Dog Wild

Censorship makes me sick!

2010-04-30T21:34:00.002-04:00

As a writer of erotic fiction, I do have a clear understanding of what is appropriate to post online with and without proper warnings - and what those warnings need to be. I also understand when to stand back and look at a manga website claiming to be removing mature content that had proper warnings, and call it the crap that it is. They caved to the all mighty dollar of advertising pressure. I wonder if they considered that the ad folks won't be seeing the traffic if there are no people left to visit their annoying pop-up links if they are irritated that their favorite content is no longer available?

For as many excerpts as I have shared online, in public forums, detailing explicit sexual scenarios with a simple warning - as per guidelines of host sites and servers - including ones like Blogger - a beg screen with an adult content disclaimer accompanied by a warning and you are good to go. For as many as I have shared, in all the years I've been published, I've never had a complaint. Not. A. One. Not over male/male pairings, female/female pairings, or even threesome, foursome or moresomes - none of them! In six years of being a published erotic novelist I've gotten some negative feedback from readers, we all have, but it had nothing to do with sexual content (but for one novel where readers actually wanted a whole lot more, you randy buggers).

So, knowing my readers, I also know a lot of you are serious manga junkies like me. How do I know this? A few of you guys infected me, damn it! So here is some advice if you are freaking out about not being able to find your favorite series on Onemanga or Mangafox - take a trip over to MangaToshokan or:

You can find the following at For the Halibut Scans:

Seikon no Qwaser
VITA Sexualis
Asu no Yoichi
Omamori Himari
Freezing
Kampfer
Rappi Rangai
Princess Resurrection
Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka

If you know anyone who is into manga, pass the word. In today's world we shouldn't have to still fight to save "banned books" but here we are, again :( on the Internet, a place supposed to be free of that sort of onerous oppression. Just irritates me to no end.

Realizations

2010-01-29T18:27:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm back, sort of. I'm up and about to a degree. Not turning cartwheels or pumping iron, but I am starting to fix the weird messes that have cropped up around the house - the ones that I can handle within reason, that is. The good news is, the surgery went well and I am cancer free, and there is no bad news. Really, aside from the fact my irritating husband keeps calling me Eeyore because my hormones are all screwy (as if having a hysterectomy has NO impact on the female bod *snort*), things are pretty good. That and the fact I am reading and watching manga and anime like a junkie on a "I hit the lottery five-day weekend."

I have come to not a few realizations - one being that I honestly do have an addictive personality. I'm giving thanks more and more that I had the pig-headed tenacity to stick my nose in the air and quit drinking when I did all those years ago when I first started spiraling out of control. It was hard enough when I quit smoking in 1999, I could only imagine tossing in booze or pills. Thinking of pills makes me almost break out in a cold sweat having one family member die of an over-dose and not a few friends fade from this world in the same way. In high school I was so paranoid about pills my dad nearly had to sit on me and force Tylenol down my throat for cluster headaches. Recently, in the hospital the nurses kept asking me if my pump was working properly because I wasn't using it very much. I didn't have it in me to tell them I was in agony but terrified of using it, fear of becoming addicted to the morphine. So, I've decided to limit my addictions to safe things - like collecting copper music boxes, reading trashy novels, consuming anime and manga, and irritating the shit out of the shit I married.

Another realization I came to is just what I find attractive in a guy...and this cracked me up unreal. I read so many blogs on guys with cut abs, chiseled jaws, narrow hips, deep voices, long hair, sinful smiles... well, you can totally see where that is going. Nowhere do you see a description of a total goofball, who happens to have a cute grin with a decent athletic build, but eats like a starving hyena on the edge of the Gobi... The fun thing about said goofball is he has the same alpha-male mentality only its hidden under the persona of happy-go-lucky and only pops out about three seconds before catastrophe happens. In the course of reading/watching manga/anime, I've found myself absolutely captivated by this totally goofy, cute as hell character. He makes me laugh, has me cheering, and even snickering when he suckers the cute, but sort of dippy, female sidekick he found along the way into his harebrained schemes (and they are really insane); but the thing that grabs the heart is the way he manages to save the girl - without stomping on her pride or feelings - at the last minute, and the split-second look on his face as he grabs her, which sadly she never seems to see. Almost makes me want to watch as much as the actual story arc - to see if the writer has plans for those two down the road or if it is totally accidental.

And why, may you ask? I think I married a goof just like that... I seem to recall this dashing young guy in ripped up jeans hood-surfing on his friend's car pulling into the local grocery landing, literally, at my feet just to open the door with a big grin. Yeah, I think I have a soft spot for the goofball with a cocky grin and a way of making the girl feel good.

leaving for surgery

2010-01-04T19:33:00.001-05:00

Hey all... Just a note to let the curious know I'll be leaving in the morning for my surgery. If all goes well I'll be home in a few days. Wish me well :)

Criminal weirdness

2009-12-16T10:07:00.002-05:00

A friend sent me a link to the top criminally weird headlines of Newsweek for the year, here are some of the ones I loved best:

Man stabs girlfriend's fish - "If she can't have me, then she can't have the fish!" - I guess we should all be thankful there weren't any children involved since the judge gave this loony fish visitation rights pre-stabbing.

Bridal bouquet brings down a plane - This was a bit different. Normally, women toss the flowers and wedding attendees watch as the melee ensues as desperate ladies duke it out to win the right to think they'll be the next lucky lady to traipse down the aisle. Sometimes superstition blows. In this case, someone got the brilliant notion to have a man throw the floral confection out of a plane, whereupon it got sucked into the engine... You do the math. Men aren't meant to toss the roses.

It's not good to be a zombie in Iowa - Basically, a guy was trying to order something to eat when random Dude ran up shrieked "Zombie!" and started beating on him. No kidding, read the article. It's a great day to be alive, in Iowa.

Don't fling poo in Cali - Seriously. You can rape, murder, sell dope and steal. Heck the list of other crimes you can commit and get off in 7 to 10 is as tall as a little person, but fling poo in a court of law and you're looking at a solid thirty years. People in California have really odd priorities.

Man arrested for indecent exposure - Sounds really passe right? Up until you read how he was standing with his naked gentitalia manipulating the same via strings ala Pinocchio at his apartment complex. Assault with a stringed instrument...

Japan's next first lady makes Tom Cruise look sane - She's married to "the alien" has been to Venus, rode in a triangular spaceship, and is certain she met Tom Cruise in another life - when he was Japanese. Yup, she wins the fruitcake. Read the story.

There are many, many more but these are the ones I liked the best. Here is the link the the top 20. See which ones you'd pick.

Exciting news

2009-12-15T16:52:00.002-05:00

Got an email today that was pretty exciting, the incredible art on my cover for Frights & Delights is up for a Quasar at EPIC! So massive congrats to my talented cover artist for all of her outstanding work on Frights & Delights! And good luck to her in the contest.

Restless...

2009-12-12T01:45:00.003-05:00

With my surgery date approaching, I've had a hard time focusing on writing. Face it, building inner terror does not end itself to a good creative flow. So, I've been working on editing and sponging up some missed movies. Meaning I've come to a few conclusions.

Christian Bale has to be the most over-rated, waste in a movie ever. He ruined Batman and now he has ruined Terminator. If it wasn't for Heath L. as the Joker the whole Batman returns would have never been seen in this house on penalty of death. The only redeeming thing about the new Terminator movie was Sam Worthington. He made the movie watchable. Please, Hollyweird, quit the freaking love affair with Bale. His acting skills are non-existant, all he does is all brooding forehead thing with the raspy voice. Ugh! There were kids on my high school drama team with more panache. And no, he is not attractive, so lets nip that delusion right here and now.

Angels and Demons. The book was unreadable and the movie was borderline unwatchable. It came off as a quasi-apology for the DaVinci Code with moments of sheer stupidity given the portrayed scholarly depths. Don't make any more Dan Brown books into movies. Yuck.

Transformers, it was entertaining so long as you turned off your brain. Because if you turned it on, the first thing that comes to mind is, "what the hell is so 'up' with Shia LaBeuff?" He's like everywhere lately - Eagle Eye, Indiana Jones, Disturbia, I Robot, Constantine... every freakin' movie I've had a desire to see this geeky kid has been front and center having some sort of psychotic episode. And he screams like a girl, like a horror movie diva, as in Jamie Lee Curtis is probably standing back giving him a nod of approval and a salute to those pipes. You couldn't have missed the most unmanly screams he produced in Transformers...we watched the dorm scene no less than five times just for the panicked screams, they made us laugh so hard.

Top things off my nephew wants me to take him to see New Moon. There aren't enough pain killers in my pill bottles to put me in a coma for that kind of pain *cringes* Why can't kids just read the books and be content? The books are so much better...

I think I'm better off hiding out in anime again, time to return to watching D. Gray Man.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

Guilty Pleasures - no, not the LKH book

2009-11-30T20:12:00.002-05:00

We all have them, guilty pleasures, things we seek out when we're feeling down, crabby, uninspired, and generally lackadaisical. Recently, I read an article about the difference between the way women think and speak and men, then it hit me - there must be a difference in guilty pleasures as well.

Wrong.

While one of my guilty pleasures is reading, my husband has never been big on books - unless they're graphic novels or nudie mags - but he and I share a long list of other guilty pleasures: we enjoy the same TV shows for the same reasons (with the exception of Dexter - he says its depressing - and The Vampire Diaries - which is too 'stalkerish'), Chinese food, donuts, archery, target shooting, bird watching (which involves a lot of cat watching - and snickering - at times too), and rampant gossip. We like the same kind of movies - action/adventure, horror, gory thrillers and the occasional anime. Well, that and and the rare raunchy comedy like The Girl Next Door. But this leaves me with a quandary... I've been told on more than one instance that I'm not very feminine, and also that my writing isn't very femme, so perhaps my guilt pleasures re stacked in the man corner as well since I'm not lusting after spa packets, chocolate coated anything, mani-pedi's, or a spiffy, expensive, new wardrobe let alone trendy shoes.

So, I'm curious, what are your guilty pleasures? And do you think sex makes a difference?

Goin' to the dogs

2009-11-29T21:39:00.002-05:00

Between shopping on Black Friday and post-turkey day clean up, I missed posting on Frightening Journeys this week, so I decided to take advantage of the crickets and cobwebs over here and ramble on the subject: what is my favorite shifter. Believe it or not - it isn't the werewolf.

Yes, I know, shocking considering how many of my books have featured werewolves or man-wolf shifters, but I'm finding a new fascination taking me over. Cynanthropy for one, before you go looking it up at Wikipedia and getting all disappointed - trust me, there is next to nothing there, if you want information on occult studies you've got to hit the stacks - it's dog shape-shifting. I know a lot of people won't see much of a difference between a dog and a wolf, but they are there trust me. If you ever want to see, or learn some really nifty (read nerdy) differences between wolves and dogs look up two different articles, one on the hunting patterns of wolves and the other on the instinctive knowledge dogs have of calculus. Yes, ladies and gents, calculus. It took me a good long time to wade through that article, but it was well worth it, notably since I learned something interesting. The only other animal that has been known, or observed, to apply the same analytical skills while hunting prey individually has been the Kodiak bear.

Leading me to my next type of favorite shape-shifter, the berserker. No, I won't call them were-bears or therianthropes. I subscribe to the old school philosophy that everything has a name, and deserves to be called accordingly. There aren't many stories out there featuring berserkers, the bear shape-shifter, and the ones that do exist always seem to want to make the bears misunderstood and cuddly - not at all the way I picture them.

I am thinking it's time to kick my writing into high gear and rectify some of this shit ;)

Right now I'm working on addressing the lack of cynthropes with my female/female stories Leash Laws and The Relation Chip. So people, keep on me, keep nagging, push me little and I promise they'll get to you. Why do dogs have to be man's best friend? Sheesh...lol.

Friday at Frightening Journeys

2009-11-20T19:25:00.002-05:00

Each Friday I guest post at Frightening Journeys. This week's topic was how to work through writer's block. Instead of talking about it, I showed how I did it by crafting a piece of pre-history for an interracial female/female urban paranormal romance I'm working on titled The Relation Chip. The nifty part is, the exercise distracted an annoying bit of bickering my charcters kept devolving into when I was trying to set up a nice romantic scene in the regular book. Maybe I should work on back-stories more often. Even more exciting? This may make it tie in with my other IR female/female romance, Leash Laws. Hope you guys have a chance to pop over and have a peek at a work in progress.

Things that go Bump in the Night

2009-10-27T11:28:00.003-04:00

Thank you, everyone, for all of the wonderful entries for the Halloween contest! There were a number of wonderful stories shared. The first listed is the winner, the rest appear in no particular order, beyond my own whimsy.

From Jevea:

Halloween has always been my favorite time of year. The cool crisp air the crunch of leaves under my feet. I was born at Myrtle Beach so being a beach girl I had a different sort of life. Different than those in the country. I remember well shaking with anticipation as I sat at my desk at 7 years old. In the first grade. I could not wait for the day to come to a close because I knew that night I could dress up in my homemade costume and walk through the trailer park getting candy. Things were safe back then in the 60's. Children could walk freely without fear of someone hurting them or stealing them away. My mother had made me a "Zorro" costume. I had a play sword bought for a dime at the local 5 and 10 store. She drew a fake mustache over my lip and found a small black hat that my daddy had in his closet. I thought I was the stuff! I was always a tomboy. So little princess and girly costumes did not appeal to me. I watched Zorro every Saturday on a black and white TV. That is who I wanted to be. A swashbuckling savior a defender of the weak and poor. I really got into the role as I dressed to go trick or treating.

The night drew near and I was shaking to get out the door. It was cold, well cold as it can be for the beach. Out the gate I dashed sword in hand and pumpkin bucket in the other to gather my loot. The other kids joined in and we all went from house to house knocking on doors shouting: "Trick or Treat!" Candy and homemade treats were abundant as we, the park's children, wandered through the night. Our parents, of course would be standing in the yards watching keeping an eye on us as we marched through the park. How I miss those innocent times. There was no fear. No worry. No looking over your shoulder for a predator to come and kill you. As the night came to a close and we had plundered all the candy we could we headed home to check out our pumpkins. What a wonderful and exciteting time. I poured my bucket on the floor with my Daddy sitting behind me. He and I went through every little thing. There was candy bars, cookies, candy apples, popcorn balls, M&M's, treats of all kinds. I remember my Daddy saying "Come on Wheel, ("Wheel" was his nickname for me), give your old Daddy a piece of candy." I would laugh and say: "NO it's mine." He would make a sad face and pretend to cry. Then with a big smile and a hug I'd tell him to get anything he wanted. He would always go for the popcorn balls. My Mama would get the Tootsie Rolls then complain because it stuck in her teeth. I had candy for days and the memories of a very fun filled night with friends and family. I do miss those times so much. The thing I miss the most is my Daddy. He
passed away 11 years ago. How I miss him.

Happy Halloween to those who remember the innocent Halloween's of the past. May you always keep your memories alive and well in your hearts.

From Char:

When I was a kid, there used to be an old abandoned, haunted house down a long, dark and very creepy lane. The whole area had a very eerie feeling to it. Anytime I was there I felt like I was being watched. I didn't like to go there but my friends talked me into going ghost hunting one halloween.
Well, we got more than we bargained for that night.as we were going inside, one of my friends tripped over a pair of muddy workboots that were by the door. All of a sudden this big dirty guy came out of another room yelling at us you never saw 5 kids try to get thru a door so fast. In our hurry to get away we forgot about the big muddy ditch that was between us and the road. We all ended up falling in the ditch and had to walk home covered in mud. I tried to sneak in the house, but got caught. I looked so pitiful that mom didn't have the heart to punish me. A couple of deputies went out there to see what was going on and it turned out he was a hobo looking for shelter for the night. He yelled because he thought that we were trying to steal his boots. It took us a long time to live that night down.

From JW:

My favorite Halloween memory was when my boys were 4 and 5 years old and I
made their costumes. They were bumble bees complete with black/yellow stripes, black shoes and stingers. They were the favorite costumes of our housing development. They grow up too fast, don't they? I made all of their costumes until they quit wearing them.

From SiN:

As a child I was afraid of scary things like most kids are my mom and dad incouraged all kinds of things bobbing for apples haunted hay rides, ghost stories, and scary costumes everything to get me outa my shell. I was about 9 when things changed for me. I was a normal little girl who wanted to be a fairy princess and have pretty wings a crown and a wand can't be a fairy princess without a wand.
Well I was also a tom boy who adored my doting older brothers who enjoyed a good scare but never played scary pranks on me that all changed when i was 9. It started out any normal halloween day where you are soo excited to get to school to have that fun dress up party and candy and such I was soo excited but I couldnt find my
princess costume so I raced threw the house yelling Mommyyyyyy
The boys are snickering cause they know they did something with it. What's a matter sis they said I started to sniffle and told them I lost my costume they replied awww let us help you because big girls dont wear fairy princess costumes they go as
something scary I sniffled and said but but i wanted to go as a princess. They laughed and said how about a gross dead princess I'm 9 I idolized my brothers so I gave in. They were so proud of their creation they invited me to watch scary movies with them because I'm such a big girl now. Now at the time I was afraid of scary movies but who can pass up a good movie with your favorite pals so I agreed the boys thought they were ohhhhh so slick.
I get threw the day at school with great anticipation wanting to hurry and get the trick-or-treating done so I could go home and watch with them.. we got home and dibied up the candy after our parents checked it of course. I was antsy wanting to hurry up and watch the movies. So it was time to watch ...
I got half way threw watching the first Nightmare on Elm Street I was scared beyond belief to the point I went to bed and started yellin for my mom n dad but
something changed that night after all that fright, I found out I liked to be scared and a good scare was the best anticipation all year. Now every year I forgo the costume and the trick or treating obvously but I watch horror films and wait for that one good scare.

From SS: (the biggest aw moment)

When I was Five years old I had got sick and had to be in the Hospital with Asthma. So my little Brother that was three years old at the time would go to doors and ask for candy for his sick sister too. So, he Trick or Treated for both of us.

From RL:

I remember going to our Aunt and Uncle's place uptown and having supper with them. Then we kids scrambled into our costumes, grabbed our bags for treats and headed out. We wanted to reach every house if possible - that was our mission.

We see my older cousin and he informs us that some very big guys (older) are on the prowl and stealing kids' candy and they tried to take his. We turn and make for my cousins' house, looking back to see if we are being chased.

This was a special night because we lived on the lake bottom (dairy farm) and Mom and Dad took time off from the farm for us to be able to go Trick or Treating. Awesome memories; I even remember my Aunt had made Puffed Wheat cake for dessert.

October Contest

2009-10-19T11:13:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween!

In two weeks it will be Halloween, a time for trick-or-treats, costumes and scintillating tales of things that go bump in the night. If you can't tell - this is one of my favorite times of the year. And to celebrate one of my favorite holidays I'm going to have a very special contest.

To enter, email me (to marquise .x @ gmail .com minus the spaces) a favorite Halloween memory or story that I can share (if you want it to be anonymous make the names silly or fake in the telling) on my Dog Wild blog. From the entries, I'll choose one person at random to win a gift basket of Sarris Candies and their choice of one of my spooky tales: Song of the Nighthawk, Flesh, Frights & Delights, Night Lights, or Blood and Honey - all in time for Halloween!

Since Song of the Nighthawk is due out some time this month at Aspen Mountain Press, here is a little bit about my newest release:

Anita Rubilev, blessed with a keen ear, always sought relief from the hustle and bustle of city life in daydreaming about her great-grandmother’s tales of Mother Russia, until the stories began to overtake her dreams. Waking one morning looking like her peasant-born, deaf dream-self, Anita was forced to honor her grand-dame’s final words, “free the nighthawk’s song,” before she became trapped, forever.

Voices clamored in the background as the small dark woman Anita associated as the mother of the dancing girl hurried from the house. The dancing fey child was being roughly handled, coerced into the covered cart and money was scattered on the ground. The woman sobbed and protested. Anita didn’t know what was wrong, but she knew that the woman didn’t want the beautiful girl to go with the men. Without thinking she jumped down from the tree branch, landing nimbly on hands and feet in the cart-path. Silently, she walked to where the mother stood begging for her child while the willful girl pouted from the cart. Looking up at the dark bear-like man, Anita knew she looked at death. He wore it like a scent upon his skin as if death was a lover he bathed in nightly.

Picking up the spilled coins in the road, she handed them to the mother and gripped the wrists of the dancing girl. It wasn’t until later that she remembered being of a height with the girl, or that her own hair swirling past her ears and eyes was of the same midnight hue. The last she remembered was the resounding silence as she looked up at the death man and offered up her hand, to take the dancing girl’s place. Then she woke trembling in her bed.

Feeling sick to her stomach, Anita lurched groggily into the small dim bathroom just off the stairs. It wasn’t until after she washed her face and patted it dry that it hit her; not only didn’t she feel like herself, she literally wasn’t herself. During the night her long dark brown hair had turned sooty black.

At breakfast her father stared, but her grandfather’s reaction was the worst. He ranted and screamed about the vanity of woman never being pleased with the gifts given her by the gods. Anita tried to show them that she didn’t do anything to her hair. She took them all the garbage bags and cans.

“See? No boxes of hair color,” she said. Her father shrugged and seemed not to care but her grandfather continued to yell, snapping his cane against the top of the breakfast table.

“This is the fault of the old woman. She filled your head with stories of her youth!” He stood, staggering about the small kitchenette slashing the air with his gnarled hand. “How she and her stupid sisters connived to free some stupid brat and set loose some stupid family curse and salvation. Bah! I wish she would have left that nonsense back home in Russia!”

First review on Flesh

2009-10-15T18:28:00.002-04:00

Many thanks to Dark Diva Melissa who bestowed four delightful Divas on my story Flesh:

Flesh by Melissa Glisan is a short novella that packs a powerful punch. I normally would not read, or watch for that matter, horror. However, the blurb for this book was so intriguing that I could not resist. I am happy that I went ahead and read Flesh, only now I am wishing that I had read the first book, Blood and Honey.

For the whole review - clicky link!

Author Corner Today!

2009-09-11T10:09:00.003-04:00

Join me today at Savannah Chase's Yahoo Group from 5 to 6 p.m. EST for hour of chatting on new books, ones in the works or old favorites - or even ones you'd love to see a reality! There will be a contest for those who manage to take the time to drop on by, so try to make it!

Red Rose Sale Event!

2009-09-09T15:04:00.000-04:00

Sept. 9th is the owner's birthday!!

Enjoy half off all ebooks as her gift to you at Red Rose Publishing.

Take the opportunity to stock up on all of your favorites!

First Love

2009-08-31T13:08:00.004-04:00

RRP First Love Contest

Dear Diary,
I am tired of feeling so alone. All I want is someone to love, who loves me in return. I will never understand those romance books my mom reads by the bag-load. All of those exotic, pretty, intelligent, perfect women being so damned stupid about welcoming love. If I am ever given the chance, I am going to grab it with both hands and heart and never, ever let him go.

Casting furtive glances left then right, she snapped her journal closed then hugged it tight to her chest. For a moment Bart felt jealous of the red, cloth-bound book. He loved watching the way she seemed to hide behind her dark brown bangs, withdrawing into her own world as she wrote.

Grinning, he watched as she slid the journal into her book bag then retrieved a book. That was something else he liked about Lauren, she didn’t read those stupid cock books like all the other girls she read real books, horror novels. His cousin told him the easiest way to spot a dyed-in-the-wool virgin was to watch what they read. If they got all flushed and starry-eyed over romances, don’t even bother, they were waiting for a happily-ever-after, i.e. engagement ring, before getting down and dirty.

Sliding a look at the study hall teacher, Bart had to stifle a laugh. This guy did not fool anyone. Every day Mr. Dan loaded his thermos with double malt whiskey and snoozed through the post-lunch study period. Mr. Dan was the nickname slapped on the droopy faced geometry teacher from time immemorial. His real name was, fantastically enough, Charles Daniels. No one dared to call him Charlie Daniels after the renowned country and western singer, it was the only time the old fart came alive. The last time a smart-ass freshman got cute and lipped off, the boy ended up with a week of detention, extra homework and when no one was looking (meaning everyone was stunned into silence) a smack upside the head. The title Mr. Dan, however disrespectful, fit, in fact the guy took to it so well that other teachers and school administrators even used it.

Today seemed to be an especially long day on old Mr. Dan, no more than ten minutes into the period and he was sleeping, no, snoring face-down on his paper strewn desk. Bart shook his head in amazement the guy not only still had a job but that he was half-way proficient at teaching the few classes he had. Everyone in the school eventually had Mr. Dan, even if it was only for study periods. A few years back Bart’s older sister Naomi had Mr. Dan for math, the dude got so trashed over lunch she ended up teaching the class. The whole school knew about it, up to the principal, but everyone looked the other way. It was a mystery to Bart, and to the hundreds of other students in the school, as to just why the old man was allowed to get away with so much.

Instead of wasting time on the snoring mass of frizzy brown hair and ugly brown tweed (the dude seriously looked like a half-shaved bear), Bart slung his book bag across the floor and slowly made his way behind it, heading towards Lauren. The first time he had done this, she almost fell out of her chair. He liked watching her face turn all pink and red. He liked watching her get nervous and shake. He enjoyed listening to her soft voice as it got all tongue-tied. She still jumped and turned pink when he did it, but now she peeked up at him through those thick bangs and smiled, that he liked even better.

No one understood why he spent his entire free period chatting up the class geek-girl, Bart least of all. In the ninth grade it had been easy to dump on her, with all that hair and braces and those clothes. Her hair had been waist long and done in two braids like a little kid. After tugging unmercifully on a fat braid, Bart wondered what her hair would look like freed, sliding over his arm. About a month into school, the braids were gone, replaced with bangs and a softer layered cut that was still nearly waist long. Any thoughts regarding her hair was short lived, all he had to do was look at her clothes.

The insult, “your mom wears combat boots” really applied to this girl. Literally. It did then and still did now. But, her mom did wear combat boots. A Marine Corps Drill Sergeant of all things. Obviously, her mom saw no problem with her one and only daughter dressing like a recruitment poster gone wrong. G.I. Joan was one nickname that stuck. “No one wants to call her G.I. Jane because that Demi Moore movie is way too cool for this chick,” at least that was what his best friend Mark sneered.

As he made his way over he considered her glowing face. What made things progressively worse for Lauren wasn’t that she stayed quiet or never fought back, but each year she got prettier and smarter. That first year, wow, what a wreck. Sophomore year the braces came off and mom must have relented on the year round diet of camouflage because she started wearing solid color shirts. This year mom must have really given in; she had pierced ears, jeans and even casual running shoes. Nothing designer label, but a huge improvement over the old men’s wear, Bart, as well as a number of other guys, had noticed those changes with the unerring nose of a hunting hound. Not that he gave up his steady string of girls, not at all; this was a bit of a challenge, a game, a toy.

At first he wanted to see if she’d give it up fast out of never getting any real attention. Instead of being slavishly easy, she had nearly stuttered herself off her chair and ran for the bathroom in a panic. It had taken nearly a week of saying ‘hi’ in the halls to get her to relax to the point where he could actually talk to her. Normally, that sort of non-rewarded effort pissed him off, this time it didn’t. Naomi, now a know-it-all college girl, just snickered and quoted annoying crap from literature books about him “only being attracted to the hunt and not the cunt.”

Naomi never put it so simply or so crudely, Mark did, for which his sister promptly slammed the book she had been reading down on his head. For a straight-A smart guy, Mark was a real moron whenever Naomi came around. Gave some credibility to the comments of her clique that the male IQ dropped by 20 points for each inch of an erection. He knew Mark. Too well. If he dropped that many points each time Naomi got him going he wouldn’t be fit to tie his shoes, but then given his mouth around her lately it was making more and more sense. And well worth making popcorn and charging for admission.

Bart slid into the chair next to Lauren and leaned over to ask her something stupid when he noticed that she smelled pretty damned good. Not that she normally stank, totally not the case. Normally she smelled clean, like soap and stuff with a hint of girl underneath. This was totally different. He put his arm behind her on the chair and leaned in, “Nice! Mom letting you go for perfume now too angel eyes?”

He loved teasing her that way. Her eyes were this dark brown, like melted chocolate with a little warm gold. Pretty, but also pretty common. Or so he thought before. He frowned, when did her eyes actually start making him think of stupid stuff like that? Oh well.

“One day Bart, I am going to think you are serious,” she smiled up at him through those thick bangs. He gave in and touched her hair, sliding a finger in the tresses that had fallen along her ear. Another drift of sultry scent reached his nose making him think harder about the soft curves on display in her tighter than usual shirt. Without thinking he slid closer. “I was going to ask you over to my house tonight, so you could see for yourself the fun of Mark and Naomi in action.” He frowned lightly as the fingers of his other hand lightly caressed the skin of her arm. Silky hair and satiny skin, his mind tumbled to other fields than watching his sister and best friend denying they were hotter than the sun for one another.

He was stunned out of his reverie when Lauren leaned back into his arm and pushed into his shoulder, almost cuddling. Bart felt his jeans grow tight and realized uncomfortably he didn’t want to share her tonight, not with anyone. “I don’t know Bart, your sister and Mark in the same room? I think I’d be the bigger target.” Her soft laughter vibrated against the side of his chest and all he could think about was how close her mouth was, how soft her lips looked. Instead of acting on impulse, he cleared his throat, “I wouldn’t let them.” The words came out thicker than he’d liked but he was more surprised that he meant them. Lauren’s eyes widened then narrowed. “Bart. Are you okay?”

All the months he had put into getting this close were so he could dupe her into doing his homework, which she did in this sickeningly happy way. She was content to talk about her horror books and scary movies as some sort of weird payment.

“How about instead of going to my place tonight, you see if you can go with me to the movies. Death Watch is set to open tonight.” The idea of sitting alone in the dark with her had him shifting in his seat. She blinked at him. Then she started stuttering again. He more than liked that, he craved it, wanted to taste it as she managed to say, “A-a-a-are y-y-y-you a-a-a-asking m-m-me out on-a on-a date?” He figured ‘what the fuck?’ and whispered “yes” against her lips as he planted a soft kiss on her open mouth.

Follow the Trail

Chat on Friday

2009-08-19T17:23:00.002-04:00

Join me on Friday, Aug. 21 at Savannah Chase's Yahoo Group as I talk about my newest release with Red Rose Publishing, Flesh, and my up-coming release from Aspen Mountain Press, Song of the Nighthawk.

The picture will take you there :) and for those interested - keep an eye on your email for my newsletter - there will be details on the Red Rose Songs of Summer Contest in case you've missed the earlier announcement. In fact, if you have missed the announcement, drop me a note ASAP here.

Summer Song Contest at RRP

2009-07-23T10:49:00.006-04:00

Red Rose Songs of Summer Contest!

In memory of Amber

2009-05-13T02:24:00.002-04:00

Last week my sister-in-law, Amber Glisan Witt, collapsed and died unexpectedly. She had been feeling unwell and everyone believed she passed as a result of her diabetes. The autopsy proved another illness the culprit, but since she had such a hard time all her life (she had type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes) I asked for a donation button to be placed at Brenda Novak's Auction.

I know times are hard and money is tight, but if you can find it in your hearts to chose this as your one fundraiser to support this year, I'd be honored. When the auction closes, a letter will be sent to my in-laws, letting them know that funds have been raised in honor of their twenty-six year old daughter. Hopefully it will help them as well as the cause.

Yes, Amber was young (compared to me) she was twelve years younger than my husband and he deals with loss in his own odd way. He was sad she died, saying "she was a quiet kid and didn't deserve to go." We all agree, I'm sure, including her husband and daughter.

Sorry if this sounds stilted, once upon a time I was really good at writing these sorts of letters. Maybe because it is personal, or perhaps it's just my heart fumbles my fingers.

Brenda Novak's Annual Auction

2009-05-12T18:59:00.001-04:00

A Group of Red Rose Publishing authors are giving back at the Annual Brenda Novak Auction for Diabeties. They have banded together and pooled items to create a Gift Basket full of items. The basket is currently at $92.00 - but has a value of over $200.00! With more items coming.

Items in the basket:
Infidelity by Debbie Gould - Autographed
Having Faith by Nancy O'Berry - Autographed
Bare Bones by Aline de Chevigny
A Winter Cookbook Crafts Puzzles & Jokes for Folks
T-Shirt from Melissa Glisan for Flesh
T-Shirt from Rochelle Webber for Rock Bound
CD - A Winter Symphony by Sarah Brightman
Rose Petal Bath Petals from Aline de Chevigny
Book Light from Janis Susan May
Cotton Tote Bag from Aline de Chevigny
Queens of Hearts Tote Bag from Nancy O'Berry
Sea Island Cotton Shower Gel from Delilah K. Stephans
International Spy Museum Mug
Ghiradelli Chocolate Hazelnut Coffee
Cinnamon Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Relaxing Tea Blend
Star Post It Notes

And = Naked Writing-The No Frills Way to Write Your Novel Course from Glenys O’Connell .

It’s a $140.00 US value NOTE: These are only the items recieved! More goodies are on the way!

Video trailer for Flesh

2009-05-12T18:53:00.001-04:00

I'm trilled to announce my new short story, Flesh, has a video trailer.

I can't wait for a release date and cover :)

It's my birthday!

2009-05-11T07:44:00.004-04:00

And you are all invited to a chat at Savannah Chase's to help me celebrate

But if you're more into a slow walk through the roses, stop by Red Rose Publishing and have a peek at my themed blog today "Pushing Up Roses".

Those who participate in either chat/blog will be entered to win a t-shirt celebrating the upcoming release of my newest dark romance, Flesh, at RRP.

Happy Earth Day, I think...

2009-04-22T15:02:00.002-04:00

With the advent of Earth Day, my inbox was flooded with excellent ads from the various seed and plant companies I purchase from. Meaning I was totally unable to restrain myself and spent close to $100 on seeds and shrubs. Hopefully this year they won't all die.

Looking out the window I have to conclude it may be Earth Day but it looks anything but happy out there. The sky looks like rippling, molten lead in a cauldron and the air is cold and damp. Another beautiful day in Pennsylvania - NOT! I am so ready for spring to really be here. Yes, yes, I know that we've had the spring equinox and that spring is officially here, but you can't tell it by our weather.

I was going to do a sort of improv pep-rally for myself as an ebook writer (saving all those trees by being mostly in electronic format over paper) until a relative sent me a link to a Do-It-Yourself romance book site. Seriously. It's called Romance By You and looks as freakishly sinister as the new trend with Amish Romance. Hmmm...perhaps this calls for a blog of its own.

TRS today

2009-04-21T17:45:00.001-04:00

It was my turn to blog at TRS today, I'd love it if readers here would take a side trip and respond to my heartfelt entry.

New site...

2009-04-14T17:45:00.002-04:00

Well, my new site is up a wee bit, just enough to give you an idea of what to expect. If you stop by, let me know what you think so I can talk to the new webmistress when she returns from Romantic times in Florida :)

Remember, it's just bare bones. There wasn't time enough to get everything up before RT.

Blogged today!

2009-03-26T07:43:00.002-04:00

First, a thanks to all the folks who lurked in the shadows at Two Lips Talks on Yahoo last night. I had a lot of fun finding fresh excerpts from my books with Aspen Mountain Press to share. Now, if you get the chance, stop by The Romance Studio where I blogged a bit about Blood and Honey - what it is really about and such.

But for those of you who've purchased a copy, I've finished up a short story, Flesh, introducing Dr. Allan Ryder and Phaedra Bouruso to the dark ethos of this horror erotica series. The next full sized story, Blessed Events, will be done in short order. And for those of you who were disappointed at the lack of sex, this one will blow your socks off for sure. Nope, not saying any more...for now ;)

Trailer goodness!

2009-03-12T14:33:00.002-04:00

For those of you who read my news here on your Blackberry or iPhone (please, for the love of all that is holy, do NOT try to explain to me how you do that) I loaded the video at the bottom of the page so as not to jam up your machines. It was created by the wonderful folks of DKRenders so if you like it stop on by their blog and express your love. I know I couldn't be happier, it is totally what I wanted.

Another bitty bit of good news, Red Rose Publishing recently contracted my short-short (about 6,000 words) tale Flesh, a story from the world of Blood and Honey. And for those of you who like to hold books in your bath or beach bound paws - you can pick up this title at Target.com and Amazon.com.

Now...off to be properly productive!

Pretty excited

2009-03-11T16:20:00.002-04:00

Well, as anyone who has stopped by my website (or should I say soon to be defunct website) can see, a lot of changes will soon be made. I've given up on trying to keep up after the ever-changing world of computer language and code, opting to hire a professional web designer - the incredibly talented Stella Price. Now I am waiting for proofs on the main heading for my pages so we can work on the rest of the designs and get the ball rolling.

I'm also happy that two of my Red Rose titles (The Ballet and Blood and Honey) are available in print from both Amazon and Target.com (for those folks who don't like Amazon). Keep your fingers crossed that The Watermelon Riot will soon join them.

Another piece of good news, Frights and Delights won an award for the awesome cover designed by Aspen Mountain Press artist, Valerie Tibbs.

is a - thanks Valerie!!

Snow angels

2009-02-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

The other day I had someone ask how my court trial went (for the auto accident in '04). I could admit it was a nasty experience, but for some reason I kept having pictures in my head of walking back to the truck after the verdict was handed down (we won but it has since been appealed). Behind the courthouse is the county prison, a maximum security facility built roughly at the same time as the courthouse. It has the same sense of permanence and beauty in design and materials but the purpose and rolls of concertina wire looped around the top of the fence lends it an ominous air. What really stood out in my mind on the walk back, was the cold. It had snowed and my balance is bad so I watched carefully were every foot went and a set of smaller tracks leading into the small side yard between the two buildings caught my eye and brought me to a halt. A small child had made a series of snow angels from the benches near the front of the courthouse all the way to the guard shack of the prison. It wasn't something you'd expect to see in such a serious, austere or severe place.

In a way the child who made those simple, innocent angels lifted my spirits in a way no other thing did. Sure, it was a good feeling to have other people hear my story and understand what I've been through, to agree I suffered, that it wasn't all psychosomatic. But the cool, crisp air coupled with the plain joy of childhood and being alive and reveling in the snow was somehow even more uplifting for my soul.

Now, I am going to try to put up word counters on the side bar in order to kick myself into doing a little writing every day the way I promised myself and my therapy people I would. No more wallowing in depression darn it. Hopefully the things will work.

Bi-Polar Weather

2009-01-14T22:09:00.002-05:00

As the temperatures drop to degrees that are guaranteed to keep the devil at bay, I've decided to sit back and enjoy the warmth of accomplishment. It sure beats to way I've been walloping the crap out of myself for being slow as a writer (and pretty damned absent minded. For instance, I've lost my high school and college diplomas, I know there are here, somewhere - just not where. Probably in the same place I stowed my passport and some other pieces of ID).

Thank you to those good folks who have sent me emails telling me that I've been nominated at Preditors & Editors in a few different places. I'm not looking or pimping myself out on purpose. When the voting closes, I'll take pleasure in being nominated and voted for on my own merits. Sort of like sitting in awe of being the number one best seller for Aspen Mountain Press on Fictionwise for the last three days. It's an important milestone for me, being a bestseller.

Maybe, if I just stop beating up on myself, it'll sink in that I may be forgetful and spacey, but I'm also a person that can contribute and be noticed.

My Favoritest TV Show EVAR

2008-12-23T14:11:00.000-05:00

Memory and Dream

2008-12-22T12:11:00.002-05:00

This time of year is best known for the classic ghost story involving Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. But what if your entire life was surrounded by ghosts and the shadow of Death? Would you have the strength of character, the love for others, to surrender your life into the hands of Death to save another?

Blurb:

Centuries untold, he walked the dark corridors of Eternity alone. Chosen from the field of battle to walk as Death, Suriel’s soul has absorbed the pain and horror of every life claimed. His only refuge against the dark – a promised mate, a Light to lead him.

Death has never scared Sicily, her earliest playmates were ghosts. A ghost even saved her life then complicated her teenage years when she fell in love with the silent shade. Given her unusual gift, physical love was a mere dream - one with glowing violet eyes haunting her memories...until a desperate plea for help presents her with an impossible choice. Can she embrace Death to save a life?

Details and Excerpt

Festival of Lights

2008-12-19T09:02:00.003-05:00

It's the year 167 BCE and the practice of Jewish faith has been outlawed in Jerusalem by the Hellenic overlords, the Seleucids. Hoping to protect his aspiring Rabbi son, Jacob, Moshe makes a most unusual purchase at the Syrian slave markets - a female Scythian warrior.

Saka Ishkuzi has known nothing but deprivation, battle and the harsh extremes of icy mountains and sand dunes. Her background forged the perfect weapon. Her biggest battle won't be protecting the aspiring Rabbi Jacob's life, but her heart from his gentle touch.

Travel back in time through Festival of Lights to the first Hanukkah to witness miracles of faith and love.

***

“Your father hoped to sell my horse and part out my things.” She had tried valiantly not to let her upset show in her voice, but Jacob heard the quaver under the strength.

“Greed was in his heart, but I hope to balance his misdeeds by teaching you our ways and by treating you with as much honor as possible.” A fine sheen of sweat covered his body under his clothes and gathered in his hair.

“Is that why you do not touch me or look at me?” The question was completely without guile. Looking at the small pout, Jacob made a spur of the moment guess.

“No other man has seen you without clothes, has he?” The sweat beaded and rolled down the side of his face. Hoping for a reprieve, he redirected his vision to the nasty wound on her left upper arm. That did it, instant erection kill, he was back to worrying about washing, dressing and treating his new…what exactly was Saka? Then it hit him, he had a single pallet. All of his good intentions died as visions of her eager body, slicked with sweat, writhing under and over him in the dark, clouded his mind.

“It is my shame.” Saka hung her head, “no male has wanted to see me without my clothes.”

Hoping he didn’t shake or look lower than her bent head, Jacob lifted her face, cupping her chin.
“I desire to see you without clothes and I hope by all I hold holy God knows I honor you by not taking advantage.” Her eyes turned an incandescent color that stole his breath. In a strangled tone he eked out, “I must hurry or I’ll not see to your needs before the shops close for dinner and the night’s prayer.”

***

Now...follow this link to Jeanne Barrack's Blog for her story, The Game.

Contest hint guys, you've gotta go blog to blog in order. I missed my day because my health sucks, don't let these good folks down - follow the blogs and have a great time reading and collecting stories and characters that will make your heart (and other parts ;) ) sing.

Hanukkah celebration underway!

2008-12-19T08:58:00.002-05:00

The Glowing Lights of Chanukah will soon be here and there are Gifts waiting for you!

Beginning Wednesday, December 17th join Ten authors who have gathered romance stories with Jewish heroes and heroines from all walks of life:

From the days of the Maccabees to Regency England to modern day America to parallel worlds; from sweet to spicy hot.

Tell us the names of their heroes and heroines and send them to borntowrite @ writeme.com (minus the spaces of course) to be entered in a drawing of Gifts for the Season. The winner will be drawn December 22nd, the first day of Chanukah!

Start the celebration with authors: Keira Andrews, Astrid Amara and Cheryl Dragon on Wednesday, the 17th.

The Celebration begins with Keira Andrews at: http://slash-and-burn.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-novel-daybreak.html

Thursday, the 18th: Melissa Glisan, Jeanne Barrack and EM Ben Shaul

Friday, the 19th: Samantha Kane and Eva Gordon

Sunday, the 21st KZ Snow and James Buchanan

Hope you'll join us!

2008-12-06T17:13:00.003-05:00

Lessons in Love
Melissa Glisan
Aspen Mountain Press
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance (BDSM)
Publication date: 07/11/2008
ISBN: 978-1-60168-120-1
Length: 190 pages
Format: e-book
Reviewer: Aris
http://www.alternative-read.com/

Jamie lamented to his cousin Kenny how disappointed he had grown in his sexual adventures. Dirty movies, one nightstands, strip joints did not do it if him any more, and there was no way he was going to pay for a hooker. He wanted one good sex partner with no commitment or relationship crap thrown in. Kenny that the girl for him, if only he would take him up on the offer. He had finished his law degree and worked out east for a while and was now back home under his father's watchful eye. And in the small town they lived in everyone new everything and juicy made it home to dad within hours.

Sarah had had a crush on Jamie since high school and he never showed an interest. He even called her "Poor Plain Sarah Jane," and now it was time to show him just how not "Plain" she was. She had even recruited a tutor in the ways of sex and upper class man Sam Bennett had delivered. Since then she had honed her skills in preparation for just this day. She knew Jamie was way out of her social class with his father's prestigious law firm and her a simple bank teller from the wrong side of town, but she was ready to fight for what she wanted, gossips be damned.

This is a well written story of deep love and unusual seduction. Ms. Glisan has woven intrigue, drama, sex and love into this wonderful story. When Jamie and Sarah begin this relationship if is for far different reasons and then to be on apparently opposite sides regarding the embezzlement at the bank that Sarah is accused of and Jamie is supposed to prosecute the relationship is severely strained. Of course we know it will all work out because it is a love story but the way Ms. Glisan weaves the story you are hooked to the last page to see how they manage to navigate this stormy weather.

--
Posted By Aris to Alternative-Read.com on 12/04/2008 09:03:00 PM

Red Rose Publishing goes PRINT!

2008-12-05T21:59:00.002-05:00

The following list are the first print books to be released from Red Rose Publishing. Please take a moment to stop by and have a look!

THE BALLET
Melissa Glisan

Will life look brighter with the New Year or will the bleak get bleaker?

New Years Eve is a time to celebrate the year that's fled and cheer the year to come.

A ballerina before the tragic accident that crippled her, Rose Fineman sat through the big dance, waiting, hoping - for what she wasn't sure, until she spotted Ryan Moran. Her high school crush…but he was a soldier and she'd lost so much to violence already.

Too many wars, too many battles lay in Ryan's past, coloring his outlook on the future in bleak tones. That was, until he looked across a crowded room and saw a rare beauty being cruelly teased by her peers. He had nothing more to offer than the protection of his presence and his hand in a dance.

One dance, two promises, and a spark of love… will it be enough to hold Rose until Ryan returns from war?

AN OPEN LURE
RaeLynn Blue

Will being stranded be the worst or the best thing that could happen to Zuri?

Zuri Hines is on the brink of beginning her new life, minus her ex-boyfriend. Yet when she ends up stranded in Oklahoma, she feels her plans starting to unravel. As a mysterious man publicly performs self-stimulating acts, but only if she watches, is she flirting with danger? Or entertaining an old fantasy?

Jake Lysette has been in many women's beds and has devoured the sexual energy of even more since becoming an incubus. Yet when a freak blizzard leave him stranded in Oklahoma, will a shy, strong-willed Black woman be the key to satisfy his ravaging hunger for eternity?

SEXUAL SECRETS
Nicole Pierce

Destroyed by a relationship gone sour, Cori is not ready for another relationship. When Cori Mallory blows off the sexy hunk that comes up to her at a Pub, she never expected to end up applying for a job where he owned the company. Once they get to know each other, they develop a strong attraction. So, why won't Adam make love to her?

What is he hiding and once she finds out can she handle the truth?

WHEN MARIAH SMILES
Williams Men Series: Book #1
Delores Walker

What sacrifices would you make to see the woman you desire smile?

Mariah Smith is a talented designer on the brink of making her name in the fashion world. The one thing standing between her and fulfilling her lifelong dream is lack of capital. Travis Williams is a self-made success story who finds himself in a precarious predicament. In order to save his cruise ship he needs some ready capital and lots of it.

The one person who can help them both is Travis's estranged father, Edward Mason. He can help, but it comes with a few strings attached. In order to free up the capital, it'll be necessary that they marry for convenience.

Mariah and Travis set out on a honeymoon cruise aboard "Mariah's Smile." Unfortunately Mariah finds herself on the same ship as her old nemesis, Eva. It's high school all over again as Eva sees something she wants—Travis. Has Mariah learned to fight for what she wants? Will Travis miss the opportunity to see Mariah Smile?

THE SHEIK'S CAPTIVE
Desert Rose Anthology
Honey Jans

Is the Sheikh's kink more than Honor can handle or will she be the one spooning it out?

When Honor Blackwell is offered a fortune to collect an emerald necklace from a dangerous jewel thief, she is in no position to turn it down. She's just parted from her lecherous boss telling him that only her vibrator gets her off. The sad thing is that it's true.

The chance for a little adventure is too tempting to pass up. But things don't go as planned. When the naked hunk catches her rifling his room, his frank sensual appraisal makes her formerly suppressed hormones sit up and take notice. She goes along with his assumption that she's a birthday present sent by his brother.

Sheik Alexander Kahn on vacation in his tiny villa on a remote Greek Isle isn't sure what to make of the pretty thief he finds in his bedroom. But he does know that he intends to keep her; at least until he finds out what game she's playing. She isn't the first thief that's tried to steal one of his company's creations but she is the most alluring. A blushing almost virgin that smolders with hidden fires when he touches her and makes her come.

After a night of newfound sexual pleasure in the dominant man's arms, Honor runs, only to have him catch her. When he takes her over his knee, she melts shocked that it turns her on. Thrown together for a steamy weekend they open up to each other, while Alex teaches her all his favorite kinky tricks. She knows he's still keeping secrets but she decides to enjoy him anyway.

BARE BONES
Aline de Chevigny

Are you ready to find out what happens when a full moon occurs?

On the run from the Lycan who turned him during the full moon on All Hallows Eve, Christian Clarke isn't happy when he finds Joanna wandering through the woods searching for him. His inner wolf refuses to leave her side, yet the inner man in him wishes to keep her at arm's length for fear that he won't be able to control his inner demons.

Hearing her whispered confession of love, he reveals himself. Can he keep her safe from the pack that hunts him? Will Joanna love the beast he's become?

DESTINY'S LOVE SONG
Debbie Fritter

Simple living, always the perfect person or is Heather something more?

Heather Jones is your typical Wisconsin woman. She's down-to-earth and has always searched for a little something more in her life. A frustrated writer, she falls in love with the southern ways and decides to stay, hoping to break into the music business. Along the way she meets the man she'd destined to fall deeply in.

James Sheridan is the son of a legendary performer who, through his love of Heather, makes his way in the rough and unpredictable business of country music. His love for her is strong and their songs bring them almost to the top, until a Montana storm takes him out of her life.
Will their song be Destiny's Love song or will they only hit the high notes rapidly falling to the low ones? Fading into the wind…

FEATHERS ON THE WIND: THE CYGNETS
Camille Anthony

Feathers on the wind...two seeking souls are torn apart.

Betrayed, an English Lord forced to explore his unknown heritage, will find his future hinges on his past.

Deceived, sold into slavery, an innocent girl must survive the hedonistic excesses of a Turkish harem.

An enemy works behind the scenes to keep them apart. Two Countries battle for their allegiance. In the end, they'll surrender only to each other...

Who can they trust? Will the two souls become one or fight separately?

FAN-TASY
Raven Starr

Could she finally get close enough to attract his attention?

Star Morgan a beautiful young black woman that has a slight obsession with her childhood singer named Nathan Holmes. Nat is a tall tanned man with the voice of an angel and the body of an Adonis. Star has loved this man her entire life. She grew up listening to his voice and somehow knew he was the man for her. Tonight was her night to make her fantasy become reality.

Will her dreams come true? Or is her fantasy, just that? A fantasy.

CHOICES
Mary A. Pope

Natalie Campbell is struggling single parent with two little girls. Her husband lost his battle with cancer leaving her to fight his parents for custody of the children.

The insurance money is almost gone with permanent employment hard to find, almost nonexistent, really.

Luck changes direction when she lands a job as a cook and housekeeper for Sam Hawthorn. When her daughter tragically falls from the second story balcony, Sam is there for Natalie at every turn. Will she choose to give Sam her heart or will he choose the woman he's engaged to?

Forget Me Knot DW2

2008-11-07T17:25:00.001-05:00

Has officially released today! Stop by Aspen Mountain Press and get your copy while the 'new release' discount is still available.

2008-11-02T23:02:00.002-05:00

December 13

Blood Kiss Candle - Candle Artist Jfay, Studio 3B-
Scented in rich Spiced Mulberry, the Blood Kiss Candle is designed to have actual "fang mark" indentions with it's lifeblood flowing from the wounds.
Visit Candle Artist Jfay online at:
http://www.studio3b.com
www.myspace.com/studio3b

Ebook - A Fling in Vampiropolis - Author Selena Illyria -
Vampire and human in a sexy love affair? (erotic romance)
Visit Author Selena Illyria online:
http://www.selenaillyria.com
www.myspace.com/selenaillyria

December 14

3 Signed Books - Internationally Best Selling Author, William Maltese
SUCKS! Book 1 of the DRAQUAL Vampyre Chronicles - From the blood splattered runway of fashion giant House of Draqual and Vlad Draqual, William Maltese's SUCKS! is ultra sexy, filled with pulse-pounding action and lusty vampyres.(m/m erotic)
CATALYTIC QUOTES - A WORLD OF "WHAT-IF"s... Had Albert Einstein and Arsenio Hall lived at one and the same time, could it have been something the latter said—"Jack Sajak, as an emcee, is square!"—to provide the former with the breakthrough for his now world-renowned equation, E=mc2? Had The Beatles and Adolf Hitler met, the latter commenting off-handedly, "Yes, I did once get Meyer Rothschild's attention by screaming, 'Hey Jude!'"—could the idea for the former's famous song have taken root, right then and there? No one can know for sure, but internationally renowned author William Maltese can and has conjectured just such what ifs…. (humor)
A SLIP TO DIE FOR - MURDERS IN FASHION.Someone not only killed the author, who'd been an underground movie star, who'd been a model, who'd been a hustler, who'd been a cross-dresser…but killed the borderline drunk, who'd been a TV-network executive and anchor-man for the national news.Someone dressed each corpse in Draqualian silk…a very special silk, by very special silk worms, who ate very special mulberry leaves, to make very special cocoons pre-dyed, in Technicolor digestive tracts, to very special perfection.
Stud Draqual knew the silk…knew the dead men…and would eventually penetrate the mystery to his own eminent peril, to know the killer…(mystery/suspense)
Visit Author William Maltese's myspace pages:
www.myspace.com/williammaltese
www.myspace.com/draqual
www.myspace.com/maltesecandlegallery

December 15

Vampire Graphic T-Shirt -
Author Lex Valentine http://www.lexvalentine.com
Personal Blog: http://sunlightsucks.com
Personal Website: http://winterheart.com
Trailers, Graphics, Forum, & Website Design: http://rottnroll.com
The Bar: An Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Serial Story: http://winterheart.com/thebar

December 16

Nippy Christmas Ornament -
Artist JM Leotti- Featuring original artwork.
http://www.faeriemoondream.com

December 17

Ebook on Disk - Jaclyn's Ghost - Author Dorlana Vann-
A quirky and romantic supernatural mystery After fashion model Jaclyn Jade is murdered, she has 48 hours to uncover the reason she didn't advance to Heaven. With the help of an intriguing ghost of a man who died in the 1920s and a psychic who can speak to the dead, her search for answers initiates a quirky journey of self-discovery. Personalities, eras, and worlds collide as the mismatched trio try to solve the mystery of Jaclyn's death. (paranormal mystery) Ebook Available now at Fictionwise and Tease Publishing LLC
Read the first chapter here http://www.dorlanavann.com
Jaclyn's Ghost
Supernatural Fairy Tales blog

Ebook - Destiny's Prerogative - Author Karen Michelle Nutt (Paranormal Romance)-
Do Shape shifters exist? Shay is about to find out when Gabriel saves her. Fate threw them together, but despite their differences, they work together, eliminating a threat to their future. Destined to be lovers long before he touched her soul and she saved his life.(romance)
Visit the author at:
http://www.kmnbooks.com
www.authorsden.com/karenmichellenutt
www.myspace.com/karenmichellenutt

December 18

Signed Book - The ABRAXAS Series - Author Cinsearae Santiago -
Christine Vargas is an independent, young, working class girl, violently swept into another world -- a world deemed unrealistic and impossible by many, a world under the mundane one she is so used to. During her physical transition, she has to come to grips with new powers she has been bestowed, and join up with her new "Lord", Ryan Price, a gentleman of a high social status--and twice her age. Her "new family" is a motley crew of young vampires….. (dark paranormal romance)
Editor/Publisher of Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine
Cover Artist for Jaded Silence Press & Individual Clients
http://www.BLOODTOUCH.com (Author Website) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gratista_Vampires (Join the Gratista Vampire Clan!)

December 19

Vampiric Charmed Beaded Bookmark -
Moonlit Beadery-
Vampiric Charmed Beaded Bookmark and a vial of Wicked Scents Perfume. www.moonlitbeadery.etsy.com

December 20

2 Ebooks - Frights & Delights, and Night Lights - Author Melissa Glisan-
On Disk -- (Erotic Romance) Frights & Delights: Two stories both meant to frighten, each with radically different endings. In Rave On, the hunter becomes the prey leading to a bloody conclusion. Echoes of Yesterday remind us of the cost of disobedience and of the happiness an open-minded child can bring to the world. Night Lights:Margaret Thawley's watery nightmares hold the keys to unlocking her past and her future. On the Philippine Island of Cagayan, she places her trust in the enigmatic warrior Rizal Malihim and his night lights, to keep her safe despite the tales. For in Cagayan, the natives warn, fireflies mask the dreaded berbalangs - ghoulish vampires swarming for victims to kill.
www.melissaglisan.20m.com
www.myspace.com/melissaglisan

December 21

Ebook - Sacrifice - Author Leila Brown- Erotic Romance www.leilabrown.com

Ebook - A Vampire in Waikiki - Author A.J. Llewellyn - (m/m erotic)
Visit Author A.J. Llewellyn on myspace:www.myspace.com/ajllewellyn

December 22

Blood Vial Gift Set - Vampire Wear-
Nothing says "I Love You", quite like a Blood Vial Gift Set…..
Visit Vampire Wear online:
www.vampirewear.com
www.myspace.com/vampirewear

December 23

3 Signed Books - Author/Publisher Laura Baumbach
Blood Desires - This single author collection of sultry and romantic M/M short stories from the pen of acclaimed author Laura Baumbach offers four gay erotic tales filled with undying loyalty, reclaimed love, unexpected passion and voracious sexuality as only the most sensual creatures of the night, vampires, can live it.
Blood Claim - This volume features a trio of M/M tales from three of the genre's hottest authors. Winner Takes All by Laura Baumbach -- Two vampires face off in a deadly bet that has the winner claiming everything the loser owns--including the loser's innocent, unaware human offspring. Plus, Gift of the Raven by Angela Fiddler and Wolfe's Recluse by Jet Mykles.
Scared Stiff - A quartet of inspired stories from best-selling authors William Maltese, Josh Lanyon, Sarah Black and Laura Baumbach. SCARED STIFF offers four very different tales of m/m ghostly doings that'll have readers panting (in more ways than one) under the covers. (m/m erotic)
Visit Author Laura Baumbach on myspace:
www.myspace.com/laurabaumbach

December 24

3 Ebook Downloads - Revenge of the Court Jester (vampire novel, Ellora's Cave), Disdain (vampire novella, Changeling Press), Caged with the Tiger (vampire novella, New Concepts Publishing) - Author Kate Hill - (paranormal erotic romance)
Visit Author Kate Hill online:www.kate-hill.com

December 25

Nippy Christmas Candle - Blue Moon Candles-
with original artwork from Artist JM Leotti
www.bluemooncandles.com
www.myspace.com/bluemooncandles

Visit www.myspace.com/bloodykissmas for Entry Details!!

Winners!

2008-10-31T20:39:00.000-04:00

Jen H. (from the Wicked Whispers blog) and Luann are winners of copies of Frights and Delights. I need you ladies to contact me at marquise.x@gmail.com with the format you prefer.

In time for Halloween!

2008-10-11T00:15:00.004-04:00

I'll have a duet of scary stories available tomorrow at Aspen Mountain Press!

If you'd like to win a free copy of your very own, head over to the Wicked Whispers Authors Blog (link on the side of the page) for details.

Dog Wild book 1 had finally arrived!

2008-09-24T14:04:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am excited!

Dog Wild by Melissa Glisan

Artist: Tuesday Dube
ISBN: 978-1-60168-135-5
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Erotica
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publication Date: 9/19/2008
Sexual Content: Erotic
Price: $4.00

Synopsis:

Ashley Cooper took to the skies to find the man of her dreams. But when her career crash-landed her at a travel agency, she decided to safely keep her nose to the men in novels. Lupercus Dianus thought he was resigned to loneliness until the morning he saw a vibrant feminine form basking in a wash of rare winter sunshine.

Love is never simple but when complicated by two screwball dogs, Roman gods, a clan of werewolves and an unknown menace threatening to destroy everything furry – how’s a woman supposed to know if she’s finally found love or losing her mind?

By reading her horoscope of course!

Read an excerpt here.

September tidings.

2008-09-11T16:28:00.000-04:00

Sorry to have been so silent, but there has been much going on. My son's bus was in an accident, his friend's grandmother died of a heart attack, my annual Mensa event was blessed with being in the same hotel as Senator McCain and Governor Palin - both of whom went out of their way to be approachable and pleasant to offset the security annoyances we suffered...to be honest, the list of things that happened since my last post until now is pretty daunting so I'll leave it alone.

As most of you know, today is the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I'm not posting any poems or pictures, pithy quotes or rememberances of the day. At this point I firmly believe it is a day to be remembered with sadness, introspection and private displays of solidarity, such as putting out a flag to mark the date. I think it is kind of tacky the way tragedy gets blown up into a carnival air so... 'nuff said.

However, I'd love to share with you the new cover for Dog Wild book 1 due out this month at Aspen Mountain Press.

Chatting today at Midnight Seductions

2008-08-02T11:03:00.000-04:00

Chatting Today at Midnight Seductions

2008-08-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

A kitteh post - vote for me?

2008-07-28T16:24:00.000-04:00

moar funny pictures

Taking my ball and goin' home

2008-07-17T17:21:00.000-04:00

Just kidding, but I am beyond frustrated with Yahoo. I've been trying to get in to the groups for chats and it's another no-go sort of day. Best is, when I tried emailing from the subscribed accounts I was told I wasn't a member *head desk* even though all the digests keep streaming in. Now I have this imp of a song stuck in my head:

Yahoo hates me, this I know

404 pages tell me so

Lists are there where I belong

I can't chat just sing this song...

Yes, Yahoo hates me!

The 404 doth tell me so.

Okay, before someone throws something heavy or pointy at my head I'll go play with my new kittens.

This Friday...

2008-07-08T11:54:00.000-04:00

Is the official release day for Lessons in Love (formerly Learning Curves). Some changes here and there, hope readers old and new like the story. If I can get the sales I can work on some of the spin off ideas and suggestions that flooded my inbox when the story debuted. It's a double love story between main characters Sarah Michaels and Jamie Sleater and her friend Sam and his fiance Penny.

The new cover should appear at the side today (if the Internet will give me love), in the mean while here's an excerpt:

“I’m bored.” Jamie lazed on the couch in a sprawl, watching an endless parade of scantily-clad women on the Spice Channel.

“You call this boring?” His cousin Kenny shot him a grin from the recliner. He was set up and ready for a night of adult movies—a case of beer at his feet, popcorn in hand and had a pizza on the way.

Jamie lifted a brow and stared at Kenny. He wasn’t just bored with watching porn; he was bored with women. In high school, it was fun picking up girls and honing skills that led to him being chased. Now, there was no real joy in it. Most of his friends were married and the ones who hadn’t, just went out to drink, heavily.

“I think the biggest problem is that there isn’t any excitement left to sex.” Jamie turned back to the television and pointed to a large-breasted redhead. “You see that one? We’ve seen like every movie she’s been in and it’s always the same. A little bit of mediocre oral from both, missionary, doggie, and then the guy blows his load over her face.”

“Well, if that is how you feel, I got a movie with this new hottie—”

“Nah, that’s not it. It isn’t just the movies. Sex with women around here has gotten just as dull. Sure, you may get a girl willing to go down on you, but they screw it up. The last blowjob I got was so bad I finally had to tell her to stop. She was so awful at it I almost went soft.”

“Dude, do you know how hard it is to find someone willing to do oral?” Kenny’s eyes bugged. “I’d be grateful for a lousy blowjob. I haven’t been laid in two months. You suck!”

“I just want one good sex partner—no commitment or relationship crap—just some real good sex. Maybe I should head out to Quest and see if Tammy is there.” Jamie swung his legs off the couch, onto the floor and began searching for his shoes.

“Man, you aren’t going to find good sex in any silicone Barbie you scam at the bar. They are there on the prowl, looking just good enough to find someone to make them scream, not the other way around.” Cracking a beer, Kenny took a long drink and eyed him with a speculative gleam in his eye.

“Well, what do you suggest? Last time I followed your advice and took out an ugly chick, all she did was lay there. It was like fucking a pillow!” Standing up, Jamie paced in front of the TV.

Kenny grinned, “I know the perfect person to set you up with. She’s the ace up my sleeve, something, no, someone, you never saw as date material in high school, let alone now. Seriously, cos’ just listen. I can get you the best night of your life, but only if you are willing to go along with it.”

Jamie eyed his weird relation with disgust and not a little impatience.

“What the hell are you talking about? Before you even go there, I am not going to pay for a hooker, and strip joints are overrated. A bunch of flabby, out-of-shape former ballerinas flopping around in g-strings and pasties don’t do much for me.” He shrugged on his jacket, “I’m heading out to Quest.”

“Hold on a second, hear me out. I know this woman who can rock your world, but it has to be on her terms. You know her, so I don’t know if she’d be interested, but I guarantee you the best night of your life.”

“You guarantee me incredible sex? Kenny, please,” he shot his cousin a withering look, “if this chick is “all that” then why aren’t you still with her?”

Kenny winced. “I wasn’t good enough.”

Jamie grinned. “Seriously?”

“Yeah, seriously. She sent me packing, wouldn’t even let me get dressed before she tossed me out on her front step.”

“And I am supposed to know this diva of the sheets?” Jamie started thinking furiously, flipping through images of all the women he remembered, trying to find one who sounded bold enough, talented enough, to pull off a stunt like that. He came up blank. “Yeah, I’m interested.”

Reaching for the phone, Kenny dialed from memory.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T19:30:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all the dads out there a wonderful day full of love and relaxation.

Doggone Hawt!

2008-06-09T16:58:00.000-04:00

During the early morning hours of Wednesday, before this wonderful sweltering heat wave hit the Northeast, we had a powerful lightning strike hit the backyard. It woke all of us up, then after looking things over and verifying all seemed well, we went back to bed *clears throat* myself and the teen male, the hubby went to work, turning on the dishwasher as he left. It was the sound of the dishwasher that got my attention. No water. Its old, as in the same age as my son, and prone to having fits where it doesn't want to work so it refuses to add water. I staggered to the sink and opened the faucet with a pitcher...nothing. So I called the husband who returned home after feeding the horses. He figured it was just a blown fuse or something minor.

Six hours later, a significant portion of my beautiful dining room destroyed and copious amounts of swearing (him not me) later, we had replaced three 220V lines. Then the calls came flying in because he missed showing at a lot of locations. He tried shifting a few around and promised a bid based on an email.

The next shoe fell. Well, had a shoe fallen int his house the Fidget would hide it under the bed, the Basset would drool in it or the Chihuahua pee in it. Needless to say - the DSL router was nice and toasty - as well as the Ethernet ports in each system. As irony would have it, my laptop works. Why is that ironic? I stripped off all the virus protection and the Internet connections so it would run at normal speed for writing.

Due to all of this I am a wee bit behind. Give me a day or two to get to the posts you guys have thoughtfully left as well as get the goodies in the post.

Growly kind of day

2008-06-04T12:26:00.001-04:00

Maybe its the hellacious stormy weather, maybe its having a teenager constantly underfoot asking, "Ma, whadda we got to eat?" or maybe its hormonal, but today I'm feeling growly. Not just the low vibration warning sound variety, but that Chihuahua snarl that guaran-damn-tees your fingers will be bit if you get too close.

Why? Because I took a writing/editing break for a few days and read some favorite authors. Best-selling NYT authors.

Were their stories lacking? Hell no, loved them all.

So, you may ask, why is our diminutive keyboard picker, feeling like a prized Pomeranian tossed in the pool come April? Head hopping and POV. I love when I read multiple points of view in a single scene let alone chapter. I don't get confused. Why is it that any time I write something I am told "Keep this entire chapter/scene in one POV or the other"? Has anyone considered that maybe these authors are at the top of their game because they give so much more insight into their books by the multiple POVs or (I can here the grammarians clucking like hens now) is it a matter of getting "lucky" and having an overwhelming readership base that simply likes the style and that particular author is being molly-coddled?

What do readers really want? I can't count how many times I'd heard kids complaining that the Harry Potter books were all from Harry's POV - we never did get to see Hufflepuffs common room and what life really was like being a Slytherin, after all, some did chose to fight against Voldemort in the end. But what about books with multiple POVs? I just got into reading Predatory Game by Christine Feehan (love the series) and in the space of a few lines the story swings from female lead to slime ball and back then on to male lead and female lead. It gave a better picture of all the people involved to have that slime ball's perceptions but there wasn't a scene break for it or for the return.

Readers, speak up, what do you like best?

A. Gimme it all from one character.

B. I want both lead characters and no one else.

C. Both leads and the occasional bad guy reflection.

D. I like my novel voices like I like my mental voices, multiple.

(if you vote I'll send you some nice refrigerator magnets and a set of bookmarks)

Feelin' frisky

2008-05-29T16:47:00.000-04:00

Well, the dogs are at any rate. Max and Boo are all too happy to laze in the sunshine while poor Fidget gets sunburned fast. Having no hair will get you that way, poor little guy.

I'm just feeling behind and overwhelmed. So, in the great spirit of procrastination, errant nonsense:

1. Ever notice that every action movie made (good or bad) has a scene that destroys the kitchen of a hotel or the like? Makes you sort of wonder how many screenwriters spent hours washing dishes or cleaning veggies for an impatient high school grad with delusions of grandeur.

2. Women seemingly love to read love stories between manly men, but get slightly ill if you mention doing them between women. Why is male homosexuality so much sexier than female homosexuality? Is it like the way guys like the idea of being invited to a lesbian lovefest or did I miss something?

...more to come pony time!

Have a Howl on me!

2008-05-13T14:20:00.001-04:00

Well, I missed posting my newsletter on Mother's Day for two reasons - one it was also my birthday (another year older, the wiser bit I'll bite my tongue on) and I had a whopper sized case of tummy flu. Stack that together with transitioning to a higher dose of seizure medication and I wasn't fit company for man, beast or keyboard.

I do hope you guys will join me as guest blogger at Rose Marie Wolf's today. Her shape-shifter series is awesome so I hope you get a chance to read them.

Thank you!

2008-04-28T22:41:00.000-04:00

Warm, squishy hugs to everyone who purchased a copy of The Watermelon Riot from Red Rose Publishing - you guys have made it possible that in just one short week my story has hit the Best Seller list in Contemporary Erotic at RRP! Even with me being unable to update my website properly too...double thanks for that extra support.

*hugs and kisses and cookies*

Friday Flash

2008-04-11T11:34:00.000-04:00

(a return to the Dear Diary tale)

10 Years Later…

Lauren dragged her fingers across the musty pages of her high school journal. With a sad smile she remembered putting the slim, red book in the banker box before sealing it with duct tape and leaving for boot camp. It hurt, she reflected, and her words were poignant, even for a naïve teenager. It feels like my world is crashing around my feet and my ears are full of the sound of a siren pounding in time to my heartbeat…

Time to grow up. Those were the words starting her new journal, a brown leather-bound day keeper where the pages lifted out and were replaced. A somber, grown up color. Ever since she had to learn the mnemonic Roy G. Biv for the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet), Lauren had picked a new diary according to the catchy color scheme. For her, growing up went hand in hand with all the color leeching out of the world.

It was all Bart’s fault. The nasty accusatory comment welled up before she could squelch it. “Face facts Lauren,” she murmured aloud. “It wasn’t all Bart’s fault.” No, it wasn’t. What had she done to show she was different from her wild, war-like siblings? Grew her hair hippie-long and dressed like a normal teenager. She hadn’t joined any groups, made any friends or even volunteered to do anything that might call attention to herself. Everyone thought I was the same as my brothers because I didn’t give them reason not to. It only made sense for Bart’s friend and sister to try to protect him from the ‘Military Mama.’

The words she’d penned recounting that night swam in her vision as her eyes filled with tears. So much lost and so much gained. An image of scales flashed behind her eyes as the lids closed, squeezing the tears to slide down her cheeks. Which way would the balance go, to the good or the bad? The invitation to her five year reunion had gotten lost in the shuffle as she moved from an air base in Texas to an aircraft carrier off the coast of North Africa. By the time it had caught up, the event was over and relief was the only thing Lauren had felt. Ironic, at the tine she had been flying Blackhawk helicopters into combat zones. If the guys she lifted knew she was more scared of her high school classmates then going wheels up into a war zone, she would have never lived it down.

Today…she was afraid that her cowardice in running away from the fight brought to her door by Naomi and Mark might have cost Bart his life. Opening her eyes, Lauren read the simple invitation to her tenth high school reunion. “Please join us as we reminisce and raise money for a heart transplant for Bartholomew Michaels.”

“I wanted his heart broken, but not like this,” she tucked the invitation into the breast pocket on her uniform and filled out the forms requesting leave.

* * *

It had seemed like such a great idea at the time. Bart would have laughed but he couldn’t, a tube wound down his throat, keeping his lungs working until the multiple holes repaired enough for them to stay inflated. Too many things had seemed like a good idea until he jumped in, feet first, only to have things blow up in his face. This time the explosion had been literal.

Mark, his best friend and now his brother-in-law, had needed specialized help blasting away a section of rock in his backyard. He’d arranged to have an in-ground pool installed to celebrate his and Naomi’s sixth anniversary. Everything went swimmingly; Naomi was called out of town to do a lecture series on the culture gaps between the East and the West and the twins were having a campout with their grandparents. The pool company dug where the county stipulated the in ground behemoth had to go when they hit a snag, more like a boulder of black granite. To go the last few feet would run tens of thousands of dollars – money his sister and brother-in-law didn’t have.

Owning a construction company, Bart made a few calls and got the blast crew for a long wall mining firm to agree to do the removal as a side job the weekend before Naomi was due home. The only problem, the whole regular crew couldn’t come. At the last minute they replaced an experienced tech with a new recruit, one who forgot to check that the wires weren’t live when he connected them to the switch. As a result, the auger holes where the dynamite was inserted weren’t quite ready. Bart had been lowering the last of the charges into the final hole when everything went dark. He’d woken up in the hospital, lungs collapsed, perforated with pieces of stone and his heart on a ventricular assist machine.

He couldn’t image what was more surreal, dreaming of Lauren Walker ripping his heart out, or waking up to the sight of a machine keeping his heart running as a pencil thin geologist with pop bottle thick glasses waxed poetic on the basalt quality in the granite. As a result, he’d had nightmares about Martians on the moon picking through his innards looking for gold-tipped stone chips wearing masks of Lauren’s face. The real nightmares though, happened when his eyes were open. His health insurance was tied to his contractor’s license and didn’t cover acts of incompetence by unlicensed techs on a non-contracted job. The doctors were convinced his heart couldn’t be pieced back together and the artificial device was only good for a few months. His sister was threatening to divorce Mark for being an idiot and Mark was moping and moaning like he was the one facing death.

Why the hell had his brain picked Lauren of all people to obsess over? I need to make my peace with her before I die, he thought as his eyes fluttered closed. Darkness swallowed him, lights flashed past coalescing into the opening credits on the screen of the old Manos Theater. It was too warm, but he still held the delicate boned hand of the girl next to him. The arterial color of the screen painted the fine bones of her pale face in hues of bloody red. Still, Lauren had never looked prettier. Her brothers, bookends named Carl and Anthony sat stone-faced and silent three rows back and to her right. His sister Naomi and best friend Mark were in the same row but to his left. Unfortunately, they weren’t as quiet.

Every word, giggle and cat-call made Lauren flinch, wince and slowly withdraw behind the curtain of her hair. He tried to ignore them, to get her to watch the movie and ignore the pair, but it blew up on him. As the end credits rolled and Lauren stood up and left without a goodbye let alone a backwards glance, he realized how bad he screwed up by not telling his chaperones to shut up. It cost him more than a bad date, it cost him a shot a being happy with the only woman who held his attention for longer than a round of beers and a night of empty sex. His eyes opened the dark of dreams dispelled by the sanitary white world of the ward.

“Don’t worry bro,” Mark patted his hand clumsily, “Lauren called, she’s coming to the reunion next week. Maybe we can get her in to see you.” Bart had a moment to wonder how Mark could have known what was bothering him before relief pulled him back into the arms of sleep

WR released

2008-04-10T14:00:00.000-04:00

The Watermelon Riot really released today. I know I told everyone it was out on 3/26 but it got bumped in favor of today. If you buy a copy from now until April 13 email me (marquise.x@gmail.com) the proof of purchase and you'll be entered to win a special thank you present of watermelon fudge from the Swiss Colony. For more details scroll down to my entry from 3/26.

Also, just a note to let you guys know I won't be posting with RomErotica anymore. I logged in to get my post for tomorrow ready early and discovered I was removed and replaced. It wouldn't have bothered me so much if I would have gotten a note from the site owner saying I'd been replaced. Sort of cold not to tell me. Hopefully, all the calendar notices on the various loops I posted have been corrected. But I'm still blogging at Wicked Whispers Authors, pop over and post on the hotties so you can be registered to win a $5 gift certificate to Fictionwise, Red Rose or Aspen Mountain.

Two things before Friday Flash

2008-04-04T09:16:00.001-04:00

First, congrats to Amy and Don on the birth of their daughter on April 2. Can't wait to see her baby pictures or, better yet, see her in the flesh.

Second...A fellow author had to rush his beloved cat to the vet for emergency surgery to close a large wound on his hindquarter. Most of us know how close money is just trying to meet our day-to-day needs let alone unexpected emergencies. Just like human doctors, animal doctors expect payment in full at time of service so if you could see your way to visiting Sky's Site and donating even a dollar to help offset Kiva's surgery bill, he'd be most appreciative.

In fact I'll add an incentive...for every person who donates a dollar or more via paypal and sends me proof (email to marquise.x@gmail.com) I'll match your donation with the ebook of your choice from my list of published works.

Post Secret

2008-03-31T21:44:00.000-04:00

I added a link on the right to a blog called Post Secret. Why? Because a memory from my teenaged years surfaced after reading and led to a spate of late night jotting. Things that happened spun into story lines, weaving what could have manifested into regrets into different unrealized potential futures...but not for me, for characters who would be smart enough, brave enough and possible flexible enough to see those dreams to fruition.

One such story is the "Dear Diary" flash I began on Friday. My goal in high school was to go to the Air Force, only they didn't want me. I was too short, my blood pressure was too low, my feet were flat and they really didn't need recruits at the time, not even ones who nearly scored perfect on the ASVABs (military fitness tests). I wanted to fly, be a pilot and if denied, I wanted to go to Texas A&M in the ROTC for aerospace engineering. Didn't happen, not by a long shot.

Keep an eye open Fridays to see new additions to an idea that grew out of being picked on and wanting to fly away to soar above it all.

Friday Flash

2008-03-28T12:41:00.000-04:00

Giving this a go...

Dear Diary,
I am tired of feeling so alone. All I want is someone to love, who loves me in return. I will never understand those romance books my mom reads by the bag load. All those exotic, pretty, intelligent, perfect women being so damned stupid about welcoming love. If I am ever given the chance, I am going to grab it with both hands and heart and never, ever let him go.

* * *

Casting furtive glances left then right, she snapped her journal closed then hugged it tight to her chest. For a moment Bart felt jealous of the red, cloth-bound book. He loved watching the way she seemed to hide behind her dark brown bangs, withdrawing into her own world as she wrote. Grinning, he watched as she slid the journal into her book bag then retrieved a book. That was something else he liked about Lauren, she didn’t read those stupid cock books like all the other girls she read real books, horror novels. His cousin told him the easiest way to spot a dyed-in-the-wool virgin was to watch what they read. If they got all flushed and starry-eyed over romances, don’t even bother, they were waiting for a happily-ever-after, i.e. engagement ring, before getting down and dirty.

Sliding a look at the study hall teacher, Bart had to stifle a laugh. This guy did not fool anyone. Every day Mr. Dan loaded his thermos with double malt whiskey and snoozed through the post-lunch study period. Mr. Dan was the nickname slapped on the droopy faced geometry teacher from time immemorial. His real name was, fantastically enough, Charles Daniels. No one dared to call him Charlie Daniels after the renowned country and western singer, it was the only time the old fart came alive. The last time a smart-ass freshman got cute and lipped off, the boy ended up with a week of detention, extra homework and when no one was looking (meaning everyone was stunned into silence) a smack upside the head. The title Mr. Dan, however disrespectful, fit, in fact the guy took to it so well that other teachers and school administrators even used it.

Today seemed to be an especially long day on old Mr. Dan, no more than ten minutes into the period and he was sleeping, no, snoring face down on his paper strewn desk. Bart shook his head in amazement the guy not only still had a job but that he was half-way proficient at teaching the few classes he had. Everyone in the school eventually had Mr. Dan, even if it was only for study periods. A few years back Bart’s older sister Naomi had Mr. Dan for math, the dude got so trashed over lunch she ended up teaching the class. The whole school knew about it, up to the principal, but everyone looked the other way. It was a mystery to Bart, and to the hundreds of other students in the school, as to just why the old man was allowed to get away with so much.

Instead of wasting time on the snoring mass of frizzy brown hair and ugly brown tweed (the dude seriously looked like a half-shaved bear), Bart slung his book bag across the floor and slowly made his way behind it, heading towards Lauren. The first time he had done this, she almost fell out of her chair. He liked watching her face turn all pink and red. He liked watching her get nervous and shake. He enjoyed listening to her soft voice as it got all tongue-tied. She still jumped and turned pink when he did it, but now she peeked up at him through those thick bangs and smiled, that he liked even better.

No one understood why he spent his entire free period chatting up the class geek-girl, Bart least of all. In the ninth grade it had been easy to dump on her, with all that hair and braces and those clothes. Her hair had been waist long and done in two braids like a little kid. After tugging unmercifully on a fat braid, Bart wondered what her hair would look like freed, sliding over his arm. About a month into school, the braids were gone, replaced with bangs and a softer layered cut that was still nearly waist long. Any thoughts regarding her hair was short lived, all he had to do was look at her clothes.

The insult, “your mom wears combat boots” really applied to this girl. Literally. It did then and still did now. But, her mom did wear combat boots. A Marine Corps Drill Sergeant of all things. Obviously, her mom saw no problem with her one and only daughter dressing like a recruitment poster gone wrong. G.I. Joan was one nickname that stuck. “No one wants to call her G.I. Jane because that Demi Moore movie is way too cool for this chick,” at least that was what his best friend Mark sneered.

As he made his way over he considered her glowing face. What made things progressively worse for Lauren wasn’t that she stayed quiet or never fought back, but each year she got prettier and smarter. That first year, wow, what a wreck. Sophomore year the braces came off and mom must have relented on the year round diet of camouflage because she started wearing solid color shirts. This year mom must have really given in, she had pierced ears, jeans and even casual running shoes. Nothing designer label but a huge improvement over the old men’s wear. Bart, as well as a number of other guys, had noticed those changes with the unerring nose of a hunting hound. Not that he gave up his steady string of girls, not at all, this was a bit of a challenge, a game, a toy.

At first he wanted to see if she’d give it up fast out of never getting any real attention. Instead of being slavishly easy, she had nearly stuttered herself off her chair and ran for the bathroom in a panic. It had taken nearly a week of saying ‘hi’ in the halls to get her to relax to the point where he could actually talk to her. Normally, that sort of non-rewarded effort pissed him off, this time it didn’t. Naomi, now a know-it-all college girl, just snickered and quoted annoying crap from literature books about him “only being attracted to the hunt and not the cunt.”

Naomi never put it so simply or so crudely, Mark did, for which his sister promptly slammed the book she had been reading down on his head. For a straight-A smart guy, Mark was a real moron whenever Naomi came around. Gave some credibility to the comments of her clique that the male IQ dropped by 20 points for each inch of an erection. He knew Mark. Too well. If he dropped that many points each time Naomi got him going he wouldn’t be fit to tie his shoes, but then given his mouth around her lately it was making more and more sense. And well worth making popcorn and charging for admission.

Bart slid into the chair next to Lauren and leaned over to ask her something stupid when he noticed that she smelled pretty damned good. Not that she normally stank, totally not the case. Normally she smelled clean, like soap and stuff with a hint of girl underneath. This was totally different. He put his arm behind her on the chair and leaned in, “Nice! Mom letting you go for perfume now too angel eyes?”

He loved teasing her that way. Her eyes were this dark brown, like melted chocolate with a little warm gold. Pretty, but also pretty common. Or so he thought before. He frowned, when did her eyes actually start making him think of stupid stuff like that? Oh well.

“One day Bart, I am going to think you are serious,” she smiled up at him through those thick bangs. He gave in and touched her hair, sliding a finger in the tresses that had fallen along her ear. Another drift of sultry scent reached his nose making him think harder about the soft curves on display in her tighter than usual shirt. Without thinking he slid closer. “I was going to ask you over to my house tonight, so you could see for yourself the fun of Mark and Naomi in action.” He frowned lightly as the fingers of his other hand lightly caressed the skin of her arm. Silky hair and satiny skin, his mind tumbled to other fields than watching his sister and best friend denying they were hotter than the sun for one another.

He was stunned out of his reverie when Lauren leaned back into his arm and pushed into his shoulder, almost cuddling. Bart felt his jeans grow tight and realized uncomfortably he didn’t want to share her tonight, not with anyone. “I don’t know Bart, your sister and Mark in the same room? I think I’d be the bigger target.” Her soft laughter vibrated against the side of his chest and all he could think about was how close her mouth was, how soft her lips looked. Instead of acting on impulse, he cleared his throat, “I wouldn’t let them.” The words came out thicker than he’d liked but he was more surprised that he meant them. Lauren’s eyes widened then narrowed. “Bart. Are you okay?”

All the months he had put into getting this close were so he could dupe her into doing his homework, which she did in this sickeningly happy way. She was content to talk about her horror books and scary movies as some sort of weird payment. “How about instead of going to my place tonight, you see if you can get out to go with me to the movies. Death Watch is set to open tonight.” The idea of sitting alone in the dark with her had him shifting in his seat. She blinked at him. Then she started stuttering again. He more than liked that, he craved it, wanted to taste it as she managed to say, “A-a-a-are y-y-y-you a-a-a-asking m-m-me out on-a on-a date?” He figured ‘what the fuck?’ and whispered “yes” against her lips as he planted a soft kiss on her open mouth.

* * *

“Damn Bart, I know you’d do anything for an A in English but isn’t that going a bit far?” Mark laughed walking down the hallway to their next class, chemistry of all things, yuck.

“What do you mean?” Bart was still remembering Lauren’s smell and taste and not paying a lot of attention to the words coming out of his best friend’s mouth. Mark spun him around nose to nose. “Look. I know you want to get into a good college. I know you don’t care what it costs. But. And this is a big but, you don’t have to fuck the Military Mama to get it. Damn the dog is happy with your scraps, why overload the little bitch.”

Bart’s head nearly exploded the blood rushed from one end of his anatomy to the other so fast. There was an odd high-pitched whistle in his ears as he snarled then punched his now former best friend in the mouth.

* * *

News of the “fight” spread like wildfire in the halls and before the end of the day, Lauren heard about it in lurid and grossly inflated detail. A punch in the mouth, something no teacher got upset over, had evolved into a knock-down-drag-out brawl that had both guys suspended.

Lauren was in terror.

Lauren was also over the moon with elation that Bart not only stood up for her, but to his best friend. For years she silently watched him play soccer, first on the local leagues then later on the high school team. He was good. No, he was fantastic, a natural talent. But in order to get into a good college, he needed the grades as well. Soccer isn’t exactly in the same league as football in the eyes of American sports spectators. When he finally started asking her for help with his grades, she was again over the moon. Okay, in all honesty a part of her had been somewhat disappointed he wanted her to do his work instead of her secret wish for them to spend hours together studying. But, hey, she reasoned, any small thing was better than nothing at all.

Clutching her book bag to her chest like a mutant teddy bear, Lauren bit her lip and walked up to Bart as he started glaring at Mark again. Mark was sporting a nice big, fat lip with a large split and a very confused look. Inwardly she was thrilled, he had hit Mark and it wasn’t as bad as rumor indicated. Still worrying her lower lip, she begged, “please, don’t fight, not over me.” Her heart stuttered and face flamed as Bart turned to her smiling sheepishly. Mark simply stared at her, eyes narrowed, in hate or in thought Lauren wasn’t sure, but his look made her nervous.

* * *

Dear Diary,
Bart just called. I cannot believe I just wrote that. Bart called. Bart called me! Wow. He asked me to go to the movies tonight, a horror flick called Death Watch. He still wants to go. Wow. But I am a little worried, you see after making me laugh all year with stories about how bad his sister and best friend fight, it seems they decided to get along for tonight. I can’t tell if it is that they are curious about stupid old me or if they are uniting against the foul enemy, again stupid old me.

So, before I go out there and possibly make an ass out of myself, I decided to sit and do some thinking in you, Diary. Sure, Bart is pretty good looking, smart and talented. He is also cruel and hurtful, not to mention he has the morals of an alley cat. Listen to me, females are supposed to be compared to cats not guys, but that’s what he reminds me of, a big old Tom cat. He tripped me down steps, pulled my hair, and openly mocked my clothes and family. What the hell is wrong with me? Well his smile, killer. Maybe the way he’s been so nice lately. Just seems so sweet. Makes me wonder what he is up to. But if it is for real and he has seen me or at least a little bit of what is me and wants more, damn. Talk about a Cinderella story.

I just hope this isn’t some stupid bet, or even worse, some stupid “score with the virgin” thing. That’s what my brother Anthony thinks this is about. Carl, you know, Anthony’s twin, thinks Bart just has this use-and-abuse cycle – he’s going to use me for school then sexually abuse me. Sheesh. Can’t a sister get a single vote of confidence? Apparently not. Justin, Bruce and Erik all seem to agree this is suspicious. Thank goodness they are out of the area or they’d be demanding to go on this first date too. A conference call for support and suggestions was a bad enough nightmare. I will NOT even repeat what those three said. Sick minds in the men in my family. Why do I have to be the only girl? And no, mom so does not qualify. We may be the same size but that’s the only resemblance. I wish dad were still alive. Guarantee if he was, I wouldn’t have had to fight mom to wear normal girl clothes. And I’ll bet he wouldn’t have made me take the Goon Squad on my first date. Both Carl and Anthony. Ugh. Why couldn’t they have been out on maneuvers this weekend? Why couldn’t they have been like the rest and simply joined the military instead of the R.O.T.C. college program?

Wow. Look at me. I am whining like a wimp. I guess I should be thankful my brothers love me enough to want to throw away their Friday night. And I am also grateful the armed services don’t consider “little sissy’s first date” reason enough for emergency leave. How embarrassing! I can’t believe the guys asked.

Look at the time! I have to hurry to be ready. Wish me luck!

* * *

Dear Diary,
I hate the world and everyone in it. I am going to school in the morning and ask for the early exit exam then I am going to talk to the recruiter from the Air Force who keeps calling. It’s the only branch of the military my family hasn’t infected. Maybe there I will be safe and be alone. At least I’ll be away from everyone.

* * *

Guidance counselor Gloria Torres was stunned. Not just stunned but stunned speechless. Last week when she had met with Lauren DuBois it was to talk colleges as the girl was considering taking aerospace engineering classes at Embry Riddle or even MIT depending on where she could get the best placement scholarship-wise. A grade-point average of 5.0 with all her advanced placement classes from freshman year upwards, college prep exam records of nearly perfect in English with perfects in math – Lauren had the highest scores of any student the school enrolled to date. And her IQ. Gloria frowned at the papers in the file, statistically kids this bright didn’t enter the military unless it was for the education fund. This girl could easily get a full merit scholarship. It didn’t make sense. Not only that, early release for early entrance. The only ones who ever went that route were shoved by irate parents because of discipline or attendance problems or had no future prospects beyond the juvenile detention system and eventually prison. It was obvious the girl’s mother wasn’t thrilled but willing to let Lauren do what she thought was best.

Lauren sat across the desk from her looking grim and old. She looked so young for that look, she is young Gloria reminded herself shaking her head. She owed it to the teenager to find out what was really behind her actions. But then, even the recruiter sitting perched in the chair beside Lauren looked too young. Gloria frowned. Lauren frowned in reply and sat forward.

“If this presents a problem for you, personally, I am certain the superintendent will be more than happy to take the paperwork out of your hands.” She never blinked but went from teen-girl to blank-faced-bitch faster than Torres was prepared.

Of course Superintendent Blair would be thrilled. After suffering through five DuBois spawn, the sixth, even though promising to be a quiet girl, proved almost the straw to break the camel’s back. The first year was tense for the administrator who daily asked his staff if there was anything to report. Every instance of Lauren’s being bullied was put down to her having instigated it. Looking back Gloria worried perhaps no one in the room would be here today if that first year had been handled without the DuBois name being attached.

With a sigh and a flourish, Gloria Torres signed the necessary papers and allowed the grim faced teen to leave with her happy recruiter and stone-faced mother.

* * *

His stomach cramping in misery, Bart had run into the school office and refused to leave at the different bell tones. Everything had gone so wrong, he couldn’t let this happen too. The door to Guidance opened and Lauren walked out, flanked by a much taller, older guy in uniform.

“Lauren, please…”

She stopped, dead panned left, and looked through him. Bart flinched.

“Go away boy, you bother me,” she moved to stalk past but Bart tried to stop her by placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned and stared him down, eyes burning like the very pits of hell, “you are as dead to me.” Shrugging his hand off, Lauren walked out of the school and Bart’s life. In a way he was proud of her, she finally stood up for herself and met things head on, and inside he was lost having been the one she walked over in growing up. But none of it helped the terrible ache in the center of his chest. Damn Mark and double damn Naomi.

....

If people are interested enough I can keep the story-line going on Fridays :)

New Release!

2008-03-27T01:15:00.000-04:00

Now available at Red Rose Publishing - The Watermelon Riot!

Multicultural, Interracial, Contemporary Erotic
$1.99

What could be more boring than covering the local produce festival? Reporter Scott Reneau’s world changes forever when local history mixes with Michelle Butler, the newsroom wallflower, to explode in an uprising of emotions in The Watermelon Riot.

Old letters drew Scott from his high paying journalism career in Portland Maine to the small southern town of Gallatin, Arkansas. Now working the news desk for a rural paper, he found himself demoted and again staring at a pile of old letters.

Michelle was a local girl from the top of her head to the soles of her feet, but she’d been burned by big city dreams and men. When she decided to take a chance on Scott and share her family’s passionate history, she hoped to catch the sexy reporter’s eye, but her grandparents had other plans in mind.

Will he be able to realize that there is more to local images?

Will he be able to fight the fire within him that the caramel colored beauty erupts in him?

If that isn't incentive enough - everyone who buys a copy in the first three days of sales (send proof of purchase to marquise.x@gmail.com ) will be entered to win a box of watermelon fudge from Swiss Colony.

4.5 Roses for Blood and Honey

2008-03-15T19:56:00.000-04:00

review by Red Roses for Authors

Blood and Honey

Barbara is a big girl. Love doesn't come easily and her encounters in bars are not likely to bring happiness. After one rather frightening one she decides that she needs to find an old friend. Her great friend Charlie is unfortunately for her gay. Perhaps it is a longing for old times that prompts her to push on and find out what happened to Marlene. However, her investigation takes her to dangerous places and only the man she finally loves can help her to find a kind of peace and happiness – though even here she has secret fears.

This story dabbles in the world of demons and evil spirits, of a parallel life where some of us are doomed to dwell against our will. This is strong stuff, well written and intriguing.

4.5 red roses, Morna

Smoochies and much love to Morna for such a wonderful review!

Holly's first review!

2008-03-10T00:09:00.000-04:00

I'm so happy I could just pop! So, I'm sharing with you guys the first review of Holly's Happy Days sent to me by the wonderful folks of JERR.

Title: Holly's Happy Days
Author: Melissa Glisan
Publisher: LuLu Publishing
Publisher URL: http://www.lulu.com/md_glisan
Reviewer: Marcy Arbitman
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat level: H

Holly Giberti, a cocktail waitress known as the “Shrew of Brew” because of her prickly and standoffish manner, met a college student on his twenty-first birthday. Jeremy Archer was out with his fraternity brothers for a drink. Holly feeling sorry for Jeremy because his fraternity brothers made fun of him since he was a virgin decided to change all that.

Holly's Happy Days was a fun story. Holly is several years older than Jeremy but they were able to work that out. Holly was a hard worker who was kind and committed to life, while Jeremy was so sweet that I could barely stand it. He made me want to cry. I had a great deal of pleasure from Holly and Jeremy; they could easily have stepped out of the story and be real people. The plot was smooth and had interesting twists. Jeremy and Holly's sexual adventures were amazing! I loved reading about the development of their love. The ending was incredible. I enjoyed Holly's Happy Days very much.

Blood and Honey

2008-02-11T19:35:00.001-05:00

Due to changes at Red Rose and some issues that arose, I asked that my cover for Blood and Honey be changed. The new cover by Nikita Gordon is totally awesome and I can NOT wait to share it with everyone...

Plus, I've had some odd feedback on Blood and Honey - if you read my story and contact me via email, My Space, or even my website and give me a legit reason the book was made of fail - I'll send you a thank you gift in the mail. However, your opinion has to be honest and not, "I found a misspelling on page 73 that totally popped me out of the book and I couldn't read any further." But if you do find a misspelled word - tell me the word and the page number so you can qualify for gifting, dumb errors bug me too.

Beware of writers block

2008-02-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

It can lead to things like this...

moar funny pictures

and this...

moar funny pictures

Yeah, now click the cheezburgers to rate them or I'll never find my focus and write anything other than bad captions again...lol.

Twisted Dreams -- now available!

2008-02-01T22:13:00.000-05:00

The first edition of Twisted Dreams Magazine for 2008 is officially available for download or print purchase. One hundred and eight pages of creepy stories, true tales and chilling images all for $2.50 download or $11.16 (with shipping) for a print copy.

This issue features my unusual lesbian zombie love-cum-horror story Rave On. If you want to win a copy of the whole enchillada stop by the magazine, have a sneek peek at my story (since it is the first listed) and answer my simple trivia question at the WWA blog before Sunday.

Love Romances - Votes are in!

2008-01-21T12:41:00.001-05:00

The voting is over at Love Romances Cafe and I'm happy to announce that Babes in Toyland II from Aspen Mountain Press won Honorable Mention in the anthology section - one spot behind Ellora's Cave. Pretty spiffy if you ask me :)

P&E Voting

2008-01-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

If you've got a moment, please stop by the Preditors & Editors polls today. Babes in Toyland II is currently up to #19 in Anthology, the cover for The Ballet is at #23 under book-art, Aspen Mountain Press and Red Rose Publishing are tied at #28 for best publisher, and Holly's Happy Days is currently at #21 for short story.

Dan Skinner is at #23 for best artist (he did my cover for The Ballet and I'm slowly working at getting covers from him for my Havoc sci-fi trilogy), my friend Frank Bittinger is at #8 for horror novel (go Frank!!) with Angels of the Seventh Dawn, Wayne Greenough is at #19 under myster novels for Who is Offing the Private Dicks, J.M. Snyder's Scarred is up in a host of places and everywhere I see it that I can, I vote for her and that book - much much love. I'm really excited for Celina Summers, her Reckoning of Asphodel is at #12 for novel-science fiction.

So vote while you can :)

Vote for me!

2008-01-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

Currently, two of my stories are up for three different awards, if you have a moment please swing by one (or all) of the three and show how much you've enjoyed them :)

To explain, Babes in Toyland II is up for Best Anthology of 2007 at Love Romances Cafe as well as for Best Anthology of 2007 at the Preditors & Editors poll. The sweetest nomination I received was for my holiday gift (that you've got to pay a small fee for now). Holly's Happy Days is up for Best Short Story - Other at Preditors & Editors as well.

*crosses fingers and toes and hopes for the best*

Release day!

2007-12-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

It is official - Blood and Honey is available for sale today at Red Rose Publishing. Grab a copy and let me know what you think :)

More reviews...

2007-12-12T19:27:00.000-05:00

This is probably going to be the last round of reviews I do for a while, I'm a bit behind on my on endeavors :)

The Reckoning of Asphodel is high elven fantasy at its best and I can't wait for the rest of the story to unfold. This story needs to be in print so I can drag it around with me for reading without banging my laptop up. Before you go "oh, elves" and sneer thinking of Legolas et al, take another look at this story. The dreamy beginning smoothly transitions into a nightmarish wake-up to the brutality of life for Tamsen. I loved the character of Tamsen, she was real. Meaning? We've all been angsty, impatient teenagers so it is easy to understand the hot-headed moments she has, just as we can identify with her need to see things made right. The way she approaches her gift of human and elf blended magic, with a dash of trepidation, balance out her impetuous youth. I didn't find myself wanting to smack her...lol, despite knowing she was on a crash course at times. The reckoning in the title surprised me for its added sadness, that a girl who suffered much already had another sorrow layered on her shoulders. If you like fantasy fiction this is an excellent read.

The most beautiful and touching love story I have ever read has to be Scarred by J. M. Snyder. To take a man who has been beaten, brutalized and tortured then feed the small flicker of hope that against impossible odds manages to survive...and give him love, the real deal, was a truly, powerful thing. I don't care if you don't like male/male or homosexual erotica - this is a cut above, it is first and foremost a story about people, a story about love, and about learning that things aren't always what they seem.

I have to be honest, after reading One of Us (not sure where J. M. Snyder has that one) I picked up Scarred then read through Just What the Doctor Ordered, Undertow and Trin. All of them are at Aspen Mountain and all are worth a read. Trin, however, I have to warn has a bittersweet ending. One I couldn't help myself but sit afterwards and imagine the characters struggling for a few more months, healing and growing closer, finding their footing and not in the state of ebbing sadness where the story ended.

In the mood for a short, sexy story with a twist at the end? You'd do well to pick up The Wicked Dance by Cathleen Wilkins. The erotic elements are sensual and evocative and the ending leaves you begging the author to continue the story line some day very soon. This is one you can read again and again and never regret it.

Another quick story, but in the shape-shifter genre, was offered up by Aline de Chevigny in Bare Bones. Joanna didn't realize she'd lost the true love of her life until he disappeared. On the one-year anniversary of his disappearance she feels compelled to try to find Christian one last time... These are two people who know each other, are comfortable with one another and are taking that last step to cementing their bond with each other, for a short story it accomplishes a lot.

Shape-shifters abound in my reading lists if you haven't noticed. Slow Fuzzy Screw and Screaming Orgasm - both in the Del Fantasma line - offer up lots of furtastic moments. Slow Fuzzy Screw by Sharon Maria Bidwell is a male/male erotica featuring a were-lion and a skittish young man looking for a lover he can trust after being badly burned. It was touching and gave me some reasons to really envy the big cats...lol. Screaming Orgasm by Michelle Hasker has a shape-shifter and ...something else. I am not gonna give away the plot secret but it's pretty interesting. It's an engaging tale about taking the leap and letting the heart have its way. Sometimes the body knows better than the brain if you get my drift ;)

Sorry if I read and didn't report, but I'm getting ready for when my manga, Hellsing #9 arrives from Japan, so no more book reviews until 2008.

Season's Greetings

2007-12-07T21:23:00.000-05:00

Hanukkah is underway, Solstice approaches as does Christmas and the rest of the winter holidays. As a way of saying thanks to everyone who has helped me grow as an author by hanging in there these past few years, I've uploaded an ebook at lulu.com. Until Christmas you can get a free copy - afterwards there will be a nominal fee.

Merry Christmas! I hope you all enjoy Holly's Happy Days.

Babes in Toyland II - Now Available

2007-12-01T09:47:00.000-05:00

Now available at Aspen Mountain Press

Babes in Toyland II

Holiday stories varying from sweet to sin-filled from:

Maura Anderson, Jeanne Barrack, Raine Delight, Melissa Glisan, WayneGreenough, Michelle Hasker, Dawn Montgomery and Skylar Sinclair

Genres cover: Mystery, paranormal, historical, contemporary, romance, erotica - all for $7.99

Eight authors, eight winter holiday stories written for a total of more than 400 pages and over 130,000 words. Starting from a sweet mystery and ending in torrid romances, this book has something for everyone in it.

Who Offed Holiday Spirit by Wayne Greenough

Thanet Arthur Blake has a new mystery to solve when a little boy asks him tolocate Holiday Spirit. With a reputation as a walking hearse, not too manypeople are willing to talk to Thanet, that is until they find out who he'slooking for. Seems a lot of people have been touched by Holiday Spirit.Will Thanet be able to find Holiday Spirit before its too late?

Christmas Ink by Skylar Sinclair

Christopher Kringle, son of the Kris Kringle isn't interested in carrying onthe family business. He'd rather help the citizens of Wadeville as theirdoctor. When a special patient is brought in after a motorcycle accidentunusual things start to happen including a curious itching on his butt.Kandi Cane had a terrible accident, and healing is going to take some time.If only she didn't have to have an attack of unreasonable lust every time acertain doctor was nearby. But how does she tell a perfectly normal,handsome man that she isn't quite human?

Devon Falls: Sticky Magic by Raine Delight

Preserving an ancient bloodline sends a man in search of his mate to thetown of Devon Falls. Devon Falls hardly looks big enough to give a secondnotice to, but when Marc ends up in a specialty candy shop run he changeshis mind. The woman helping him select a gift for his mother is just theperson he's looking for. Can he convince Jenna they were meant to be?

Festival of Lights by Melissa Glisan

In a time and culture most have forgotten, meet Jacob and Saka, an unlikelypair. Jacob is a scholar and Saka a female warrior intent on protecting hisfamily. When war hits, Saka takes protecting Jacob and his people seriouslyand will die protecting them. Survival is a miracle against a viciousenemy, but not nearly as miraculous as the love she has for Jacob or thelamp in the temple that doesn't run out of oil.

Christmas Belle by Dawn Montgomery

In the realm of magic anything can happen, but can a kiss cause the end ofthe world? Belle thinks so. Kissing Roarke has cast a spell of unimaginedmagnitude. Guilt eats at Belle for causing the freezing of human and faealike. Loving Roarke has caused this. Can they find a way to reverse thespell? And what will become of her love for him if they do?

Heart's Desire by Michelle Hasker

Aine has a talent for giving people the desire of their hearts. All sheasks for is help, one time, when another seeks their heart's desire. WhenAine is followed by a couple of thugs, Adhamh rushes to protect her. Whathe doesn't expect is the flare of desire and vague sense of familiarity hefeels in her presence. Given the choice of his own heart's desire, findingthe person who turned him into one of the living dead, or staying with Aine, Adhamh finds the decision isn't as easy as he thought it would be.

The Game by Jeanne Barrack

A trip to his grandparents' cabin for some quiet alone time to get to knowShari better is all Dave wants. He doesn't expect the company of theirroommates, Frank and Marci. Nor does he expect they'll be snowed in, unable to obtain the provisions missing from their rustic surrounds. But those aren't the only surprises he discovers. Follow Dave and Shari as they learn more about each other and their cabin mates while they play "Strip Dreidle" to while away their time and engage in some extraordinary sexual adventures.

Gift of the Holly King by Maura Anderson

A wiccan priestess is trying to recover from an accident that left her"changed". Retreating to a quiet, wooded hide-away she explores the areaand discovers an ancient holly tree. And imprisoned within is the HollyKing, destined to relive each year the disastrous battle that locked himlocks him in the tree. Kayleigh doesn't expect to find love with an ancientspirit, but how, oh how, is she to keep loving him when he's banished fromher realm for months at a time, with no hope of communication?

All eight stories are NOW AVAILABLE AT

Aspen Mountain Press

Jacob and Saka, as interviewed by Michelle

2007-11-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

(To read Jacob and Saka's story, Festival of Lights, keep an eye out for Babes in Toyland II - coming Nov. 30 to Aspen Mountain Press.)

***

I just sat back down after a break to freshen up when Tina pokes her head through the doorway.

“Michelle, your next interview is here. Are you read for … umm… them?”

“As ready as I'll ever be.” I reach for my notepad. Would this guest be as much fun as Jenna? If my first interviews are anything to go by, I'm in for a treat. Wait - had Tina said “them”?

Tina reappears with two figures behind her. I expected Jacob bar Moshe of the Kohanim, but not a …guest.

My confusion must be evident.

“Guardian.” The lone terse word from the thin-lipped woman was almost as startling as her appearance. She stalks into the room, without so much as a by-your-leave, staring and sniffing suspiciously at the most innocuous items. Her height, coupled with her brilliantly beaded vest, leather pants, a bow and an axe made her stand out against my tasteful Holiday décor.

I wait politely while she reassures herself that there is no threat in the room. I shift to raise an eyebrow at Tina. She is as clueless as I, judging by the subtle shrug she gives me in return.

I turn back to my guests and the woman's arctic blue eyes stare back at me with all the passion of a chunk of ice. Wolf's Eyes.

The man who silently steps into the room is just as striking. This must be Jacob.

He's wearing clothes that look more suited to a Nativity scene reenactment than an interview. Somehow the odd beige and brown stripped raiment suits him, though. It highlights the warm tan tone of his skin, kindles golden highlights in his shoulder length hair and turns the simple brown eyes into a warm sherry. A nice sandy beach with a surfboard would be more fitting for the man with the shy smile than following in the wake of a glacial-eyed warrior woman.

“Thank you for joining me tonight.” I put down my file and pick up my notepad and pen. The woman's watchful gaze follows my movements.

“I am honored to be invited to your home, but I must confess this is all confusing and unexpected. The man who came to my door…” He seems uncertain.

The woman spoke up. “He was not Hebrew. Jacob did not know him. He was viewed as a danger, at first.”

I look over at Tina. “Tina, please call and see if the publisher's rep made it home okay.”

She nodded and darted off. For once she didn't even glare back.

“My apologies.” Jacob bows elegantly. “There was a slight misunderstanding until these necklaces,” long brown fingers brushed against a pendant hung around his neck, “were given to us. By the man's impossibly light skin, I should have known him to be sent by Elokim to bestow the gift of tongues.”

I have no clue who the Eli guy was, but I recognize the translator pendants marketing had somehow obtained from a defense contractor. At least that was the rumor.

“I hope you don't mind if I take notes this way. The last time I used a tape recorder there were…difficulties.” I was now more than a little tired of saying this because of the looks that accompanied some of the responses. I didn't want to go into details so I just smiled and held my pen at the ready, hoping no one would protest.

Jacob's eyes brightened. “What is a tape recorder?” He looked around the room like a kid at Christmas. “There are so many things here I do not know or understand, but perhaps we can begin with that?”

Oh, that's right. I'd been warned that Jacob wasn't exactly up on the modern conveniences. “This is a tape recorder.” Pulling the malfunctioning device from the table's drawer I click 'play' and a distorted woman's voice came from its tinny speaker. It still wasn't working correctly, the tape playing first too fast and then too slow.

A sudden a streak of buttery gold flashed past my face, knocking the stupid tape recorder to the floor where it shattered.

“Saka!” Jacob stumbled over his own feet to stand in front of me, arms outspread.

I was not about to complain. That woman had just won the prize for most volatile guest. I could just see Tina in the doorway behind, holding a cell phone and making some odd hand signals. I shook my head. She'd startled me but I still don't think she wants to hurt me.

“It sounded like a demon.”

“These people have given us a gift only God can give.” Again he pointed at the pendant. “You must abide by the rules of hospitality of my people this night.”

She went from looking furious to sporting the world's best poker face before turning to stare out of the window. The motion revealed a wrist-thick braid of dark brown hair that fell to mid-back.

“Please, accept my apologies for the damage to your… tape recorder. Can it be repaired?” He looked so upset, I found myself nodding, despite it being an utter loss. “There is a war coming to my homeland. My father decided I needed protecting and bought Saka.”

“Bought?” How far back in time did these people come from? “What day was it when you left?”

“It was Yom Shabbat, seven Kislev in the year 3928.” He seemed puzzled by the question. Oh, that's right, they were Hebrew. I made a mental note to go online and figure out when the odd pair came from. I picked my pen and paper back up from the table and took a few notes.

“My family does not often buy slaves from the Syrian market. It was need that lead to my father purchasing Saka Ishkuzi.”

“What an interesting name,” I remarked. She was facing me again. I hope the smile I gave her provided some reassurance..

“She is of the Kimmeroi.” Jacob's smooth, almost hypnotic, singer's voice hurried on, “Scythian from the area above the Black Sea.” Oh, them I'd heard of. Given the way history texts described the Scythian race, she seemed positively sedate now. I jot a few more notes to myself.

“Are you ready to get started on the interview? Can I offer you some refreshments? Food and beverage, name your desire and my super-efficient elf Tina will be delighted to bring it.” I smile and see Tina tuck the cell phone away in her skimpy skirt. Very skimpy - where did she tuck it. Maybe I don't really want to know.

“Of course, tea would be perfect.” His smile is conspiratorial as he leans forward. “Is your handmaid a Scythian? Saka has the same look when my mother asks her to be helpful with food.”

“She has no Scythian blood that I am aware of.” I smile brightly and hear Tina's teeth grind. “Please, sit down.”

After Jacob settles into his chair, I raise my pen and smile. “What are you?”

Jacob tilts his head. “I am a man, a simple scholar of the Talmud hoping to one day be a member of the priesthood.”

“What problems do you face in your world because of what you are?”

Saka paces forward and stands behind his chair. The long wooden haft of her battle axe thuds on the hardwood floor and she leans against it, the blade a full head taller than her fierce angular face. Oddly enough, Jacob seems reassured by the action instead of flustered.

“In Judah, the Hellenes rule through their Seleucid forces. They have passed laws forbidding my people from worshipping our God. To that end the Temple Mount was desecrated and turned into a place of pagan sacrifice. If it is revealed that I study to be a Rabbi, my life is forfeit.”

Okay so the Barbarian Queen makes better sense. ”So what do you do for a living, and do you enjoy it?”

A wide smile breaks out on his face and I instinctively smile back. “My father and brothers all work on the caravan trails as spice merchants. They return home at different times of the year and stock our store, but always come home in time for Rosh Hashanah, the New Year. While they are gone I tend the shop with my younger brothers. My mother is a renowned weaver, but she handles her own business.”

“Mmm. What do you do for fun?”

“Fun?” The statue behind him says something guttural I couldn't catch and his face brightens. “Ah, I see! I enjoy reading scrolls, learning new languages and recently Saka has been teaching me to use her bow.” The last admission brings a slight blush to his cheeks.

I smile and try not to let on that I can imagine what has transpired during those lessons. I don't need to make them uncomfortable again. “Do you have any hobbies or interesting information about yourself you'd like to share?”

“I do not believe so, I am a simple man. There are lessons with Rabbi Pathai, my mornings in the store and caring for my donkey and Saka's pony.”

“What are your plans for this holiday season? Which holidays do you celebrate, if any, and how do you celebrate them?”

“Holiday? There is Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the new month, but there are no holy days until Purim.”

Hmmm. How far in time HAVE they come? Maybe from before they celebrated Hanukkah, otherwise I'd have expected it to be mentioned by a Hebrew “Is there anyone special in your life?”

Jacob's finely sculpted cheekbones flush with color again and he looks at his hands. “There is one I consider special to me, yes.”

“Can you tell us about her?”

“I...I do not know what to say,” he stammers. Lifting his gaze to mine, Jacob flicks doe-eyes at the hatchet-faced woman now looking at Tina with something akin to respect.

My helper had to have raided her Halloween wardrobe. Instead of her skimpy Santa outfit, she wore suede leather pants and a bustier very similar to Saka's. What a suck-up. I'd stick my tongue out if I didn't think I'd lose it.

With a smug smile she set the tea cup in front of Jacob and flounced out of the room. I see a look pass between the soft and sweet Jacob and the violent and terse Scythian. It does make a warped sort of sense, actually.

“Um…okay then… What are your goals for the rest of the year?”

Sipping his tea, Jacob sighs in contentment. “It isn't often that we get these leaves from the Xian province, this is a treat. Our year has just started but before the year concludes, it would be a blessing for the Maccabeus' army to retake Jerusalem from the Seleucids and free our people from religious oppression.”

“I certainly hope your people are successful. I fear I'm taking up too much of your time. Thank you so much for joining me tonight. I really enjoyed getting to know you...both.” I smile and ignore the scattered remains of my tape recorder.

“It was an honor to meet you, even if I do not understand the reason for it.” Jacob stood and he and Saka made their way to the doorway where Tina waited to escort them out.

Saka grasped my helper's arm firmly. “Until next we meet, Taihnah. May your arrows fly straight and true and your enemies fall at your feet.” Jacob touches her shoulder and the Scythian woman walks to the door, opens it and stares into the darkness, looking for…I don't know what, but I certainly don't envy whatever it is.

Interesting, Jacob is taller and broader than the woman chosen to guard him. His gentle demeanor and smooth, attractive features made him seem softer, delicate. Feminine good looks with a man's strength. A shame he seems hooked on the Barbarian Queen.

I look at my now gloating assistant. What does Taihnah mean that, coupled with Frederick's of Hollywood's best, a Scythian would suddenly treat her so well. Mostly, I wonder if I'd ever get her ego deflated over this coup.

As I watch Jacob and Saka leave, I wonder what my next guest would have in store for me. I have high hopes for my meeting with Thanet Blake.

***

Melissa Glisan
http://www.melissaglisan.20m.com/
http://dogwild.blogspot.com/

Words fail me

2007-11-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

Remember the brouhaha when the public learned how many child-sex offenders failed to register movements after that horrendous episode in Florida? There were even articles in the international community pointing out how antiquated and uncaring our system is when it comes to safeguarding children. Partly the last bit is why this utterly blows my mind.

In case the article gets stashed elsewhere with a pay-to-read function here are the high points:

A convicted pedophile sentenced to do community service in a German kindergarten will return to court next week to face charges of abusing two children there, a regional prosecutor's office said Thursday.

The man was allowed to work as a janitor at the Evangelical Kindergarten St Petri in Melle, near the northern city of Osnabrueck, because a court worker missed three prior pedophilia convictions on his record, said Alexander Retemeyer, spokesman for the Osnabrueck prosecutor's office.

The man, identified only as A.B., had been sentenced to 720 hours of community service earlier this year for working on the sly while collecting welfare payments.

"The colleague didn't pay attention and didn't see he had a sexual conviction, so she allowed him to serve in a kindergarten," Retemeyer said. "She didn't read the file."

I can't be the only one staggered by the fact that they could catch the guy for welfare fraud and NOT read his file to see he had multiple convictions from incidents in 1988-1990. I mean really, how do you miss multiple child-sex offenses? Even if the details are 'unclear' as the article alleges, how do you miss such a looming part of a person's criminal history before remanding them to a kindergarten?

Recent reads.

2007-11-15T23:16:00.000-05:00

When life hands you lemons - make lemonade. Well, I'd rather eat the lemons but no one cares about my odd culinary habits. Being unable to be up and about I've had a lot of time for reading and I thought I'd share.

The first book I started with was Reynardine by Lucynda Storey. Agnis Fitzgerald wants to redeem her family's shame (her ancestor killed the last wolf in an American national park) by helping reintroduce wolves to their habitats - to this end she picks a spot in Ireland to begin her program. Along the way she makes the acquaintance of one sexy werewolf by the name of Reynardine O'Brien and an annoying prat of a Bad Guy. The plot was gentle and easy to follow and the sex explosive. If you like shifter books with loads of explicit, no-detail-forgotten sexuality - this book is for you.

Next I returned to what is turning into a favorite - Maura Anderson's Del Fantasma tale, Texas Tea. As far as paranormal romances go it was inventive - a young woman plagued by ghosts falling for a coyote-shifter - without dragging you down with too much tapestry. It makes me nuts to run into shape-shifters that bemoan their fates, and the Ranger 'Texas' fully enjoys his alternative lifestyle. The only hitch is, can the lovely Lara Saunders accept him fur and all? It was beautifully written with characters you can identify with, a heroine who loses her keys and skips meals when working and a caring guys that has a hard time deciding if what he is doing is right. A wonderful start to the Del Fantasma series.

Since I was in a mood to revisit, I read over Rose Light by Sharon Maria Bidwell. A chance encounter between Rose Light and John Bennett turns into much much more. I'll be honest, I'm picky and don't often read historical romances but I picked this one up and wasn't disappointed. Rose is a strong woman and not just because she is a tell-it-like-it-is lady. You get the feeling from the start that she has potential to be much more...but to go into detail would ruin the ending. The sexual tension was interesting and fun given the time period. The step-monster was delightfully crafted so you enjoyed loathing her.

Now, I am a big sucker for detective fiction. My dad and I share a collection of Lew Archer novels as well as Earl Derr Biggers' Charlie Chan books. Also, somewhere around here I have a bunch of Easy Rawlins books and a stack by James Ellroy. So, it was an easy thing to pick up Who is Offing the Collectors? by Wayne Greenough. It channels the feel of the old Spillane books, but in a whimsical style more suited to the Myth Adventure series by Robert Asprin or even the Garrett series by Glen Cook. It's noir that doesn't take itself so seriously that you don't have a rollicking good time. I had the giggles in some spots - like the rocket car chase. But at its core it is a detective novel and there is a mystery to be solved presented by the penultimate blonde bombshell of a client. Loads of fun.

But I'm also a huge fanatic for science fiction and I dove into Monday's Child by Jessica D. Russell. Ianna James isn't just a vapid pretty face that can sing (can someone page the divas of Hollywood and give them a reality check please?) she is a wonderfully layered mystery of a character that was a delight to meet, even when she dyed her hair green. Personally, I'm jealous, I can't get my hairdresser to do anything that exciting. Aside from the striking appearance, there is a lot going on behind those similarly dyed eyes - Ianna has a deadly foe stalking her on a collision course with her low-town beginnings in New Tortuga. All I have to say is - I want the next book! Deftly crafted, the world (universe really) Jessica built was easy to envision and not so detailed that my own imagination couldn't soar with wonder. Have I asked for the sequel yet?

Before I sign off for the night, I admit, I saved the best for last. Shattered Legacy by Jade Rivers was an absolute pleasure to read. It is a suspense-filled thriller that is fully engaging on every level. The novel grips you from the prologue and doesn't let you go. Unlike some murder mysteries this one lets you fall a little bit in love with every one of the victims so you really feel the desperation and drive to find the killer. All of the focus isn't on the hero, a clunky but sweet investigator Sean O'Riley (who is sexy despite his appalling wardrobe and absolutely brilliant) or the heroine, Agent Hilary Scott a remarkable survivor of a sad childhood and a solid State Bureau investigator (with a well earned chip on her shoulder and a great cat). The story is solid, you know who the bad guy is but can't quite figure out where he's hiding...and I love that in a mystery. I can't recommend this ebook enough.

Enough for tonight...I still have a huge TBR pile and others as yet unreported on :)

I'm a Bestseller!

2007-11-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been years since anyone accused me of being on the ball let alone the sharpest crayon in the box - but I did want to take a moment to mention, and to thank everyone, for making sure that my small mainstream romance tale The Ballet debuted on Red Rose Publishing's Bestseller list and has remained there ever since (at least under mainstream titles).

Seriously guys, I haven't felt this good about myself in a very long time and all of you helped make it happen. This is an unprecedented run for me and I am humbled and honored. I just hope Blood and Honey keeps you guys equally enthralled when it debuts.

beautiful review for Ware Wishes

2007-11-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

(These are highlights from the review, the full body can be found at My Space.)

From My Space's own Renee Kautz (Doing the reviewing while you do the writing.) :

Ware Wishes – Satin Knights Book 1
By: Melissa Glisan

Published June 2007 by Aspen Mountain Press
ISBN: 978-1-60168-044-0
Genre: erotic paranormal
Pages: 150

Life is not always as it seems...Jennifer Taylor left behind her home for the bright lights of Dallas. Jenn has always known things about herself that would frighten others. She has escaped as she sees it from a life repressed by her family, mother and father to be specific. Always being protected from the outside world and others, Jenn has never lacked for anything in her entire life...except for the man that she has always loved.

The woman of (Rayn DeSantis') dreams appears in his life at the most inconvenient of times. Realizing that the blond bombshell is employed at Satin Knights is not exactly what he planned. Rayn begins to think that fate is playing a cruel joke on his behalf.

The future so uncertain, events occur that take control of Jenn's life. Feeling totally out of control is the least of Jen's worries as the dark and sensuous Rayn has a part to play. When Jenn observes firsthand what sensuality is, her desires are at their peek Events cause Jenn's life to takes drastic turns at every corner.

The sensuous world that Melissa has woven will entangle all of your senses, sending you to the edge and then bringing you back to repeat it. The erotic content of this book leaves you panting for more, and you are not disappointed with the climax. The world that unravels around you is both enchanting and disturbing. Ware Wishes is an erotic paranormal that takes you to both areas and leaves you wanting more. The anticipation of the books to follow leaves you breathless.

5 stars given for eroticism.

Watermelon Riot character interview

2007-10-21T08:55:00.001-04:00

Sorry to have been away so long, but on October 6 it was such a lovely day I decided to take my son's horse for a ride. Long story short - he spooked and we went over with him landing on me. I ended up with spinal fractures. This has given me a lot of time to think - laying flat on your back in bed does that - and to work. To that end I came up with a fun character interview for Scott Reneau and Michelle Butler from The Watermelon Riot - pending publication at Red Rose Publishing.

Author: I thought it would be interesting to turn the tables on a local reporter, Michelle Butler, notably since she recently won the crown of Watermelon Queen. Hello Michelle, thanks for joining us today.

Michelle Butler: Hello, it's nice to be here. (She looks distinctly uncomfortable in her chair, idly braiding a long tress of golden blond hair.) But you can call me Shelley, most of the folks in Gallatin know me that way.

Author: Gallatin?

Shelley: Arkansas, sorry, I forgot, not everyone knows where my Gallatin is located. Rural farm towns aren't as recognizable as Los Angeles.

Author: Oh, I see. Since you mentioned Los Angeles, I had heard you had an exciting childhood going between Arkansas and the City of Angels.

Shelley: (Squirms in her chair abandoning her hair to tug at the hemline of her shorts.) Yes, well, my parents have a bit of their own notoriety. I was blessed as a child, having the solid foundation of a quiet home like Gallatin and joining my parents over summer break in the big city of Los Angeles.

Author: Didn't you decide at one time to work with them?

Shelley: You could say that. (Small nervous laugh.) I did work as a script writer on one of the more popular daytime soaps – I was just one of many talented writers – but yes, you could say I worked with them. In the industry, not on their projects, I didn't aim that high.

Author: What made you decide to come home and exchange the glitter of a Hollywood set for local news?

Scott Reneau: Hey, I wondered where you wandered off to. (Drops a kiss on Ms. Butler's temple as he sits beside her on the wooden bench.) Hope I'm not intruding.

Author: No, not at all, I was just asking Shelley what inspired her to leave –

Scott: As someone who did the same thing, left a big city for a small town I can give you a reason. (He puts a comforting arm around Ms. Butler.) Family.

Author: Ms. Butler does have family in Los Angeles.

Scott: And she has family here too, have you met Adele and Gus Strahan? They're the grandparents who helped raise her. (Across the park the gimlet gaze of Adele Strahan manages to quell even this determined interviewer. Gus just laughs and picks a tune on his beloved banjo.)

Author: Thank you, but I've met both.

Scott: They are a well matched pair aren't they? (At ease, he shakes his over-long brown hair back out of his eyes with a sleepy expression of having won something special…thinking of winning.)

Author: How does it feel to be crowned this year's Watermelon Queen?

Shelley: To be honest, I feel kind of silly (her bright pink cheeks betray the truth of her admission.), normally the Queen is a much younger woman.

Scott: Now, you know that is totally untrue Michelle. Didn't your own great-grandmother win the title back in 1927 and she was considered on the shelf at the time. (He taps a folded piece of paper Ms. Butler clutched between her fingers.)

Shelley: (laughs) Okay, you got me there, but I think the vote this year was loaded. (She leans forward with a conspiratorial wink) Grandpa Gus always said I was a throwback in the looks department to his momma, the original Watermelon Queen.

Author: What can you tell me about your great-grandmother?

Shelley: Marietta Gillett was a woman who knew what she wanted and went after him. (She clears her throat with a strangled laugh.) Her momma was dead set against Mari having anything to do with the original Fergus Strahan, but when she set her cap for the man…well, he didn't have eyes for any other.

Scott: That is the way love at first sight is supposed to work. (He gives Shelley a loving but determined look.)

Author: Wasn't there a bit of a scandal involving your grandfather over Marietta Gillett?

Scott: Yes, there was, they were at the heart of the Watermelon Riot of 1927. Instead of asking anymore questions, maybe you should pick up a copy of the story. Shelley and I have to be getting back to our booth, her melons do sell themselves (he leers at Shelley, making her laugh) but someone has to be there to collect the money.

Shelley: (As she gets up and wanders off with Scott holding his hand.) You big fibber, we're down to the last melon and you told me not to sell it, that you had plans for it.

Scott: Ssshhh…(casts a last look and wink over his shoulder) I do and time is wasting woman.

And that concludes the interview between Scott and Michelle. Would anyone like to read similar interviews with other characters? Drop me a note and let me know.

Night Lights...some back ground

2007-09-25T14:27:00.000-04:00

Now available through Aspen Mountain Press

Night Lights

Blurb...
Bright lights, cold nights, dark frights …Margaret Thawley's watery nightmares hold the keys to unlocking her past and her future. On the Philippine Island of Cagayan, she places her trust in the enigmatic warrior Rizal Malihim and his night lights, to keep her safe despite the tales. For in Cagayan, the natives warn, fireflies mask the dreaded berbalangs - ghoulish vampires swarming for victims to kill.

***

Set in Cagayan, Malaysia in 1899, Miss Margaret Thawley has been sent away from home in shame following an illicit affair. However, arriving in Malayasia she finds things aren't what they seem. The expedition turns into a witch hunt with her as the bait, and if that weren't enough, the perilous sea journey awakens long dormant nightmares of drowning from her childhood. But are they nightmares or memories? Just what dark secret lies in her past, hidden by dreams of dark waters and burning lights in the forest?

For the curious reader, the tale of the berbalangs is a very real one indeed. In 1896 Mr. Ethelbert Forbes Skertcherley filed a report of his time spent on the island of Cagayan in the Sulu Sea. The report made to the Asiatic Society of Bengal was shared and published through the "unseen university" system. What began as a rather boring recitation on the anthropological facts and findings ended in an unorthodix recounting of meeting the feared boogey-man of the native villagers. This documented event later appeared in the book "Oddities" by Rupert T. Gould.

What was most unusual was the lack of effect the fantastical account raised within the close-knit group of scholars and academics that created the brotherhood of shared information and papers creating the loose "unseen university." In the days before accredited colleges and universities sprung up seemingly in every city, the only way to obtain an education was to travel across Europe and Asia in search of different schools and teachers. As more and more men of means came to accumulate knowledge they began sharing their findings in a series of letters that evolved into newspapers, periodicals and magazines. In order to be a member you had to have something of merit to contribute - either by education or active exploration with documentation. And with this, the "unseen university" system was born.

In the 1800s, fantastical tales were either deeply investigated or shouted down as delusional ramblings. Skertcherley's account, however, passed by in relative silence. Was it because his hysterical account of astral insectoid-humans with vampire teeth and claws feasting on the stomachs of the dead was too bizarre to credit - or was there something else, something unseen that smoothed over the account? Even more compelling, the Royal Society of London within months of having the account published in their own periodical ignored the report and instead launched a multi-year investigation into the vampire of High Gate Cemetery.

Why was one vampire so sought after and the other neglected? Or was it?

That was the inspiration that led to the creation of Night Lights.

Now, from my research notes, some observances on berbalangs:

Skertchley's native informants told him that when the berbalang were not flying around in search of human victims in their astral bodies in the form of reddish firefly swarms, they lived in a small village in a jungle clearing in the interior of the island. Against his informants' earnest warnings, he decided to visit the village and see for himself, and accordingly set out one day with his local guide Matali. When they got to the village, the terrified Matali stayed behind in the jungle, but Skertchley boldly went in--and found the village completely deserted.

Night fell as they made their way back to the village where Forbes stayed and Matali lived. As they were crossing a grassy valley on their way back, they saw and heard a huge swarm of dancing reddish fireflies passing overhead and making a ghoulish moaning or howling noise, while Skertchley and Matali hid in the grass. Matali told Skertchley these were the berbalang, in search of human prey. Just before returning to their own village, Skertchley and Matali passed the outlying house of Hassan, a villager whom Skertchley knew. Matali told Skertchley the berbalang had probably tried to attack Hassan--but that he was safe because he kept a coconut-pearl, locally believed to keep the berbalang away. Visiting Hassan the next morning to inquire what if anything he had observed the night before, Skertchley found Hassan dead, a look of extreme terror on his face.

"Cagayan Sulu, its Customs, Legends, and Superstitions," in the _Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal_, Vol. LXV, Part III, Np. 1, 1896.

Still curious? There is always more...

2007-09-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

AVAILABLE TODAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST FROM ASPEN MOUNTAIN PRESS

Night Lights

by Melissa Glisan

Margaret Thawley's watery nightmares hold the keys to unlocking her past and her future. On the Philippine Island of Cagayan, she places her trust in the enigmatic warrior Rizal Malihim and his night lights, to keep her safe despite the tales. For in Cagayan, the natives warn, fireflies mask the dreaded berbalangs - ghoulish vampires swarming for victims to kill.

Excerpt

Purchase

Good news...and a poll!

2007-09-19T16:50:00.000-04:00

First, I've signed a contract with Red Rose Publishing for my dark erotic story Blood and Honey. Some of you may recognize it since I wrote it alongside Ware Wishes when I was in neuro rehabilitation for my head injury. Unlike Ware Wishes, the primary focus wasn't on the relationship i.e. the sex, Blood and Honey was all about the mystery and the horror one woman encounters. Well, I've changed that a bit. There was a lot of sexuality in the background that I am bringing forward but I am not losing a single bit of the dark. If you like a story that can get your blood moving and your heart pumping in fear as well as arousal - this is the book for you. Plus, now that my head is working a bit clearer I can fix what wasn't good. I'll be the first to admit that my writing has evolved. It's time to bring that strength to Blood and Honey.

Secondly, I've signed a contract with Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc for the February 2008 edition of Twisted Dreams for my short, bloody, romantic zombie tale. It'll blow you away, I guarantee it. I stood the world of zombie fiction on its ear with this one.

Last but not least, a reader poll...as a reader do you prefer to encounter new books and stories through magazine ads, videos, excerpts in chats or another format I've missed? I was never really big on watching videos for books and I've caught a few by NYT authors that made me glad I bought the books and read them before watching the videos they were so bad.

Pet peeve moment...lol! It bothers me that you can't read excerpts in the front of books anymore. The back cover blurbs are terribly misleading in a majority of cases and the front is swamped with what reviewers had to say. I have never agreed with a reviewer on a movie, television show or a book - so why would I care what they have to say? Pirates of the Caribbean (massive love) got slammed with crappy ratings and sold almost as well as the critically acclaimed, Titanic (which I loathed to the point of wanting to burn it in effigy).

So folks - what convinces you to buy a book?

The Defense

2007-08-02T11:40:00.000-04:00

Last night I read a wonderful story, The Defense by Stacey Lynn Schlegl. With everyone in the news and on the streets being so obsessed and fixated on obesity we've forgotten something very important - the person encased in all that 'extra' flesh. It isn't a new trend, so-called 'tough love' but it is a dehumanizing experience.

The most wonderful thing about Stacey's story is that we're reminded that we have to love ourselves no matter what we look like before we can positively affect a change. Her characters are believable and real - so much so that I found myself reading pieces aloud to my husband who asked if Stacey had met a certain family member of mine.

When I tell friends (and I consider the people who read this to be my friends) I try to do it without spoilers. Here is no different. Samantha, the lovely lady we all come to love regardless of her size eighteen body, has so much love to share - but for her 'fat' defense. Having been attacked and hurt, she slowly cut herself off from the opposite sex and buried her pain in a different passion - eating. Bruce Yung, a fellow student in Sam's psychology classes, doesn't see anything but the beautiful woman and makes it his top priority that Sam see herself for what she is - with him at her side.

The thing I liked best about the book was how it addressed all of Sam's issues - her eating disorder, her obsessive-compulsive tendencies and how she found herself burying one need in another perpetuating her own cycle of denial again and again. There wasn't a magical "he loves me so now I love me" simplicity that so many writers have defaulted to, Sam cries and tries her best to be happy for all the right reasons and in the face of a harpy of mother. Seriously, I didn't want the woman to quit being a nag, I just hoped someone would drop an anvil on her head Wile E. Coyote style, though what did happen was beautiful to behold.

Everyone needs to read this book - not because it is from my publisher, not because I know Stacey, but because we should each of us be able to see ourselves in that book. Some of us need to lose some weight and feel better about what we do look like. Some of us are thin and judgemental. Some of us have gone through trauma and have personality quirks - but all of us have the innate desire to want to be loved unconditionally and the book helps you to find that inside and encourages you to find that inner strength.

If you only read one ebook this year, take the time and make it Stacey's book. You'll appreciate the thought and attention to detail that went into its creation.

Happy moment

2007-06-21T17:10:00.000-04:00

In a day that has been dominated by a migraine that's left my face numb and my eye twitching - a ray of moonlight. No, no sunshine please! Migraines don't mix well with sunshine, they're like hang overs in that regard.

I got a beautiful review, two actually, and since they aren't official yet, I'm sitting on my fingers. Woe. Nothing like wanting to celebrate and having to restrain yourself.

But I'm proud as anything to announce that you can get a copy of Ware Wishes at Fictionwise. If you do buy a copy there, please take a moment and leave feedback. My nerves are killing me waiting for someone to tell me if they loved/hated the updated cersion of my first novel.

Despite the headache from Hades, I've had a busy day - got aggravated at My Space (what else is new?), posted at the Wicked Whispers Blog and agreed to an author day at RomErotica Writers Blog. Meaning? My blabby self is going to be everywhere. Scary, no?

Well, I better get back to working on The Watermelon Riot and making dinner (the uninspired yet popular dish of meatloaf). Just doesn't seem to be enugh hours in the day, days in the week or weeks to the month anymore.

Don't forget to stop by my Yahoo list and read June's newsletter - there is a really great contest this month, don't miss out!

Ware Wishes released today!

2007-06-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

My ebook novel, 'Ware Wishes released today at Aspen Mountain Press.

http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/ware-wishes/prod_60.html

Synopsis: At Satin Knights, nothing is what it seems – including the talent. Songs simmer and clothes are stripped away - as are the club’s secrets. But the roots of deception go deeper and tangle in the lives of Jennifer Taylor and Rayn Desantis in unexpected ways. Before they can make sense of the situation, an old promise comes due…one that could kill...

Excerpt of Melissa Glisan's
Ware Wishes

“Man Child, you are here to learn and to entertain me. Open your mind, your memories and this will be pleasurable.” Warm hands caressed his body under his clothes, impossible lips found his covered flesh and tasted, teased his manhood to throbbing life. Scents of musk and sex surrounded him, unseen thighs cradled his head. Without moving he knew they were firm, feminine and parted in welcoming anticipation for more than his recumbent upper body. For a moment he relaxed…then it was in his mind – throbbing, pounding. His brain felt swollen, as if it was straining against the too small bones of his skull as whipcords of agony slashed and hacked at the lumpy grey matter. He had the image of a small bent figure capering through the neurons and pathways with a length of barbed wire formed into a whip, galloping and swinging the flail when his mind didn’t give up its secrets fast enough.

Hot salt rain fell against his lips. Instinctively he drank then coughed. Blood. From where? A slight tickle at the back of his throat grew and answered the question, choking him. Whatever it was doing, it was making his nose bleed from the torment. “Give up your secrets,” it growled against his skin, raking the flesh. Mark let go, begging for mercy. It was granted. Suddenly he found himself standing clothed in the dove gray tuxedo from his high school prom, the room was wide and empty but for his date. Jennifer Taylor. She stood before him shimmering in a dress of pale pink ice, crying as her voice swelled in song. A love song for another man, rage burned in his belly. He wanted to rip her dress off, carry her to the floor and make her his and his alone.

“Why not?” the voice hissed in pleasure as it delved deeper into his mind. Mark was immersed in flashes of light as the memory played again, this time reformed around his basest desires. She begged, pleaded and bled, whimpering his name. Lost to the sensations of the moment he stopped caring if the experience were real or fantasy.

...

It's a dark erotic with a lot of super-hot scenes. For those who may have heard of it from years ago - it has been nearly doubled in size. New scenes, additional dialogue and a lot of new information to make it well worth your while to check out the new version.

Past reviews:

The premise behind Ware Wishes is unusual and imaginative. ... Melissa Glisan has created a story with many twists and turns along the way. This story offers readers the suspenseful world of characters with hidden agendas. (Fallen Angel Reviews)

Ms. Glisan has penned an intriguing story involving the paranormal, orgasmic sex, and fascinating characters. ... The very sensual nature of the sex and the connection between the characters, even when love is not the focus, made the sex really hot. For an interesting paranormal with lots of tantalizing sex read Ware Wishes: Book 1 Satin Knights. (Just Erotic Romance Reviews)

...If you do happen to pick up a copy, I'd love to hear what you think of it!

Spring Cleaning!

2007-06-06T09:03:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know, Spring sprang and I'm looking Summer square in the eye. The only thing I'll be on time for is my own funeral and that will be because I won't be driving. The blog here didn't get much of a spruce up - but my web site did. If you have a minute or three have a look-see and let me know what you think. It is still work safe and kid safe - no worries about someone looking over your shoulder and seeing anything that will raise eyebrows or questions.

Massive thanks to Ron Ledgerwood for allowing me to use this sweet picture of a passel of puppies that chased him home one night in Yap, Micronesia. Aren't those little guys adorable? It is titled "Puppies at the Gate". You just can't have a blog dedicated to the joy and consternation of dogs without at leastone picture. Thank you Ron!

I'll be working on my June News today as well as the first round of edits on The Ballet for Red Rose Publishing. All of the edits on 'Ware Wishes have been completed - tah-dah! It will be out later this month, bigger and better. There were significant changes, scenes added and expanded. Now to get time to work on new projects...like the Summer Fling anthology for Twilight Fantasies. Hopefully it won't take me much longer so I can get back to work on Dating Fiasco (sequel to Fool's Gold) and Trickster's Folly (Dog Wild book 3) among others. It feels good to be writing again - but I can't forget to be out there and posting to let folks (like you) know that I am still alive and kicking.

Should you miss my sporadic updates, have a peek at Wicked Whispers Blog because the ladies there insist I post once each week. No slacker time there I assure you :)

New cover!

2007-04-23T20:42:00.000-04:00

I'm super excited to share my newest cover with you guys!

It was made by the ever-impressive Dan Skinner of Cerberus Inc. featuring the talented, and very photogenic sweetheart of a guy, Nick. As most of you know, The Ballet is my lone foray into the world of mainstream romance which was picked up by the newly formed Red Rose Publishing. More details on the story when the release date nears - Red Rose will be officially opening their doors this June. June is a month well known for romance being the traditional month of marriage.

So keep an eye open this June for a new press and a new title.

Release day!

2007-04-20T21:23:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce that Fool's Gold - bigger and better - has been reissued today at Aspen Mountain Press. Even more exciting news? It is being offered at a low cost - only $3.99

So for those of you who were fence sitting over the cost, stop on by and pick up a copy. If you do, drop me a note to marquise.x@gmail.com with proof of purchase and your mailing address and I'll send you a special thank you present.

Thanks again everyone for reading and hanging in there with me :)

April is here!

2007-04-11T12:09:00.000-04:00

Yeah, like you needed me to tell you that...lol! But in nine short days Fool's Gold, the new improved and updated version, will be released through Aspen Mountain Press. Here's a quick peek at the cover.

I am super excited as you can imagine :) But I hope that Robyn and Mona are just as excited since they've won copies of the book as soon as it is released. One more lucky person will be drawn to win a copy from my newsletter membership list. So if you want to win a copy (ebook format) just send an email to marquise.x@gmail.com saying you wish to join the newsletter list and you're in to win!

If you want more scintillating details on the book and the changes, drop by Love Romances Cafe on Friday, April 13. Yup, we romance authors are going to defy superstition and be chatting away on Friday the 13th!

I'd love to hear what you think of my new cover - and what you'd like to see it shown off on: journals, cups, T-shirts, magnets, bookmarks, or your choice. This way I have an idea what readers would like to win in contests and the like.

Wicked Whispers Authors

2007-02-23T11:18:00.000-05:00

Fellow author Amelia June had the wonderful idea to start a group (including Amelia of course), P.G. Forte, Veronica Arch and myself to keep readers updated, informed and in the 'know' on prizes and chats. The site is cannily named Wicked Whispers Authors and will showcase all of our works from different publishers as well as those in different genres. One stop shopping at its finest. But if you are more a blog reader than a site surfer, no worries. We've got one of those as well! Wicked Whispers Blog so stop by and watch allt he changes that are taking place as we get ready to go public :)

In the interim, Friday funny time:

HER DIARY:

Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong; he said, "Nothing." I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it.

On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say, "I love you, too." When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed.

To my surprise, he responded to my caress, and we made love. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else.

My life is a disaster.

HIS DIARY:

Missed a big deer today, but at least I got laid.

Contracts in hand!

2007-02-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Well, they will be as soon as I get an ink cartridge for my printer :)

But I wanted to announce that I was issued contracts for Night Lights, Fool's Gold, 'Ware Wishes and Memory and Dream by Aspen Mountain Press. Even better? They like my ideas for the sequels to 'Ware Wishes (Hear that A.B.? Just a matter of time now!) And they are upbeat on the sequel to Fool's Gold I'm busy working on as well as the five stories centered in Bell's Grove (world of Memory and Dream) - so those of you who really liked that Anglican vampire lady - you're in luck too!

*happy dances*

If you don't understand half of this, then you seriously need to join my newsletter list! Just send an email to marquise.x@gmail.com and ask to join - simple as that. No Yahoo unless you want to join my chat list. The newsletter is privately run and sent out as a blind carbon copy so no one knows you're on my naughty list ;)

Blogging with your Cell Phone

2007-02-02T18:05:00.000-05:00

As soon as I figure out how to put this on the side bar or the bottom of the screen, it will be done. But if you click the button you will be auto-subscribing to receive my blog updates on your cell phone - if your cellphone is connected to the Internet and allows this coolness.

Catnip candies for kitties

2006-12-21T13:58:00.000-05:00

Need a Christmas present for kitty?

Ingredients
1- cup whole-wheat flour
2 tbsps wheat germ
1/4 cup soy flour
1/3 cup dry milk
1 tsp catnip
1/3 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1 egg
1 tbsp unsulfered molasses

Mix dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. Roll on a greased cookie sheet. Cut into bite sized pieces. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Let cool. Store in airtight container.

Borrowed with thanks from Jennah Sharpe

Dark Gothic magazine is out!

2006-10-12T13:55:00.000-04:00

I'm very happy to announce that the debut issue of Dark Gothic: Resurrected has been released! It isn't often that I manage to finagle a spot in the horror genre so I am understandably excited. Last year, my work appeared in Insidious Reflections and Twisted Dreams...this year Dark Gothic!

From the release:

Hey everyone!First off I want to thank everyone who helped make the debut Issue of
Dark Gothic: Resurrected a SUCCESS!!! Below is the link to where you can purchase it:

http://www.bloodtouch.com/gratistaclangroupzine.htm

or you can go straight to the storefront

http://www.lulu.com/gratistavampires

CONTRIBUTORS:

John Claude Smith

Dave Halk

Pamela K. Kinney

Spider

Cornelia Amri

Jackie Coupe

Sierra DaFoe

Melissa Glisan

FEATURED INTERVIEWS:

Jeff Diehm, lead singer of The Last Dance

Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc

Christy Poff

ARTWORK BY

Beverly of PicassosClozet.com

Carmine Accardi

I hope everyone who buys a copy loves my ghost story! It is one of my favorite tales. My copy has been ordered :)

Rainy Day

2006-09-13T13:57:00.000-04:00

Well, I am going to do my best to get my September Newsletter done today. If you don't receive the newsletter and are interested, drop me an email at marquise.x@gmail.com or look up my Yahoo Chat and check the files section. Because of the vagaries of Aol and Hotmail there are always folks who can't get the newsletter at their in-box. Spam, I blame all the anti-Spam software. Kind of bums me out to be lumped in with the anonymous pill pushers and erection peddlers but I guess that's progress.

On the work front - I am happy to report slow progress on a number of stories including Gruesome Twosome and Dating Fiasco. More on those and others as they get closer to being done. I did some tweaking to Night Lights, a historical tale of vampire romance, and resubmitted it.

Before I go... Here is something funny I was sent this morning. One of those times when I am glad it wasn't something I had to admit to doing - I've done enough things without thinking, fate has spared me this.

One Woman's Tale of Woe

All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises of easy, painless removal - The Epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now...the wax. My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, play with the kids. I then had the thought that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: "Maybe I should pull the waxing kit out of the medicine cabinet." So I headed to the site of my demise: The Bathroom. It was one of those "cold wax" kits.

No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be? I mean I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out.

(YA THINK!?!)

So I pull one of the thin strips out. Its two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees.

("Cold wax," yeah...right!)

I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull. It works!

OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin extraordinaire.

With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids, I sneak back into the bathroom, for the ultimate hair fighting championship. I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet. Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my vagina and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek. (Yes, it was a long strip.) I inhale deeply and brace myself... RRRRIIIPPP!!!! I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!....OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!

Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip.

CRAP!!!

Another deep breath and RRIIPP!! Everything is swirly and spotted. I think I may pass out...must stay conscious...Do I hear crashing drums???

Breathe, breathe...OK, back to normal.

I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip! There's no hair on it. Where is the hair???

WHERE IS THE WAX???

Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair! The hair that should be on the strip. I touch. I am touching wax. CRAP! I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body, which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake...remember my foot is still propped up on the toilet? I know I need to do something. So I put my foot down. DAMN!!!!!!!! I hear the slamming of a cell door.

Vagina? Sealed shut!

Butt?? Sealed shut!

I walk around the bathroom like a penguin trying to figure out what to do and think to myself, "Please don't let me get the urge to poop. My head may pop off!" What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water I can stand into the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right???

*WRONG!!!!!!!*

I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub...in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, doesn't melt cold wax.

So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cement-epoxied myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convinced me a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!!

I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversation starter - "So, my butt and who-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!" There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, "Are we talking cheeks or hole or who-ha?" She's laughing out loud by now...I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box.

YEAH!!!!! Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night! While we go through various solutions, I resort to scraping the wax off with a razor.

Nothing feels better then to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!! By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for this event.

My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point? I rub some on and OH MY GOD! !!!!!!! The scream probably woke the kids and scared the dickens out of my friend. It's sooo painful, but I really don't care. "IT WORKS!! It works!!" I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair...

THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point.

Next week I'm going to try hair color...

First post!

2006-09-03T14:20:00.000-04:00

Just testing, so I don't want to say anything stupid - yet :)