Birthright

The Unbearable Love

2012-02-23T19:51:00.000-08:00

What is it about Teddy Bears that make people go nuts over them? Is it there cuteness or how cuddly they feel when you hold them close? My suggestion? Get rid of them!

One miserable day at work, I was walking home and it was cold. Being late night, I wanted the day finished. Everything that could go wrong, did and my boss, Mr. Brown had nothing to say to me, in fact when he did it was mean. Bastard.

Anyway, as I walked down the sidewalk I passed a toy store. Now for some odd reason I never paid too much attention to this particular store, but this time I did. In the window was a Teddy Bear. It looked as though it was telling me to take him home. Weird I know, but his eyes looked so real, that I immediately went in and bought him. As I walked, I had a smile on my face and I have to tell you, I thought I felt a heartbeat as I carried the bag.

Thinking I was just excessively tired, I finally reached my house and went in. The couch was my drop off point, so down went the bag and off I went to start dinner. I usually eat something light, like soup and a sandwich, so I made just that and changed into my warm sweat pants and sweatshirt.

It took minutes to finish what I fixed and made my way into the living room for some television and …

“Why is my bag on the floor and empty?”

Odd…

Putting down my delicious meal, I started the hunt. I looked under, behind tables and still nothing. My bear had disappeared into thin air. I realized, as my stomached growled that I needed a drink and went back into my kitchen.

“How in the heck did you get in here? Well, I know I didn’t put you here…is it possible that you walked on your own accord?” Okay, now I was acting silly and shook my head of it.

“Back on the couch you go and you best stay put this time. You’re beginning to freak me out bear.”

I went back into the kitchen, but before I did, I looked once more at my bear. There he was, still on the couch where I put him. Good. I went in got my bowl and spoon and then made my bologna sandwich with mayo. Two edible things that go well together, comfort food and I certainly needed some comfort.

As I came out to sit on the couch I noticed my bear was still there, but he had a different look about him. I couldn’t place it, but there was something about him that had changed some. I sat down, cautiously, and then decided that it was just my eyes and my bad day that was playing games with me and went about eating my dinner.

Having eaten and feeling quite content, I stretched out and turned the T.V. on. Not much was showing, but the noise made my apartment seem not so empty. The quiet hum of the furnace lulls me into a deep sleep.

It was still dark when I woke about two in the morning. I sat up and rubbed my eyes and looked for my bear…he was nowhere in sight. I looked on the floor thinking I may have kicked him off and that’s when I felt a slight pain in my right foot. Examining, I noticed that I had, what appeared, to been a bite mark.

“What bit me?” Crusted over, I still worried about infection.

“Soap will do just the trick.”

I had a small bathroom, but had all the necessary appliances; I wasn’t expected to see was my bear. He was next to the tub.

“Is that blood on your face?” I squinted at him to make sure, but sure enough, there on the corner of his mouth was blood. My blood?

“What kind of bear are you? I think tomorrow I’ll just take you back. You’re freaking me out big time and that’s one thing I don’t need at the moment.” Hesitantly I reached down to pick him up…this bear was warm, like it had body heat. I wasn’t sure what I should do. Do I take him outside and leave him there or lock him in my closet till morning and take him back to the store? I opted for locking in the closet, to which I did immediately.

“Damn bear, god, could this day get any worse?”

Getting into bed I pulled the blankets. Sleep couldn’t have come faster. I was restless and warm. I kicked off the blankets hoping that it would cool me down, and it did, somewhat and I fell back into a deep sleep and started to dream…

Gathering me into his arms, that were massively embracing, he held me tight and his breath was warm, moist against my face. I had no wish to back out and so I settled in, enjoying the feel of his arms around me. I felt safe as though no harm could come my way. As I lay there, content in the feel of a body, his body close to mine, the touch of his hand sent a warming shiver through me. It was firm and persuasive, invited more urges deep inside me, yet, I did not move. The occasional jolt of his thigh brushing my hip sent my body to tingle from the contact. I looked up at him, but I couldn’t make out his features, they seemed blurred, by then he had leaned down and began to kiss me. His mouth covered mine hungrily and the strong hardness of his lips gave me the freedom to feel the passion of it. The kiss sent the pit of my stomach into a wild swirl. His tongue traced the soft fullness of my lips and sent shivers of desire racing through me. I wanted more of him and craved it so that I wanted to shout, “More! More please!” But held back, because he was giving me what I wanted, just slowly, provocatively so that it drove me to such heightened ecstasy.

My mind relived the velvet warmth of his kiss as his lips continued to explore me. Oh, the touch of his lips was a delicious sensation as his kisses seared a path down my neck and my shoulders. Could I bare this anymore before I would rip off his clothes…did he have clothes on? My thoughts spun as my emotions whirled and skidded as the pleasure he was creating from deep within me radiated outward. At that moment I didn’t care. “Should I care? Hell no.”

He paused to kiss me, whispering his love for each part of my body. I couldn’t hear exactly what he was saying, only that I was submissive to his needs and was willing to do just about anything to have him continue further. His hands moved gently down the length of my back as they searched for pleasure points. “Where has this man been hiding all these years?” I thought as one hand slid down my stomach to my hips…”take me now.” He was good, so good.

Then he did something different he took my hands and encouraged them to explore and explore I did. I urged him to do things I wouldn’t have thought with anyone else, I needed to feel him outside as well as inside. Instinctively, my body arched toward him. Fully aroused now, I drew myself closer to him; his hands traced a tingling path over my skin. His body imprisoned mine in a web of growing arousal and just when I thought this would be the moment I had been waiting for… stopped abruptly by a searing pain down my back. My eyes widened and it was then I saw who my mysterious man was…

I sat up in my bed, gasping for air. I felt chilled as sweat that had encased my body trailed down my skin. I quickly got up and ran for the bathroom and switched on the light. I had to see if what I feared most was true and ripped off my gown. Positioning myself in front of my mirror, I looked to see any markings that I had felt, but as I looked I saw nothing. Morning started to peek through my bedroom curtains.

“It was a nightmare, a bloody good one up until that…that awesome climax, but…” I still puzzled over it and looked toward my bed. Rumpled with blankets on the floor and my bear…next to where I had laid.

“What the fuck? How in the hell did you get out of the closet?” I walked out and over to my closet- the door was off its hinges.

“Ok you are going back, you’re possessed or something and I’ll have none of it.” Then I wondered if it was the bear that had me so aroused…”Oh God, I did it with a bear? A stuffed one at that? Can’t, must be a big mistake, it was just a weird dream, that’s all. Just weird.”

I got myself dressed and put the bear back into the bag and off I went.

The door twinkled as I came in and the owner looked my way and smiled.

“What can I help you with today?”

I flung the bag roughly onto the counter. “I want my money back, this-this bear, well; I don’t think I care for him very much.” Well, that was partly correct, I didn’t care for him, but if I told the owner my real reason for bringing him back he’d think I was nuts.

He gave me look that questioned my answer and replied, “Ah, but this bear missus is a rare one. He knows the meaning of love and gives it like any bear would.”

I raised my eyebrow at him and thought if he only knew.

“Oh, I’m sure he does, but I don’t want him. I’m too old for a teddy bear now.” I pushed the bag closer to him.

Alright then I’ll return you your money.”

“Thank you. I understand it.”

Once outside I felt so relieved that I no longer had to deal with that bear ever again and went back home.

I got a lot done. My house was cleaned and spotless and fresh sheets replaced the ones that were on my bed. I didn’t want any memories that may be lingering on them to come back tonight. Sounds silly I know, but I’m superstitious.

After eating a well broiled steak and a glass of wine, I thought a nice hot shower would end my day perfectly.

As I walked toward the bathroom, I felt a strange presence, but gave it no thought. I had, had a busy day and was super tired. I leaned down into the tub, set my water to the correct temperature and stripped. Walking into the warm water faded all doubts, fears that were left lingering from the night before. I envisioned them slipping down the drain and floating away further and further. It was a wondrous feeling. I must have stayed in there a good twenty minutes or so and when the hot water was beginning to give out I turned off the water and toweled myself dry. I felt so fresh, so new and the thought of the cool, freshly washed sheets would feel good against my skin. So, I hopped into bed, naked and smiled.

It wasn’t long before I was asleep when I started to dream my dream again...

…his expert touch sent me to even higher levels of ecstasy as his love flowed in me like warm honey. I shattered into a million glowing stars as I cried out for release. Together we found the tempo that bound our bodies together. Then within minutes, soaring higher until the peak of delight was reached exploded in a downpour of fiery sensations the waves of ecstasy throbbed through me and I gasped in sweet agony when it was over.

As my body melted against his and the world was filled with him I thought he would be merely filling a moment of physical desire that I so desperately wanted, and I would allow him to tear apart my soul to have this night repeat itself…

I awoke from my dream, but I felt odd. I couldn’t talk, I had no voice. I began to panic, then when I tried to sit up I found that I could not and then the reality of how I felt letting him tear my soul had new meaning. I looked to see what was directly in front of me…it wasn’t my room, but a big bay window and a man, handsome with eyes like that of my bear, smiling at me. He came into the store and I heard voices. That’s when I he put me into a bag.

Oh my God, I’m what my bear use to be…I am that Teddy Bear now.

A bit of Romania in my backyard! SPOILER ALERT!!!!

2012-02-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

In writing the sequel to Birthright, I decided to really research everything out, not that I didn't with Birthright, but I wanted the sequel to be very thought out in detail. So, if you haven't read Birthright yet, do not read this.

Anyway, I had to find a reason why Candra's father kept going away on business. Where was he going and why! Candra and her mother drank a tea infused with her father's blood, but it also had rose petals, mistletoe and blood root in it. I had the hardest time and I should have thought of this long before, but being the novice at writing I didn't. Shoot me!

Anyway, I thought roses, and then I did a search on roses in Romania which I came up with their flower which was the Rosa Canina. A wild rose, pink, with rose hips after the flower stops blooming. Rose petals offer protection and bring love. Perfect right? Gets better.

Growing up, my mother had an arbor that her father, my grandpa made and she had planted wild roses on either side of it...a Dog Rose or in other words, a Rosa Canina. Ba zinga! The very rose that I want in my story happens to grow in my back yard now because it is the one that my mother had planted many, many years ago. It's been in my family for over 55 years and to this day grows like crazy!

Who'd of thought that everything I have written about is within reach of my hand.

Re-Did my latest bookcover of Release

2012-02-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

I didn't like the bookcover, just something about it just wouldn't let me accept it. I think it was the whiteness of the Star of David. Here is how I fixed it.

Red Flags to newbie authors...

2012-02-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

I being a newbie myself have come across some things that sent out signals to cause me to think twice.
Being published is great, you may not make a living at it, but that's not why you write. You write because it is your passion. With that being said, then take your time to look for a reputable publisher. If an author friend or someone you know who is published by someone they like working for then by all means go for it, but if you know nothing about the publisher search them. Find out what you can and even then you're not told everything.
I searched Trestle Press and found nothing wrong with them, but I still had this innate feeling of doom, well not doom, but a twinge of not too sure if I wanted to sign up with them. I signed the contract, which was a one paragraph sheet of paper (red flag #1) and then a bunch of lines to where I would write what submissions I was sending in for them to publish. Still nervous.
I filled it out and sent it in then I started asking how were we going to go about doing my submissions. I was going to have groups of 5 flash fictions published every 3 weeks, then gradually increase the amount, but the thing about all that was he didn't explain it full out or to the point where I was understanding any of it and would constantly be asking him questions, which weren't always answered, some, but not all. It got so frustrating that I finally treated him like a 6th grader and asked him to answer my questions in either a yes or no response. I then got my answers but he told me then that he doesn't do yes or no questions. "Then give me the answers when I ask instead of ignoring them (red flag #2).
So, within a week my first publication was out, I wasn't all too crazy about the cover (red flag#3) which should have been given to me for approval or asked if any changes I would want, I mean it is my book.
I was happy, so I sent in my next 5 stories and waited...and waited...and waited. Weeks went by to where it was now going on 2 months. I kept emailing him saying when are you going to give me the edits to look over? His answers, "just relax, we're busy working on our first paperback, I'll have them work on it over the weekend." Emailed again, "...it'll be done in 10 days." Emailed again...same old story, be patient, relax. (red flag #4).
I got so fed up that I wrote about it here on my blog and it got some attention. Another author from Trestle Press was getting the run around too and that she was going to quit when she saw my issues. That's when I quit as well. I told him he wasn't sticking to his end of the contract and that I wanted my book off the market because I didn't want it represented by him and that all copyrights are mine and whatever submissions I had sent be destroyed at once or else. His reply..." I understand and I'll do that for you. Good luck with your endevours..." or something along those lines, but it was like he didn't care or didn't apolgize. Nothing!
Now, I see all this with copyright issues and I'm thinking you little (&&%&*^).
Red flag #6 if you don't get a contract at first or with every new submission, that is another "heads up". All these flags that I have been posting on here is a learned lesson, one that should be followed as to what you should look out for.
Trestle Press...shame on you.

TRESTLE PRESS USING COPYRIGHTED ARTWORK FOR THEIR COVERS

2012-02-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

I am sooooo glad I got out of their contract. I was getting bad vibes from the get-go they are a shady publisher to work for and if you know any writer who deals with them or wishes to deal with them tell them NO and give them this link.

http://litreactor.com/news/digital-publisher-trestle-press-dinged-for-stealing-cover-art

CONGRATULATIONS!

2012-02-15T15:12:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Blaze, Wendy and Carole! You guys have your choice of the three pictures you want! Or better yet, if you want me to design me exclusively for you I will.

Let me know!

Congratulations guys!

Sue

Vamplit's Happy Blog Hopping!

2012-02-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

It's finally here! Vamplit's Blog Hopping and today I have a great offer for you! For coming on my blog and leaving a comment I will give you an original piece of art work that I have done! But the "sweetest" thing about this is I will pick only three. So here are the rules...

1. Come see my blog

2. Leave a comment

3. Leave me your email

That's it!

The pieces of artwork I have chosen are the three above! Good luck!!!

Thoughts...

2012-02-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

As I sit here, I can't help think that everything that has gone wrong in my life has to be something of a punishment for past events that I have done and God, being in his infinite mercy, is...for better lack of words, "giving it to me." I tend to look at these harsh realities as trials and trials they are, for today was hard.

I've been battling arthitis in all my joints, mainly in my knees and I've done everything I can short of having surgery again.

Two days ago I wanted to celebrate two big events in my life, having my book in Anderson's bookstore (a big dream of mine come true)and having my artwork used as the theme for the upcoming Black American society which over 400 people attend. So, I wanted to go to the mall, walk, see the little puppies and have some cinnamon sticks. Doesn't sound like much, but to me its the little things that I love. Anyway, we didn't make it to the middle of the mall when both my knees decided to say, "not going any further!" Pain...

So there I was stuck. I told my husband to go on to Sears without me and that I'll just have a sit and wait, but the Bath and Body shop was just across from me...beckoning me to come in. So I hobbled in and bought myself a few things.

My appointment with the doctor was this morning, Orthopedic surgeon, and I told him the whole sordid mess and that my left knee was now giving me grief. The end result, arthritis in that knee as well and maybe a torn meniscus. Great...just like my right knee 4 years ago.

He said I had a few options, 1. I could have another cortisone shot in my rt. knee or an injection of some sort of gel that acts as a lubricant. 2. Physical therapy for 4 weeks. I didn't like the last cortisone shot they gave me, 2 inches of needle going behind my knee cap, so the thought of yet another injection whether it being cortisone or gel did not strike me as "yippee!" In fact I burst out crying and opted for physical therapy. I do have to get yet another MRI for my left knee now. This probably makes close to 10 MRI's.

Needless to say, when I've looked at my life thus far, I feel as though God is putting me through some mighty hefty trials and would he please end it already. I bummed out at this point.

It's amazing I was a ballerina one point in my life, dancing the Nutcracker and loving every minute of it, now I feel like I"m old and breaking apart at the very seams. Bummed again.

I just had to get this down on, well, not paper, but just get it down, written so that I can move on and hope for the best...if that'll ever come. As it is, I don't see a silver lining anywhere in sight at the moment.

Rosser's Relaxed Reading Reviews: More Evil Playthings, A Review of Angelic Knight's...

2012-01-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Rosser's Relaxed Reading Reviews: More Evil Playthings, A Review of Angelic Knight's...: I think I've figured out why these books are so damn disturbing. There's something burned into our consciousness about toys that demand i...

Utica Book Signing a success!!

2012-01-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm posting this now, but due to health issues I had , I stayed off the computer for a few days, and not the 2 weeks I had proposed,and rested.

The book signing took place in Utica, Illinois where my story takes place. It was sponsored by Finnegan's Bookstore and hosted by Duffy's Tavern. Many people were going to attend, but on that night we had a snow storm come through, but seven people did show up and I was able to sit down with them and chat away as if they were family.

It was Flo's birthday that night (a fan) and so I sang Happy Birthday to her and she brought along her mother, Sue (great name huh?). We talked and talked as if we had known each other for years. Then a family came in and their daughter had on a t-shirt that said "My boyfriend is a vampire" she was awesome as well as her parents. Her father told me a little history of the town which I found fascinating and got to know a little about themselves as well.

Then my husbands cousins came that night too! They took pictures for me of the event (we forgot our camera) and after the event had ended stayed afterwards with us and had dinner there. By the way, Duffy's tavern has the best food ever!

Back to the event...half-way through the night I read them the opening scene to the Sequel, The Legacy and one of the waitresses there ran in (another big fan of Birthright) and was all excited to hear what the sequel was all about.

I got questions as to is Candra's house here and if so, where. I told them her house is actually in Newark, not far from Utica, but that Eldon's house is in town. They all quessed what restaurant I used in the story where Candra had breakfast her first day back.

The great thing about this was it felt like family. Duffy's owners were so very nice and even made appetizers for the event. Vampire Bat wings (spicy chicken wings) and Anti-vampire bites (garlic bread bites) all of which were soooo good and I thanked Peg (owner) for doing that.

To end, I sold 10 copies and signed posters as well for them. We are in the planning for another event in March and I plan on doing something at Starved Rock where another scene from Birthright takes place.

Am I having fun yet? You bet!

Fire!

2012-01-23T18:22:00.001-08:00

New look for "68 Buick"

2012-01-23T18:05:00.001-08:00

magical

2012-01-23T17:35:00.001-08:00

2012-01-21T13:34:00.001-08:00

Sick

2012-01-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I had to write to let all of you know, that I will be keeping off the computer for awhile due to relentless combats with headaches and high blood pressure.
The doctor has put me on a new blood pressure meds that fights both migraines and blood pressure, so...yippie for that and I got myself a blood pressure cuff because I have to keep tabs on it and before I take my Blood Pressure meds, I have to make sure the lower number is above 50. If not, then I can't take it, it'll lower it too much then. Ah, the aging process is so full of wonderful events to come....not.
Anyway, I will be doing my art work then and watch loads of TrueBlood DVD's...that and Shirley Temple.
So, if you need me for anything leave a message on FB I will eventually get back on, but I'm thinking the next 2 weeks I'll be gone to just rest.
Keep writing those awesome Friday Flashes (feel bad that I haven't responded to your comments or read yours as well), I don't have to say that, because you guys write so well and I love all your stories. Feel free to use my artwork if you want.
As whats his name would say..."I"ll be back!" (dang, what is his name...)

adieu...

The Night The Circus Came to Town

2012-01-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

There is something to be said about full moons…they are truly a sight to behold. Which remind me, the story I am about to tell is a doozy.

I was heading for the circus as I got out of my car. It was a warm summer night and as you may guess, a full moon was out as well. I hadn’t really thought of it much, well, a little bit, but that was nothing out of the ordinary for me. I’m strange when it comes to stuff like that, you know, I get a “funny” feeling and all.

Anyway as I walked toward the big tent something struck me as peculiar…crickets, birds, all night noises just stopped. I froze in my tracks and just listened, sniffed…nothing that I could tell was out there, unless…I walked more cautiously this time, listening as I went. Yeah, something was out there alright, but what?

I entered the big tent and thought if I needed to get away quickly I’d sit close to the exit, so I took a seat about three rows up and at the end. I could see pretty much everything, which was good…so where is this feeling coming from? I looked all around me, up and down, but nothing seemed out of place, but that feeling still hung on and was getting stronger.

About a half hour had gone by, oh, I like getting to places early, less stress for me. The tent was almost full and with the show about to start I thought I’d get some cotton candy from one of the vendors walking around.

“Hey! I’d like one!” Waving my hand like crazy, the guy saw me and shouted out the price to me.

“That’ll be $3.00!”

“Are you crazy? Don’t you think that’s a bit high for what is basically sugar that’s spun?” I slowly got out my pocket book and took out the money.

“Lady, I don’t set the prices I just sell. So, do you want one or not?”

I could see that he just cherished his job. “I said yes, although I still think it’s a bit high. I want the pink one if you don’t mind or does that cost more?” I gave him the money, smirking the whole time. He thrust the swirled pink fluff of pure delight at me and continued up the bleachers.

Suddenly a man with a bright red jacket and black top hat appeared in the center ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages welcome to the greatest show on earth!”

Everyone yelled and clapped their hands. It was a great night, but still…something was close by.

“May I have your attention to the center ring? Please give a big hand to the Garcia Family and their trained horses!”

I watched in amazement as the horses, white with long manes pranced around the ring while this beautiful…woman? I stared at her again and thought that there was something un-earthly about her. No one is that ethereal looking that I have come across and the way she moved was like watching a mermaid underwater, if there was such a creature. Her hair was luminous and red and flowed behind her as she rode her horse. The one thing that caught my attention was her eyes…dark, like black pearls.

I was mesmerized by her beauty as was everyone else it seemed. We just sat there, amazed and maybe hypnotized at the same time, then when the act was over it was like a big jolt that hit me and snapped me back into reality. I looked around to make sure I wasn’t the only who felt like this and sure enough, I wasn’t. Everyone was rubbing their eyes and shaking their heads in disbelief.

The next act came on without an announcement, which I thought odd, but then what did I know about running a circus…I didn’t. It was another family with trained dogs, all different in sizes and breeds, but again that strange feeling was still hanging around, only this time…stronger.

This act seemed to be normal, I mean, they had the dogs doing their tricks and all, but again, if you looked very carefully at the family, not one of them looked normal to me. It was those eyes I tell you! Black like ink and lifeless, not to mention they all moved as if in water. Strange.

I went to take another bite of my cotton candy when all I got was the paper cone.

“Well, when did I finish eating you all up?” I hadn’t remembered finishing it nor eating it for that matter. I looked at the time and noticed that three hours had gone by but it was only the third act. That’s when the prickles started crawling up my back and goose bumps speckled my arms. Something ain’t right here.

Getting up from my seat I was preparing to make my way down the bleachers and out the exit, when all the lights went out and a spot light beamed at the flying trapeze act.

“Oh bother, now I can’t see where I’m going!”

“Shhhh!”

Oh shush yourself I thought. There was an empty space where I stood, so I just parked myself there and watched. There were four of them two men and two women. Again, all looking odd in an un-healthy sort of way, you know, pale, but yet they didn’t look to be starving. The eyes were the same as the horse lady, black and empty like.

One of the men in his costume, he was…how can I say this without being vulgar; it didn’t leave much to the imagination if you know what I mean. Lordy, made me forget my manners it did. Anyway, he was hanging by his knees swinging back and forth, arms hanging loosely. I guess he was waiting for one of the ladies to start swinging on her swing, if that’s what you’d call them. The other man held her swing for her as she grasped it and then off she went. Toes pointed body all stream like she sliced through the air like a knife through butter. It was amazing! But that “all too amazing” feeling suddenly left me when I caught the one man staring right at me.

“Why is he looking at me like that?” I said it out loud, no one around me shushed me because they too all were amazed by “Madame Butterfly” there on her swing.

My heart began to race, my pulse quickened and I needed to get out, but I couldn’t move.

“What the hell is happening to me?” I kept my eyes on him and him on me. If things weren’t so scary I’d be a bit turned on, but at the moment all I could think of was this guy was creeping me out.

I don’t remember what happened next, it’s all foggy, but I woke up back at home, in my bed and in my pink nightie. I sat up and pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

“Ouch!”

I wasn’t dreaming , then I nearly shattered the windows of my bedroom, because there on my chair was a costume, not no ordinary halloweenie costume mind you, this one was from….oh my gosh, I’ve got a naked trapeze artist in my house.

Wondering where he was, I got out of bed and examined the sea foam green tights and sequined belt. Yup, that was his alright, but why and how did…

“You were magnificent last night; I can’t wait to do it again tonight.” He came at me with lust in his eyes, but I thought differently.

“I don’t know what happened here last night, but I can tell you one thing, it ain’t happening again tonight, so you might as well just put your costume back on and head on back to your circus where you belong.” I grabbed my blanket and covered myself, although I don’t know why, I still had my clothes on, he was the one that should be covering up…well, he can wait for a few more seconds, I was enjoying the view.

“As you wish, but I will see you tonight, we have a show to do remember and you did so well last night, you were the star!”

“………….”

I didn’t know what to think little lone say. I wasn’t in no act I knew that much was right. What I didn’t know was that part when he was staring at me during the act, that part is all fuzzy, because that’s all I can recall.

“What exactly happened last night, and you can just keep your distance too.”

“You were on the swing, sitting there like a rare and beautiful bird. Ah…you took my breath away.” He looked as though sap would pour out of his mouth. The guy was delusional.

“I see, well, I don’t remember doing that, but if you say I did, then I guess I did. So now you can leave and …don’t come back now ya hear?” Smiling all the while he sauntered slowly to my front door, opened it and paused, then left.

“God almighty, did I have sex with that man?” I looked down at my nightie and then checked to make sure I still had my panties on…sure did!

“Phew!”

The rest of the day sort of rolled by lazily and I was glad when night came. It was the last show for the circus tonight and I was glad of it. I got ready for bed and had my nice warm glass of milk. It soothed my nerves perfectly. Shutting off my lights I went to sleep pretty fast, which I was happy for. The next morning I awoke to my bed shaking. I opened my eyes and noticed that I wasn’t in my room anymore… I was on a train.

“Where the heck am I?” I looked around me and I found what I didn’t want to find, those same sea foam green tights.

“He kidnapped me!” I jumped out of my berth and landed not too gracefully on the floor.

“There she is! All rested and ready for our next show. Are you hungry?” He was preparing to give me a hug when I stopped him dead.

“Don’t you come any closer you hear? You kidnapped me and I’m getting the authorities to lock you up you nut case you!”

He just looked at me as if I had gone crazy, then his partner, the other guy showed up looking all too mouthwatering but perplexed.

“Louisa what is wrong? Did my brother not put out last night?” He punched my kidnapper in the arm and sniggered.

“Louisa? You’re just as crazy as he is! My name is Amy, Amy Bellanger.”

The two of them just looked at one another, then my kidnapper nodded to…I guess it was his brother. He left, but came back with circus program and handed it to me.

“Look…”

I hesitantly took it and looked at each page slowly trying to find out what it was I supposed to look at. It wasn’t long until I found it. There they were standing in front of the net…with me with eyes just like theirs and pale as the snow is white.

The two of them smiled at me and my eyes bugged out with fear…the line “the better to eat you with my dear…” came to mind just then.

Satan's Toybox: Toy Soldiers is free for Kindle owners! Get yours!

2012-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006U9JHQI/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

The Revenge

2012-01-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

A tale is told to the meek and old, a tale as old as the sea. So, listen carefully to my tale, a tale as gruesome as it can be.

One dark and gloomy night,
Upon this fearful sight
A clown whose laughter filled the air
Whose cunning eyes they did stare.

His painted face so white
His gleaming teeth my plight
Whose hunger sought to clean me out
To drink my blood without a doubt.

I trembled there in my chair
And wished for him to spare
My life so dear so near and yet
His motives were a threat.

So up I jumped just then
To safely say “Amen”
But alas not fast he had me tight
His smile did show delight.

But I faster yet did think
And smiled at the thought and winked
That his dear demise would be a surprise
And so I did stabbed him
Straight in the eyes.

Satan's Toybox: Toy Soliders is out!

2012-01-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

Another fab Anthology from AngelicKnight Press. My story, "The Unknown Soldiers" was published in it, along with many other fine authors whose stories are superb!

A must have for enthusiasts who love horror stories at their best!

"68 Buick" iPhone & iPod Cases by SueMydliak | RedBubble

2012-01-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

"68 Buick" iPhone & iPod Cases by SueMydliak | RedBubble:

"Bond Girl" iPhone & iPod Cases by SueMydliak | RedBubble

2012-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

"Bond Girl" iPhone & iPod Cases by SueMydliak | RedBubble:

Vampires in Utica!

2012-01-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

WhenFriday, January 13, 2012

Time7:00pm until 8:30pm

Where:
Sponsored by Finnegan's Bookstore, hosted by Duffy's Tavern., The store: 122 Mill, Event held at Duffy's meeting room at Duffy's Tavern, 122 N. Mill., Utica, IL
Description
The talented Sue Midlock of Joliet launches her new book at an event sponspored by Finnegan's Bookstore, and hosted by Duffy's (free munchies and cash beverages)

If you like Twilight and similar themes, you will be impressed by Sue's writing.

The story involves Candra Rosewood returning to Utica, but she's already missed her parents funeral and everything she thought about her life turns out to be a lie. When Kane turns up unannounced on her doorstep, Candra, fights her strange need for him. Is he somehow involved in her parents’death? Is the mysterious Mr Bennet a friend or foe, and can she trust him when he says she's descended from powerful vampires.

Come meet the author, have her sign your book, and enjoy some beverages and munchies. High school readers and adults are invited. Should be fun!

Call the store for additional details. 815-691-8023

Free copy of Birthright

2011-12-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54200

Free book offer!
Promotional price: $0.00
Coupon Code: BH93C
Expires: May 18, 2012

To start out the new year I am offering to all my friends and anyone else a free copy
of my Best Seller Birthright!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!! Please give a review when finished reading.

New Book Covers for “Release” by Nicole Hadaway » VAMPLIT BLOG

2011-12-27T09:13:00.000-08:00

New Book Covers for “Release” by Nicole Hadaway » VAMPLIT BLOG

New "Demon" Picture

2011-12-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

My solo at Midnight Mass at St. Raymond's Cathedral

2011-12-24T11:23:00.001-08:00

I'm free!

2011-12-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, so you all read my post about "The Art of being Published" well, I have been set free from this publisher! I simply wrote him a small, but fully packed letter informing him of our
contractual agreement to which he was not doing his part in it and that I wanted my ebook that they had published off the market because I did not want my writing represented by this publisher.
Oh, and that the manuscripts I had sent to him be destroyed. His reply? "I understand and I wish you the best of luck!"

Here I was all set to give him what for if he decided to give me a hard time and his reply back was rather nice and non-offending...darn!

Seriously, I'm glad that it went as well as it did. From my last post on this matter, I come to find yet another author who was contracted with this publisher was having the same if not identical situation that I found myself in. So now I wonder how many more authors that are bound by his ill-conceived notion of publishing are finding difficulty as well and don't know better?

To end this post, I will say how much better I feel knowing that my writings are back and totally mine to do what I wish and publish them with another publisher.

The Art of being published

2011-12-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, now I may not know everything when it comes to being published, but I do know when someone isn't doing their end of the bargain. In that I mean, from my experiences there are different kinds of publishers, those who are awesome at what they do and those that bloody stink at it and the in-betweeners (new word for those that don't have a "exact" position in my list yet).

A good publisher not only sticks to what they promise and give you a contract for everything they publish of yours and when they give you a deadline for whatever (ie.submissions, edits and publishing date) they stick to it and to me that is great, because being a Type A personality, I have to have things exact and know where things are going so that I can plan accordingly when it comes to book signings, etc.

Then, there are the ones who for the life of me...I get rather annoyed with. Not only do they ignore questions you may have asked them, but they don't deliver. Oh sure, they start off good (the infamous hook) and tell you all their marketing, promotional strategies and what they plan on doing with your work, and then...ba-zinga...the first telltale signs start to creep out and then you begin to have your doubts about having signed a contract with them. "Oh, that little voice inside me is "really" giving it to me good." Should have listened to it.

I get super annoyed when I'm told one thing and then it doesn't pan out! How in the bloody hell am I to organize book signings or promotional events if what I'm told doesn't happen, makes me look like I don't know what the hell I'm doing when in all cases it's the publishers fault!

So, I'm venting out my frustrations because right now I'm in one of those predicaments and I'm pissed off, annoyed and whatever other choice word I may come up with.

So, if you are a newbie at writing, word of advise to you, check the publisher out thoroughly, make sure you get a contract with every new submission, check out what reviews there are from past authors that have worked with them. This I did and found nothing bad about them, so that didn't work for me. It wasn't until I was already into it that their true colors came out...grrrr and if you have any doubts or mis-understandings you don't comprehend clearly...ASK and keep asking until you get what you want and feel comfortable with the results. Also, if you have a little voice, feeling inside you that makes you doubt the publisher, you are more than likely correct and should avoid them at all costs.

One more thing, a 2 year rights on your work is a bit excessive and so that should be a red flag right there.

To end this, I will say, good luck to all of you and your writings, may you all have great successes.

By the way, AngelicKnight Press and Vamplit Publishing are the two best publishers to work with!

Latest Book cover design

2011-12-17T20:47:00.001-08:00

Art classes are done...look out sequel here I come!

2011-12-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know I haven't been around much, that with art courses at night after working 6 hours with autistic students, and my failing health, I now can sit back without any other issues that have been hampering my ability to write and finish my sequel.

Oh, I have been writing short stories here and there, but with the rave reviews from people who have read Birthright, I really need to focus now on the sequel. I don't plan on taking another art course this next semester because I want to finish this novel by next year...big dreams huh?

Also, I don't if any of you know this, but Birthright goes on consignment at Finnegan's Bookstore in Utica where my story takes place. A book signing to kick it off this coming January, still not sure of the date, I haven't heard back from him. So, I'm hoping for a big success, but I'm not hanging on it though, seems that when I do, it usually doesn't pan out. But I did make an awesome movie of it and a great book poster to put in their window.

So, I'll be in touch more now that things, well some things, have died down a bit. I'll keep you posted on my opening event at Utica.

Twas the Night That Was Creepy

2011-12-06T18:15:00.001-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, except dear old Klaus
The clothes were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that the blood smell still would be there.

The coven were nestled all dead in their beds,
While visions of horror played in their heads
And Katherine in her black dress and Klaus in his cape
Had just finished sucking on the misses’ dear nape.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his feeding to see what was the matter.
Away to the window he flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave a worry to people from their homes just below
When, what to my blackening eyes should appear,
But a gorgeous young woman who stood without fear.

With a little waistline, immortal herself,
I knew in a moment this was no elf.
More rapid than ravens her vamps they did came,
And she hissed and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Devon! Now Dion! Now, Petter and Vic!
On, Conrad! On, Curtis! On, Donovan and Nick!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now fly away! Fly away! Fly away all!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the vampires they flew,
With throats parched and thirsty and ready to chew!

And then, in a twinkling, I heard outside
The screaming and hissing of each vampires cry.
As Klaus drew in his head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Victoria came with a bound.

She was dressed all in black, from her head to her foot,
And her clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A group of newborns she had by her back,
And she looked like she was ready for her first midnight snack.

Her eyes how they twinkled! Her fangs sharp and pointy!
Her face was like winter, cold and so icy!
Her red little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the skin of her chest was as white as the snow.

The stump of a finger held tight in her teeth,
And the blood that was oozing, pooled just beneath
She had a small face and a little round ass,
That shook when she ran, quick like and fast!

She was sexy and fine, a perfect old vamp
An d Klaus got turned on when he saw her run up the steep ramp.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave her to know she had nothing to dread.

She spoke not a word, but went straight to her work,
And filled all his needs then turned with a jerk.
And laying her finger aside of her nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney she rose!

She sprang to her feet, to her coven gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard her exclaim, “ere she flew out of sight,
“Happy blood sucking to all, and to all a good-night!”

Blaze's book cover for his novel, 68 Buick

2011-11-26T14:49:00.001-08:00

new works of art I did!

2011-11-20T19:31:00.001-08:00

She Devil » VAMPLIT BLOG

2011-11-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

She Devil » VAMPLIT BLOG

The Undoing of Catherine

2011-11-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

I can’t imagine being soulless, in fact the very thought scared me, there wasn’t very many things that had, so why was I bothered by this?

Sitting in my living room, I realized that I hadn’t been told her name or anything about her life. The only remembrance of her was this picture that hung above the mantel. She was a vision, beautiful, with ivory skin and eyes that shone like brilliant jewels. I was envious of her.

“I see you have met our Elizabeth, beautiful is she not?”

Grandfather, a walking encyclopedia had just entered.

“Yes she is, very beautiful…who was she?”

With a sigh he continued, “She was my Great, Great, Great Aunt. Obviously I had never met her, but was told many stories of her tragic, short life.” He sat down in his lounging chair, dressed in his robe and slippers looking pensive.

“Tragic? You look troubled Grandfather, why?” I knelt down at his feet. Something in the way he looked just then concerned me.

“I’m alright Catherine, it’s just that what was done to her…it was unspeakable, truly a heinous crime.”

I couldn’t imagine what had gone down, especially when it happened before he was born, but whatever it was must have been truly horrific. My skin prickled at the thought and I stared back at him-was that a tear I just saw or had I just imagined it?

“I’m sorry if I have upset you Grandfather.”

“Catherine nothing you could say or do would upset me…you must think I’m an old fool. Here I am, a grown man, and I’m getting all emotional over someone I had never met, but It does bother me greatly. After all, she was family.”

I wasn’t sure if I should ask how she died, not wanting to troubled him further, but I wanted to know more and as it was, he continued.

“It was a very long time ago. Our heritage dates back to England. She lived in Berkshire. Back then, as you well know, modern medicines weren’t as evolved as they are now and so many people died needlessly because of it…she had taken ill.”

“What did she have?”

“Consumption…she was only in her twenties when it happened and from what I was told she endured much pain. It was late Fall when she finally died and being contagious, was buried that same night. There was no funeral per say, just a quick burial.”

He took this time to pause and reflect before continuing on and it had looked as though he had aged slightly in those few minutes of our conversation. Thinking how odd that was, I had to look harder at his face, making sure I wasn’t seeing things. It was rather dark in the room and I thought that maybe the lights were playing with my eyes…they weren’t. I hadn’t noticed just then, but my Grandfather, sensing my confusion alerted me back to present time. I blushed.
“Catherine, why are you staring at me thusly?”

“Oh, sorry, it’s just…never mind, I guess I’m just tired.”

His puzzled gaze pierced through me as if to say, “I know what you are thinking.”
“Anyway, her brother, Paul, went to visit her grave a few days later. She always loved flowers, any kind and so he wanted to place some on her grave, but when he got there she was gone-someone dug her up. Her coffin was desecrated and her body...missing. The only thing that was left was her shroud. Paul went crazy. He didn’t know who would have done such a thing, it was incomprehensible and set him on the path of madness to which he took his own life.”

I understood the sorrow that they must have had, losing someone to an illness and then on top of that,someone steals the body. It must have been truly heart wrenching, but what I didn’t understand is the way my Grandfather was handling it. It was as if it had recently happened, in this century, when in actuality, it took place before he was born. A slow, but steady uneasiness crept up my spine, rendering me chilled and …

A warning cloud settled on his features as he gazed intently at me and I, being made to feel very much the prey inched myself away from him.

“Catherine you seem…scared. Is everything alright?” He said smoothly, with no expression on his face.

Awkwardly, I cleared my throat. “Um, sure…great, why do you ask?”

His eyes were icy and unresponsive as he approached me.

“Catherine, come now, let us be honest with each other. You know something don’t you?”

I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. With every moment that passed by, he would age in front of me. Not in a fast way mind you, it was ever so faint like, but the difference was there. This not only puzzled me but scared the hell out of me as well. I didn’t understand what was happening or why and why now, why not any other time? What was so special about right now? I was trying to think of anything that I could connect it to, but was coming up blank.

“Do you Catherine know what day it is? You must otherwise you wouldn’t be backing away from me. Please stop…” His eyes that once seemed kind and gentle were now dark,and hard like bits of stone…cold.

“Stop I said!” He said the words with the certainty of a man who could no longer deal patiently with me.

I froze in my spot, too scared to get up and run for the door like I had wanted to just then, but I couldn’t, literally. His gazed was so fierce, so strong that it was as if some power held me there.

“Now, answer…”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I only know that you’re scaring me. I thought you loved me.”

“Who said I didn’t? Catherine, I’m your Grandfather, I love you as if you were my own child, but now tell me, what day is it?” He asked again, and this time his voice had changed, it was friendlier, but I was on to him.

“I don’t know, why not clue me in…Grandfather.” My voice was shakier than I would have liked, but I said it in a firm tone.

There was a trace of laughter in his voice, “Just like her too, pity.”

I lifted my chin, meeting his icy gaze straight on.

“I see your defiance and it’s very admirable of you, but also very foolish, not to mention rude. I can see you refuse to answer my question and so I’ll tell you. Today is the day she died.”

“So, what do you what me to do? Grieve with you?” I know I sounded a bit disrespectful, but my gut feeling told me that something was up and that something wasn’t good.

“No, but celebrate with me...and her.”

The surprise siphoned the blood from my face and I started, realized he was not what I thought. Just then, I creak was heard behind me and I turned swiftly toward it.

There on the staircase was this woman, dressed in a billowy gown of ivory. So light and translucent that I could see her body underneath it, supple and pale. Her thick dark hair hung in long graceful curves over her shoulders and her face was austere, her manner, haughty as she descended down to meet us.

“Catherine, this is Elizabeth…meet your maker of darkness.”

"Illinois Canyon" by SueMydliak | RedBubble

2011-11-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

#fridayFlash/ Hooked/ Sue Mydliak » VAMPLIT BLOG

2011-11-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

#fridayFlash/ Hooked/ Sue Mydliak » VAMPLIT BLOG

Ghostly Apparation

2011-11-09T17:49:00.001-08:00

Hooked

2011-11-09T15:55:00.001-08:00

Light pierced my eyes as I wearily opened them. A drowsy humor, like poison flowed through my veins burning. I screamed out in pain only to find that I had no voice. What hell is this that I should be put to such torture? My throat is parched, I need of drink. Beads of sweat rolled into my eyes, stinging like needles. I went to wipe dry but found that my arms were bound with iron shackles and my legs too.

My weary body ached all over and with every motion brought new pain. I forced my eyes to see what was happening, but the sun glared down into my eyes. I flinched at the brightness.

A noise much like that of many people was heard all around me. I turned my face to see, and there, before me a crowd, they jeered and called me names. They threw spoiled food at me and shouted, “Kill him!” Then I remembered. They are fools who follow a leader that takes their money and keeps it for himself, but I, for standing up and protecting what was rightly mine, am tortured. They killed my family, my only son who by all means was innocent. They will have their day.

“Art thou in pain?” A voice, rough and demanding shouted at me. Am I in pain…am I in pain? What are you blind man. Bastard. You, who hide behind a mask, be a man yourself. For this injustice, I will keep my silence and bare no ill effects from this game you play. I spat on him.

“Thou insolent beast, I’ll make thee pay for thine impertinence. Tighter!” He roared and the crowd cheered.

More spoilage was thrown upon me as the sounds of rope rubbing against wood pulled taunt. Bones that were once joined together, now split. My eyes and mouth flew wide opened as new pain made the old feel ten times worse. Tendons, ligaments ripped blood vessels that once were canals of life now stretched beyond their will, broke opened and my flesh turned into ghastly shades of blue as it pooled within the skin.

I wanted to scream the pain was unbearable, but I held fast. They laughed and cheered the monster on as he ordered the ropes still and then that is when, through pain of death, I saw a child…there in the crowd. He was so angelic, so beautiful. He did not join in with the rest; he just stood there and watched. I felt a connection, a bonding, something I hadn’t felt in years, and then he smiled. It was him; it was my child, my son. I tried to reach for him, but he shook his head against it.

“We want justice! We want justice!” They taunted him on.

I looked up toward the heavens and pleaded with God to take me now. To end this pain, but my words were unheard as vinegar was thrown on me. A searing, like that of a fire, burned my skin. I clenched my fists, my teeth to keep silent, they would not be sated. This is my revenge.

I glared at the hooded man, I showed him that he could not and would not win this and screamed, “Imigh sa diabhal!” It took all what strength I had left in me to scream it loud enough for all to hear. I screamed it again and again. I wanted justice for those that died at their hands, for the innocent lives they took…woman, children, wives and husbands. “Imigh sa diabhal!”

“Thou wilt pay for that blasphemy!” What I saw next, I knew was my end. A hook, black like death and sharp to do vile damage, he held it high. The crowd roared their delights; they were going to get their wish. I was going to be gutted, like a fish. In front of those that cheered him on. In front of my child, my son.

“I will give thee pardon, if thou speak loyalty to his Majesty.” He waited as if I would give him such satisfaction. The bloody bastard, who killed my family, killed the families of those that knew me well, and hung them like a whale in the court yard, dead or there soon would be. No… “No!”

Then, in one fell swoop the hook plunged deep within my belly. I gasped eyes wide with fear and pain. I tried to breath, but all that came was blood. Choking I looked into the crowd, but saw no one, no one but my son, whose smile was even brighter than before. Whose little hand reached for me and nodded.

Entrails ripped from me were held high for all to see. They applauded and cheered, but I didn’t see them, didn’t hear them. The pain was all but gone…I was finally at peace and I could give my soul to God.

“Father! It’s me Jonathan, you’ve finally come home!”

Lady Ghoula image

2011-11-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

#fridayflash, Torment of Hell

2011-11-03T15:27:00.001-07:00

BOOK SIGNING

2011-11-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Having my first book signing event at the Cresthill McDonalds. Odd place you might think, but not really. You see, I worked there for over 17 years and became manager of it, so I know alot of the seniors who come everyday for their coffee clutch and some of the crew that I worked with still are there, so what better place than...there!

Here's the information again:

Cresthill McDonalds
1704 Plainfield Road
Cresthill, IL

Time: 2-5pm

November 8, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS!

2011-11-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say congratulations to:

Joe Beekman
Sandy M
Jason Darrick

You will be included in the upcoming sequel to Birthright! I want to thank those of you that did stop by and made such nice comments on the blog and the excerpt from Birthright. Thank you!

What a great way to meet new and awesome writers such as yourselves! (Round of applause)

Coffin Hopping

2011-10-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

This was a great experience for me and what a way to meet other authors! Great exposure too!
Although I have to admit I didn't get to visit all the blogs, my busy life gave me hardly anytime to do so. I work seven hours a week with two autistic students and then school at night for my second degree and then on top of all that I have homework to do, which so far I have been able to maintain an "A" status, how I'll never know, but I am. So, trying to get in weekly flash stories for Vamplit and for Tristle press is hard. I often find the only time to write is during test taking time that my students are doing, or my lunch break and I usually can come up with a great story within the 80 minutes that the class is long. My longest story was almost 2000 words, that was "The House of Souls" I recently did.
I would love to win the lottery so that I can quite my job and buy this house I saw in Galena and just write and do my art. That is what I deem a perfect life.
Well, I'll send this out to the void and maybe, just maybe...someone is listening and give me a break...like maybe my book sales go wild and crazy and I can stop work....nah.......nice dream though!

If there are typos, it's because I"m being lazy bu not putting on my glasses.

Thanks everyone who came to visit my blog.

Emma art

2011-10-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

A "Scary" Scene from my novel...Birthright (Happy Halloween!)

2011-10-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Horror Web Tour

October 24-31, 2011

What better month than October for horror writers to crawl out of their coffins and spread the Halloween spirit!

Are you interested in winning great horror fiction and Halloween goodies the week of October 24-31, 2011?

Click on the links below to participating authors' websites. Each author has a contest to enter on their site.

Over 80 chances to win!

the gory details:

1) HAVE A SPOOKY FUN TIME!

2) INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND SPREAD THE WORD!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, October 24, 2011 at Midnight (PST)
THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, October 31, 2011 at Midnight (PST)
Winners will be drawn and posted November 1, 2011

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY SITE'S CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL SITES IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. THE MORE SITES YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES.

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE A SPOOKY FUN TIME?

And to further scare you to bits, a scene from my novel, Birthright. Leave a comment with your email and I will pick three to be in the sequel! Good Luck!

Arriving back at the house, Mr Bennet stopped abruptly just outside the door front. “Something’s wrong; something or someone is here I can feel it.” He went inside and frantically began to search each room. “Candra, stay outside, it’s not safe in here,” he shouted, rushing upstairs, but I didn’t listen and followed him inside.
I walked in and found a stranger, a woman, standing like a statue by the stairs. Her clothes were torn and she swayed slightly from side to side. She looked distressed so I approached her slowly, trying to keep calm. She was breathing oddly; her diaphragm contracted awkwardly, as if laboring, when she inhaled and she looked dazed.
“Um, are you ok? How did you get in?” I watched her nervously as she turned her head slowly and looked right through me. Her eyes were lifeless and they were as dark as the night… like the child I saw in my vision. My heart thumped, self-preservation kicked in. Without outwardly showing the panic I was feeling, I started to inch myself backwards. The corners of her mouth curved upwards showing her fangs and her breathing rapidly changed. She started to pant very fast, almost convulsing as she sniffed the air, drool overflowed from her lips as she hissed, then leapt. I screamed out in terror as I hit the floor. She was now on top of me and grabbed my head pulling it upward toward her mouth.
With all my might, I punched her in the face and she fell to the side; quickly, I got up and ran for the front door. A loud growl came from behind me. Deep from within, my strength of character bubbled to the surface, the will to live still stronger than my will to die. My hand was within inches of the hall table and in one-fell-swoop I grabbed its leg, throwing the table at her, and ran. Within seconds, she had taken hold of me and held me fast by the neck.
“Hey, Candra… want to be blood sisters? No, I didn’t think you would, but we’ve almost known each other for so long I would think you might care that I’m hungry.”
I was nauseated. My mouth went dry as I tried to speak. “I remember you. You were the waitress at the diner,but I saw you the other day.”
She laughed at my words and her response held a note of impatience. “You were always such a loner, too good for the rest of us, a Rosewood, but right now I’ve got better things to do than talk to you. I’m hungry, starving in fact.”
“You’ll make my family angry if you kill me and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to deal with them, now would you?”
She wasn’t listening to me. She eyed me up and down just like a tasty morsel, ready to be eaten. “What do I care? When I am finished with you, then you can…” A guttural laugh came from deep within her as she said, “be with your parents.”
She held my throat so tight that just trying to take in a breath was difficult. “You’re hurting me.”
“Hurting you? That is my intention, Candra; this is what hunters call sport. I’m having fun watching you struggle. It makes your blood more pleasing, dinner should be a pleasure, not boring.” She exposed her fangs, moving in for the kill.
“Stop!” Mr Bennet stood at the top of the stairs. He had a huge crossbow with an arrow in place and aimed straight for her heart.
She hunched her shoulders and hissed loudly.
“You want to kill me so you can have her all for yourself, but we can share if you wish, I don’t mind.” Her fangs were resting on my throat when the arrow pierced her body. She arched, her head falling backwards. She clutched the stainless steel-tipped arrow jutting out from her chest. I will never forget the look of surprise on her face when she burst into flames. I scooted away from the vampire. Fire consumed her until she became nothing but a pile of burning embers smoldering on the floor.

Birthright CONTEST!

2011-10-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

My life was a jigsaw and up until now, the majority of the pieces had been missing. My parents had loved me and I, whether I was their natural daughter or not, had loved them. Kane had put some of the pieces in place for me, he’d given me answers to some of the puzzle, but now we needed to move on and find out about my heritage. I needed to know where I’d come from and I needed to find out about the legacy that was my supposed birthright. I looked up at Kane and in his eyes and I saw everything I needed know.

The contest goes as follows: Leave your name and email and I'll pick three of you to be included in my sequel.

Satan's Toybox: Demonic Dolls!

2011-10-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96577

Remember when you got your first doll; that loveable companion who saw you through the best and worst of days? Remember when Barbie was the doll version of who you wanted to be when you grew up? Be careful what you wish for…

AUTHORS:Yvonne Bishop, Marissa Farrar,Carole Gill, Scott Goriscak,Lisa McCourt Hollar
Lisamarie Lamb Claudia Lefeve Tim Marquitz Jason McKinney Sue Midlock
Rob Miller T.K. Millin Kate Monroe Stacey Turner J.G. Williams Sam Williams and
Blaze McRob

My Flash fictions are published!

2011-10-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Opulent Mar, #fridayflash

2011-10-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

This tale is short, but to the point, its details horrific, tormenting with fright. Nevertheless, it is a tale that should be told and to be repeated…over and over…again…

Cold and breezy the night wind blows. Trees, whose colorful faces are now dark, craggy and foreboding, moan their lamentations of souls that have met their maker.

As the illuminating orb shines upon the earthen ground, strange new sound’s swim freely through nights air…I squirm ever so delightfully. Their shrills of laughter, and fright stir my soul as I watch…waiting, and waiting even longer for that precise moment when hell shall break loose once more. Victims, those who cannot be named, cannot be found and will not remain on this earth ever again.
I grin.

Slowly they came. Upon the witching hour of complete chaos they came. Running…running wildly as they went through the gnarled limbs of soldiers that stood many years before, laughing with their weapons held high and candles, lit, dripping wax. They came.

They ran without care, in madness unforeseen before until they came to a clearing, then stopped…dead. The soldiers, of which I had spoken of, now encircled them, waiting…watching their every move.

“Now!”

As the one, who held the knife plunged its silvery blade into the skin. Up and down he repeated his movement until he pulled part of its head off and threw it on the ground. They laughed loudly as they all stared deep within its wound.

It was glorious, a feat beyond compare. Oh how I reveled in their delight!

In silence they did their deed, pulling out guts with bare hands and tossing them to the ground without care, without concern until all was emptied. Then, to mark their claim they drove their knives in making holes within its victim’s body. Chunks of flesh lay on the ground, its yellowish tone shined in the moon light. It was finished.

Then solemnly one by one they took their candles and placed them in the cavernous body. All stood, and stared at what they had done. Their eyes shined in their masterpiece of fright as the victims face, glowered in the darkness. An eerie sight it was.

Having my night fulfilled as such, I took to the winds and flew away. Another Halloween pumpkin was made.

The Newspaper

2011-10-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite holidays is Halloween. What kid doesn’t like dressing up in silly or scary costumes and receive free candy? I mean, it’s just a given right?

It was a Thursday, school didn’t let out until three and it was only twelve. “Oh my gosh could the day get any slower?” The clock on the wall in Mrs. McDonald’s room was purposely going slow, or at least it seemed so. She was droning on and on about some explorer, while I dreamed of mountains of candy I’d be bringing home tonight.

“Ethan…”

I was brought back into the real world. “Yeah?”

“Sorry to have awoken you from your day-dreaming, but can you tell me if we should celebrate Columbus Day or not.” She stood there, arms crossed in front of her and a very stern look on her face.

“I…” decided to liven things up a bit, “…believe we should. It would give us a day off of school!”

Everyone chimed in with their agreements, to which we were suddenly hushed.

“Aside from that fact Ethan, what else can you tell us as to why you would still celebrate it.”

I thought a moment, trying to look like I knew what the answer was, when actually I had no idea.

“I, ah…well it’s like this…”

“Yes…..?” She urged me on. I hated it when she did that, especially when she knew I had no real answer to give.

“He, he discovered America and for that we have no school!” Smiling proudly and knowing that I had actually figured out a pretty decent answer.

“Alright, I’ll accept that…for now. Anyone else?”

“I think we shouldn’t because he was greedy. All he wanted was gold and it didn’t matter how he got it, just as long as he got his way. The man was evil!”

Sara…I sighed. Sara always brown nosed her way in the classroom and with the teachers. Everyone hated her because she knew everything and didn’t mind showing off.

“Exactly, but he did do some good correct class?”

“Yes Ms. McDonald.” We all sung.

That’s how the last few classes went. Slow, boring and slow. It wasn’t until the last bell had rung, that I was running home and thinking about all the fun I was going to have. Mom was in the kitchen finishing dinner when she said, “Ethan, do me a favor tonight, could you?”

Oh, oh, here it comes, the old be careful, don’t talk to strangers, and don’t eat any candy until your father and I have inspected it first.

“Could you while you’re trick or treating stop by the Gallegers home and check to make sure someone had picked up their newspaper?”

“Oh sure! We were going to go their first. Mr. Galleger always dresses up and sits in front of their bay window.”

“Well, I hate to disappoint you, but they’re not home which is why I want you to check that out for me.”

What? No Mr. Galleger? He was the highlight of the whole holiday! I was disappointed. Every year we’d race to their house and he’d be there, looking spooky. We’d even brave it by making silly faces at him on the way to their front door. Then, we say those famous words, “Trick or treat!” and he’d come over to the door, open it, and without saying a word, other than growl, he dropped a piece of candy in our bags. It was so cool.

Dinner was good, although I don’t remember what it was because I ate it so fast. Mother kept telling me to slow down, but I had to get out fast before all the candy, well, all the good candy would be gone.

Ding, dong…

“It’s Freddie, time to go!” I leapt out of my seat and grabbed my bag on the way out. “See ya!”

“Be careful!” Those words rang truth.

“The streets were filled with kids running from house to house and all in the neatest costumes I had ever seen. I couldn’t recognize anyone, which was part of the fun and you could hear “trick or treat” from the other side of the block. What a night this was!

“Hey, we have to stop at the Gallegers first, my mom said I have to check to see if their newspaper was picked up or not.”

“Do we have too?” Freddie complained. “Scott told me that there’s this one house on Western Avenue that’s all decked out for Halloween and real live monsters! Oh, and that’s not all! Screaming zombies that fly out at you on a rope and a bloody head in a bowl whose eyes pop open when you look at it. But, and this is the best part, there’s this guy, looks like Jason from the movie Friday the 13th and he’s carrying this chainsaw, a real one! He’ll follow you around and just when you’re not looking he pulls the cord and starts it up! Yeah! I’m not kidding you either!”

“Whoa…” This sounded too good to pass up. “Ok, let’s do it, we can stop and check the Gallegers house on our way back.”

We rounded the corner and saw all the people. Tons and tons of them, all waiting in a line down the sidewalk and even the police were there for crowd and traffic control! Freddie was right, it was cool and I even saw some of the monsters he was talking about. Screams and laughter filled the air as we got closer.

It was an old Victorian house, whose wrought iron fence was draped with a black cloth, cobwebs and gore was strewn everywhere. We waited, patiently in line, and it wasn't a long wait, thank god, because I don’t think I could have waited much longer. While we waited to go in and get our candy though I was looking around for that Jason guy, but I didn’t see him.

It wasn’t until we had gotten in and received our candy from this witch, who by the way was real spooky looking, that I saw him. Oh man, Freddie was right, he had a real chain saw and was following kids around the sidewalk just in front of the house. I wanted to stay and watch a bit more, but then that guy spotted me and turned around and headed straight for us.

“Um, let’s go to the next block ok? This was fun, but that Jason dude is headed our way, and I really don’t want to deal with him.” I was nervous and the closer he got the more I wanted to just turn and run.

“Chicken! He’s not real! He’s just someone dressed up like Jason that’s all.”

I started to walk to Whittier Avenue and this guy kept on following us. I mean, we were half a block away from the house and he still kept on.

“H-he’s not stopping Freddie, what should we do?” Do? Run and run fast and don’t look back is what I wanted to do.

“Nothing! Look I’ll prove it to ya!” Freddie can be brave, but this time he was dumb.

I watched in horror as Freddie walked right up to him and started to make faces at the guy.

“Come and get me Jason! Come and get me!” He was laughing all the while.

Then the guy spoke. He spoke in such a monotone voice, that it creeped me out. “You forgot the newspaper.”

"..."

Then it happened. I hadn’t expected it, but it happened. The Jason guy raised his chain saw and then in one fell swoop, sawed Freddie’s head off. It fell to the ground, as did Freddie. His hideous look of shock , still frozen on his face. I. just. Froze.

When I found my voice I screamed. “Freddie!” The guy looked at me and turned around and headed back to the house.

I thought to myself, “this is a nightmare!” I don’t remember running, but I did apparently, because I found myself back at home.

“W-what am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?” Then I remembered what the guy said just before he killed Freddie and I thought, if I don’t get the newspaper, he’s gonna come after me!

Again, I ran as fast as I could to the Galleger's house, and sure enough there was the newspaper. I bent down and picked it up. As I turned around my heart leapt out of my chest. There, face to face was Freddie.

I screamed.

One of my favorite holidays is Halloween. What kid doesn’t like dressing up in silly or scary costumes and receive free candy? I mean, it’s just a given right?

It was a Thursday, school didn’t let out until three and it was only twelve. “Oh my gosh could the day get any slower?” The clock on the wall in Mrs. McDonald’s room was purposely going slow, or at least it seemed so. She was droning on and on about some explorer, while I dreamed of mountains of candy I’d be bringing home tonight.

“Ethan…”

I was brought back into the real world. “Yeah?”

“Sorry to have awoken you from your day-dreaming, but can you tell me if we should celebrate Columbus Day or not.” She stood there, arms crossed in front of her and a very stern look on her face.

“I…” decided to liven things up a bit, “…believe we should. It would give us a day off of school!”

Everyone chimed in with their agreements, to which we were suddenly hushed.

“Aside from that fact Ethan, what else can you tell us as to why you would still celebrate it.”

I thought a moment, trying to look like I knew what the answer was, when actually I had no idea.

“I, ah…well it’s like this…”

“Yes…..?” She urged me on. I hated it when she did that, especially when she knew I had no real answer to give.

“He, he discovered America and for that we have no school!” Smiling proudly and knowing that I had actually figured out a pretty decent answer.

“Alright, I’ll accept that…for now. Anyone else?”

“I think we shouldn’t because he was greedy. All he wanted was gold and it didn’t matter how he got it, just as long as he got his way. The man was evil!”

Sara…I sighed. Sara always brown nosed her way in the classroom and with the teachers. Everyone hated her because she knew everything and didn’t mind showing off.

“Exactly, but he did do some good correct class?”

“Yes Ms. McDonald.” We all sung.

That’s how the last few classes went. Slow, boring and slow. It wasn’t until the last bell had rung, that I was running home and thinking about all the fun I was going to have. Mom was in the kitchen finishing dinner when she said, “Ethan, do me a favor tonight, could you?”

Oh, oh, here it comes, the old be careful, don’t talk to strangers, and don’t eat any candy until your father and I have inspected it first.

“Could you while you’re trick or treating stop by the Gallegers home and check to make sure someone had picked up their newspaper?”

“Oh sure! We were going to go their first. Mr. Galleger always dresses up and sits in front of their bay window.”

“Well, I hate to disappoint you, but they’re not home which is why I want you to check that out for me.”

What? No Mr. Galleger? He was the highlight of the whole holiday! I was disappointed. Every year we’d race to their house and he’d be there, looking spooky. We’d even brave it by making silly faces at him on the way to their front door. Then, we say those famous words, “Trick or treat!” and he’d come over to the door, open it, and without saying a word, other than growl, he dropped a piece of candy in our bags. It was so cool.

Dinner was good, although I don’t remember what it was because I ate it so fast. Mother kept telling me to slow down, but I had to get out fast before all the candy, well, all the good candy would be gone.

Ding, dong…

“It’s Freddie, time to go!” I leapt out of my seat and grabbed my bag on the way out. “See ya!”

“Be careful!” Those words rang truth.

“The streets were filled with kids running from house to house and all in the neatest costumes I had ever seen. I couldn’t recognize anyone, which was part of the fun and you could hear “trick or treat” from the other side of the block. What a night this was!

“Hey, we have to stop at the Gallegers first, my mom said I have to check to see if their newspaper was picked up or not.”

“Do we have too?” Freddie complained. “Scott told me that there’s this one house on Western Avenue that’s all decked out for Halloween and real live monsters! Oh, and that’s not all! Screaming zombies that fly out at you on a rope and a bloody head in a bowl whose eyes pop open when you look at it. But, and this is the best part, there’s this guy, looks like Jason from the movie Friday the 13th and he’s carrying this chainsaw, a real one! He’ll follow you around and just when you’re not looking he pulls the cord and starts it up! Yeah! I’m not kidding you either!”

“Whoa…” This sounded too good to pass up. “Ok, let’s do it, we can stop and check the Gallegers house on our way back.”

We rounded the corner and saw all the people. Tons and tons of them, all waiting in a line down the sidewalk and even the police were there for crowd and traffic control! Freddie was right, it was cool and I even saw some of the monsters he was talking about. Screams and laughter filled the air as we got closer.

It was an old Victorian house, whose wrought iron fence was draped with a black cloth, cobwebs and gore was strewn everywhere. We waited, patiently in line, and it wasn't a long wait, thank god, because I don’t think I could have waited much longer. While we waited to go in and get our candy though I was looking around for that Jason guy, but I didn’t see him.

It wasn’t until we had gotten in and received our candy from this witch, who by the way was real spooky looking, that I saw him. Oh man, Freddie was right, he had a real chain saw and was following kids around the sidewalk just in front of the house. I wanted to stay and watch a bit more, but then that guy spotted me and turned around and headed straight for us.

“Um, let’s go to the next block ok? This was fun, but that Jason dude is headed our way, and I really don’t want to deal with him.” I was nervous and the closer he got the more I wanted to just turn and run.

“Chicken! He’s not real! He’s just someone dressed up like Jason that’s all.”

I started to walk to Whittier Avenue and this guy kept on following us. I mean, we were half a block away from the house and he still kept on.

“H-he’s not stopping Freddie, what should we do?” Do? Run and run fast and don’t look back is what I wanted to do.

“Nothing! Look I’ll prove it to ya!” Freddie can be brave, but this time he was dumb.

I watched in horror as Freddie walked right up to him and started to make faces at the guy.

“Come and get me Jason! Come and get me!” He was laughing all the while.

Then the guy spoke. He spoke in such a monotone voice, that it creeped me out. “You forgot the newspaper.”

"..."

Then it happened. I hadn’t expected it, but it happened. The Jason guy raised his chain saw and then in one fell swoop, sawed Freddie’s head off. It fell to the ground, as did Freddie. His hideous look of shock , still frozen on his face. I. just. Froze.

When I found my voice I screamed. “Freddie!” The guy looked at me and turned around and headed back to the house.

I thought to myself, “this is a nightmare!” I don’t remember running, but I did apparently, because I found myself back at home.

“W-what am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?” Then I remembered what the guy said just before he killed Freddie and I thought, if I don’t get the newspaper, he’s gonna come after me!

Again, I ran as fast as I could to the Galleger's house, and sure enough there was the newspaper. I bent down and picked it up. As I turned around my heart leapt out of my chest. There, face to face was Freddie.

I screamed.

Birthright now in paperback!!!!!

2011-09-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Birthright: Birthright

The very much, long awaited Birthright now in paperback. You don't know what this novel has put me through to get it this far, me and especially Gaynor. Everything that could go wrong with getting a manuscript ready for publishing...happened. Then, when all was fixed and set to go to order for book signings, it happened again!!! I couldn't order, it wouldn't work! "So, close and yet, so far!" (that was a great song too, remember that one?!)

Anyway, I feel like a trueblood author now and I'm tickled pink to see it, to actually hold it in my hands and know that this was something I wrote. My parents would be proud if there were here.

Anyway, get your copy and pass this great bit of news on! Share and share alike!

A Rare Find

2011-09-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Winter had arrived and I was glad of it. I knew that with the snow and cold it would cover up all the ugliness the earth dared to show. I was truly wondering if this was the end of the world, because the more I thought about it, the more I would have to agree with my thoughts…just then Arch came to mind.

As irresponsible as he was, he was a good friend to me and to have to die the way he did wasn’t right and someone, who that was I still had no idea, but that someone would have to pay for it and pay with his life. I pushed the vision out of my head, for at least now, I had time to cope with it and the loss, but at the moment, after months of questioning and searching for answers I needed a break. Hell, the police were in no hurry to find the killer, at least that’s what it seemed like to me. Bastards.

Bundled up in my warm winter coat, I was out, searching for a job, any job seeing how I left mine high and dry, but then could you blame me? I was beginning to wonder if all men were as disgusting as those in that bar. Thank God for Lenny, because as far as I could see, he was the only sane man on earth, all the rest of them could just go to…I’ve been angry lately can you tell?

There wasn’t a whole lot out there that offered what I felt was good pay and the idea of going to work in another bar gave me pains in the pit of my stomach. I couldn’t do that again, not if you paid me a million bucks.

“Excuse me…”

I turned and was faced with a woman, I’d say in her early to mid-fifties. Short, gray hair sprinkled about, but what caught my attention was that not only was she middle aged, but she was stunningly gorgeous. She put me to shame. I looked down at myself and wanted to crawl in a hole.

I answered her. “Yes?”

“You look to me as though you need a job, am I right?” She studied me with her bright, crystal blue eyes. I was wondering what she was thinking and wishing I was telepathic, but no such luck. Then she smiled.

“Do I know you from somewhere?” I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. I mean, anybody else who’d of seen me on the street wouldn’t have thought I needed a job, so how did she know?

“I don’t think so….” She paused. Thinking about the question I assume. “No.”

Ok she was beginning to annoy me and I was getting cold. I had to get back to my walking and soon before I would say something I would regret. I thought I’d give her two more minutes of my time before I would walk away. I wasn’t going to be rude, but still, could we be more evasive?
“I don’t mean to be rude, but I am cold, so if you are offering me a job, I wish you would just come right out and say it.” Ok, that was blunt and to the point, and rude. Tough.

“So, you are telepathic I see, even better! I have a need for someone such as you.” Again, not really saying what I wanted to hear and yet, I still didn’t want to leave, not yet, but soon.

“No I am not telepathic, it’s just that you had asked me if I was looking for a job and so I assumed you were offering. Look, lady just get on with it, I’m cold and this isn’t helping me get a job.”

“You are impatient, which doesn’t suit me, but I like your style. You don’t put up with a lot of crap do you? Not that I can see. I’ll give you half a million to start and if you do well…then we’ll talk of something higher. You interested?”

Did I just hear her correctly? I stared down at her, my mouth gapping wide. I still had no idea what she wanted me for, something told me it was dangerous.

“What makes you think I’d take you up on this little deal of yours? How do I know that it’s not illegal? I mean, offering a person that much money, and on the street no less…I see red flags here.”

“Are you not a Dhampire? Because if you’re not, then I have made a huge mistake, but I’m usually spot on when it comes to people of your kind. I can sense them a mile away and your scent was very strong. So, what is your answer?” Still standing her ground and still evasive as ever, I was hesitant.

“Who are you? What are you for that matter?” Anyone who could smell what I was, had to be a threat. Being short and older didn’t always mean that they weren’t lethal. I was always told that great things come in small packages, and it always turned out to be true, so I wasn’t going to pass her off as something meek and mild. She was more than what she presented herself to be and I was going to find out just what that was.

“Can we go somewhere, preferably where it’s warm, because I can’t feel my toes anymore?” A shiver were ran up my spine and my teeth began to chatter.

“My house is just up the road a bit, do you think you can make it that far or should I call for my limo to pick us up?”

Limo? This little woman has a limo? The more she spoke, the more I became interested in this little deal she was offering. I figured she didn’t look threatening, and I wasn’t getting any bad vibes off of her, so I figured why not.

“No, I can walk, save the gas.”

We headed up the slight incline, up Richardson Street. I never been up that way, so I was wondering what her house looked especially if she could afford a limo. The wind began to whip up and nipped at my exposed nose and ears rendering them cold and very red. I looked like Rudolph the red nose reindeer by the time we crested the top of the street, apparently it dead ended and before us stood this enormous house. Shoot, mansion I’d say by the looks of it. It was something out of the South, Tara came to mind when I saw it. The house was all white with one door which was Emerald green set in the center of it. It had two floors, this much I could tell from the outside because there were two large windows on the first level, one of either side of the door and then three smaller windows just above. But what awed me the most was all the pillars that went around the whole perimeter of the house, tall, white and very Roman like in style, with caps at the tops of them. In fact, it reminded me of the pillars that Thomas Jefferson designed for his Monticello home in Virginia. Truly a vision to behold.

“You live here? “

“Yes, this is my home. Follow me and we’ll get you warm in no time, then we can discuss…business.”

She smiled at me, but it wasn’t a warm smile, it felt more like I’ve got you now type of smile. I was leery and began to re-think my going in. This may be a mistake, but then again that was an awful lot of money and I could use it right now. I hate being indecisive.

She rummaged through her pockets till she found her key and unlocked the front door. Marble flooring greeted our entrance to the foyer and with it a whole array of expensive and tasteful decorations caught my eye. I took off my shoes, especially when I saw the white carpet everywhere. That’s one thing I didn’t need to do, getting mud and gunk on something that I deemed as…expensive flooring.

“Oh, you don’t need to take your shoes off, it’s perfectly alright. Just make yourself at home and I’ll have James bring us some hot herbal tea. Does that sound alright to you or would you prefer something else?”

I still took off my shoes. Thank God I had reasonably new socks on. My usual ones always had at least one toe sticking out of them. “Tea would be fine, thanks.”

Slowly I made my way over to the, again, white couch and sat down gingerly. I felt like one big dirt clod with all this pristine white décor. As she sat down in front of me in a rather impressive chair, I could tell she was eyeing me up.

“So, this is the deal…Oh James Miss…”

“Jones, I mean, my name is Hadley.”

“Miss Jones and I would love some herbal tea; you know the kind I like.” He nodded without a word and left us to discuss business.

“I need to find something that was taken from me. It is my prize possession and without it, my life when it is over will be lost. I will be doomed to walk this earth forever.”
I was confused as to what she lost in the first place that would make her stay on earth even after she died. The only thing I could think of was her…

“Wait, you lost your…”

“Soul, yes.”

Hell Tower

2011-09-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Doing art, such as this,well, this one in particular was difficult. I don't mean creating wise, that in itself was a breeze, but if you knew the tower, what it actually was and stood for...and this may seem strange to you that I would react this way, but I felt like I was doing something bad...not that I was. It's art.

The tower is one of two, and one that I could not go to the very top because I am so scared of heights it's not funny, There was 178 steps to get to the top and I made it to where there was 96 more steps to go, so I was proud of myself for getting that high. I was really doing ok starting out, the staircase was wide and had a very nice solid wall and the steps were solid, but then we got to this particular level and the staircase was now made out of iron, not very wide and you could see through the steps, that's when I said, "no." I literally froze in my steps and begged my husband to let me go back down to that levels landing...I would wait for him. Good thing I did, because as solid as those stairs were, he said they jiggled some (mouth just dropped opened).

Anyway, this place is a Basilica, it's name, Holy Hill and it's located in Wisconsin. You can see it towering above the tree tops as you are driving toward it. Its breath taking. The grounds are beautiful and they have a life size stations of the cross where you walk to each station and pray. They also have a grotto where the Virgin Mary is looking down at you and water is pouring out of the stone...this too is water that is blessed so you can bottle some up and take it home with you (I did). Inside, there is this small, but beautiful chapel, where you'll see crutches and other aids, that people have left as a sign to their miracles of healings. I was in awe.

So, you can see why, when I put blood over this picture and a demon, that I felt that I was doing something wrong.

Published again!!!

2011-09-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

This will be a short post only because I should be doing my homework, but I had to post it and celebrate another success in my writing!

When I am in the mood to write, it doesn't take me very long to get a piece done, sometimes only thirty minutes. I love it. I recently wrote a piece called, "The Mattel Nightmare' and it was chosen to be published in the Satan's Toybox: Demonic Dolls Anthology, I am thrilled to pieces. It was a great and fun piece to write.

Ok, so that's it...celebrating that is, back to the grind stone.

Writing styles

2011-08-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you and how you all write, but I've found that whatever I'm reading, my writing tends to lean in that style, whether its Shakespeare (my Dark Love prose), Keri Arthur (Moon lust), Trueblood (Love on the Fly).

So I was just wondering if you have saw that in your own writing? The books I've read, I find that I love the authors, their style and storyline and the strength of their characters. I'm not copying what they write, but it's like with my art project I had to do. I had to pick an artist and copy a piece of work which he had done and then do a second piece using that artists technique and create your own...let's say Raphael! Which I did and which I had given to Gaynor, seeing how she herself had done the same picture as I had done in art class.

So, is it odd that when after I had read something, my writing tends to lean in that style? or am I just an oddity to the writing world. Mhmmmmm....food for thought it is.

Trick or Treat

2011-08-23T19:57:00.001-07:00

Halloween night, something about this holiday makes me like a kid again. I would wait for night to fall, then the sounds of distant voice yelling out the familiar, “Trick or treat!” It was more than I could stand! Then you’d come home with your bag full of candy and empty it out making a pile of your favorites no one can touch, to the pile that was just gross flavors or never heard of items.

Well, I’m all grown up now, boy am I grown up. Had I known that my body was going to develop into something that even Dolly Parton would be jealous of, I think I would have become a nun, as it stands, I didn’t know and no I didn’t hear the calling, visualizing this body in a habit…I immediately made my mind go blank. Anyway, I was invited to a Halloween party, costumes and all. You can imagine my look when Paul, he’s my partner at the law firm, told me I should dress up as a bunny and not the furry kind either. Did guys think they were funny when they said that kind of stuff? Apparently so, but it must be just for their gender, because you never saw a women laugh at that kind of remark. High school, that’s what it reminded me of.

“You just keep thinking that alright, in the meantime, I’m going back to my office where I can be an adult.”

“You’re so uptight Sara, gotta loosen up a bit, you don’t know what you’re missing!” Paul sniggered some more, jabbing his buddies in the arm.

“Oh, I know what I’m missing, and believe me, it isn’t much.” I walked into my little piece of heaven and shut the door behind me. I just stood there; eyes closed and breathed in deep. The world was nothing but a nut case. Isn’t there anyone sane left? I was brought back into reality when someone knocked on my door.

As I composed myself, I opened it and there stood the most handsome man I had ever seen. Tall, suntanned and black, thick hair, my fingers itched to run them through it. He was a picture out of GQ, chiseled features and emerald eyes that, oh, that drenched you their cool depths. I was drowning.

“Did I come at a bad time?”

What a voice too! Deep, throaty and very sexy, was I dreaming? I pinched myself to make sure, nope.

“Miss Kimble?”

“Oh, oh, um yes, I mean, no, come in…sorry about that. I, uh, I was thinking…” Yeah, thinking how much I’d love to just back you into a corner and…do things.

“Thinking…?”

“Yes, thinking that I shouldn’t just have you stand there and not…”Let you have your way with me. Now, I’m acting as bad as Paul. Snap out of it Sara!

“Can I help you?” Was all I could say, I’m so professional aren’t’ I?

“I’m here to assist, watch, and learn. In other words you are my mentor; I need to observe you and how you handle a high profile case. The name is Dylan, Dylan Whitaker. Did you not receive my email?”

I stared blankly at him, wakey, wakey Sara! “Yes, I did receive your email and I totally forgot you were coming today. I’m so sorry if I seemed all confused, this case has gotten me quite stressed out. So, did you read about the case, the file I sent you in that email?”

“Yes I did and it seems to be a difficult one at that. I can sympathize with you on the stress. I’d be stressed out too, but you come highly recommended and I’ve read so much about you and the cases you handle. You’re quite good.”

Wow, he read about me. I’m impressed; he has a mind as well as a body. He probably could dance circles around Paul. Paul…oh he is in for a treat. I was smiling from ear to ear on that thought.

“So, what do you want me to do today? Do you have any meetings, or whatever else you do as a lawyer?”

I couldn’t think of anything at that time, not that I didn’t have loads to do, because I did, but I didn’t feel like working on it, at least, not right at that moment. Work was the farthest thing from my mind.

“You want to go to a party with me tonight?” I can’t believe I had asked him. I hardly know the man and here I was acting like a school girl, no, like Paul.

“A party? What kind of party?” He didn’t look surprised, nor did he look like I was being a bit forward. In fact he looked interested in the whole idea. This is getting even better.

“It’s a Halloween party and you have to dress up. I didn’t want to go by myself and frankly, there isn’t anyone here that I’d ask…”

“Except, me right?” He raised his eyebrow and smiled. How devilish he looked. I sighed.

“Well, yeah, but you’re different. You’re not like them.” I nodded toward the others that still were standing around at the water cooler.

“Oh, I don’t know if that’s true. You don’t know me, we just met, remember? How do you know that I’m not like them?”

“For one thing, you dress impeccable, and your mannerisms are so much better than them. You act intelligent, which is such a breath of fresh air.” Then I gasped. You act intelligent, I actually said that, was I, I was. I was pompous.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

“Oh, you did mean it and I forgive you. Yes, I’d be delighted to go with you. What time?”

“Is eight alright? You can pick me up at my apartment.” I quickly wrote down my address and handed it to him.

“Eight it is. See you then.”

When he walked out, I wanted to faint, he had said yes to my invitation and I was going to be the envy of all the women here at the firm. Yes!

He came, right on time, but he had no mask on, just his costume, which was alright, he looked something like Hugh Hefner. I wondered if he had talked with Paul after all, I mean, it was Paul who wanted me to be a Playboy bunny. This was too close for comfort.

“No mask?” I asked.

“What and hide this face?” He lifted his chin and gave me his best profile. I was wrong, he was just like them.

“I see your point, shall we go? It’s getting late.” I tried to not act like a snob, but he was starting to rub me the wrong way.

When we arrived and was let in, it took all I could to get through the crowd. I’ve never seen so many people and everyone dressed up in some great costumes, some not so and some just outright lewd. I blushed when I saw those.

“Here I got you a drink; let’s go somewhere, where it’s not so crowded. Maybe somewhere a little bit more secluded?”

“What are you trying to do Mr. Whitaker, seduce me?” He is cute, but like I said, he was just like all the rest of them.

“Me? Why Sara you misjudge me. I just thought that it’s a bit loud and crowded and I don’t know you yet, so why not go somewhere, where we could…talk. Get to know one another better.”

Oh, he oozed charmed he did, but I couldn’t be mean and say no, or could I? No, I had to give him a chance. So I followed him. We found a nice place in the yard, far away from everyone and quite frankly nestled in a nice wall of evergreens. It was dark and secluded alright, I wondered if he was ever here before.
We talked and I told him about how I got started and then he told me all about himself. Seems he was top of his class at Harvard. During that time out there, he showed me his true colors. He was a gentleman, just rough around the edges still, but they were nice edges, real nice edges.

After a while, things heated up and I had to test the waters, so I let him kiss me and I have to say I never had a kiss like that. It took all my strength to keep me from ripping off his shirt and whatever else I could get my hands on. He was intense! I thought the safest place for my hands were on his face, so I gently held his face as we continued to kiss, passionately, but then something odd was happening. My fingers felt a ridge, just at the hair line. I didn’t notice anything odd about his face before, but no, there was a definite edge there. I began to play with it, feel where it was going, but he never said a word to me all the while I did that, which is good. Either he was so into me or, I don’t know what, but it was all around his face.

I couldn’t stand it anymore, I had to find out so I placed my fingers underneath it’s’ lip and pulled. A sucky, tacky noise hit the silence between us and within minutes it was off. I was mortified and sickened. There before me was a creature for all said purposes, not Dylan, whose face all pocked full of holes and indentations to which a thick, and dark liquid poured out of their crevices, vile and putrid. It smelled of decay.

“Ah, thank you for removing my mask; I was getting rather warm under there.”

Untimely Death

2011-08-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Next thing I knew was I was on something flat, cold and uncomfortable. My ankle hurt, and being not too coherent, I went to feel what was wrong, only I couldn’t. Pain shot through my left arm as I moved it. That wasn’t the only pain I felt either, between my legs felt raw too, God who had their jollies off me without me knowing or being able to partake in the fun, but I don’t think there was any fun to be had in the way I felt.

Handcuffs, silver and I must have struggled some without remembering, because my wrists were raw and red.

Wonderful.

I tried to get my eyes to focus, but whatever was hampering my sight, was also hampering my recovery too, damn. So, the only thing I could do that didn’t require movement or vision was to hear anything that sounded familiar, like maybe…”Lenny?” I said somewhat loud, nothing. “Lenny?” Then a muffle, faint, but nevertheless, it was still something, but not enough to register who it was or belonged too. I had to get out of these cuffs but being silver, any movement was like a knife cutting through, it also made me terribly weak.

“Lenny are you here?” I yelled this time.

“H…Hadley?” The voice was weak, but oh such a relief.

“I can’t see you, are you alright?” I waited on baited breath, hoping that he was,and that nothing was seriously wrong.

“Y-You sound so close, like below me. I am alright, barely, but yes.”

Below him? What kind of place was this? Below him…could he be, above me then? I looked straight up and there, something dark hung, a body from the outline of it, oddly formed at that.
“I don’t see all of you? I see, your head, arms, maybe your torso, but, damn if you’re above me, how do they have you?” My sight started to un-fog itself, and I was beginning to see why I only saw just parts of him. He hung above me as he had said, but by his ankles, upside down. His arms, pulled out from his sides, tethered to cuffs that had a chains which bolted to the walls of both sides. Shit, he was in an upside down cross position without the cross!

“Lenny, you’re …” He didn’t let me finish.

“Upside down, I know that.” He talked in breathy tones, like each word was a struggle to project out.

“What is this place?” He looked like hell. I wanted to punch, no, kill whoever done this, but who?

“Well, she’s awake I see, aw, and your wrists are raw, red too, no matter. You were so good yesterday, so tight, and oh so juicy, I couldn’t get enough. Damn, there it goes again, I just have to remember last night and my thing gets hot for you. You do turn me on, always have Hadley.”

The voice familiar, oh God and the smell too, “Donovan!” That would explain the soreness. I struggled to see where he was, but being chained down to…”a table? What are your sick plans Donovan? Not that I can’t guess, but clue me in anyway, I’m sure it’ll give your big timber a jolt.”

“Big timber is it? Why, remind me to thank you when I’m finished with your lover there. I plan on cutting off his nuts, just like he did mine. Then I thought I’d let him ooze all over you, sort of a reminder if you will.”

Ok, this sicko has to go and now, but the trick is, how? I couldn’t shift shape into my werewolf form thanks to the silver and I couldn’t move much, but after hearing what was in-store for my viewing pleasure, I didn’t care how bad it was going to hurt, he needed to be killed now.
Donovan wasn’t extremely bright, but he had a wild imagination. In keeping with those thoughts, I decided to get into his mind. Yes, it was my turn to have my jollies. I went in slowly, I wasn’t sure if he was capable of feeling anyone raiding his empty head, and as I pushed my way in deeper, I knew he felt nothing,good. He still had that sappy grin on his face as he sharpened his knife. It was murky, and the thoughts that I was running into would make even the strongest stomach lurch its lunch. I had to work fast, this nut case had big plans not only for Lenny, but for me as well. I began, oh this was too easy, he had no shields. When I had finished, I pulled out. Instantly, as if a light bulb lit up inside his head, he paused. Eyes scrunching like he was thinking, and then stopped all together. Without a word he undid my cuffs around my wrists and ankles and I then took over. I said my goodbyes and it was lights out for Donovan, for good. Going into a mans front pockets was one thing, well, a couple of things. One, it could be pleasurable, depending on the man, and two, this didn't even come close to that, in fact, putting my hand down his pockets, warm and sweaty left much to be desired. I wanted to throwup just then, but fought it back while I dug them out. Carefully, one by one I undid the cuffs, trying to keep a hold on Lenny was like trying to hold up a 3 ton elephant, I hadn't realized how big and strong Lenny really was and how weak I really was. I held onto him though, until I knew he was ok by himself. He looked bad and I wondered if he had the strength to make it out and to the car.

“You sure you’re ok? You look like shit.”

“Thank you for the compliment, so do you.” He half smiled at me and urged me to get him out of here and back home. He was weak, but we did manage to make it out. When I got to where Arch was supposed to be waiting, I found nothing. No car and no Arch.

“Son of a …I told him to stay put!” I searched the area around, but found nothing.

“I need to heal before we go searching.”

I watched as the air around him began to fog up and he began to transform. Bone, sinew crackled and whined as his body morphed larger and his muscle lengthened. It was something to watch, of course, our clothes never did handle the change very well, so we weren’t the kind to buy the popular line of clothing, the cheaply made jeans and shirts did just fine for us. His eyes, never changed from human to wolf though, they still were the same and right now they stared at me.

“What?”

He eyed me deeper, more intense.

“No, I’ll be alright, I don’t need to shape shift, but if you are feeling better I suggest that you change back so we can find Arch.”

Again, the air where he stood started to fog up and spread. The outer edges crept back into themselves forming the body I remembered and loved. He was a vision, all man and brawn with a touch of caramel silk to his skin, how I wanted to melt into him and be lost forever.

“If I’m not mistaken, I swear you were undressing me with your eyes. Like what you see?” He held his arms out to the sides. His come get me stance. Lord, if he didn’t have his jeans on or what was left of them, I would have attacked him right there on the spot, as it was, I had to restrain myself. Bad timing.

“You know I do and…”I let out a moan of pleasure, “…if it weren’t for that fact that Arch is gone, I’d say partay, but it’ll have to wait.” As much as that pained me to say, I was right and Lenny knew that too.

“Well, let’s get started then shall we, I smelled something just behind me when I shifted, so I’m betting he has to be off in that direction.

So, further north we went, up the road a bit till we came to a side road, gravel and leading deep into the woods. Something I don’t cherish, because when anything felt bad or had gone bad, it usually ended up in the woods and this time was not out of the ordinary, we found the car and Arch.

Dead and mutilated beyond recognition, damn.

Vamp Emma

2011-08-17T11:42:00.001-07:00

New book cover for Music Box Sonata

2011-08-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

Book Cover for The Legacy, (Birthright sequel)

2011-08-15T17:21:00.001-07:00

My interview with Susan Whitfield

2011-08-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com/

Here is my interview that I had done with Susan Whitfield about my novel Birthright. It was most interesting and different being that we had done this via email.

Go check it out,and pass it on!

Thanks!

Sue

#fridayflash, Love on the Fly

2011-08-12T07:22:00.001-07:00

It was another one of those hot, muggy summer nights, the kind that made you get angry at the slightest word anyone said to you. My clothes, clung to my skin, wet, heavy…God I wanted to yank them off and go butt naked, but still having my sanity I shrugged it off and went for a walk. The moon was full and the crickets were really singing away. Annoying little buggers.

I found the old creek just past town and I sat on its edge, dangling my feet in its cool waters. It felt good, real good and it got me to thinking, skinny dipping. I remember doing that when I was a teenager, not a care in the world and loving every minute of it. Billy, James and Lee would get in on the action too. We’d sneak out at night, just us boys and head on down quiet like. You see, folks back then didn’t believe in them air conditioners, nope, too proud. So, when it got hot like it did then and now, they’d open their windows to let in what cool breeze there was.

Laughing at dirty jokes we all heard and shushing one another, why it was getting away with murder it was. Sneaking the way we was and all, gosh, if anyone ever saw us, we’d get hauled in jail for indecent exposure. That’s why we had done it, it was dangerous.

When we finally got there, all of us, being boys and all, didn’t care if we saw each other naked, heck we were all boys, it wasn’t like there was a girl with us…too bad. Anyway, we’d be naked as a Jay bird and poking fun at each others, well, you know what I’m talking about don’t cha? I mean, it don’t take no rocket scientist to figure that one out!

Well, like I said, we’d be naked and then James, he’d always bring a rope to tie on the old oak tree so that we could swing out over the water and drop down. It was like flying it was. We pretend that we were all sorts of creatures with wings or, or just swing out to see who could drop down the farthest. Yeah, those were good times.

I remember though, one night while we was swimming and whooping it up, a pretty girl came by, watching us like. It un-nerved us it did, I mean, no one saw us naked, except for just us, but this was a girl and oh my, did she do things to my inners. Things started getting all fired up inside and I didn’t dare get out of the water, not that I was a fraid too mind you, but because of, well, getting all fired up.

“Hello boys, whatcha doing at this time of night?”

We all looked at one another and gulped. Lee had a funny smile on his face, of course, that was normal for him, he was always thinking dirty.

“Nothing much, why don’t you come on in?” Lee was trying to sound sexy, but with his voice being like it was, hoarse and all, he sounded more like a squealing pig.

“Why shame on you boys, now that wouldn’t be very ladylike now, would it?” She yanked at her top, and damn if it wasn’t night, I swear she had no bra on.

“Why sure it would, we’d treat you right now, wouldn’t we fella’s?” Lee getting all hot and bothered sniggered at what he said. Dang if he weren’t an embarrassment to us all.

“I have a better idea, why don’t you follow me over to the sugar shack just down the road and you could treat me and my other girlie friends just right.” She lifted her skimpy top up, exposing her soft, flat abdomen and rubbing it like she were buttering bread. Lord, she was hot.

We all just looked at each other and scrambled out, we didn’t care, we knew we were in for some hot fun. She watched us, and made funny little noises like her stomach was upsetting her. You know, moaning and all, I hoped she wasn’t sick or anything.

“You boys look so nice, your mommy and daddy did a good job making you.”

We smiled, wondering what the hell she meant by that, but whatever it was, it sounded good…I guess.

“Come on now, don’t keep me waiting!” She turned and started to walk away, fast too. Gosh, it took all we could to try to keep up with her. Shoot, Billy kept falling down on the dirt road because his pants still weren’t zipped up yet! He was all in an anxious rush to get her!

“Zip them pants up before you give yourself a concussion. What’s wrong with you?” I was surely annoyed with him. “She gonna think we ain’t got brains or something.”

“Well, then help me damn it!” He was a hopping and falling trying to zip and keep up with us. Man, it was a sight to behold.

“Hell no! I ain’t your ma ma! Dress your self!” Well, he finally did, but we lost her, well, not lost, she just got there before we did was all and when we got there, boy oh boy, we was all excited like ya know. This place was a brothel and we’d done heard what goes on in them buildings and here we was! Yee Haw!

We slapped at our clothes and tried to look sexy and all, but wearing jeans that weren’t exactly tight and plaid shirts just, well, we did alright I suppose.

“Come on in boys and let’s get to know one another like.” We did as she told us to do, but once in, we was shocked. It was like something from the movies it was. All gussied up with red velvet couches and chairs and shoot the lamps were even velvet. This place oozed sex and we all was ready.

“Let’s see Billy you go with Donna and James you’re with Lisa. Mmm, Lee, and I know what you’re like sugar so I’m giving you to Darla. That only leaves you handsome, you’re with me.”

I didn’t know how she knew our names, but I didn’t care and neither did any of the others. We was like lost puppies with our tails hanging between, well, they weren’t hanging anymore though! We just followed like bees to honey we was.

When we got to our room, Courtney, that was her name, told me to strip and lay down on the bed and she’d be back in a minute, then the lights went out. Oh my heart was palpitating like crazy and I done ripped my clothes clean off and jumped on the bed, but then I felt something, warm and soft.

“It’s me go ahead, touch.”

Well, I did as I was told and I touched and oh, I did things that would shame my ma ma. We was there whooping it up for I guess about an hour when I started to smell something rank, like something was decaying.

“Hey, do you smell something funny?”

“Why no, but go ahead and turn the lights on if you want, besides, it’ll be more fun if we watch each other, no?”

“Why it sure would!” I got up so quick, that dang, if I wasn’t ready again. I felt around the wall for the switch and when I found it, I flicked it up.

“There you go ba…”I screamed bloody murder. There on the bed was a corpse, rotting and festering with flies. The sheets were covered in…blood, bits of flesh. I looked down at me and bile rose up my throat and out.

“Baby, you tear me apart you do. Come on, let’s do it again.”

Vampire Girl By David Eddy

2011-08-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

She’s one of the undead that lives off the blood of the innocent. Her days are our nights and yet she doesn’t seem to mind. She's the seductress; and needs to be, yet it all seems so natural for her.

As she walks down the street at night, her long dark tresses fan out behind her like the fan tail of a fishing lure. Its result is the same; it attracts attention. It's like, “Hey pay attention, and look at me”. Similar to a moth that can’t resist a flame; they come not knowing the danger of her burning lips of blood red hue.
Yes, those rich full and very inviting lips. They seem to say, come taste my nectar, while her smooth and silky complexion looks warm and yet strangely cool at the same time. Eyes that are wise beyond knowledge, command your full attention. They draw you in and hold you: hypnotizing you with their clarity and color.

The look of sophistication and innocence at the same time has you hooked. You can’t look away. Your feet seem to have a mind of their own, and before you realize it, you find yourself walking toward her. Yes, like a moth to the flame you have no idea what you are getting yourself into. She smiles sweetly to you, her lips part slightly, but you don’t notice the brightly pointed teeth waiting to drink your life’s blood.
You speak but have no idea what you are saying because you are drunk with her nearness, but at the same time her scent draws you in closer and closer.

After some small talk she reaches out and touches your hand with hers; you notice the coolness. You comment and she flippantly dismisses it as having cold blood. Standing, she makes it known that is getting late and that she must be returning home soon; you offer to see her home and smiles saying, “That it is a nice gesture on your part, thank you.”

Offering your arm, you both leave the night club.

On the walk home she giggles and makes silly jokes about how beautiful the night is. You respond that the night air seems to make her come alive and she smiles darkly;” yes, yes it does.”

After a short walk you arrive at her apartment; and you offer of a night cap at her place which seals the evening, but a voice in the back of your mind is screaming: run, run away now!

Ignoring the warnings you follow her to her room. Delighted in the anticipation of an evening of untold bliss wrapped in her arms, fool, how little you know!

The last thing you remember before the light in your eyes grew dim, is the slight prick on your neck as she nuzzles with you on the couch…………………..

From the Inside Looking Out... By David Eddy (my twin)

2011-08-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat in front of a mirror and wondered what it must be like to be on the other side: looking at the world from the inside? Rather “twilight zone” if you ask me. However, really what would it be like? Would it be different? In addition, how do we know we aren’t already on the inside looking out? Think of it from the chicken or the egg perspective. “As I sat in my study, holding my quill in one hand and a crystal orb in the other; I wondered what my mirrored self was thinking as he stared back at me. Forever trapped inside an environment that never changes, and yet changes constantly with each movement of my hand. A skewed view to be certain and yet how is it that I am sure that is not my view that is indeed skewed?
Is the hand that reaches out seemingly touching my own fingertips feeling the warmth of my flesh or merely feeling the cold touch of glass? Does his views differ from mine, or tongue in cheek, do they mirror mine? How does he experience time? Does he age as I do? Or is this aging a reflection of him and in fact I am not aging at all?
He follows my every step; as long as I take the orb with me. This leaves me puzzled: what goes on when I am not in the room? This man, what is his name? Does he sleep? Does he experience the whole spectrum of human emotion, as do I? Where does he go when I am not in the room?
It is truly a mystery; what happens when the lights go out? The orb turns inky black and reflects nothing. Or is it the true nature of me that it is showing? Surely I am not the dark shadow that casts it’s pawl over my crystal orb?
I see books reflected on the orbs’ surface. I know that I am a lover of the arts, but is my reflection? Can he, does he appreciate the writing of Frost, Shakespeare and the scholars of long, long ago?
Is his flame eternal or not? If not what becomes of me should he expire before me, could it be that I would cease to exist? Would I become as the orb in the dark room; with out substance or form?
Oh, orb of crystal, what is thy nature? Are you merely here as an ornament, or are you here to draw my attention and suck me in? I wonder?”

Sneak peek at the beginning of "The Legacy", Birthrights sequel

2011-07-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

I was born in a world where monsters are real, that in the security of one’s room, evil lurks and there is no escaping it, for they watch and wait for their next kill.

The brightness of the blood that pooled around Eldon’s head in the snow looked like a halo, a devils halo. I did not mourn, why should I, the man wanted me dead, wanted Kane dead and thought that he had done so, but we surprised him, the fool. No, I didn’t mourn, I reveled in it.

I looked at Kane, half of me celebrated the other knew what had to be done, my Birthright. I knew who and what I was, somewhat, but what I didn’t know needed to found out. So much of my life was held from me and I still needed to know more, a lot more. I was a Rosewood, at least part of me was. I felt deep down that the mother I had always known, grew to love and missed, was not my true mother. How do I know this? I’m not exactly sure myself, something inside of me, something I sensed, an innate feeling that I can’t explain and that’s where Kane came into play.

This is a book that I plan on taking the reader into the past, as well as, into the future, for Candra's life is still a mystery and as she pursues her birthright, she encounters forces sometimes stronger than herself or Kane.

Full of action, mystery, suspence and cliff hangers that will keep you wanting more..."Do you trust me?" as Kane would say.

Abandoned

2011-07-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Abandoned and forgotten, that is what I was. Born like any other child, to two parents who I thought loved me, but as fate would have it, discarded me like old rubbish. Why you ask, because I was different, not to their liking, whatever that was. I had red hair, a tangle mess of curls, skinny, very pale and striking green eyes that would make the most expensive emerald shame. Sound intriguing? More pitiful if you ask me or better yet, ask them.

I lived in alleyways, abandoned buildings and sometimes in the fields under trees, which was my favorite place. There I could look up into their canopy and visual a world so beautiful. A world where unimaginable things lived, fairies, flowers of every make, trees with blossoms that perfumed the air so lusciously and people who loved me for who I was and not what I looked like. Then, at night, when the sky, black as ink, gave way to a host of diamonds that sparkled I would make wishes on as many as I could count, each one different and each one equally as important as the next. I still wait for one of them to come true and I knew that day would come, eventually.

It had started to snow and I being still young and in my youthful age of 12, caught myself running about, catching snowflakes on my tongue, smiling and not caring how cold I was or how hungry I had become. I lived for that moment only and it was glorious. Never have I been so happy. When it died down, so did I and then my stomach ached, ached for nourishment.

I was miles away from any town or city, and the thought of having to trek to find a place where food was discarded…I humored at what I had thought, discarded, so much like me and yet, it was worth more than I or was it? I walked, shivering, for all I wore was a torn woolen sweater, again, discarded in a dumpster and shoes that were also thrown out by someone. Someone whose parents bought them new ones surely, I wondered about my parents. Did they miss me? Did they ever think about me? I doubt it not, I was never loved. I wanted to be loved.

I walked for what seemed like miles and came upon a small farm town. People stared at me, their disgust shown in their faces, clutching their children and holding them close, as if I were a leper. I knew what that word meant. How you say? I really don’t remember, it seemed familiar to me. Anyway, lepers were people who were discarded, to live far away from everyone else. No one wanted them…just like me. I just looked at them and felt sorry for their stupidity and continued on.

Scouring garbage cans, dumpsters, I found little food, most of it spoiled and rank, but sometimes luck would hold out and I found something that wasn’t so bad and gobbled it up, only to throw it up later.

Did you know that churches were opened to anyone who wanted to come in and pray? There are, I’ve gone in them myself. They made me feel welcomed, like I belonged. I don’t how that could be, but something in the air just spoke to me. Quietly I’d walk to the very front and sit down and just feel a pray. I never knew what to say or ask for and I gathered it has to be like the wishes I make on the stars at night. So, looking at the poor man, on that tree, dead and wish away, but I didn’t see how someone, who was dead for all purposes, was going to help me, but just talking to someone, helped. He was like me I suppose, don’t know really, just a feeling, but he was luckier than me. People always came in here to talk to him; no one did that for me.

After having said what I wanted I would thank him and bow…I saw someone else do it, so I thought that was the proper thing, I felt silly. Then, back outside, where it was unfriendly and cold. As I went back out into the meadows, far from everyone, in search of a place to rest, I came across an old stone house. To anyone if would look scary, but to me it was shelter. So, I walked up to its windows, now broken, and peered in. Empty, as I thought, dirty and lonely, but I needed warmth or something to get me out of the elements, so I went in. It was strange, the musty smell of dust and mildew hung loftily in the air, but I saw the fireplace and for the first time in a long time, I smiled. There on the mantle were matches and wood on the hearth. One of my wishes had come true.

Within fifteen minutes a blazing fire was warming my very toes and I couldn’t help but sit there with a smile on my face and thought life was good now. Then a knock came on the door. Petrified, wondering who’d be knocking on a door, of a house that was abandoned? I sat there looking at the door, waited on baited breath. The knob, started to turn, slowly, cautiously then…click. My heart jumped at the sound. I wanted to hide, but where? I saw a closet and scampered quietly toward it and went inside. I sat down, there in the dark, and kept as still as I could, as footsteps came into the room.

I watched the light that was peeking underneath my closed door and waited for shadows of that person to show, but as the footsteps got closer, I saw nothing. I felt scared and I felt like I was not safe. Suddenly, the wall behind my back was no longer there, I gasped as hands, or so I assumed grabbed me and pulled me into the abyss, no more to be seen…nor heard.

“Welcome to my hiding place little one…” then silence.

Birthrights paperback cover!!!

2011-07-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Site Trail

2011-07-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.sitetrail.com/vamplit.com

I was looking on Google for my novel, and my name just to see what I had going. I came across this link and was amazed at the information it gave me on our site Vamplit.com. I was also shocked and surprised at my book, Birthright and my name in the "Content Analysis" section and it stated... "Out of the 1,211 unique keywords found on vamplit.com, "birthright" was the most dense."

Vamplit.com's home page is 106179 bytes in size. It has 53 (64% have "alt" attribute). Out of the 1,211 unique keywords found on vamplit.com, "birthright" was the most dense.
Title
VAMPLIT BLOG

Meta Description
Not available

Meta Keywords
Not available

Page Size
106.18 KB

Images
42 JPG, 0 GIF, 10 PNG
34 alt tags, 7 title tags
50 internal, 3 external
53 total

Keyword Density

birthright0.74%
sue mydliak0.74%
carole gill0.66%
grace mahoney0.58%
blog0.58%
howard0.58%
weeks horrorchat0.5%
issue fridayflash read0.5%
hosts humpday horrorchata0.41%
vamplit publishing hosts0.41%

I don't know how great that is, but I was impressed at the percentage! LOL!

Plight

2011-07-21T16:59:00.001-07:00

A house stands on the hillside, where trees sway in the wind as if in battle and whose fight is lost against its only enemy.

White, with dirt, smudged in its creases and whose windows, dull, let the faintest of light seep in, there I sit…alone. No joy has fed me happily and yet, in vain, I search till I no longer can bare its emptiness no more. It is a battle that I now know will never be won.

Hours on end, with curtains shut tight, dulling the pain that is felt deep inside, the sound of clicks and taps fill the void of where I sit. My eyes, squint at the light from which I look upon, where dreams are hopefully met, challenged and sometimes found. Most not though, the dreams that have been wedded into my brain, that are so fulfilling, never seem to come and I am brought back to my reality, defeated once more.

No, this house is not welcoming, it is not even loved. For every day that I wake, I shudder to think what I will be faced with again and wonder, will I endure it? Only time will tell.

They say that good things come to those who wait, this is not so, for I have waited what seems to me a lifetime and yet it fools me constantly. Laughing at my downfall, and when unnoticed, it rears its ugly face again when I persevere, thinking that I have a chance, just maybe. It is merciless.

Ah, I will not give up though. I know, that with all that I have done, all the beauty I have created, will one day shine more brightly than the sun itself, then, I will have found my peace.

Lenny

2011-07-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

The night was long, too long and the fact that I couldn’t concentrate on anything made it even worse.

“Hey honey, come here!”

I rolled my eyes as I looked to see where the gruff voice came from. It was a regular, one that I dreaded every time I worked and it didn’t help that he was always there on my shift. God, I loathed the man. He was in his late 40’s early 50’s, beer belly, wild unkempt hair; flannel shirt that screamed red neck and jeans that had seen better days. The fact was, if he wasn’t so bloody messy and slightly overweight, he may have been quite good looking in his day, as it was, he wasn’t now, nor was he ever planning on improving his looks.

I slowly made my way toward him. His eyes raked me over, like I was a meal ready to be devoured. My stomach lurched at the very thought of what he might be imagining and I, visualizing him, naked. Pure nightmare, and quickly as it came to mind, it left.

“Yes, what is it that you want?” I knew that as soon as I finished my sentence, I’d get a repulsive reply back. How’d I know? When a man has saliva, oozing from his mouth, like a rabid dog, it’s a dead giveaway.

“Well, now let’s see…” he took hold of my apron hem and pulled me closer. “I’d like some of what you got under that skimpy little skirt of yours.” He eyed his buddies and snickered like a schoolboy who’d just saw a dirty picture.

I gingerly took hold of his sweaty wrist, and pried it off my clothing. “Sorry luv, but that’s not on the menu tonight, however, if you wanted some action, I saw a cute poochie, outside, in heat needing much attention.

The roar of laughter from his friends and the shoving echoed in the dark, musty room.

He laughed it off, but I could tell he wasn’t too happy with neither me, nor my come back. “You are the spunky one; I like that in a woman such as yourself. Yeah, I’d give you a nice ride I would. What’d ya say? Interested in a stud like me?”

Stud? You’ve got to be kidding me. Was this man delusional or was he really serious. By the looks of his face, I’d say he believe himself to be just that.

“If you aren’t ordering any food, or drink, then you’re wasting my time and yours, because I’m not interested. “ I turned to walk back to my post when he grabbed my apron strings, stopping me suddenly.

“I don’t take no lightly sugar and I ain’t gonna start. So, let’s you and me head off to a room I have paid for and have us a real good time.” He pulled me back into his body, as his burly arms came around my waist. He was all arms and hands, groping everywhere he could and damn if he wasn’t ready. His erection, butting up against my rear, pissed me off.

I don’t mind an exhibition, but only when I call for it and on my terms. His friends, drooling as bad as he was, snickered and poked one another as they watched him get his jollies off me, good, they want a show I’ll give them one. I had my work shoes on, the ones that had the hardest wooden heel money could buy and backed kicked him right in the groin as hard as I could. A painful moan came tumbling out as he fell to the floor holding himself.

I looked at his buddies, no one said a word.

I walked away, untying my apron and handing it to Hank. “If Mr. Dearing wants to know where the hell I’d gone too, tell him I just quit.” And stormed out into the night or I should say morning, because it was 2a.m.

I wanted to get home and wash myself with antiseptic. The odor that my overzealous customer left on me was more than I could handle. Old, unwashed clothing with just a hint of sweat caked my skin, it was all I could do to keep from vomiting right there on the street. I hurried my steps till I finally reached my apartment, and there waiting for me was Arch. My pulse raced as thoughts of what news he had to tell me filtered into my head. As I neared his presence didn’t exude something good, in fact, I sensed something bad.

Out of breath and nervous as all hell I asked, “From the looks of things, your news isn’t good.”

“No, it’s not.”

I immediately felt the world tumble around me. Arch caught me before I hit the ground.
“Oh God, tell me he’s not dead, anything but that please. I knew I should have just ignored work and looked for him myself. It’s my entire fault…my fault.” I collapsed to the ground crying.

“Hadley, he’s not dead, at least not yet.”

Did I hear him correct or was it just my imagination. “Not dead? You sure? How do you know…and why haven’t you gotten him then?”

“Hadley, the reason why I don’t have him is that I can’t get to him. He is in a place that is highly guarded with security cameras.

I got up. “What kind of place is this that they have security cameras and for that matter, where is it?”

“It’s on the East side of town, by the river, in an old abandoned warehouse.”

“We’ve got to go there, now, before it’s too late! You have a vehicle?”

“It’s around back in the parking lot, but it needs gas.”

I looked at him dumbfounded. “Are you serious? You’ve got a job don’t you?”

“Well, yeah, but…”

“I don’t want to hear it, let’s just get going. Do you have money to get gas?” I was dealing with an irresponsible adult, great, just what I needed.”

“No.”

Ogripbar

2011-07-15T07:15:00.001-07:00

Like a serpent who quietly slithers on the ground
Quietly
You strike without cause or reason
Only to feed your need on your prey…me
And then
Unfelt
Lives on
Whilst I lay there bleeding
Dying
Wondering why you have forsaken me
You who were my friend
You who are that very serpent whose eyes
Uncaring
Ignore the pleas I hath spoken
And yet
Nothing
With eyes seeking, imploring the very depths
Of your soul ask…
Why?

Birthright in paperback!

2011-07-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

It'll soon be here, Birthright in paperback. I can't believe it, my dream comes true and so will all the book signings I plan on doing, not to mention all those who've been waiting for it to come out in paperback so that they can have an autographed copy. I have dream't of that happening for so long. I can't wait!

Seeing it on my kindle was cool, but having it in my hand, like a book, well, that's like the frosting on a cake. I am an author, a real, air breathing author, who set a goal to write a book and have it published. It's an awesome feeling it really is!

Summer Half off price for Birthright!

2011-07-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Use the code SSW50 at checkout
for 50% off during our
site-wide promotion!
(Offer good thru July 31, 2011)

Come on what are you waiting for? This book is one that will keep you going until the very end and then some! See whatever one has been claiming about this fast, but enticing story!

Summer free reading!

2011-07-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

Summer is the best time to sit down and relax with a good book! So, for my part in this relaxation I am offering a free eBook of my newly published novel, "Birthright". If you read Twilight and enjoyed it, Birthright is right up your alley!

So, why wait! Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54200

Code: RU28T

End of freebe: July 18th

Happy Reading!

The story of Werewolf Imprinting began in the 1800's By Eric W Jepson

2011-07-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Premortal Romance we tend to remember best in 2009 is the Douglas Stewart / Lex de Azevedo cheesefest, Saturday’s Warrior, but the tradition goes back much further than that.

Nephi Anderson started things off in 1898 with Added Upon, a book that at one time (at least in Nephi, Utah2) was given to every young woman to read. Added Upon was Anderson’s first book and by far his most popular—too bad, because it certainly isn’t his best—because it appeals to something deeply Mormon in us. It begins in the premortal realm and follows a boy and a girl from there, through mortality, to paradise, through the Millennium, and finally to exaltation.

Out for a premortal walk one day, Honan sees Delsa’s “sweet face” and is drawn to her immediately. When she sees him, a “pleased smile overspread[s] her face” and she explains that she had been making a “dream picture” of her ideal face when he arrived and that now her “dream face seem[s] to blend with [his].” Drawn together, they converse[… and] both faces [shine] with a soft, beautiful light. The joy within [...] too deep for words. [...] Instinctively, they [cling] to each other.”3

The story of Honan and Delsa (Rupert and Signe upon coming to Earth) thus becomes the prototypical Premortal Romance. They come to Earth, and when they meet, bond immediately. When Rupert first hears Signe’s voice, he is “spellbound” and she, noticing him, looks upon him “steadily.” One things leads to another and pretty soon they’re in heaven again, together forever.

It’s this mode of romantic relationship, popular in Mormon literature since Anderson came up with it, that Stephenie Meyer’s werewolves experience.

The most significant distinguishing trait of a Meyer werewolf is “imprinting,” the sudden and permanent formation of a mate relationship. Jacob, the novels’ preeminent werewolf, describes imprinting as an experience akin to gravity: “When you see her,” he says, “suddenly it’s not the earth holding you here anymore. She does. And nothing matters more than her.”4 Even Meyer’s human heroine, Bella, can recognize that an imprinted werewolf couple is “utterly right together, two puzzle pieces, shaped for each other exactly.” Through imprinting, Twilight’s werewolves find their “soul mates.”5 One party is bound to the other becoming the other’s “perfect match. Like he was designed for her alone.”6

The werewolves of the Twilight books never know when (or if) they will imprint on someone. Once they become a werewolf during adolescence, they may imprint at any time, and when they do, any prior relationship becomes unsustainable because an imprinted werewolf can never turn away from his or her imprintee. Sudden recognition that then lasts eternally? The Premortal Romance.

The very concept of a soul mate suggests that the question, “Whom shall I marry?” has but one correct response and that each person must live in fear of inflicting pain on others while seeking a fated, imprint-like experience. Spencer W. Kimball famously said (and his timing suggests he may have been responding to Saturday’s Warrior), “‘Soul mates are fiction and an illusion.”7 An illusion, a mirage leading one away from self-directed, agency-based mate-seeking and into a sort of romantic roulette in hopes of accidentally finding the one-and-only soul mate.

Indeed, a one-and-only soul mate, as demonstrated by Added Upon and Saturday’s Warrior, is never a matter of agency. In neither story is even the premortal falling-in-love shown to be a matter of choosing. It’s a matter of happening. And if such soul mates do exist, then President Kimball was wrong: soul mates aren’t fiction—agency is. The soul-mate conceit—the entire premortal romance—is in conflict with core Mormon doctrine.

So when the werewolf Leah—the one Sam rejected when he imprinted on Emily–wants to have her romantic choices made for her, Jacob rightly calls her on that desire, telepathically calling it “just another way of getting your choices taken away from you.” She parries that “Sam, Jared, Paul, Quil . . . don’t seem to mind,” to which Jacob replies, “None of them have a mind of their own.”8 Implying that, though they may be happy, it is at the cost of their personal freedom.

Jacob attempts to take control of his romantic interests when he leaves Bella to allow her to pursue another. But this use of his agency plunges Jacob into romantic agony, leading him to double back on his words to Leah and covet the agency-free imprinting process. “Seemed like maybe getting your choices taken away from you wasn’t the very worst thing in the world. Maybe feeling like this was the worst thing in the world,” he laments.9 And when imprinting finally does happen for Jacob and the imprintee’s mother takes issue, he can only protest, “You know it’s not something I can control” and “It wasn’t my idea” and “It was involuntary!”10 But, with his agency removed, he is finally happy. And, after all, isn’t happiness the object and design of our existence?11

Any attempt by the reader to resolve the apparent disconnect between agency and happiness requires a return to Meyer’s Mormon heritage and the climactic event in Mormonism’s premortal narrative. As Honan describes the conflict in Added Upon, the question was whether to “retain our agencies to choose . [...] [or] Without that privilege [...] cease to be intelligences, and become as inanimate things [...] [saved without] choice on our part.” This, according to Mormon understanding, was the central conflict of premortal life, and Meyer’s adaptation of the premortal romance for her werewolves revives the War in Heaven here in the mortal plane, showcasing the difficulties inherent in the premortal-romance formula, providing neither a “glimpse of past glories” nor an “atmosphere of peace and assurance” nor a sense of “why they’re here / [Nor] . . . who they really are.”12

Instead, Meyer’s werewolves are left with no comforts beyond those given them in relationships they did not choose for themselves. And Meyer doesn’t allow the question of agency to slip to the side with a manufactured premortal excuse. She has not forgotten that, in Mormon doctrine, agency “is the specific gift by which God made his children in his image and empowered them to grow to become like him through their own progression of choices.”13 The werewolves’ loss of agency in this matter suggests a stopped progression and complicates the pat conclusions presented in previous premortal romances. Speaking with Time Magazine, Meyer called “free will [...] a huge gift from God.” 14 By stripping it from her werewolves, by making their happiness dependent upon losing their freedom, she makes an artistic choice that resonates deeper with readers who understand the decidedly Mormon ethos upon which she made that choice.

Which is exactly we as Saints need to redouble our efforts to bring the gospel to these tortured souls. Just imagine the werewolves’ joy when you explain to them that they, like Rupert and Signe, like Julie and Todd, were not forced into love by the vagaries of nature, but encountered each other long ago, before the worlds were, as they sat in a heavenly counsel, surreptitiously holding hands as the creation of the world was planned.

from my kindle

2011-07-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

I just had to try this out and what do you know...I can type a message orpost on my kindle. I am so amazed by this!

New Blog!

2011-06-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am posting this to get my followers and new followers (if that's possible) to follow me also on my newest blog for my Erotic Short stories of the infamous Hadley Jones.

http://moonluscious.blogspot.com/2011/06/secret.html

Pay me a visit!

Author bits and bits

2011-06-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

I believe I can write, or so I'm told by many, those who are authors themselves, but one can never know the true depths that goes into publishing a book unless you experience it yourself. Oh sure, you can read what published authors have to say and the trials that they go through...just like you're reading right now! But now that I am published and writing the sequel to Birthright, I find that it's a work in progress, it never stops!

I don't know how many times I have read and re-read my novel,and just before I was done with the edits before handing it over to my publisher, I struggled to get through it. I thought if I read one more "Candra this" and "Kane that" I would scream, but you know, I'd do it all again in a heart beat because it's not just a novel, it is your talent, your pride and if you don't show your best, why even bother going through all that being an author has to do! Really, why then bother with finding typos, or wrong tenses or change a paragraph or two just so that it sounds perfect...why?

I am a perfectionist and I am with not just my writing, I was when I was a ballerina and I am with my artwork. Half the time I don't like what I've done, but that's the perfectionist in me coming out. I am very hard on myself.

Dancing for me was a struggle, although I excelled in it and performed in the Nutcracker several times and had my own dance studio, I never thought I was good. Could I do a double pirouette, no, well, yes, very slowly and it was like flying the first time I achieved it, totally magical, but I couldn't do a fouetté rond de jambe en tournant if my life depended on it and I so wanted to be able to do it. I worked my butt off everyday in class though and that's what I do now.

To make this short, if you want to come across as a professional, your work has to show it. It's you, it not only shows who you are, but it also tells the reader what kind of writer you are as well. Oh, and one thing, no matter how bad the review may be, don't and I repeat "don't" show your anger or disapproval, that is one sure way of looking unprofessional and what following you did have or want to have will be short lived.

Well, that's my speech, I'm not pointing fingers at anyone, just getting my voice out there.

Happy writing and reading to you all!

NEW UPDATE

2011-06-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Seeing how my Short Story called "Moon Lust" got such great reviews, I have decided to create...

"FangFiction" a Chronicle of the life and times of Hadley Jones the Dhampire. I'm hoping to post them all on Vamplit Publishing as a special section or just under my name (Sue Mydliak) that's already there. Not sure how I want to go about doing this.

You think this be a good idea? Then I thought, when I get enough collected, publish it.

Got a great cover already in mind! LOL

Horror Book Covers

2011-06-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Designing book covers is like giving birth, it can be a "pain" and sometimes no "labor" at all. There is a pleasure in the end result, when everything you put into it finally comes together and says, "THAT'S IT!" Not always does it come right away, but after many trials and errors (and I haven't had many of them)you find something that works and it unfolds in front of you.

My most difficult cover was "Water Hazard" took me weeks only because the author couldn't make up his mind and when he did, he didn't quite like it and it needed to be tweaked a bit (more like ALOT), and when the cover was finally to his liking...he didn't use it!

Now, of course, he wasn't an author from Vamplit, because all authors from Vamplit are awesome! Am I right?! I've never, ever had a problem with doing a cover for Vamplit, NEVER. In fact, I can usually spit out a cover in record time and have it turn out perfect usually the first time round.

So, all you authors, if ever you need a book cover come see me, I am the one who works for Vamplit now and solely does the covers, Gaynor may do one here and there, but it's mainly me. If you have already put in your manuscript with her and it's been accepted, you need to see me next and tell me what you want in a book cover.

Hope to see you all soon!

PsyVamps

2011-06-15T07:41:00.001-07:00

Info On PsyVamps
from LadyChrys

Basically on feeding, we do not have to bite; we can be in a crowd and feed off the person, some people with high clairvoyance can see these purple like tentacles around the psyvamp spreading out toward the person or group of people the psyvamp happens to be feeding off of. Energy feeding and hunger is alot like blood craving; psyvamps also crave blood, -- and I happen to be both Blood and Psy, so I crave it big time.

Basically anything with a "Lifeforce" we can feed from. I have fed from other psyvamps, mortals, animals, storms, I know it sounds weird but the power and energy in a thunderstorm can get you really high on energy.

I tend to lean more to the blood side but every once in a while I take energy. I get this parched feeling, like cracked, dry earth feels in a summer heat wave, and I can not describe how I do feed, -- it's basically instinct, and I reach out with my mind, and I begin to feel a drawing feeling around in my third eye, and sometimes my stomach feels like something is merging with me... Yeah it sounds weird but it's even weirder to experience and can be quite scary when you're being fed off of when no one's around you, and you're by yourself it feels like someone's trying to pull your soul out of your body... If you ever have panic attacks, this feels like a panic attack to me maginified by 1000.

Blood Vamps don't see Psyvamps as complete vampyres, and there's a truth side to that. They are somewhere classified between witch and a vampire, I figure; but they aren't completely mortal, as they are hunters and feed just as ruthlessly as blood vamps can, and it's quite interesting to be both Psyvamp and Blood Vamp. I was born naturally a PsyVamp and begin using my powers about 3, and then I was embraced or turned at 19 fully. *S* Of course, I didn't know anything about psyvampirism until I was 19 also but then I looked back at my childhood and it sunk in...no pun intended.

Book Cover Website updates

2011-06-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making book covers and book trailers, so I've had no time to write my sequel, plus, I've been a bit blue. Anyway! I just wanted to let you guys know I'm here still, not ignoring you and I wanted you to see my updated site!

"In the name of FANGS....BITE THEM ALL!"

http://www.wix.com/suesart/vamplitbookcovers?ref=nf

The Stone and Modern Science (Continuation of the Philosopher's Stone)

2011-06-05T07:09:00.001-07:00

Though the notion of a simple philosopher's stone of the alchemic sense fell out of scientific conception by at least the 19th century, its metaphors and imagery persisted: man's attempt to discover the essential secret of the universe, redemptively transforming not just lead into gold, but death into life.

In 1901, Ernest Rutherford and Frederick Soddy discovered that radioactivity was a sign of fundamental changes within elements, and it was Soddy who quickly made the connection between this and the ancient search for the philosopher's stone (Soddy had studied alchemy extensively as a hobby). At the moment of realization that their radioactive thorium was converting itself into radium, bit by bit, Soddy later recalled that he shouted out: "Rutherford, this is transmutation!" Rutherford snapped back, "For Christ's sake, Soddy, don't call it transmutation. They'll have our heads off as alchemists." However the term stuck, in part because it drew the new discoveries in nuclear physics into a longer cultural and mystical web.

When it was discovered that radioactivity was also tapping into a latent source of energy bound inside atoms, this furthered the thought that radioactive decay might be the ultimate philosopher's stone. Later, the discovery of nuclear fission would become consciously connected into the same narrative, especially with optimistic hopes of energy "too cheap to meter" and great utopian cities of the future run on nuclear energy.

New Review!

2011-06-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

eviews
Write a Review Add a Video Review

Review by: sarkysod1 on May. 30, 2011 :
MY WIFE FOUND THIS TO BE ENJOYABLE WITH A GOOD USE OF CHARACTERS AND PLOT
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

I haven't been around, busy making book covers, but I had to post yet another great review about Birthright!

Will be back to post my thoughts, I have a book cover to tend too!

Philosopher's Stone

2011-05-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

The philosopher's stone is a legendary substance, allegedly capable of turning inexpensive metals into gold. It was sometimes believed to be an elixir of life, useful for rejuvenation and possibly for achieving immortality. For a long time, it was the most sought-after goal in Western alchemy. In the view of spiritual alchemy, making the philosopher's stone would bring enlightenment upon the maker and conclude the Great Work. It is also known by several other names, such as 'materia prima.'

The Stone in Alchemy

Transmutation of Metals

The concept apparently originated from the theories of the 8th century Islamic alchemist Geber. He analyzed each Aristotelian element in terms of four basic qualities of hotness, coldness, dryness, and moistness. Thus, fire was both hot and dry, earth cold and dry, water cold and moist, and air hot and moist. He further theorized that every metal was a combination of these four principles, two of them interior and two exterior.

From this premise, it was reasoned that the transmutation of one metal into another could be effected by the rearrangement of its basic qualities. This change would presumably be mediated by a substance, which came to be called al-iksir in Arabic (from which comes the Western term "elixir"). It was often imagined as a dry powder, made from a mythical stone - the "philosopher's stone". The stone was believed to have been composed of a substance called carmot.

Geber's theory and the concept of the philosopher's stone may have been inspired by the knowledge that metals like gold and silver could be hidden in alloys and ores, from which they could be recovered by the appropriate chemical treatment. Geber himself is believed to be the inventor of aqua regia, a mixture of muriatic and nitric acids, which is one of the few substances that can dissolve gold (and is still often used for gold recovery and purification).

(More to follow)

The Philsophers Stone...real or fake?

2011-05-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I love audio books, especially when I am on my way to work and back. The driver's around me are so, so...irritating,annoying, rude, speed demons, and a few other words which I won't say on here because they are inappropriate, but you catch my drift. So I just place in a disk and away I am whisked into another world and if someone durkwad is on my tail, so be it, go around, I am not going to budge.

But I've listened to one other than the one I am listening now (did that make sense?). The last one was about the Salem witch trials, but it was where a girl, a witch, finds out about herself and who she is related too. It takes you back and forth through time,it was very good! It was also a romance type book. The one I am reading now, is about witches, demons and vampires, etc., and both had the same ideas and issues. Both were about the Philosopher's stone (gee, that was in the Harry Potter books as well!), which got me to thinking...did this thing really exist in the alchemist world? Was there such a stone that the witches or alchemists looked for or worst yet, created?

I think I'll do my own research on this stone and see what I can come up with and keep all you readers informed. Most interesting, wouldn't you agree?

The actual place I wrote about in Birthright

2011-05-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

I cried...here was a place that for as many times I have been to Starved Rock, I have never walked the trail to see it, but I had to this time. I saw pictures of it only and today I went and saw it.

Six miles and 142 stairs later, I found it and out of sheer exhaustion, I cried. It was so beautiful and I wrote about this place in my novel and then, to actually see the place...wonderful!

sans coeur

2011-05-21T17:15:00.001-07:00

Where he be, the soulless one,

whose passion stirs my blood and lingers there within my heart,

your touch when thee did part.

I wait in vain for next we meet,

in shadows dark and cold,

then happily kiss thy lips when near,

my love…

my heart…

come here.

The Clearing

2011-05-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Clearing

Cold and gray, the day wears on as I make my way toward the forest.

“What was I thinking? I’m not going to find it there, yet they told me it’s the only way.”

Talking out loud is the only way to keep from turning back and into the warmth of my home.

Icy cold, the winds’ breath comes sweeping around my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I quicken my steps.

Finally, it stands before me like a towering city, dark and foreboding. Beams of light cast their willowy arms through the canopy urging me in.

I take a deep breath and make my way through the maze of black soldiers with arms outstretched toward heaven, as if they themselves beg for warmth.

“How much farther is it!” I ask. “This is insane! If it’s not here I’ll see to it there’s hell to pay!” I press on.

After a while, ahead in the clearing, it’s like seeing a whole new world, the kind you only hear about in stories told to children to excite their imaginations.

It is glorious and sparkling like diamonds. My eyes pain at the sight, but Oh! It is heaven!
With winter soon on its way, I wonder why this is not so here. Stepping into the clearing, warmth penetrates my face. An inner peace seeps into my soul.

Finding a spot dead center, I sit and lift my face toward the warmth radiating from above. I close my eyes and breathe in the life that fills this place. Then something odd happens. Dizziness, with a faint pain deep within, begins to intensify. As if someone stabs me, the pain is excruciating, unbearable.

My eyes fly open, yet I see nothing. The pain increases and I scream out, but no words come forth. Panic gluts my throat, I try to leave but can’t.

“God help me! It’s evil here, I don’t want to die!”

I faint…

Opening my eyes I find myself in a room, white and sterile. Everything looks hazy. “Where am I?” I ask.

“Well, good afternoon, Katrina,” the doctor says. “You gave us a terrible fright. We almost lost you!” He smiles warmly. “I think we got all the cancer. Rest easy now. You’ve been through quite an ordeal.”

Interesting turn of events

2011-05-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Well, the book cover I am designing for Vamplit has left me frustrated, so I backed off of it last night so I wouldn't do anymore damage, but instead I have came up with a great idea! I am writing a very short novel, sort of what Stephanie Meyer had done, and create my main male characters side of how he met up with my female main character, Candra. Sort of, his side of the story, letting readers know a little bit more about him and how he came into to play. I thought this would be a good..."appetizer" while they wait for the sequel to come out. Something to keep their interest going until then. It'll be simply titled "Kane".

So far, its going loads smoother than my artwork.

My Vampire Name

2011-05-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Great Archives determine that I have gone by the identity: Sorceress of Scandanavia
Known in some parts of the world as: Leto of Bats and Shadows
The Great Archives Record: Slipping amongst the shadows, flitting between dark places, always quiet.
Get your own vampire name from The Vampire Name Generator!

Found this awesome little site, Vampire name generator and had to try it out. I have to tell you, it's pretty much true to how I really am. The "flitting between dark places" is true, because I'd go downstairs to where my son is either playing games or working on his art work and I'd just stand there until he turns around and finds me, scaring him half to death. I'm known as "ninja mom" Pretty nifty name if I do say so myself and I am quiet. Try it yourselves!

http://www.emmadavies.net/vampire/?firstname=sue&lastname=midlock&sex=0#a

Infact, I'd like you all to post what your name is on my blog here! I shared mine, what's yours?

Birthright now on NOOK

2011-05-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

It has finally made the infamous goal (I'm being dramatic now), but Birthright is now be purchased, online, at Barnes and Nobles for those who own a Nook! Yes! I was thrilled to see it there and felt so, author like?
It doesn't take much for me to get excited and this definately made me excited!

So, for those of you who have a Nook, go to this link and download my book!

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Birthright/Sue-Midliak/e/2940011280702/?itm=8&USRI=vamplit+publishing

And, please give your review because they are very helpful! Happy reading!

Birthright found on blogger, "Online Novels"

2011-05-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

I hadn't checked my author email until now and found this email from the webmaster of Novels Online, telling me that she posted Birthright and it's free coupon download. http://online-novels.blogspot.com/2006/05/recent-additions-temp.html

Saturday, May 7, 2011
Birthright by Sue Mydliak LIMITED TIME
The price of this novel is regularly $1.99 to download, but it is FREE on Smashwords by entering coupon code BH93C at the time of checkout.
When Candra Rosewood returns to Utica she's already missed her parents funeral and everything she thought about her family turns out to be a lie.
When Kane turns up unannounced on her doorstep, Candra, fights her strange need for him. Is he somehow involved in her parents’ death? Is the mysterious Mr Bennet a friend or foe, and can she trust him when he says she's descended from powerful vampires.
Birthright is a novel that opens the door on family secrets. Both Kane and Candra are locked into a shared past neither of them can escape. Evil is everywhere waiting to pounce. Candra must decide who is a friend and find out what her birthright really is.
When everything in your life is lost, whom can you trust and who will be there to pick up the pieces and help you put them back together, family or a stranger. FANTASY.

I had no idea!

Chapter 1 of sequel started!

2011-05-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

You would think that being at work, at a middle school would not be an ideal place to write, but it is! My muse seems to be in the mood to write, although at times tends to be difficult and the flow of ideas, words, seem to get stuck, but whatever difficulties I have been experiencing, I now have the first chapter written!

So, to give you a treat to what is to happen, I will let you see the first paragraph, but if you haven't read Birthright, my suggestion to you is...read it.

I never thought that killing a person would make me feel...complete, but when I smelled his blood, that warm rust scent, I had to smile. I had no compassion for the man,a man who hid the truth from me until it was too late. He ruined my life and tried to end it. I only regret that I didn't do it sooner, but then, I couldn't, not before this. It would have seemed appalling.

I will be amiss on Facebook, now that I have started the next book, The Legacy. You can catch me on here for updates and interesting tidbits that might be clues to the sequel.

Vampires and Pregnancy Originally posted to the VAMPYRES list by Javelina

2011-05-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

What should be expected from the interaction between vampirism and pregnancy depends on what characteristics one chooses for the vampiric infection, and may also be affected by one's suppositions as to whether a fetus should be considered human and/or alive. As an entity with a firm attachment to its hide in an intact condition, I hasten to add that these musings represent the purest speculation. No true wanderers of the night have any cause for outrage, regardless of their position in the choice/life/whatever street riot. The strains of vampirism tend to run along a continuum from biology to possession. The more mystical variants should be just as likely as other forms of magic to act on individual selves and lives, whose definition may become important.

Biological Models:
Some types of vampirism, of which the infections described by P.N. Elrod or Lee Killough may be considered typical, operate very much like conventional diseases. Among humans, some pathogens cross the placenta and affect the fetus while others do not. The outcome of the vampiric conversion of a pregnant woman would probably depend on whether or not the entity responsible for the infection does so. If it does, the fetus should be sustained by the infection quite as well as the woman would be. The fetus might or might not ever be born, but there is no reason to expect a miscarriage. If pregnancy progresses, the infant should be a vampire also. If the infection does not cross the placenta, a female vampire, almost certainly non-breathing, would be unable to support a still-human fetus. It would die, and, one _hopes_, miscarry promptly.

Spirit models:
Ricean vampires are infected with the spirit of a poltergeist that invaded the ancient queen Akasha. Many other wanderers of the night share a similar condition, in which the infection is not a living organism but a ghost or force transmitted according to more or less arbitrary rules. Here, one also ought to enquire whether the pregnant woman is (1) one life carrying another equivalent life, (2) a single entity, in which one life encompasses all, or (3) one life carrying a non-equivalent life or potential life in a relationship akin to parasitism.

Spirit model (two equivalent lives):
The woman, not the fetus, is being infected. The infection could behave like either the placenta-crossing or non-crossing biological infections above.

Spirit model (one life):
If the pregnant woman is a single life, a symbiotic entity, the vampiric spirit should maintain the unit in an unchanged condition... permanent pregnancy. Ouch.

Spirit model (two nonequivalent lives):
This might result in miscarriage. If it did not, the outcome would imply that *all* of the living occupants of the human body participate in the vampiric transformation. The normal bacterial of the human intestine, any possible mundane pathogens, and any possible parasites, would all be transformed. Vampire tapeworms, anyon

Dhampir: Children of the Undead

2011-05-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

Gypsies believed there were types of vampires called Mules. The Mule, although dead men, aren't the corpses of their prior bodies. Instead they wander around in new bodies that are exact duplicates. The Mule, although they don't drink blood, would occasionally reappear to their tribe and ask for their wives.

The resulting offspring were given reserved names. The Gypsies of Novopazarski Zandzak and Stari Ras called these children Vampijerovic and would name them Lampijerovic. The Orthodox Gypsies of Kosovo-Metohija called them Vampiric (little vampire) and would name the boys Vampir and the girls Vampirera.

The Moslem Gypsies believed that a woman should not resist the sexual assault of a vampire. She may scream but everyone else had to sit still and allow it to continue. The children of such attacks were called a Dhampir and believed to have the power to see vampires and destroy them. Others could see vampires by having the Dhampir hand his shirt to them and looking through the sleeve while the Dhampir is hunting the vampire.

The Softer side of an author...

2011-05-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

This isn't about vampires, romance or wolves, boring I know, but in this case...not so.

I was doing some reflecting, of things that I had gone through, and things that are happening around me...death. Many good friends of mine are going through tough times,although I can't name, names, because...well, just because. But what is happening to them, I, myself, have experienced...death, cancer. Cancer so many times I can't count.

Anyway, I was watching "Vampire Diaries" and Elena lost her only parent she had left, Jen. Yes, its just a t.v. show, but seeing Elena cry, not externally, but internally...it just got me remembering the loss of my own parents.

Where am I going with this you ask? I write best when I am mad or upset and so I wrote this little poem. It just came to me as I was washing dishes and I had to get it down on paper and out to the void here on my computer.

My father dear
had shed one tear
when I his child
did walk...

Then he did shed
a second tear
when I his child did walk...

And then a third
did he then shed
when I his child
did wed...

And then a tear
one oh so dear
when he my dad
did die...

Adieu...

Dhampir

2011-05-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

A dhampir is a being that is half-vampire and half-human, born from a vampire father and a human mother. In some beliefs, the vampire father is the deceased husband of the widowed mother. Dhampirs, in comparison with normal human beings, are unusually adept at killing vampires. The word "dhampir" is associated with folklore of the Roma people of the Balkans.

In the Balkans it is believed that vampires have a great desire for women, so a vampire will return to have intercourse with his wife or with a woman he was attracted to in life. Throughout the area the term dhampir refers to the offspring of a vampire and a human; terms for such a being that are used in various subregions include vampijerović, vampirić ("little vampire"), and lampijerović; in some regions the child is named "Vampir" if a boy and "Vampiresa" if a girl, or "Dhampir" if a boy and "Dhampiresa" if a girl. In other areas it is believed that the offspring of a vampire will "be slippery like jelly, and cannot live" (Vukanovic 1957-1959, pt. 3, p. 112).
Among all Balkan peoples it is believed that the child of a vampire can see and destroy vampires. Among some groups, the ability to see vampires is considered exclusive to dhampirs. The powers of a dhampir may be inherited by the dhampir's offspring. Various means of killing or driving away vampires are recognized among peoples of the region, but the dhampir is seen as the chief agent for dealing with vampires. Methods by which a dhampir kills a vampire include shooting the vampire with a bullet, transfixing it with a hawthorn stake, and performing a ceremony that involves touching "crowns" of lead to the vampire's grave. If the dhampir cannot destroy a vampire, he may command it to leave the area.
A dhampir is always paid well for his services. The amount of money varies, but there is never dickering over the price. Standard pay for a dhampir may also include a meal or a suit of clothing. Sometimes a dhampir is paid in cattle.

New Author website with "Birthright" item to buy!

2011-04-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

This whole promotion thing when you publish a novel is all new to me, but yet, I've got it down pretty good though! One never knows that there is a whole lot more to writing a novel, then...writing a novel!! It doesn't stop when your manuscript gets published, nope. If you are self publishing no one is going to get your book out there unless you get out there yourself! Post your book on websites, bloggers, tweet it, make sure you have an author website and then post THAT!

I just recently had business cards made for my novel, has my author name, blogger site, and where to purchase my book, but when I was ready to place my order for them, I got a mess of other things I could purchase with my business card logo printed on them! For instance, a cap, stationary, magnetic calendars, notecards, bag tote...etc. It was uncanny! So, I put a paypal button on my Author website and if anyone wants a calendar with my business card on it, they can!

I am so loving this!

LINK: http://suemydliak.yolasite.com/