input on a story I'm blogging.
https://mtheory.wordpress.com/
Snippet from M-Theory

“All clear Kaitlan” Well that was fast and furious! I was just getting warmed up! Lions, Tigers and lil old me…. Dang, we’re good! I gave a thumbs up and sheathed my sword just as a massive tiger head butts my hip knocking me sideways. I turn to curse it out and am met with familiar electric blue eyes. He’s gorgeous, a White Bengal Tiger that must run over a thousand pounds. His paw alone is wider than my waist; this is a serious predator!

I might have been in shock but I couldn’t help myself, in my best valley girl impression I asked, “So cute and really, are you like a T-I-Double-Guh-RR? Like, that spells Tigger!” I laughed, he growled.

[Fathima Fara]

This is my blog...
https://alterego1991.wordpress.com/

[Crystal]

I have written a novel, 19 published essays, over 200 poems, about 20 songs and some special fiction. most is not published. where do I put it?

[Brittany]

Can we share poetry, or just books?

[Brittany]

Here is one of my recent poems:

One Little Piece
written on 9/27/2015

It starts out so small
You almost don’t even notice
The change is slight
Invisible on the outside
To pinpoint its cause
Is practically impossible
One day it hits you
There is something gone
But it’s only one little piece
Nothing big or major
An infinitesimal shard
Easy to replace
Will it ever come back?
Knowing not where it’s gone
A tiny morsel is all
The pain starts to shine
A pinpoint of dark
In a place meant for light
The can damage its whole
Merely because of the absence of
One little piece
Will it ever be mended?
This now missing piece
After all its size is miniscule
A microscope can barely glimpse it
And yet without its presence
This one little piece
Can eat away at the whole
Somehow I must find
This one little piece
That has gone missing
Just one little piece
Such a small little piece
Yet still a vital piece
This one little piece
This piece of my heart.

Originally posted on my blog at http://kiribear.blogspot.com/2015/12/...

[Crystal]

Brittany wrote: "Here is one of my recent poems:

One Little Piece
written on 9/27/2015

It starts out so small
You almost don’t even notice
The change is slight
Invisible on the outside
To pinpoint its cause
Is pr..."

great job!!

[Crystal]

An excerpt from "Goodnight Irene"


I started this when Dad was in the nursing homes. I saw so much abuse and people in the higher places that shouldn't be there. They didn't care about those people. It was all about status. I took two very memorable ones and made a composite main character. This book isn't done yet but it's one that I love writing...

Irene walked over to the stoop and sat down, keeping an eye on Ruby from a distance. As she watched Ruby play with the other dogs, Irene thought about her day at work. It had been a slow one. They hadn't gotten any new residents in the past few weeks. Secretly, she was glad. Irene really wasn't too fond of people outside of her social circle, especially sick elderly people. But, she did need the job and the paycheck that went with it. Especially now with three kids to feed. Then, they had reopened The Meadows and she had applied for a social work position. She had pasted on a smile, pleaded patients' rights and they had bought it. She laughed wryly to herself. If they knew how I truly felt about them, they'd probably cry. Some of them already did. She knew Carly Neise saw right through her. That was aggravating. So was that bratty grandson of Carly's. Never behaved. always running around. Furthermore, his mother was even worse. Her mouth was like a trash can. No wonder the kid acted up. Lack of stability usually had that effect on kids. The sun was already going down when she called for Ruby to come home. Ruby resisted but Irene finally got her leash fastened on her collar. At a slower pace than before, they walked toward home.
The lights were on when they got there. Irene led Ruby briskly up the stone path to the back door. She opened the screen door and walked into the kitchen. Matt was still there, doing homework. She walked over to the kitchen table where he was setting. "Still not finished?"
"Not yet. I have three more problems to go."
"Well, just keep at it, Matt." Irene sighed and went into the living room. Marie Clare was on the couch watching television. "Did you finish your homework, Marie?"
Marie looked at her mother with a vague expression on her face. "Hours ago, mother."
Irene ignored the sarcasm. "Where is your brother?"
"He's at the club with Dad" Marie didn't look up this time.
Irene sighed with resignation and walked over to the recliner and pulled her shoes off. Oh, what a relief. She had been waiting all day to take them off. She wiggled her toes freely in the air, enjoying the freedom. She leaned back into the recliner, her body weary from a full day's work and a long walk in the park. She was dozing there when she felt something tap the sole of her foot. She jumped in alarm. She opened her eyes to see Mikey standing above her, grinning. "Need some help there, Darlin?"
She smiled and looked around. Marie Clare was no longer on the sofa. Irene looked up at him in confusion.
"She went to bed an hour ago."
"What time is it now?"
"Ten-thirty."
"Wow. I must have really been out." She looked up in confusion at Mikey.
He was grinning and there was a gleam in his eye. "Wanna mess around?"
Irene laughed then and lowered the recliner. She rose to her feet and looked again at Mikey. "Well?"
They went upstairs to the bedroom and fell back on the ivory bedspread. Irene grinned and looked at Mikey, who was already undressing at the foot of the bed. She watched in rapture as, inch by inch, he revealed himself to her. At five-eleven, his tan torso was broad but firm and his six-pack abs glistened with sweat. He was forty-one now, his once jet black hair a dignified silver gray. His legs, muscular and lean, looked like golden sunbeams. She smiled with satisfaction as she threw off her own robe and shoved it aside. She wiggled her toes in anticipation. He leaped on the bed and wriggled on top of her. She beckoned him in with her eyes. All sense of time was forgotten as their bodies merged in a tangled web of desire and fury. Afterward, they laid side by side on the bed, sated. Irene was spread across the bed, her head resting lightly on Mikey's shoulder, her fingers playing absentmindedly with the hairs on his chest. He was dozing lightly, his right arm lightly entwined around Irene's waist.
The sun was out in its blazing glory when Irene awoke the next morning. She reached her arm out and rubbed Mikey's side of the bed. It was empty but warm. He hadn't been up for long. She stretched, yawning and turned her face toward the clock. It's red letters blared eight-fifteen. She wasn't surprised. Mikey had always been a morning person. During the week, he had to be up by seven o'clock for work. He didn't sleep much later on the weekends. As she laid in bed, she listened for house sounds. She could vaguely make out the sound of the television coming from the living room. Ruby was barking somewhere in the house. Might as well get out of bed. Sounds like everyone else is up, she thought to herself as she rose. She put on her robe, ivory satin with silk ribbons, and headed out the door to greet a new day.
She headed straight to the kitchen where Marie Clare was standing at the stove and Michael and Matthew Luke were seated at the table. "Where's your father?" Three anxious faces looked back at her. "He went out to the club with Mr. Palazzo," Marie Clare stated, almost apologetically. "He said he didn't want to wake you." Her daughter's eyes were avoiding her, she could tell. Was her irritation really that easy for them to see. Because she tried to hide it, she really did. "Wonder if I should get his old sleeping bag out of the attic. He could probably rent a room over there," she attempted lightheartedly.
Michael chuckled as he heaved more syrup on his French toast. He was so much like his father, she mused. Growing taller everyday, too. He was already taller than both his parents at six foot one. He was expected to grow more during the next few years. This was a good time to get involved in her son's daily life. "How is school going?"
"Fine." That was his usual answer.
"How about football practice?"
"It's fine too."
This wasn't going well. She was going to try another strategy. "Who are you dating these days? Katie still?"
He made a face. "No. Katie and I are through. She's with Brad Conner now. It's Christina now."
Irene smiled then. He was like his father in that way, too. She remembered when her and Mikey were dating in college. It pained her so to see him dating other women besides her. It was nearly a year after they had both graduated college that he had looked her up again. She was casually dating a Harvard grad then. However, after one phone conversation with Mikey, Irene knew that she would never love another man as she loved Michael Stevenson. She was sure of that. They dated exclusively for two years before Mikey got down on one knee in front of the Rockefeller Center Tree and asked her to marry him. Jubilantly, she had said yes and they had ran to the nearest phone to inform their parents.
Her parents were thrilled. Her father, a factory worker from lower Brooklyn, had always wanted the best for his little girl. He could see that Michael Stevenson was loyal, hardworking and not afraid to do whatever was necessary to provide for his family. As for her mother Ilene, she was obviously beside herself, calling every known relative in New York and even long-distance to Italy to boast of her daughter's engagement to "a nice law student named Michael." Before too long, the news of the engagement was widespread all throughout Brooklyn. Little Irene Jenkins, the granddaughter of Italian immigrants and Irish indentured servants, was surely moving up in the world.
"Earth to Reny, a voice called behind her. Before she could answer, she felt a heaviness around her waist. As her eyes looked up, they caught sight of Mikey standing behind her with his arms around her. She basked in the warmth of his body.
"What have you been doing, darling?"
"Oh, I was just standing here, lost in thought, she allowed her head to rest against his shoulder. "Where were you?"
"On the golf course with Azarrello and some of the other lawyers. We're getting ready to take on a big case."
"Ah, I see. Anything interesting?"
"Nursing home neglect, elder abuse, that sort of thing. It's long and complicated."
"It usually is."
Mikey rewarded her comment with a big tickle in her sides. She yelped and ran across the kitchen. "Hey!" She grabbed a pillow that laid on the bench in the breakfast nook and threw it in his direction. "Take that!"
Mikey grinned and caught it in his hands. "Nice try, he bellowed in his best coaching voice. "Next time, aim higher. Of course, I must punish you for this infraction, small though it may be." He moved toward her and reached for her waist. His strong arms pulled her against him as he ran his fingers along her hipbone. She shrieked and tried vainly to pull away. In a matter of minutes, he had her pinned to the kitchen table, while his tongure devoured her body, trailing along her waistline. When he had her worn down, he climbed on top of her and hurriedly threw off her robe. It went flying across the room. Next, he peeled off her ivory satin chemise with the ease of peeling an orange. She was moaning now, her skin alive with new sensations as the air from the open window above the sink fluttered over her skin like a butterfly taking wing. It took him moments to enter her core as their bodies blended on the kitchen table.
"Eww gross. Get a room, will you?" Marie Clare's voice interrupted their actions.
Mikey and Irene stole a look at each other and burst into helpless giggling. Still laughing, Mikey eased himself off of Irene and got to his feet. "Sorry about that, Clare. Guess we got carried away." He grinned at his wife.
"Gross. We eat on that table or did you forget?" She was looking at him with that "Duh" stare.
"Aww, well we'll take some cleaner to it and you'll never know."
"But I will. I watched it. Ewww!" Disgusted, she walked sullenly out of the room.
Mikey and Irene stood side by side, looking each other in the eye. "Well, Mikey broke in hastily, shall we take her advice and get a room?" She nodded and they hastily went up the stairs to their room. The moon was out when they finally fell asleep in each other's arms.

[Phil]

Here's the opening of my just-published contemporary bittersweet romance:

The first time I saw her it was raining.
I was crying. She was laughing.
Actually I heard her before I saw her. I was leaning against the Jeep clutching Casey’s leash and collar. My joyous and beautiful chocolate Lab had come down with cancer of the spleen at the age of seven. She suffered stoically for three months until I realized that keeping her alive any longer was solely for my benefit and not hers. Twenty minutes earlier I had held Casey’s right front paw as Dr. Renee Martin shaved and cleaned a small patch of skin on her left leg. I lay on the floor beside Casey and stroked her velvety smooth ears. Casey’s ears were legendary. Over the years I had come across countless young children who were nervous or frightened around dogs. Casey was a sure-fire cure for their fear. I would have her sit quietly as I held out one of her ears for the child to touch. I demonstrated how to fondle it between thumb and forefinger as though appraising the quality of a fine fabric. I don’t know if dogs have a G-spot, but this was truly the epicenter of pure ecstasy for Casey. Her eyes glazed over and her tongue peeked out ever so slightly from the front of her closed mouth. She would emit whisper-quiet murmurs and push her head tightly against whatever hand was doing the stroking, determined to extract every ounce of pleasure from the moment. I used to call it aural sex.
This time, however, this final time, I don’t think she felt anything but sadness and pain. We locked eyes as we often did, but there was no look of excitement on Casey’s part about an impending walk, a ride in the car, or one of my mom’s homemade dog biscuits. All I could see through my own tearful eyes was a look of resignation. It was time. Casey knew it and I knew it.