This story is one that I've had sitting on my computer (3 of them now) for a while. I know eventually I'll get to it to write, but it's not been right yet. But for shits and giggles, I offer the beginning for a great read.
Excerpt:
The sound of the phone roused her out of contented slumber. Grabbing for the phone, Laurana Caellon mumbled into the receiver, “’ello?”
The voice on the other end began to speak quickly and franticly. Laurie tried to her best to follow the conversation but her attention didn’t catch up until she heard the words, “…after me and the jewels.”
Laurie switched on her bedside light. “Hold up, say that again. I’m wide awake now.” Grabbing the pen and paper she always kept there, she jotted down what she was being told.
“Laurie, I didn’t want to call you. I tried to reach JT, but couldn’t get him on his cell phone. The flight from Brussels just got into JFK airport. Can you get here? There’ve been a couple of incidents that make me wary.”
Laurana noticed it was one in the morning. She’d have to catch the overnight shuttle to the airport. “Why am I doing this?” she muttered to herself.
“Because we’re sisters and these gems are for your signature pieces for this year’s collection,” the exasperated voice on the other end of the phone responded.
Rubbing her eyes, Laurie sighed. “This is why I asked JT to not hire my triplet sister for courier duties. I’ve got to call the airlines and grab a flight in order to reach you, Tory. Go to where we normally meet up and trust no one. What makes you think something’s up?”
“Someone made a grab for the case. When I resisted, they told me to give up the jewels before someone got hurt. I swung around to hit them, but they disappeared,” Tory answered. “Normally, I’d complete this, but something is up and JT needs to get his security detail in on this.”
Laurana nodded then realized her sister couldn’t see it. “Yeah, it could be a lucky guess or someone who’s been listening to rumors. Give me three hours. After I take the case, then you can go where you want to. I’ll bring the gems home to work on them.”
There was a pause on the other end. “I’m really sorry, Laurana. I don’t mean to burden you with this. I know how much you dislike large places and people.”
Laurana smiled. “It’s alright. If JT had answered his cell, we both know he’d have handled it and still called me. I’ll see in a bit.”
Replacing the receiver on the base, Laurana struggled out of her covers. The chilly air in her room made her want to crawl back under the blankets. Quickly, she pulled out her clothes. Making a quick choice, she picked the portable phone, clipped the earpiece on, and dialed a number.
“JT, this is Laurana. Tory called and I’m heading out to get the case. I’ll take the jewels back to my workshop. Find out what the hell is going on.”
Laurana called about flights to New York while finishing dressing. Lucking out, she managed to grab the express to New York, which left in an hour and a half. She raced to finish dressing. Pulling on her biker boots, Laurana knew she looked more like a biker babe then a world-renowned jewelry designer. Snickering with mild amusement, she was out of the house and on her way to the Charlotte airport.
* * *
The phone woke him out of a dreamless sleep. Grabbing the phone, Ephram Walker was instantly alert. “Hello, Walker here.”
“Ram? This is JT Apollo. I’ve got a problem and I need your firm’s help immediately.”
Ephram sat up and grabbed his notebook and pen. “What’s going on, JT? It’s not like you to panic without a reason.”
The man’s words filtered through Ram’s waking mind. Possibility of industrial espionage, perhaps just a solitary wrong moment, but with the value of the gems the bonded courier was carrying, he understood his friend couldn’t take the risk.
“Want me to fly out to New York? I can escort the courier back to Atlanta for you. Then you can take the jewels from there,” Ram offered as he tried finger combing his hair. He was still exhausted from his last assignment, but it was one he personally had attended to be able to move on.
“Yes. The woman you’re looking for is Tory Caellon. She’s about five foot ten, long black hair, brown eyes. There’ll be a case handcuffed to her wrist, but that cuff won’t be noticeable. I’ll leave a message on her cell to expect you.”
“Tell her to meet me at the newspaper shop called Simon’s. Give her my description and the recognition word which is Hephasteus.”
“The Greek god of the forge? Apt. I’ll let her know. Thanks for doing this, Ram. I’ll pay you the regular rate plus emergency pay. My security team is pulling together records and such. I’ve got to notify the jewelry designer know there’s a slight problem with security as well,” JT responded.
Ram pulled on a pair of black pants while he finished his talk with JT. “Yes. If I remember right, your family allows the designer a major part in the jewel selection process.”
He hung up on his friend. Making a couple quick phone calls, he was booked for the next flight out of Atlanta to JFK airport. Tugging on his shirt, he chuckled to himself. “With my luck, she’ll be this Alias© wannabe or something. This is why sometimes women aren’t the best for the courier business.”
Sliding his feet into his shoes, Ram was ready to go to the airport. He hoped that Tory Caellon would do as she was told. Looking for her in the midst of that huge airport wasn’t something he wanted to do in the middle of the night.
* * *
Laurana looked for her sister. Born only three minutes before her, Tory was even more vibrant than either she or their other sister, Shanara. Searching the thinned out crowd for a tall raven-haired beauty, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
Whirling around, Laurana brought up her hand in a defensive position. “Hey, sis. Calm down,” the person who touched her said quickly.
Laurana pulled her hand back. “You startled me, Tor. Nice hairdo. Dropped black again, huh?”
Tory put her hands up to the newly reddened tresses. “Doncha love it? I know it’s closer to my natural hair color now. Plus it might confuse whoever it was that came after me.”
They hugged briefly. Laurie watched her sister eye her. “Still haven’t gone in to have your chocolate hair highlighted with gold streaks, I see.”
Laurie shook her head. “I’m not the hair adventurous type. I work with gems and metal, not hair.”
Tory snorted. As the sisters walked to the nearest bathroom, they kept up the banter they and their third sister, were known for. “Yeah and then there’s Shanara our mouth specialist.”
Laurana chuckled out loud. “Oh my god, if she heard you say that, you’d be eating dirt woman.”
Tory laughed. “This would be different how?”
The two of them stepped inside the bathroom and headed to the handicapped bathroom stall. Laurana smiled at the fact they were once again crowding into the bathroom. Opening her purse, Laurana removed a small case with jewelry repair tools.
“You burglar you,” her sister laughed.
Deftly, Laurana worked on the handcuff around her sister’s slim wrist. A small click let them know that once again, the Houdini triplet undid another lock. JT would have a conniption fit if he knew that the girls easily bypassed every security measure in place, just to see if it was possible. Tory handed the briefcase and the handcuff to Laurie. “You do realize that if anyone ever realized how dangerous you are-“
Laurie gave an unladylike snort that echoed in the small stall. “As if. People look at me and say how nice, adorable, and sweet I am. They’d not realize how dangerous I am until it’s too late.”
Both girls shared a laugh and a hug. Laurana looked at her watch. “You’re booked on the flight to meet with Shanara?”
They walked out of the bathroom as a couple of women entered. Both of them said nothing until they were outside the door. “Yeah, our sister will pick me up when I arrive. I’m going to lay low and give a couple of assignments to her or one of the others.”
Laurana nodded. “How’s things with Gregori?”
Gregori was an old friend, Tory’s ex-boyfriend. She knew her sister didn’t speak much of the guy who also helped create “Déjà vu Couriers.” She waited, knowing it would irk her sister more.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Flash Friday- Open Up and Say Aaah!
This is for Nik--- and I know she's going to want this bugger finished. *sighs and runs into the hills*
-------------------------------------------------------------
The red-headed Fey woman stepped through the door of the bar, knowing that if there was anywhere she could get laid, this would be the place to find him. Yes, him. Granted she didn't mind a woman once in a while, but gods be damned, she needed a cock but bad. As the luscious decor caught her attention, Maeyla grinned. Only one man would have the audacity to decorate a paranormal bar with pictures from the early days of film. One picture in particular stopped her dead. It was one where Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr stood together as Dracula and the Wolfman. She hoped he was at the top of his game otherwise she'd bring him to his knees.
Sauntering towards the bar, she stopped when she saw the owner. They say that he was beyond finicky now in his tastes when it came to romance and more. "Cody, darling, do me a favour--find me someone to screw or so help me, you're gonna have a riot on your hands." She spoke clearly, allowing her soft Fey voice to carry with every sexual nuance she could weight it with.
The tall vampire came out from behind the bar, shaking his head. "Darling, you know how I feel about women like you being so bold."
Maeyla chuckled and kissed the corner of Cody's lips. "You had no problem with that night a while back."
He kissed the palm of her hand, sending a frisson of desire through her body. "That was different and you know why. Why do you need to be laid so badly?"
She allowed him to direct her to a slightly darkened corner of the bar, ensconcing her away from everyone else. Cody was protective of her. Had been since the day they met when his vampire fangs had first taken root, pushing out his original teeth. "Because when people learn I am the Tooth Fairy, they don't see me as a sexual needy woman but as a kid's fairy. I've not had anyone since..." she paused, thinking just how long it had been. "...not since that night where you watched me and Yamir go at it in the dungeons."
One brow of Cody's lifted. "That long? Shit, Mae. Why have you waited this long?" He slid her a drink that was a purplish pink in colour with a long straw. "It's called Open Up and Say Aaah, in your honor."
She sipped it carefully, letting the alcohol heighten her neediness this night. "Oh, this is good. "I never meant to wait so long. But refer to earlier comment. When people find out that you're the freaking Tooth Fairy, they don't want to screw with that. They want a sexy Seelie or Unseelie Fey. They don't really see who I am and what I am." Maeyla glanced around at the bar, noting the various vampires, shifters, and mortals within the place. "I need to take the edge off, Cody. I know you. I know what you can do. I've heard rumours." She leaned over the bar, tugging on his shirt until they were gazing into each other's eyes. "Listen to me close, vampire. If I don't get laid, I will rip your vampire fangs out and do it without any pain killer that I can give you with my touch-- understood? I don't want forever, I don't want maybe...I just want to have mind-blowing sex so I can get on with my life."
Cody laughed, reaching out to brush back her hair. "Any requests?"
Maeyla thought for a moment, then grinned brightly. "He has to enjoy biting and being bit. Otherwise, I'll never have any fun."
Cody groaned softly. "Evil. I remember your biting. Gods, there are so many men...you sure you want this from me?"
Maeyla licked her lips. "It's that or..."
Cody nodded, placing one finger over her full lips. "I know. I know. You forget how much you told me that night. Let me think and see what I can do."
-------------------------------------------------------------
The red-headed Fey woman stepped through the door of the bar, knowing that if there was anywhere she could get laid, this would be the place to find him. Yes, him. Granted she didn't mind a woman once in a while, but gods be damned, she needed a cock but bad. As the luscious decor caught her attention, Maeyla grinned. Only one man would have the audacity to decorate a paranormal bar with pictures from the early days of film. One picture in particular stopped her dead. It was one where Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr stood together as Dracula and the Wolfman. She hoped he was at the top of his game otherwise she'd bring him to his knees.
Sauntering towards the bar, she stopped when she saw the owner. They say that he was beyond finicky now in his tastes when it came to romance and more. "Cody, darling, do me a favour--find me someone to screw or so help me, you're gonna have a riot on your hands." She spoke clearly, allowing her soft Fey voice to carry with every sexual nuance she could weight it with.
The tall vampire came out from behind the bar, shaking his head. "Darling, you know how I feel about women like you being so bold."
Maeyla chuckled and kissed the corner of Cody's lips. "You had no problem with that night a while back."
He kissed the palm of her hand, sending a frisson of desire through her body. "That was different and you know why. Why do you need to be laid so badly?"
She allowed him to direct her to a slightly darkened corner of the bar, ensconcing her away from everyone else. Cody was protective of her. Had been since the day they met when his vampire fangs had first taken root, pushing out his original teeth. "Because when people learn I am the Tooth Fairy, they don't see me as a sexual needy woman but as a kid's fairy. I've not had anyone since..." she paused, thinking just how long it had been. "...not since that night where you watched me and Yamir go at it in the dungeons."
One brow of Cody's lifted. "That long? Shit, Mae. Why have you waited this long?" He slid her a drink that was a purplish pink in colour with a long straw. "It's called Open Up and Say Aaah, in your honor."
She sipped it carefully, letting the alcohol heighten her neediness this night. "Oh, this is good. "I never meant to wait so long. But refer to earlier comment. When people find out that you're the freaking Tooth Fairy, they don't want to screw with that. They want a sexy Seelie or Unseelie Fey. They don't really see who I am and what I am." Maeyla glanced around at the bar, noting the various vampires, shifters, and mortals within the place. "I need to take the edge off, Cody. I know you. I know what you can do. I've heard rumours." She leaned over the bar, tugging on his shirt until they were gazing into each other's eyes. "Listen to me close, vampire. If I don't get laid, I will rip your vampire fangs out and do it without any pain killer that I can give you with my touch-- understood? I don't want forever, I don't want maybe...I just want to have mind-blowing sex so I can get on with my life."
Cody laughed, reaching out to brush back her hair. "Any requests?"
Maeyla thought for a moment, then grinned brightly. "He has to enjoy biting and being bit. Otherwise, I'll never have any fun."
Cody groaned softly. "Evil. I remember your biting. Gods, there are so many men...you sure you want this from me?"
Maeyla licked her lips. "It's that or..."
Cody nodded, placing one finger over her full lips. "I know. I know. You forget how much you told me that night. Let me think and see what I can do."
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Exploring Love and Romance for Writers and Readers
I am not a pure romance writer. Let me state that upfront. What I write is women's action-adventure fiction with strong erotic romance elements. It's a mouthful, I admit, but it's the truest way of knowing what I write. But, most of my fiction writing is considered romance--unless you're one of my male readers who say I write mainstream with hot sex scenes they enjoy. Since I started writing with the goal of being published, my writing has evolved as has my perception of what I write.
Every fiction book you read is based on the concept of love. Don't shake your head at me, listen while I explain. Love is in every book because love takes many forms. It's about the lack of love--like murdering or scaring someone. Or about finding love. Or about family love, national love, or even friendly love. The base of every fiction story relates to love and the lack of it. Love isn't just romantic, but encompasses a great many things. So, the next time you pick up a fantasy or action novel--ask yourself--what is the love theme of the story. You might just be surprised on what you discover.
Now, romance is about romantic love. It's about not having it at first and finally achieving it at the end. Romance books deal not just with realistic love, but with ideals as well. It reminds us of those days when we were head-over-heels in love, giddy with excitement, fighting it while knowing in our hearts that we want that chance to be with someone who loves us just as much. Men and women look at romance differently. But--it's not really all the different except in how the tales are presented.
Men are more driven on actions, on doing, on showing. Women like to know, to feel, to explore. A damn good romance novel will appeal to both sexes if it mixes both male and female aspects of love. It might be something as the hero buying her a small gift she wanted but hadn't asked for. He might not tell her that he bought it to make her happy--but he's showing love. For her, she might make him a meal, or even massage him, telling him how much he means to her. How he makes her feel. That's her showing love. When you can show both, including the misunderstandings, the not seeing what they mean--you deepen the process of falling in love.
I know some writers who write romance and have no sex scenes in their stories, but the makeout sessions are damn hot. There are other authors who have explicit sex scenes, exploring various facets of sexuality. *raises hand high* The physical expression of love is a huge thing for guys. For them it's the most visible way of showing they care. Yes, sex for sex sake is common, but when a guy cares--it shifts in how it presents itself. For women, it's the mental and emotional stimulation that helps bring the physical expression to that higher level.
Now, I explore sexuality a lot in my books--including menage, polyamory, couples of same sex and hetero couples. For me, sexuality isn't confined to one isolated view, but to multiple views that allow the full depth of love to be expressed physically and emotionally. Some people aren't comfortable with dealing on those areas, but within the idea of a romance--they're willing to explore those areas that they aren't willing to try personally for whatever reason. Which is why I enjoy writing those romances that stretch the boundaries, introduce concepts of polyamory, menage, and various other lifestyles like BDSM, etc. Sometimes by reading those books, the reader not only learns more about what it could be like if they tried, but they open up to others who are active participants in those lifestyles. It's that love of humanity thing making its way around.
For me, the challenge in writing erotic romantic adventure fiction is to make it believable even if it's paranormal or fantasy in nature. To make you put aside what you know and to enjoy the moment of the story--knowing that at the end--there will be satisfying resolutions and in some cases--the traditional happily ever after. Now, one thing to realize in my stories is that there is only one of my written, but unpublished stories that have a wedding occurring. My stories end with where they're in love, willing to work on the relationship and commit to each other on some level.
For women, it's this storyline--the meeting and the falling in love that really gets to women. It's a reminder that no matter how the relationship is now in their lives--that they can recall how they fell in love while renewing that passion by reading romance. Men for the most part get a bad rap about forgetting anniversaries, birthdays, etc. But for them, it's not the falling in love part that gets to them. It's the day in, day out of being with the woman they've chosen and that she's still there that reminds them of the power of love.
If men really want to know how many women view romance and being romanced--pick up a romance novel. If you've got a woman who's not quite the sweet, quiet type--you might want to pick up an erotic romance that pushes boundaries. See how the process of falling in love is presented and why women enjoy it so much. Every thing you do and more importantly, everything you say affects this process. When you're aware that if you just caress her cheek, smile at her and tell her she's fantastic and that she'll kiss you or blush--know that you're seducing her and she's responding to your cues.
Women--men like actions. Show them you love them. Hell, seduce them. Need help-- pick up those romance novels, find your favourites seduction scenes and put one together for him. Men like to be acknowledged for all they do to provide things, even if they don't share their minds and souls on how they feel. By showing them how to add the words to the actions, they'll start responding in kind. Remember that it's a two-way street: if you want to be romanced then you have to romance them in the way they need.
When I write romance or even an emotional scene, I look at it from both point of views--hero and heroine. I see who has the most impact and I write from that viewpoint. Sometimes we need to see the hero taking that step into expressing how he feels, even if he can't yet tell the heroine. Other times, it's the heroine's POV and showing how she goes out of her way to seduce the hero or even to show when she realizes she's fallen for him. For me, presenting both POV at various times allows the readers to bond with both characters and gives insight into how relationships work for both romantic and for friendship.
I write mainstream action-adventure fiction with strong erotic romantic elements. To me, nothing is more important than showing how relationships form and dissolve as life progresses, including during crises. Sometimes people find their soulmates, sometimes they find their heartmates. Othertimes it's a true friend that makes life better. What matters is how they learn, grow, and experience love in all its possibilities in the story--all while making sure that the story keeps the reader hooked. One good trilogy that to me epitomizes how romance and more blooms under crises is the Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. For those of you who are going, "what romance? What love?" you need to reread those books. You took in the relationships and encouraged them or worried on them without ever realizing that there was romance in the stories. My stories are more obvious, but most men seem to like them even with the happily-ever after endings.
Every fiction book you read is based on the concept of love. Don't shake your head at me, listen while I explain. Love is in every book because love takes many forms. It's about the lack of love--like murdering or scaring someone. Or about finding love. Or about family love, national love, or even friendly love. The base of every fiction story relates to love and the lack of it. Love isn't just romantic, but encompasses a great many things. So, the next time you pick up a fantasy or action novel--ask yourself--what is the love theme of the story. You might just be surprised on what you discover.
Now, romance is about romantic love. It's about not having it at first and finally achieving it at the end. Romance books deal not just with realistic love, but with ideals as well. It reminds us of those days when we were head-over-heels in love, giddy with excitement, fighting it while knowing in our hearts that we want that chance to be with someone who loves us just as much. Men and women look at romance differently. But--it's not really all the different except in how the tales are presented.
Men are more driven on actions, on doing, on showing. Women like to know, to feel, to explore. A damn good romance novel will appeal to both sexes if it mixes both male and female aspects of love. It might be something as the hero buying her a small gift she wanted but hadn't asked for. He might not tell her that he bought it to make her happy--but he's showing love. For her, she might make him a meal, or even massage him, telling him how much he means to her. How he makes her feel. That's her showing love. When you can show both, including the misunderstandings, the not seeing what they mean--you deepen the process of falling in love.
I know some writers who write romance and have no sex scenes in their stories, but the makeout sessions are damn hot. There are other authors who have explicit sex scenes, exploring various facets of sexuality. *raises hand high* The physical expression of love is a huge thing for guys. For them it's the most visible way of showing they care. Yes, sex for sex sake is common, but when a guy cares--it shifts in how it presents itself. For women, it's the mental and emotional stimulation that helps bring the physical expression to that higher level.
Now, I explore sexuality a lot in my books--including menage, polyamory, couples of same sex and hetero couples. For me, sexuality isn't confined to one isolated view, but to multiple views that allow the full depth of love to be expressed physically and emotionally. Some people aren't comfortable with dealing on those areas, but within the idea of a romance--they're willing to explore those areas that they aren't willing to try personally for whatever reason. Which is why I enjoy writing those romances that stretch the boundaries, introduce concepts of polyamory, menage, and various other lifestyles like BDSM, etc. Sometimes by reading those books, the reader not only learns more about what it could be like if they tried, but they open up to others who are active participants in those lifestyles. It's that love of humanity thing making its way around.
For me, the challenge in writing erotic romantic adventure fiction is to make it believable even if it's paranormal or fantasy in nature. To make you put aside what you know and to enjoy the moment of the story--knowing that at the end--there will be satisfying resolutions and in some cases--the traditional happily ever after. Now, one thing to realize in my stories is that there is only one of my written, but unpublished stories that have a wedding occurring. My stories end with where they're in love, willing to work on the relationship and commit to each other on some level.
For women, it's this storyline--the meeting and the falling in love that really gets to women. It's a reminder that no matter how the relationship is now in their lives--that they can recall how they fell in love while renewing that passion by reading romance. Men for the most part get a bad rap about forgetting anniversaries, birthdays, etc. But for them, it's not the falling in love part that gets to them. It's the day in, day out of being with the woman they've chosen and that she's still there that reminds them of the power of love.
If men really want to know how many women view romance and being romanced--pick up a romance novel. If you've got a woman who's not quite the sweet, quiet type--you might want to pick up an erotic romance that pushes boundaries. See how the process of falling in love is presented and why women enjoy it so much. Every thing you do and more importantly, everything you say affects this process. When you're aware that if you just caress her cheek, smile at her and tell her she's fantastic and that she'll kiss you or blush--know that you're seducing her and she's responding to your cues.
Women--men like actions. Show them you love them. Hell, seduce them. Need help-- pick up those romance novels, find your favourites seduction scenes and put one together for him. Men like to be acknowledged for all they do to provide things, even if they don't share their minds and souls on how they feel. By showing them how to add the words to the actions, they'll start responding in kind. Remember that it's a two-way street: if you want to be romanced then you have to romance them in the way they need.
When I write romance or even an emotional scene, I look at it from both point of views--hero and heroine. I see who has the most impact and I write from that viewpoint. Sometimes we need to see the hero taking that step into expressing how he feels, even if he can't yet tell the heroine. Other times, it's the heroine's POV and showing how she goes out of her way to seduce the hero or even to show when she realizes she's fallen for him. For me, presenting both POV at various times allows the readers to bond with both characters and gives insight into how relationships work for both romantic and for friendship.
I write mainstream action-adventure fiction with strong erotic romantic elements. To me, nothing is more important than showing how relationships form and dissolve as life progresses, including during crises. Sometimes people find their soulmates, sometimes they find their heartmates. Othertimes it's a true friend that makes life better. What matters is how they learn, grow, and experience love in all its possibilities in the story--all while making sure that the story keeps the reader hooked. One good trilogy that to me epitomizes how romance and more blooms under crises is the Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. For those of you who are going, "what romance? What love?" you need to reread those books. You took in the relationships and encouraged them or worried on them without ever realizing that there was romance in the stories. My stories are more obvious, but most men seem to like them even with the happily-ever after endings.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Why change hurts at times
Change is part of life. Some people run from it, few people embrace it. Me--I see the benefit of it, even when it hurts. Today I was told that 3 of my books will be returned to me--not because I suck, but because they're not doing well with that publisher and their newer guidelines. That said, I'm not sure how I feel. It's neither unhappy nor is it happy. More like taking in the change and not sure what I want to do about it. Sounds strange, but true. I'm not hurt by their decision-- in fact, I completely understand it and I stand by their decision-- there is wisdom in doing so, yet I feel overwhelmed again. So, I'll do what I did with Treaty of Desire and with Shades of Fyre-- I'll sit on the books for a while as I look at who might like the books with the revisions I've made. (I'm always tweaking. Really. It's an evil habit but hey, it's a side effect of how I am.)
One of my friends told me that this is a chance of a lifetime. That it's something that comes to give me blessings. I do think she's correct, but it's up to me to figure out how to take advantage of this blessing. *smiles* If anyone has any ideas, I'm so willing to listen.
Side Note: Most of you have noted that my website is down. It is until I get it revamped. My webmistress has been seriously dealing with things and I've been on the go as well. The goal is to get the site up and celebrated in April. There's going to be a new look and a new place to play and blog. Hopefully it'll make things more streamlined for everyone involved. Once I've done that-- I'm hoping to get my writing stuff in greater order AND give you all better sneak peeks in what's going on with my writing.
One of my friends told me that this is a chance of a lifetime. That it's something that comes to give me blessings. I do think she's correct, but it's up to me to figure out how to take advantage of this blessing. *smiles* If anyone has any ideas, I'm so willing to listen.
Side Note: Most of you have noted that my website is down. It is until I get it revamped. My webmistress has been seriously dealing with things and I've been on the go as well. The goal is to get the site up and celebrated in April. There's going to be a new look and a new place to play and blog. Hopefully it'll make things more streamlined for everyone involved. Once I've done that-- I'm hoping to get my writing stuff in greater order AND give you all better sneak peeks in what's going on with my writing.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The Enlightened Alpha Male
As any writer and reader of fiction, particularly romantic fiction, knows there are archetypes of males and females. There are alphas, betas, gammas, and occasionally you'll hear about omegas. Many talk about how alphas rock most. I won't disagree much, but I do think some of our perception has shifted over the years- just as romance has.
Growing up in the 70-80s, I remember sneaking my mom's Harlequins and Silhouette romances. The strong male that took care of his woman just overwhelmed me. I loved the idea of being cared for-- however I hated the wimpy women. Then there was a slide to wimpy men to strong women. Still I wasn't happy. Then it was strong men and women, but something was still off-- it was the male. He was still strong, but I had grown up. The old stereotype of the overbearing, protective male wasn't good enough anymore. I wanted a strong man who respected my strengths and my abilities to trust in me. So there I was in 2001 wanting something more, when I started buying Temptations and later Blazes, Brava and Ellora's Cave. Within them, I found the next evolution of alpha and others.
Yet, I had some issues with the alphas they presented. They seemed to catch on-- but not only late. For them, the enlightenment was the solving point of the romance in many cases. For me, that wasn't enough. I wanted a hero that took the best of everything and let the plot push the characters together. What I came up with was my version of the alpha male-- the Enlightened Alpha.
What is the enlightened alpha? He's strong of mind, body, and soul. He knows that he can take care of anyone and on his terms. He sometimes thinks that his way is best, but he's willing to listen to others before discarding their ideas. He's willing to let the love of his life take charge--and play pointman, just in case. He can be stubborn and irk the heroine at times, but it's because he cares enough to not want to put her in danger or let her get hurt just to let her prove a point. Yet, he gives-- he gives of himself, of his love, of his soul to the woman he's fallen for.
He has the occasional tendency to tend toward his ancestor's genetic. But he does try to stop it before it gets too big. He's willing to apologize but sometimes it takes a while. Why? Because again, some of his past ancestor genes make an appearance. But what really attracts me to the enlightened male is this-- for all that he is alpha, for all that he protects-- he wants protection, he wants love. Alpha males are weak in the fact that they need to take care of someone and in turn have someone take care of him. Without that give and take of caring-- they lose touch with everything else- thus emphasizing the more neanderthal aspects-- like controlling everything within his power so he can make sure it goes to plan.
Why do I like this enlightened alpha? Because he's real. He's loving, caring, with occasional lapses into his old ancestoral self. He's strong when he has to be and he lets those who have the power and knowledge in other areas lead when he can't. It's one reason I love reading authors who have this enlightened male in their stories. In fact, I highly recommend Joey Hill, JR Ward, all the LAW ladies, Cheyenne McCray, Red Garnier, and others who aren't afraid of embracing this more evolved, more desirable male in their writing. Take a gander at the enlightened alpha male. You might just find that you wish for him in both real life and in the imagined.
Growing up in the 70-80s, I remember sneaking my mom's Harlequins and Silhouette romances. The strong male that took care of his woman just overwhelmed me. I loved the idea of being cared for-- however I hated the wimpy women. Then there was a slide to wimpy men to strong women. Still I wasn't happy. Then it was strong men and women, but something was still off-- it was the male. He was still strong, but I had grown up. The old stereotype of the overbearing, protective male wasn't good enough anymore. I wanted a strong man who respected my strengths and my abilities to trust in me. So there I was in 2001 wanting something more, when I started buying Temptations and later Blazes, Brava and Ellora's Cave. Within them, I found the next evolution of alpha and others.
Yet, I had some issues with the alphas they presented. They seemed to catch on-- but not only late. For them, the enlightenment was the solving point of the romance in many cases. For me, that wasn't enough. I wanted a hero that took the best of everything and let the plot push the characters together. What I came up with was my version of the alpha male-- the Enlightened Alpha.
What is the enlightened alpha? He's strong of mind, body, and soul. He knows that he can take care of anyone and on his terms. He sometimes thinks that his way is best, but he's willing to listen to others before discarding their ideas. He's willing to let the love of his life take charge--and play pointman, just in case. He can be stubborn and irk the heroine at times, but it's because he cares enough to not want to put her in danger or let her get hurt just to let her prove a point. Yet, he gives-- he gives of himself, of his love, of his soul to the woman he's fallen for.
He has the occasional tendency to tend toward his ancestor's genetic. But he does try to stop it before it gets too big. He's willing to apologize but sometimes it takes a while. Why? Because again, some of his past ancestor genes make an appearance. But what really attracts me to the enlightened male is this-- for all that he is alpha, for all that he protects-- he wants protection, he wants love. Alpha males are weak in the fact that they need to take care of someone and in turn have someone take care of him. Without that give and take of caring-- they lose touch with everything else- thus emphasizing the more neanderthal aspects-- like controlling everything within his power so he can make sure it goes to plan.
Why do I like this enlightened alpha? Because he's real. He's loving, caring, with occasional lapses into his old ancestoral self. He's strong when he has to be and he lets those who have the power and knowledge in other areas lead when he can't. It's one reason I love reading authors who have this enlightened male in their stories. In fact, I highly recommend Joey Hill, JR Ward, all the LAW ladies, Cheyenne McCray, Red Garnier, and others who aren't afraid of embracing this more evolved, more desirable male in their writing. Take a gander at the enlightened alpha male. You might just find that you wish for him in both real life and in the imagined.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Monday Madness
I don't always have a Friday to participate in Flashing Friday like Maura or Dawn, two fellow LAW members. But I've made a decision-- on Fridays I shall try to flash and on Mondays I'll go mad. I've got tons of scenes I've never incorporated into books or have been waiting for all the information to come about to write certain stories. So in order to inaugurate this-- I figure perhaps a glimpse into a character hinted at in my book, Call of the Wylde.
Kymaera (pronounced Kai-mare-a) is one of my favourite characters. There is so much I've not been able to explain about vampires, much less about the vampire world in Call of the Wylde that I've been toying with doing Kymaera's story. Thing is-- her story will push boundaries both emotionally and sexually. She's not timid, she's not weak, but more importantly-- she's a born vampyr. That makes what she does in her story all the more powerful-- if I ever get to writing her story. Currently, her story is with Pyotr--someone from her past and someone whom she finds great need to conquer and be conquered by. Yet, not even he can figure her out. She's not the usual female he knows. In fact, I start the story in his POV, just because the impact of her actions just blows everything set in Call of the Wylde up. *grins* So without further ado-- this Monday's Madness is from "Edge of Forbidden"
“Scream for me, sirrah.”
Pyotr Sassylich gazed around, his senses zooming in on the small grouping of people outside of Tavro’s nightclub. Moving swifter than a jaguar which he had once raced by the whim of his maker, he made his way towards the tiny group of men and women that surrounded the fallen human female.The main vampyr was someone whom he didn't want to deal with-- Jan Mueller. There was no love lost between them, but always a wary respect. Maybe, just maybe he could reason with Jan.
“No one is screaming tonight, Jan.” Pyotr growled slightly, giving just enough warning of his rising anger. His tone was enough to scatter the other, younger vampyrs, though Jan never flinched. In truth, neither did the human woman. “You know better than this, Jan. One does not frighten those not in the path.” Pyotr placed a hand on Jan's right upper arm.
“No, you refuse to acknowledge the truth, comrade.” Jan turned his amber eyes upon Pyotr, letting Pyotr see anger deep within. “This isn’t an ordinary-“
His comment ended as the human lashed out, forcing Jan down on the ground where she quickly hit him in the two vulnerable parts in the head region. This was no simple human indeed. His own radar sounded alarm as he stepped forward. Then the woman spoke and Pyotr couldn't believe his ears. This woman smelled human, yet that voice was one he knew for over many centuries.
She stood up and brushed off her pants while glaring at him. “Pyo, I didn’t need your help. I wanted to know just how far Jan would go. He verges on being Rogue, and that is unacceptable.”
Finally, Pyotr found his voice. “Kymaera? But how? You smell human!" He hesitated, knowing that there was only one way for vampyr to become human--and those born were forbidden from that route.Inhaling deeply, Pyotr's senses confirmed once again that the silver-haired woman before him was indeed mortal, though she bore the mark of one who could become human. "How is this possible?"
Her green eyes twinkled as she grinned at his discomfort. Wait a minute, Kymaera didn't have green eyes, but the deep silver gray of all those who were born and of adult age. He stepped forward, his hand reaching out for her. "Again, I ask--how is this possible, Kymaera? You reek of humanity."
“Seeker. I am Seeker now, Pyotr Sassylich.”
“Fuck that, Kymaera. You were once head of the House…”
“Of the Sekhmet line. I know. No longer though, Pyo. I’m now Head Seeker for the High Council and you’ve ruined a perfectly good lead. I should bleed you or punish you for this, but I’m not into becoming splatter art for you.” Her voice was low and melodious. Somehow, this woman still affected him as a curl of lust deepened within him. She alone had the ability to touch that part of himself that knew deep sexual fulfillment that he had turned away from when he finally accepted his place among the vampyr.
Suddenly, part of him seethed at knowing the woman who had turned him was now human, something he could never be again. Yet, how did this ancient vampyr become human again? The risk at taking the Elixir d’Morte was too high for someone of her lineage. The Council forbade the ancients from even trying due to the risk of insanity or worse.
“Why?” It was all he could ask. It was only one question of many that had been asked before. Yet, it was probably the only one he might receive an answer.
Kymaera looked away, her eyes scanning the darkness before them, her arm resting lightly on his black leather coat. “Because it was necessary. The need was too great to not take the risk. There have been murders, Pyotr. A Helspawn and a Seeker have gone rogue together while on a mission. The Council thinks that they might’ve stolen a vial of the Elixir and have gone insane with blood lust.”
“No Seeker is a vampyr.”
“Not true. Most are marked humans, but in this case, this was a newly turned Seeker. Now people are dying and I’ve been sent to find them and stop them. Jan knows of the killings and I was trying to find out information from him.”
“Jan is an ass pure and simple.”
“I am not involved, fraulein.” The vampyr in question sat up, rubbing the back of his head while noticing the three of them were completely alone in the parking lot. “Had you spoken your identity, I’d have complied. I’m not Rogue.” Pulling himself up to standing, he looked at the short woman to the taller vampyr. “You made Pyotr, didn’t you? That is why he didn't sense the difference in you as being new human versus vampyr.”
Kymaera nodded, sliding one dagger out so both vampyrs saw it at the ready. Pyotr noted that the dagger was one granted to Seekers--the one that meant death to any vampyr that broke the laws of their people. “That has nothing to do with the two rogues. Speak what you know Herr Mueller and perhaps I’ll not bleed you as is my right as a wronged Seeker.”
“Kymaera, Kymaera," Jan said softly, as if trying to recall her. Pyotr saw the glimmer in the man's gaze when the knowledge finally hit the right synapse. Perhaps he should take out Jan before anything else happened to Kymaera. "Ah ha! You’re Kymaera Vilnius, head of Sekhmet, and an old vampyr with many abilities and connections in both our world and the mortal realm. Though I’m of house Loki, I do obey even former heads of Lines. Why have you come back?” Jan bowed slightly at the waist, revealing the back of his neck in the proper subservient manner.
“I’m Rakyr now and I make no bones of it, Jan. It was needed and I can take my place once again after this job is finished, if I desire it.”
Pyotr took in the words and shuddered inwardly at the woman’s harsh tones. This was no longer the woman who seduced him with melodic words and the erotic dance of hers. She sighed and Pyotr knew she had seen his shudder. She spoke softly in the language of the House Sekhmet, one that Jan didn't know as he was from House Loki.
“No, she’s gone for now, Steppes warrior. Remember you turned because you asked, not because I took. I was Seeker or Seir ages ago and I am again. My future is my own, but our people are at risk, especially the High Council.” Her gaze landed on Jan. “Tell me what you know about the Helspawn named Imar and his new mate, the ex-Seeker, Penelope Stanworth.”
Kymaera (pronounced Kai-mare-a) is one of my favourite characters. There is so much I've not been able to explain about vampires, much less about the vampire world in Call of the Wylde that I've been toying with doing Kymaera's story. Thing is-- her story will push boundaries both emotionally and sexually. She's not timid, she's not weak, but more importantly-- she's a born vampyr. That makes what she does in her story all the more powerful-- if I ever get to writing her story. Currently, her story is with Pyotr--someone from her past and someone whom she finds great need to conquer and be conquered by. Yet, not even he can figure her out. She's not the usual female he knows. In fact, I start the story in his POV, just because the impact of her actions just blows everything set in Call of the Wylde up. *grins* So without further ado-- this Monday's Madness is from "Edge of Forbidden"
“Scream for me, sirrah.”
Pyotr Sassylich gazed around, his senses zooming in on the small grouping of people outside of Tavro’s nightclub. Moving swifter than a jaguar which he had once raced by the whim of his maker, he made his way towards the tiny group of men and women that surrounded the fallen human female.The main vampyr was someone whom he didn't want to deal with-- Jan Mueller. There was no love lost between them, but always a wary respect. Maybe, just maybe he could reason with Jan.
“No one is screaming tonight, Jan.” Pyotr growled slightly, giving just enough warning of his rising anger. His tone was enough to scatter the other, younger vampyrs, though Jan never flinched. In truth, neither did the human woman. “You know better than this, Jan. One does not frighten those not in the path.” Pyotr placed a hand on Jan's right upper arm.
“No, you refuse to acknowledge the truth, comrade.” Jan turned his amber eyes upon Pyotr, letting Pyotr see anger deep within. “This isn’t an ordinary-“
His comment ended as the human lashed out, forcing Jan down on the ground where she quickly hit him in the two vulnerable parts in the head region. This was no simple human indeed. His own radar sounded alarm as he stepped forward. Then the woman spoke and Pyotr couldn't believe his ears. This woman smelled human, yet that voice was one he knew for over many centuries.
She stood up and brushed off her pants while glaring at him. “Pyo, I didn’t need your help. I wanted to know just how far Jan would go. He verges on being Rogue, and that is unacceptable.”
Finally, Pyotr found his voice. “Kymaera? But how? You smell human!" He hesitated, knowing that there was only one way for vampyr to become human--and those born were forbidden from that route.Inhaling deeply, Pyotr's senses confirmed once again that the silver-haired woman before him was indeed mortal, though she bore the mark of one who could become human. "How is this possible?"
Her green eyes twinkled as she grinned at his discomfort. Wait a minute, Kymaera didn't have green eyes, but the deep silver gray of all those who were born and of adult age. He stepped forward, his hand reaching out for her. "Again, I ask--how is this possible, Kymaera? You reek of humanity."
“Seeker. I am Seeker now, Pyotr Sassylich.”
“Fuck that, Kymaera. You were once head of the House…”
“Of the Sekhmet line. I know. No longer though, Pyo. I’m now Head Seeker for the High Council and you’ve ruined a perfectly good lead. I should bleed you or punish you for this, but I’m not into becoming splatter art for you.” Her voice was low and melodious. Somehow, this woman still affected him as a curl of lust deepened within him. She alone had the ability to touch that part of himself that knew deep sexual fulfillment that he had turned away from when he finally accepted his place among the vampyr.
Suddenly, part of him seethed at knowing the woman who had turned him was now human, something he could never be again. Yet, how did this ancient vampyr become human again? The risk at taking the Elixir d’Morte was too high for someone of her lineage. The Council forbade the ancients from even trying due to the risk of insanity or worse.
“Why?” It was all he could ask. It was only one question of many that had been asked before. Yet, it was probably the only one he might receive an answer.
Kymaera looked away, her eyes scanning the darkness before them, her arm resting lightly on his black leather coat. “Because it was necessary. The need was too great to not take the risk. There have been murders, Pyotr. A Helspawn and a Seeker have gone rogue together while on a mission. The Council thinks that they might’ve stolen a vial of the Elixir and have gone insane with blood lust.”
“No Seeker is a vampyr.”
“Not true. Most are marked humans, but in this case, this was a newly turned Seeker. Now people are dying and I’ve been sent to find them and stop them. Jan knows of the killings and I was trying to find out information from him.”
“Jan is an ass pure and simple.”
“I am not involved, fraulein.” The vampyr in question sat up, rubbing the back of his head while noticing the three of them were completely alone in the parking lot. “Had you spoken your identity, I’d have complied. I’m not Rogue.” Pulling himself up to standing, he looked at the short woman to the taller vampyr. “You made Pyotr, didn’t you? That is why he didn't sense the difference in you as being new human versus vampyr.”
Kymaera nodded, sliding one dagger out so both vampyrs saw it at the ready. Pyotr noted that the dagger was one granted to Seekers--the one that meant death to any vampyr that broke the laws of their people. “That has nothing to do with the two rogues. Speak what you know Herr Mueller and perhaps I’ll not bleed you as is my right as a wronged Seeker.”
“Kymaera, Kymaera," Jan said softly, as if trying to recall her. Pyotr saw the glimmer in the man's gaze when the knowledge finally hit the right synapse. Perhaps he should take out Jan before anything else happened to Kymaera. "Ah ha! You’re Kymaera Vilnius, head of Sekhmet, and an old vampyr with many abilities and connections in both our world and the mortal realm. Though I’m of house Loki, I do obey even former heads of Lines. Why have you come back?” Jan bowed slightly at the waist, revealing the back of his neck in the proper subservient manner.
“I’m Rakyr now and I make no bones of it, Jan. It was needed and I can take my place once again after this job is finished, if I desire it.”
Pyotr took in the words and shuddered inwardly at the woman’s harsh tones. This was no longer the woman who seduced him with melodic words and the erotic dance of hers. She sighed and Pyotr knew she had seen his shudder. She spoke softly in the language of the House Sekhmet, one that Jan didn't know as he was from House Loki.
“No, she’s gone for now, Steppes warrior. Remember you turned because you asked, not because I took. I was Seeker or Seir ages ago and I am again. My future is my own, but our people are at risk, especially the High Council.” Her gaze landed on Jan. “Tell me what you know about the Helspawn named Imar and his new mate, the ex-Seeker, Penelope Stanworth.”
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