Friday Flash-- Sex Is

I had this scene in my head for a while. I have no clue what it's for. I know it's inspired by the MSNBC poll about reading romance. Plus many authors and readers have been discussing why they read and write romance. So, I took it one step further.

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“I don’t care how many times you tell me that sex has got to mean something,” Veronica growled, approaching her best friend, Nina. “Sex means nothing, except a physical release. Making love is different. That’s that emotional thing you go through with each boyfriend. Oh wait, you go through boyfriends like water, so perhaps you’re arguing because you can’t make it last!”

The short haired brunette stepped back, making Veronica wince internally. Nina was a good friend, but she was searching for something that didn’t exist– the perfect life with the perfect man. But Ronni knew better. She knew that happiness came from yourself, then from others. They can only help increase your belief in yourself.

“Sometimes, I hate you, Ronni. I believe sex means something.” Nina stepped forward, grabbing her arm. “You may want to pretend it doesn’t, but inside, it means you’re looking for someone to be compatible with.”

Ronni shook her head. “Sex is sex. Physical release based upon endorphin rushes. Physical pleasure that does not have to include the heart or soul, Nina.” Glancing into disbelieving blue eyes, Ronni made a decision. It might cost her a bit, but she had to get her friend to believe that one time sex does not make a relationship. “I’ll make you a deal. You come with me to Pleasures and I show you another side of sexuality. If after you see that, you can still say sex is emotional and commitment searching, I will drop this. But if you can’t–”

“If I can’t, then I’ll let you have the right to reject the next guy I meet.”

“Agreed.” Ronni knew that her friend was tough, but hell, Nina hadn’t ever been to Pleasures, one of the best kept secrets in Silver Springs.

Why romance?

My father does NOT understand it. My mom did. My sisters kinda get it, but my male does. Romance– why do I write what I do? Many people will tell you it’s for the happily ever after. Some will tell you it’s about falling in love. Some will even say it’s for the sex ideas. Well– they’re all correct.

I write romance because I love the sensation of falling in love, I love stories with Happily Ever After, I love the hot sex that makes me want to tell my male “Get in that bedroom now!” But there’s something more. Writing about romance is only part of the equation for me. My romances aren’t strict romances, but are part of a whole. I write action stories for women and men that have romance within the storyline. Why? Because love and romance are part of our daily lives. Whether we like it or not– it’s there. We either deal with a lack of love or needing it or having it and taking it for granted.

I write romance because it lets me have the best of many worlds. I can write sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy, or more and keep the romantic elements in play to help complete the story and to ratchet up the tension. Anyone who’s read the original Dragonlance Chronicles knows the romance stories that were not a huge part of the plot but happened to enhance the telling of the stories.

Currently, I’m writing something dealing more in the sexual fantasy realm. I’m actually stepping into the realm of BDSM and though I’m slightly nervous of showing this side of myself and my personal knowledge, in another way, I’m thrilled to finally let go and not hold back. It’s hard because sex and romance do go hand in hand, though many people don’t want to hear that. For me, kinky sex is more fun to read and to experience because it allows me freedom I don’t get in my daily life. (We all can’t be Indiana Jones or Lara Croft! Dammit.)

So stay tuned. I’ll be putting out my newsletter this month with a special interview with Lena Austin, one of my favourite erotic romance authors. But be prepared- I’m going to be posting more about sexuality, craft of writing, and more. Just when I thought I was going to be normal– I upped the ante on sharing what I know.

Friday Flash-- Forever versus Eternal Pt. 2

Due to a request and a command-- I'm posting part 2 of my Captain Jack Flash for this Friday. Enjoy!

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As she walked down the street, the first thing she noticed was the emptiness of the streets. Though she’d been warned by London Torchwood regarding certain beasties, it wasn’t until this moment that the danger became real. “Fuck me sideways until I scream,” she muttered under her breath, rubbing her hands over her forearms, making sure her knife sheaths were in place. Though normally she didn’t go armed with just knives, taking a weapon into a club was not on the recommended to do list.

Her quick strides ate up the ground before her, but no matter how much distance she put between the club and herself, she heard the music throbbing in her veins. Then another sound made its way into her mind. That of movement behind her. Cautiously, Cyrena slid one blade hilt into her left hand while keeping her right free. Something was following her, but she wasn’t sure for how long.

Before she could turn around, the one thing she didn’t want to hear blazed in her mind. Another rift opening occurred, this one bigger than the last. It wasn’t too far ahead of her, but if she was going to deal with her follower, she might miss a chance to balance out the energies of the rift, allowing someone or something else to have entrance. Fuck me while I’m tied! This isn’t fair!

In that moment, Cyrena dashed towards the beacon in her mind, letting her stalker either follow her or not. The rift energy was too high, too uncontrollable to not cause damage to this beautiful town. At least I’m dressed to kick ass whether it be club or dealing with the rift. I wonder if that’s why the Doctor sent me here?
Suddenly, Cyrena felt the power of the rift touching her skin. Glancing around, she realized that she wasn’t in a very populated district of Cornwall, being nearer to the warehouses. Luckily that meant less people to watch her deal with the rift activity, but it also meant that if something happened to her, no one would find her body for days. Shrugging off that negative thought, Cyrena crouched behind a dumpster, waiting for the energy to reach its peak. Until it did, anything she did would be dangerous.

As she waited, she heard not just one set of footsteps but multiple. It must’ve been Jack who followed her. She heard him call her name when she realized something was about to come through.

“Stay back, Jack,” she cautioned standing up and walking towards the rippling energy. She couldn’t look at him. It made her want something that wasn’t hers to have. Though she had powers, some that weren’t made for use on this earth, others could help keep things safe. Like her ability to calm the rift. As the Doctor pointed out, people like her had been kept imprisoned for that talent. “You and your Torchwood team, just stay back.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a tall, thin dark haired man approach. Is it too much to ask for anyone to fucking listen just once? I can’t take a risk of the energy hurting him…Owen. Her mind touched his and she abruptly pulled back. “Dammit, Owen, stay back. This energy can destroy your body leaving your soul to wander free!”

Cyrena looked over her shoulder to where Jack Harkness stood. “Please, Jack. I don’t want you and your people in the crossfire. Toshiko knows just how powerful this energy ripple is. Let me do my job.”

Jack nodded. “Fine, Phoenix. But after, we talk.” He clicked his earpiece. “Everyone pull back. Ms. Cyrena thinks that she can stop this before it gets any worse.”

“Not think, I know.” Cyrena moved to the edge of the energy and using her blade, began cutting and absorbing the power, being moved into a dance that allowed her to shift and release the energy into the more appropriate energy conducive to refueling things, such as a Tardis. She didn’t think past the fact that somehow the Torchwood team had been on their way to this location just as she instinctively was called. All that mattered was this deep, thick energy of the Rift was dissipated in a way that wouldn’t harm anyone on this planet. She continued to lash out her blade and dance, shifting the energy, not seeing anything but the music of the energy.

Then an arm grabbed her and she screamed. It was a huge Weevil, like nothing she had encountered before. Cyrena slashed at its eyes hoping to blind it when a blast filled her ears and the creature released her. She ran blindly towards where the sound originated, smacking into a hard chest. Warm arms wrapped around her. “You okay, Cyrena?”

Jack. Gods above he’d be the death of her. His touch and that look of concern was all hers. In this moment, she knew exactly what the Doctor had warned her about. “I’m…I’m okay. Thank you.”

A small petite Japanese woman approached them. “Jack, the energy is gone. Cyrena did something to it. Now it reads just as regular energy that we’d normally find along the Rift. I don’t know how she managed to convert all that power. How did you?”

Cyrena stepped out of Jack’s arms and sighed. “When you die only to live again, you seem to gain certain talents. Why else would my Torchwood moniker be the Phoenix?”

An Online newspaper for Pagans, especially witches

Every so often, I get information that just makes me wonder. When we hear of atrocities of abusers and the human rights gone wrong in other countries, we cringe. Yet, sometimes we forget that those who practice magick need a reliable source of news regarding others in our beliefs. Thus, a friend of mine brought this online newspaper to my attention. www.magereport.com

Though it has a lot of what's been negatively going on in our world in regards to magick, there are some positive things as well. But the only way we can truly combat the negative connotations is if we strive to show the positive sides of being who we truly are.

Raven Radio Goes Nights!

Those Raven Nights!

Raven Radio, as mentioned in Romantic Times Magazine, is moving to nights! Tune in every Wed at 11-12 PM EST and join Authors Michelle Pillow and Mandy Roth as they talk about everything, nothing and the paranormal. Guests include NY Times and USA Today Bestselling authors as well as those wonderfully talented authors soon to be there, editors, paranormal tour guides, psychics, ghost hunters, specialists and more!

www.ravenhappyhour.com or http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravenradio


Listeners are welcome to join the live chat or call in to the show to talk to us and our guests. The show will move to its new evening schedule, May 28th where listeners can catch us every Wednesday at 11PM to 12AM EST. We have a lot of authors on the upcoming line up and you can see a full schedule of guests here: http://ravenhappyhour.com/raven_podcast_schedule_of_guests.htm

WANT TO JOIN THE VIRAL CONTEST AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT RAVEN NIGHTS? Go to Raven’s blog to learn how you could win free advertising packages! Contest open to authors, readers and other groups! http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/?p=463

Friday Flash- Repository- Chaucer's Game

For Nik and Sharyn. *Grins and runs like hell*

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I stared at the phone receiver in my hand. Obviously someone is going to London and I think it's not either of my sisters. Fuck me raw with my hands tied behind my back. After hanging up the receiver, I sat back on my office chair and wondered what I was getting into. I don't know why I said yes to the way-too-nerdy-even-for-me British professor. I'm no expert in medieval manuscripts, but something in my mind perked when Dr. Phineas Tolliver mentioned the name of Geoffrey Chaucer. And when my subconscious mind and its link to my ancestors perk, I'm very inclined to listen.

Rubbing the back of my neck with one hand, I looked over the notes I took. Somehow, the fantastic folks at the British Library had failed to realize that in a collection of notes from the exchequer and other government officials-- there were a few unofficial letters among them. Since the Library won't let them be faxed or scanned in any way, the only way to verify the authenticity would be to go there. Lucky for me, it means my other sisters were disqualified from the search.

The ringing of the phone took me out of my revelry. Caller id said it was from the museum I was head curator. "Hello, this is Cylene," I said, trying not to demand what they wanted on my day off.

"Hey boss, it's Callum." The voice was a light baritone, which befitted my male secretary. Good man, Callum Montgomery, even if he deserved to be shot on occasion when his excitement got in the way of paying attention. "There's a slight problem here."

"Not about the new excavation finds," I whinged. "Please say that's going well."

The hesitation let me know that it wasn't going well, but that wasn't the main problem. Sighing, I put my notes aside and grabbed a pad of paper. "What's wrong, Cal?"

"Honestly? Your sister, Serina, arrived this morning looking like hell and is now setting up the excavation stuff. Seems that someone or some people tried to steal it away like you all thought." Before I could ask, Callum continued in that officious voice of his. "She is fine. Serina has contacted certain people whom I'm not privy to and has put an investigation into full swing. We should be able to do the grand opening tomorrow night as long as there are no more interruptions."

"Good. Then that's just scraping by our teeth. I'll check with Serina later. What else, Cal?" I tapped my pen against my desk, trying to keep my patience. I swear Callum wrings things out because he knows it annoys me to no end.

"The insurance adjusters are here, a month early." Those words made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. There was no way they could be there. I know the adjusters. Something was wrong, my intuition and my psychic abilities started blaring hard in my mind.

"Get security and have them follow the adjusters. In fact, contact Garrett and tell him we have an Atlas issue. Understand me? Atlas issue. Then make sure you lock up everything in our offices and change the codes to something you know alone. After that, get the hell out of there and go to my private sanctuary, Callum. Do not go near those people. Let Garrett and Nyla handle them."

"As you say boss. Code locking the computers as we speak and putting all papers into the safe. I'm glad I called you. Something about them--"

I growled into the phone. "No talking, get doing! Hang up with me and get Garrett. I'll call Nyla. She's probably out in her backyard doing some kind of mechanical thing. Go and do exactly as I directed, Cal. You're in danger and I want you out of there!"

Slamming down the phone, I cursed in five of the multiple languages I'd learned as a child. Picking up my cellular phone, I dialed my sister, Nyla's number. On ring number two she picked up. "Hey, what's going on? My spider sense..."

"Is right. Go to the museum. The insurance adjusters are a month early." I scribbled down a number that popped into my head. "I've got Callum following Atlas procedures."

"Going now. I'll call Serina. I know she's in the museum and can cover 'til Garrett and I get there." Nyla disconnected without a goodbye. Times like these, you don't need goodbyes, you need get dones.

And I'm supposed to be leaving to England on the night flight out from Tampa. Fuck me sideways.

Sunday Surprise Flash-- Judgment or Redemption

Things have been brewing and sometimes what I feel and know to be happening has to come out and allow me to see it more clearly. So, I decided to write this snippet because I must make a choice soon….and it’s not going to be easy. It hurts to know that someone I love has broken a promise– and the consequences hurt like hell. Take a read and see what you think of this little story idea.


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She looked up at her soul siblings and shuddered. For too long she had hidden in the dark, doing the things that put her further away from balance and away from the loving embrace of those who accepted her as she was. But now, now she had been caught and nothing she could say or do could change what was about to happen.

“I’ve done nothing wrong…” Katarina whimpered, trying to hide her face behind the veil she’d been wearing.

The oldest sibling stepped forward and caressed Katarina’s cheek. “You’ve done nothing right either. You chose a path that fed into the darkness and took you from your own true path. You’ve used your powers to gain power and to gain what you thought you needed and wanted, but without regards to costs nor to the fact you denied the lessons put before you.”

The red-headed sibling stepped forward, ripping the veil from Kat’s face. “You are unworthy to be among us. But you also have served Balance and we must give you this one last chance.” Tanera shook her head. “Personally, I think you’ll find a way to deny your fears and you’ll refuse to admit the truth because you’re not strong enough nor do you want to be whole enough to do so.”

“You know NOTHING about how I am.” Katarina stepped forward, only to have the oldest sister, a blonde haired woman to take hold of her hand and pull her into an embrace.

“But I do. I know who you are, what you are, and what you’ve become.” Sylene sighed and kissed the top of her head and Kat felt the tears slide wet into her hair. Sylene always tried to do what was right, no matter the cost. “You think it’s all about you and that you deserve things. You’ve forgotten the important part– you’re not alone and your actions affect everyone else in your world. We don’t want you to go without– but you are trying to make sure the rest of us do– because you won’t face your demons, nor your own mistakes.”

Katarina wrapped her arms around Sylene. “It’s not true. I’ve made my peace. I’m trying to learn my lessons.”

The third sister, with blonde hair with black streaks pulled on Katarina’s ponytail. “You have not and still you persist on lying. You’ve rejected your heritage, practicing only what helps you, and you LIE when confronted with evidence. You ignore your soulmate, but won’t free him either because he’s YOURS. Yet you do stupid shite and expect to be forgiven always because of who you are and whom you belong to. You face expulsion, Katarina. Do you not yet understand this?”

“Our beliefs are based on the old, not what’s come out since then. Why shouldn’t I have what I want when I want it? Is it so wrong to put myself first?” Katarina looked at her baby sister, Nerys. “You don’t give a shit about anything and think it’s okay, but why the fuck should I NOT have all I want if I don’t hurt anyone?”

Sylene sighed softly as she tilted Katarina’s chin towards her. “You don’t get it. You have hurt people and you seem to think it’s okay to do so. You’ve harmed one of MY heartmates, your soulmate because you choose to act in a selfish manner. You can’t keep balance when you have a heartmate in your life. You go chasing all these things because you won’t face your fears nor will you face the one thing you need to– that you have become what you hate most in the heartmate banished from our group.”

“No! No!No!” Katarina screamed, pulling away from Sylene’s arms. “You lie, you wish to make yourself to be judge and jury. You think to make me conform when you said I should be myself.”

Sylene nodded at her other sisters and they surrounded Katarina, encasing her in a magick circle. “You take advantage, you manipulate, you harm because you want and you need. You are selfish and you are scared. You break balance and you misuse the powers given to you because you think you can do better alone than by living by what’s been proven time and again.” Sylene slid an athame from her belt and used it to cut open a small slit on her thumb. As the blood from the wound dropped to the ground, it sizzled and even Katarina felt the power so much greater than hers surround her. “You are loved, you are wanted, but you refuse to see that you fear not being good enough. You fear not mattering. You fear that if others get you will receive NOTHING. But in doing what you’ve done, you’ve become the nothing. You ache to find fulfillment and make blood oaths and promises and demand things you have no right to demand because you have fucked up, sismine.”

“Bound by blood, bound by love, bound by the elements– you are judged,” Tanera intoned, throwing salt into the circle. “Purify thy heart, thy mind, thy soul. Face the fact that you are no longer in balance but have stepped into that which we cast out Tal. You are a leech, and you’ve lost your purpose. Give up the imbalance and let us heal you.”

Nerys threw water at Katarina, splashing it upon her naked body. “Cleanse and purify. Face the demons that you fear and allow us to show you that we love you.”

A deeper voice came out from the darkness and a male stepped to the edge of the circle, taking Sylene’s hand. “Let us show you the way back to the woman I have loved for so long. Come back to me, Katarina.”

“You touch my sister, but you are MINE!” Katarina spat as she tried to break out of the circle. “You are no longer HERS.”

“Yet you treat me as lesser than your heartmates..I who am your soulmate. I who have done all I could to make you feel safe and loved.” Seth spoke clearly. “Sylene loves me as heartmate. She knows who I truly love and adore. But she and I are close. She gives me understanding and a kick when I go wrong. Yet you reject me for someone you can manipulate into giving you what you think will make you happy. Now look what that’s done.”

Katarina pushed upon the magickal barrier, but nothing would let her out. She knew they spoke truth, but there was no way back…hadn’t the expulsion of Tal taught her that? “There is nothing you can do to me except strip me of my powers and break the bond between you and I,” she whispered.

******

Sylene saw the realization and the fear as it slid across Katarina’s face. Good, perhaps now we can get her past the darkness of self and into the light of self healing. “No, there is more we can do. More that I can do. You forget who and what I am, sismine.”

Katarina swallowed. “You are the servant of the gods, the keeper of balance, the true daughter of the Elements. This I know and understand.”

Sylene stepped forward, releasing Seth’s hand. She felt his hand stroke her back, reassuring her that she was doing the right thing. “Yes, dear one, I am that…but I am more.” Allowing her shields to drop fully, Sylene let Katarina see the power that was hers. “Do you not truly understand what it means to be the daughter of power and the one who cries for the inhumanity that occurs when there is no balance?”

Kat stepped back, only to be stopped by the magickal barrier. Sylene stepped forward. “I declare you Rogue. I declare you Unfit. I declare you Uncleansed before Gods, Mortal and Elements alike. I declare you one chance left to save all you hold dear…and then I destroy it all…..and make you watch it while you acknowledge as my slave…that you did wrong.”

“No! You can’t, you musn’t! Don’t kill my heartmates…don’t destroy Seth. He hasn’t done anything. It’s ME!” Katarina grabbed Sylene by both arms and tried shaking her. “Don’t you dare make me kill you, sismine! I won’t let you take away what I have!”

Sylene laughed, the power growing inside of her as she spun her magick around her beloved sister. “You can’t kill me, sismine. The power was never yours to do so. Only Nerys and Tanera have that ability. And yes, I can kill those you love and have manipulated. Because they’ve been tainted by your evil. If you truly want to save them— then save yourself. Your choice and you make it here and now….or watch me take away all you truly deserve.”

Sylene looked over her shoulder and mouthed to Seth, “I hate this. Please…”

Seth smiled at her. “It’s okay..you do what is needed. I want her better. No matter the cost to myself.”

Sylene turned back to Katarina. “See, he would sacrifice it all to have you healed. Yet you offer nothing of yourself to save the ones you claim to love and be bonded to. How selfish you’ve become, sismine.”

Friday Flash-- More of Open Up and Say Aah

Maeyla rose up on her toes, easing the pressure off her arms so she could take a deeper breath. When she agreed to some bondage, she hadn’t considered she’d be the one tied up. Yet this delicious vampire specimen hadn’t hurt her. Granted the flog marks on her ass would take a while to fade, but her pussy dripped and the aching had spread into deep within her core. She needed to be taken, but beyond the normal need to be fucked. Somehow, Dmitri had found that core of her being that needed to feel, not think. To feel nothing but sensation and all the joy and pain it brought to her.

“I knew you’d be tough, Maeyla, but even the Tooth fairy has a breaking point,” Dmitri whispered against one ear. She couldn’t see him since she allowed him to blindfold her, but her other senses were hyper-aware of every movement he made near her body. The rasp of his leather pants against her thigh had her wanting, needing more.

“I’m tough because I have to be. It’s not easy being an item of ridicule in the Fey courts.” Maeyla tried to bite back the bitterness, but it came pouring out of her. Part of her realized it’s what he wanted to hear, but another part of her was shocked at revealing so much to an outsider of the courts. He couldn’t truly understand what it meant.

One strong finger caressed her cheek and she leaned into it, enjoying the strong warmth. As it slid down her jaw, then her neck, she shivered as his finger caressed over the top of one breast, lightly teasing the tight nipple. “You don’t have to be strong with me, Maeyla. Let me carry this burden tonight.”

“What I live is not a burden, it just is.” A sudden slap across her ass made her yelp in pain. “Hey! I’m just telling you what is what. I’m not complaining!”

“That is enough, Maeyla. You will listen to what I say and obey or else. I will not tolerate you denigrating yourself just because others in the Courts do so.” His voice was deadly serious and she found herself swallowing. “You understand me, don’t you, Maeyla?”

“Yes, Dmitri.”

“Good, my beautiful fey. I know your aunt, very well, and I know she would never tolerate anyone speaking badly about you in any of the courts.” Dmitri’s finger continued its quest down her body, stopping when it reached her drenched curls between her thighs. “Her Lady of Shadows and Stars does not put up with any bullshit. Nor should you. You’re better than most of them.”

“I’m a child’s dream made manifest. My ability is a minor one–OW!” She raised up on her toes further as Dmitri smacked her once, twice, then a third time. “Gods dammit, Dmitri, that hurts!”

“Good. Stop speaking negatively. You do a special job making the loss of teeth into a beautiful transition for kids. You even help those of us who go from human to preta-human when our predator teeth come in. Don’t think I haven’t heard about you from the others, Maeyla.”

She whispered softly, “What have you heard?”

“You take away the pain and bring pleasure to an experience that can create an agonized mind and give them a peace that allows them to accept their change.” Dmitri’s voice sounded from below her now and she tried to move, to force him closer so she could hear the lilting accent slide across her once more. Hands splayed her feet further apart and she inhaled sharply. What was he going to do to her?

Friday Flash-- Forever versus Eternal

She felt him the moment he walked within five yards of her. Cyrena inhaled slowly, then exhaled, letting the power the man behind her exuded flow around her. Any other man, she might've taken up the offer and used it to benefit others, but this man, this man was dangerous to her well-being. Turning around slowly, her eyes lit upon the well-built, unusually dressed, dark haired man. His sudden smile lit up the room and she felt a flash of desire and need fill her. Damn, the Doctor was right. Dangerous and sexy as all get out. There is nothing ordinary about Captain Jack Harkness at all.

"Excuse me, miss." He brushed her arm casually with his hand. "I'm trying to find something."

Cyrene tilted her head to one side and grinned. "Searching for what caused the sudden flash of energy from the Rift, then suddenly disappeared as if the Rift never existed?"

Oh, the shock on his face was fantastic. If nothing else, when she met up with the Doctor again, she'd share the nuances of this moment. From the shock, to the narrowing of Jack's eyebrows, to the way he seemed to surround her with his personality and his body. She looked up into his dark eyes and continued smiling at him.

"What do you know about the Rift?" He placed his hand under her elbow, guiding her away from the crowd, as she knew he would. She watched as he depressed the button on his Bluetooth connection and spoke soft enough where even her enhanced talent couldn't easily pick up the words.

Once they were in a less crowded area of the nightclub, Jack stopped and turned towards Cyrena. "Who are you and what do you know about the Rift?"

She lifted one brow, knowing it'd annoy him. The Doctor had given her fair warning what would happen if she ever got pulled to Cardiff. She hadn't wanted to believe him, now, now it was too late. Things were in motion that not even she could stop, even if she wanted to. "My name is Cyrene. I know enough about the Rift, Captain Jack Harkness. Just as I know about Torchwood." She sighed softly and placed a hand on Jack's arm, sensing his emotions and the feel of strength from his body. "In fact, you and I have a friend in common. A friend through space and time, one might say."

He pulled her close against him, and she knew it was to prevent anyone near them from overhearing. "How do you know the Doctor? I thought only Martha and I were the only ones in this time--"

"Please," Cyrena drawled. "I met the Doctor a long time ago, though he and I reacquainted ourselves again just recently. When I told him about the growing power of the Rift and it's calling to me, he informed me about you and Torchwood."

"So you only know what the Doctor has told you." The look of relief on his face made him seem younger, slightly more relaxed. She hated to floor him, but if she wanted to keep control on anything that might happen from this moment on, she had to make sure that Jack completely understood who and what she was.

"I know more than that. I've been part of the original creation of Torchwood. In fact, you have me in your files somewhere, though we have never met." She stepped back, but reached out and caressed his cheek. With her free hand, she took out a small business card and put it in his shirt pocked. "My card with my information. Look me up if the Rift energy gets too high in any one area. You might find my skills handy."

Turning around, Cyrene walked towards the exit. This one moment turned out fairly well, though she underestimated the magnetism of Jack. His voice rang out. "What should I call you, Cyrene?"

"Call me, Phoenix. Everyone else did." She stopped and looked over her shoulder. Jack stood against the wall, eyeing her from head to toe. The look in his eyes made her feel alive as a woman and worried as the meta-human she was. "In fact, Jack, if you're smart, you'd access the locked personnel data from before you took over." After blowing him a kiss, Cyrene turned back towards the exit and sauntered out.

The only question she had left was the one she knew would haunt her for a while--

Do I really want Jack to come after me while I do this? Her path was set, but only time would tell if Jack called or if others would be killed before he did as she challenged him. Perhaps the others, like Toshiko or Ianto might help get him to call in a specialist, perhaps he'd be stubborn. Either way, her choice was clear-- bring a measure of peace to the Rift activity before it destroyed England.

Lusting for the Omni-Sexual Man

Captain Jack Harkness. *sigh* I lust for this man in a way I've not lusted for any man since Dr. Daniel Jackson. Seriously. I adore, love, need Daniel Jackson with every fibre of my being. But Jack....Jack makes me want MORE. It's evil in a way, but there's that Bad Boy trying to do Good thing that just so works for me. Really, there aren't many men who can make me wish for time alone in any dark alleyway to....yeah, you get the point.

In fact, it's amazing to see and hear among other romance authors and readers just how much they fancy Captain Jack. Part of it is that he loves anyone regardless of life-form or gender capacity. Part of it is that bravado he has, along with a great helping of caring for others. Yet there's something else. For most women, and for some men-- he's the bad boy who turned good. He's still got those bad boy moments (anyone recalled Naked Hide and Go Seek with Ianto?) that just make us want to be bad with him. Those moments aren't anger filled, but those of loving and fun.

It's funny-- I'm not jealous of Ianto. Nope. But Gwen? She best stick with her new hubby and leave my Jack to Ianto and myself! I admit that there is some great sexual tension between Gwen and Jack and "Something Borrowed" really put a lot there that we only saw hinted at, but dammit...she's got her man. *sniffles*

Torchwood as a series is fantastic. The more I watch, the more I like it. The entire cast is fantastic and the characters have become part of my favourite peoples in my mind. They've joined others like the cast from SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Wire in the Blood, Dr. Who, and some others. Jack shines in this story, and not because he's the first omnisexual on television, but because he creates opportunities for all the characters to have their moment while with him. The storylines are such that you believe in the possibility of it truly happening under our noses.

But back to the Omni-Sexual male. Why does he charm me? I guess in some ways, his inner demons reflect my own. There are things we learn about him, usually without him wanting anyone to know that truly shows us the bad and the good within Jack. He's become a better person after his run-in with the Doctor and with the Torchwood team, he's coming into his own. Yet, there is that overtly sexual aspect that makes us smile, blush, and wish for him to gaze into our eyes just once. (If he did, I'd either kiss him or stutter...it's a bet on which happens first.)

If you've not seen Torchwood-- start with Season One and enjoy. Come to know one of the sexiest men on television today. But remember-- he's my Captain Jack Harkness...you can look but no touchie! LOLOLOL

Tampa Bay Area Ren Fest

Went to the Ren Fest. LOVED IT! OMG, the male and I had a great time-- until my fibromyalgia kicked in. But then we shopped. Male realized this was one of those places where Cyn shopping means cool, kick ass shit. So, I wanted to post some of the links of the places we went. Visit these people-- buy their stuff. Seriously, you will NOT be disappointed!

http:www.puzzleringsbypepi.com
www.badgerblades.com
ladysmith.esty.com
www.legacyforge.net
www.heirloomjewelry.us

I bought stuff, haggled, had a fabulous time. THanks to these people-- they made my day so much the brighter!

Friday Flash-- Balance Blinded and Justice Revealed

Okay... this is something I've had in the works for a while, but hadn't found the time to really dive into. I know that SOME OF YOU were hoping for the next Open Up and Say Aah stuff, but you're going to have to wait a bit. LMAO But this story-- has potential, though this rough draft needs much more work.

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She placed her hands down on the table, staring at the long nail tips. These hands could make or break someone, she thought sadly. These hands have broken many people in the name of balance. At what price does maintaining balance become vigilante justice? When does the hero become one of the bad guys?

Kiera Petra heard someone enter the study but refused to look up. "Yes?"

"Kiera, it's happened again. You're needed," the man said, walking up to her. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I know this takes so much out of you, but what other choice is there?"

Turning to look out the bay window, Kiera sighed heavily. "There is never a choice, is there? How much longer can I give? What happens when I reach the point of no return? Then what, Trevor?"

Trevor shrugged letting his hand fall as Kiera walked away from him. "I don't know, Kiera. I wish I could say your time was done and it's time for someone else to be the 'Balance'. But, you've yet to have found your balance."

Kiera whipped around. "Don't you think I know that? Every day, as I continue in this life, I have to fear my lack of personal balance. I strive for balance every day. I keep to the tenets every day and every moment. But I must do what I must."

Her long legs carried her to the door. Glancing over her shoulder, her dark, feral eyes glanced at her brother. "Coming? Or are you just going to stand there while another aspect of balance is destroyed?"

She slammed out of the room, her energy still lingering behind. The last thing she heard was a low chuckle from her brother that sounded slightly....evil.

Her boots clicked across the parquet floor from the study towards the den. She knew that her heart was racing. Whatever that was coming was something that only she could handle. She was tired of being the “Balance”, of being the only one who could make the Chaosians and the Lawfuls both behave. The other Scalans wielded power, but she was the chosen one. Happy, happy, joy, joy.

Not even her brother realized the problems she faced lately. The urge to say, “Fuck it!” and allow chaos to overwhelm order for a while was so tempting. Being so alone was costing her more than she could say. But whom could she share the aloneness with? Who could handle the pain that she dealt with daily? No one. That is why the Balance was always alone.

Glaring at the sliding doors, Kiera used her telekinetic ability to open them. She saw the others gathered in the room and sighed heavily. They all turned and faced her.

"Oh look, it's the home crew," she remarked snidely. "What brings you all out to Avesbury?"

The others smiled knowingly at Kiera. Without them saying a word, she knew exactly why they were there. Making a mental memo to beat her brother unmercifully for his interference, she let out a sigh. "Let me guess, Trevor decided I was on edge and hiding away from the rest of you for too long, right?"

A man who looked like the original inspiration for Dracula came to her side. "Listen, Trevor is concerned. You've been pushing yourself without a break. None of us can be completely alone; you above all else know that."

Kiera closed her eyes briefly, trying to keep control of her spiraling emotions. She opened them to find Mikhail staring at her. "Misha, listen, I'm fine. Tired, working too hard, but I'm fine."

A snort filled the room, the power almost tangible. "You walk the edge, sister-friend. Don't think we can't see it. You're the Balance and yet you walk the chasm between order and chaos with little regard if you would fall in either direction."

Mikhail glanced at the woman. "Nefertari, come now. We're here to help Kiera, not to condemn her. She is the fulcrum of power."

"Yes and still she doesn't use all that she has."

Kiera resisted the urge to grip the Egyptian queen's neck and squeeze it until it snapped. The thought of using violence had been growing; somehow, she was feeling like she was losing control of who she was after all. However, Nefertari was correct; Kiera only used a small portion of what was available to her. "If I wanted to be the Big Bad, I could be. However, I'm not, Tari. We both know that abusing my powers is something that could lead to further breakdown in balance between order and chaos."

Another man chimed in. "If we allow her to go unchecked and use all that she can tap, then what damage can she wrought?"

"Wise words from a wise man, Sean," Mikhail responded. "Kiera, we're here because you've been working without the other members here. Your personal balance is almost gone."

Kiera's eyes blazed. "And what shall be done about that? We all know the damn prophecy! We all know that the time has passed for it to be. I do, as I must! Do not remind me again that I'm a failure in a personal way. I live with that daily."

Mikhail's arms wrapped around her, pulling her against his warm body in order to offer her comfort she never sought. "Shh, it's okay, Kiera. We're worried about you. You've taken the world upon your shoulders as Atlas. You're not the only one whose responsibility it is to keep chaos from overriding order. We're worried for you. You've been alone for so long, caring for so much."

Nefertari placed her hand on Kiera's back. "Listen to me, Kiera. You must find your balance. Go find it; we'll take care of this new problem."

"What if..." she started to say when the others shook their heads.

Saturday Silliness: Jewel of Seduction

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.

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*

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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."

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Coping with Change when Change Sucks

I know, I know, not what you want to hear, but trust me, when it comes to dealing with change, I've become an expert. It's not easy when you're trying to be writing regularly, working the day job, having a life (I like having my male in my life), and trying to be all things to everyone. The problem is-- it's not always possible to keep things balanced. Then suddenly something happens and everything that was precariously balanced on that one point-- shatters. How do you cope with that? Hell, let's take that one step further-- how do you regain what you've lost in the change?

The honest answer is that you don't. It's not what you want to hear, but keep with me for a moment. Every day we make choices that change outcomes. When a huge change happens, it gives us a chance to sit back and reevaluate what's important to us. As most people know, after a huge fight with lung cancer-- I lost my mom, one of my greatest supporters. Before her death, I had been fighting with my own depression and rebounding back on my writing. The past 2 years have been nothing but change-- not all in a good way. Yet, I took each aspect and dealt with it. I'm not going to tell you that I succeeded in a wildly successful way--that'd be a huge lie. However, I will tell you this- I've recovered a lot of things I thought I lost the love for.

So how do you cope with changes when they suck? First- you need to take a pen and paper to make a list. The list is composed of what you MUST accomplish each week. I mean cleaning the house, going to work, spending 2 hours a night talking to your significant other or family, cooking supper, writing for 2 hours a night, etc. There is a reason for this list. I discovered this listing a long time ago and ended up forgetting how effective it works about 4 years ago when I got a new day job. Once you've made this list, you need to put in order the importance of each point-- from can't miss to can do only a couple of times a week. Why rate the things that must be done?

Simple. By showing yourself what are daily priorities, you can plan out which must be done which day. If some items are only to be done 2-3 times a week, then you can figure out which of your days is less labor intensive and place those items on those days. Sounds simplistic and a bit unrealistic, but this is only the first step. Once you've separate the importance-- take a sheet of paper, turn it sideways and draw 7 lines from top to bottom, keeping the columns fairly equal in width. Now label each day of the week at the top of the columns. Now take those daily things-- writing, job, cooking, etc-- and place them directly under the days that they MUST be done. If work is only Mon-Fri, then list it under Monday, Tuesday, etc. If your schedule is like mine-- where you get different days off each week, then put Work under all 7 days.

Once you've got the highest daily things labeled, take a look at your other components. Ask yourself-- do I have to do this alone? Can something be done by someone else in the family? Can I make it a family chore to make time go by faster on the weekends and encourage family time that way? What is the minimum amount of times this can be done and still be kept up enough for me to be comfortable with? After answering those questions, start filling in where those other must do items can best fit in your loose schedule during the week.

There. The weekly must-do's have their spot in your life and everything will take care of itself, right? No. Don't be fulled that by listing this that you're saved and changes won't rear their ugly head and make you have to readjust things. What this does is allow you to see where your give points are each week. Then you can move some things to another day. More on what I call the Weekly To Do in a moment. Once you have this list done, put it up somewhere-- your refrigerator, on your bulletin board, somewhere where you can see it and remind yourself on what MUST be done that day.

After a while, you will find that some things become automatic on those days. When I'm home on my days off-- I do more stuff online, I cook more, and I try to fit more writing time in on those hours I would've been at work. But some weeks, I've got some projects I want to finish by the end of that week...which is where the Weekly To Do comes in. Once you're comfortable with your minimum things you have to accomplish to have some sort of peace in your home, then you start this list. It's normally something I do on Saturday night or Sunday morning. It's a definitive list of what I'm doing for the week, such as for my writing time it'll say-- Finish edits on Ride Me, Baby; work on Beg; submit story to ____. Under miscellaneous it might say-- Find new doctor, make appointments for labwork and for lupus doctor. These are things I need to do for that week and are labeled to help me have focus on the week of what my goals are to accomplish.

Your main list is an outline-it's a guide for what you want to do. I've got a friend who has a detailed menu plan on what she's cooking each day for dinner. On her days off, she plans the menu for the following week, does pre-cooking, and sets up the lunches for her family. I'm not that detailed, unless there's something I'm wanting done specific. But I do make ahead meals for a day or two. If I'm browning ground beef for spaghetti, then I'll brown extra with onions and put in a container to use for tacos later in the week. If I'm making chicken, I'll cook a double batch so I can make chicken salad for lunch sandwiches. That's what your weekly to do list is-- to take the broad area of cook, clean, write and give you concrete things to do IF you're the type like me to procrastinate and wander around trying to figure out what to do. By checking off each thing on that weekly list off-- you actually handle change better.

Now, I do NOT do a Daily To Do list. I can't. Why? Because things happen every day. Sometimes what I've got planned for 5pm gets changed to 1pm due to other people. Occasionally what I want to work on, I can't because I'm waiting for edits. So, by having a broad weekly plan-- I have options other than one item. It allows me to utilize my need to flutter around without feeling too confined. I've discovered that by having this list-- even if I don't get EVERYTHING done that week, I'm happy. Normally I've got at least 75-90% accomplished. For me, that's something to celebrate because it means even when change and chaos reigns supreme on various days-- I've been able to go with the flow and make my life work with me, not against me. Change can even free you from things that you've struggled with. Remember, just because you think you have to do things-- you might not. Look at that list and ask yourself just how important to your mental, physical and emotional health are those things. If you'd benefit just as much by combining some things and doing it for a longer time, but only twice a week-- by gods do so! Remember, you're coping with change and sometimes by initiating that change-- you're setting yourself up for success. It's going to be hard at first, but in the long run-- you'll find that your center of balance has returned and you're getting more done in a week than you used to.

The Passing of My Inspiration

Jean M. Witkus
September 9, 1950 - January 25, 2008

Surrounded by family, the Lord took home a very loving, wonderful wife, mother, sister and grandmother on January 25, 2008. Jean was born September 9, 1950 to the late Robert and Shirley Merritt of Chicago, IL. She is survived by husband of 39 years, Anthony, 3 daughters, Cynthia and Jaime of Lakeland, FL. and Tracey (Wendell) Small of Wadesboro, N.C. 4 grandchildren, a sister Shirley (Jim) Prucha of Londonderry, N.H., a brother Robert (Pam) Merritt of Crown Pointe, IN. plus many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services Wednesday January 30, 2008 at 6PM at the funeral home. Visitation from 3PM until time of service. The family would like to express their heart felt thanks to the oncology group at Medical Associates, the 5th floor nurses at Community Memorial Hospital, especially Donna and Heather. The nurses at Kathy Hospice and to all friends and especially neighbors Dave and Lynn DeBroux. Jean had a quiet strength, a strong will and a great sense of humor. The simple things in life were the ones that lasted the longest. Family always came first to her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her name to The Kathy Hospice of West Bend or your local senior center.

Visitation
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Menomonee Falls
N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave.
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Phone: (262) 251-3630

Services
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
6:00 PM
Menomonee Falls
N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave.
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Phone: (262) 251-3630